Description
Challenge yourself by carving, texturing and painting a life-size Downy Woodpecker on a tree trunk with Wildfowl Master artist Cam Merkle. This class will run every Tuesday morning from 9am-12:30pm CST between October 6, 2026 and January 12, 2027. 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 when it is available. This class is suitable for carvers of any skill level. Beginners will work on a straight-head blank while more advanced carvers can choose to do a turned-and-tilted head bird from a single block of wood. The main focus of this class will be the woodpecker. The tree trunk base (can be either free-standing or wall-hanging) will be thoroughly demonstrated and Cam will provide guidance for carving, texturing and painting it but there will not be enough time to work on the tree trunk in class. Note: this can be a challenging and time-consuming project where you will learn many new and advanced skills. 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 videos 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.
Actual class dates are Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 18, 22, Jan. 5, 12 from 9am -12:30pm.
In-person students will start with a tupelo bird blank, a pattern and a basswood blank for the tree trunk, and will work through all of the steps to put this beautiful project together. Tool use and all materials for the bird are included along with Cam's Downy Woodpecker photo reference book.
Online students in Canada/US will get a materials package shipped to them which includes a tupelo bird blank, glass eyes, a pattern, Downy Woodpecker photo reference book by Cam, and a basswood blank for the tree trunk, 1/16" brass rod to attach the bird to the base and a pair of cast pewter woodpecker toes.
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 and reference material 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.
Join us on YouTube! In 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 and 2026 Flying Bald Eagle class will be available soon as a complete online workshop covering every step from start to finish for these two projects.
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."