Description
Challenge yourself by carving and texturing a miniature soaring Bald Eagle with Wildfowl Master artist Cam Merkle. This class will run every Tuesday morning from 9am-noon CST between January 20 and March 31, 2026. Local carvers can join in-person in the classroom. If you're not able to join us in-person you can register and join the weekly class via Zoom. All students will have access to each week's demonstrations on YouTube and will get access to the future full course (including painting) once it is is available. This class will be based on a Wings Gate (#WG413) pattern which shows a tremendous amount of detail and information. Note: this is a challenging and time-consuming project where you will learn many new and advanced skills. There will not be sufficient time to complete the project entirely during scheduled class time. In order to get the most from this project you will need to be prepared to do additional work between each weekly session (this is where our weekly YouTube summaries will be most appreciated).
Whether you're just getting started carving birds or you're an experienced carver wanting to hone your skills, you will benefit greatly from this class. With over 40 years of teaching experience, Cam will share his vast amounts of knowledge, tricks and tips that will make you a better and more efficient carver.
In-person students will start with a 3-piece tupelo blank and a pattern, and work through all of the steps necessary to put this challenging and complex project together. Tool use and all materials for the bird are included.
Online students in Canada/US will get a materials package shipped to them which includes a pattern, 3-piece tupelo blank, glass eyes, 4 small magnets, a brass rod for wing attachment and some Aves epoxy putty.
Online students outside of Canada/US can get the same materials package, but depending on their location there may be an additional shipping cost. We will do everything we can to avoid or minimize extra shipping costs if possible. Please note that depending on your country, the materials package may be subject to additional import fees. Please contact us for more specific information. If you wish you may opt to get the pattern sent by email and arrange to cut your own blank and supply your own eyes and other materials.
Interested in the future Full Online Course when it becomes available? Click on the "Information and price on the Full Virtual Course when it becomes available" option, add to cart and complete the checkout and we will contact you as soon as the course is available.
Questions? Don't hesitate to contact Cam by phone at 306-384-2277 (M-F 9-4:30CST) or use the "contact us" link at the bottom of this page.
New - YouTube Channel! In October of 2025 Cam started Maple and Bass's YouTube channel. To get a taste of the instruction and detail Cam offers, check out "Maple and Bass" on YouTube (and please subscribe). It has been going strong with lots of free content on using the bandsaw, tool and workstation descriptions, how-to rough out and much more.
Our 2025 Saw-whet owl class will be available early in 2026 as a complete online workshop covering every step of carving, texturing and painting a life-size Saw-whet owl from Tupelo.
One YouTube viewer from Alberta left this comment:
"These are hands down the best carving instructional videos I’ve ever found to date.
I’m working on the same owl and you have helped me more than I could ever imagine. Some way somehow I have to come take some lessons from you. I’ve been carving for some twenty odd years on my own and it seems like a person can only progress so far without professional guidance to achieve the “next level”. Thanks again Cam"