Wooden Toys and More by Robert Simoniz
I started wood carving in 1989. I bought a kit and carved a very rough Santa, which I still have. Until about 15 years ago, my main carving was mostly Santas and snowmen for Christmas gifts for family and friends. Then I started carving Welsh Lovespoons. Later, I took a class on Relief Carving taught by John Engler, and I came out of that class not really understanding relief carving. I took another class with John several years later. This time I had a little better grasp of relief carving, but was still not fully comfortable with the carving aspects. You simulate depth by carving at angles to each layer. It wasn’t until I took on carving Mount Vernon Mansion that I finally better understood the concept. I have been volunteering at Mount Vernon Estate for almost 12 years. When the Grist Mill and Distillery are open, you will usually find me on Sundays carving and greeting tourists.
Toy making is a different story. I have made toys on and off for more than 40 years. I use different woods and non-toxic acrylic paints but do not use any nails in their construction. I can also make toys with a natural finish instead of paint if requested. Toys range from pull toys to trains, airplanes, trucks, and cars.
