Basswood, Wouldn't You?

More than a dozen different types of wood will likely be found in carvings this weekend at the annual Wood Carvers Jamboree in Eureka Springs.

Jamboree organizer Bill Payne says the most common carving wood is basswood. However, during the event, he will be demonstrating the carving of a mother bear and her cub out of butternut. He notes that he sometimes works with as many as 20 different types of wood.

"My forte is that I'll try any kind of wood one time. Maybe not a second time," he jokes.

Payne will be one of several woodcarvers at eight display tables demonstrating their craft and selling items during the free jamboree today and Saturday at Pine Mountain Village. Payne says the event will feature woodcarvers from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.

Payne, who is based in Tulsa, Okla., has been a wood carver for about 35 years. He says he creates mostly wildlife, fish and animal pieces. He typically carves pieces under two feet tall because he says it's too hard to transport larger items.

Wood carving tools will also be sold at the event, and Payne says any of the wood carvers will answer questions about the craft.

-- Ashley Batchelor

[email protected]