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In 2009 I accidentally met a very special lady through a popular genealogy website while working on my family tree. Her name was Cora Ten Eyck Hursey. Cora just so happened to be a master woodcarver and a distant cousin. She is who introduced me to woodcarving.  I was amazed by her beautiful carvings and decided to give wood carving a try. At first, I used pocketknives, then I tried dremels, and eventually, a foredom. My carvings seemed to turn out pretty well, but I wanted to go bigger. That's when I decided I needed a chainsaw, so I went to Mountain Supply in Ickesburg and bought my first Stihl chainsaw. In fact, most of what I use for my carvings comes from Mountain Supply and all my saws are Stihl. I believe in shopping local and supporting small American business.  

At first, I carved using a regular 16-inch bar to make simple pumpkins and trees. I didn't have the carving bar that's needed for the finer detail but that didn't last long. Now I own many Stihl chainsaws, and a plethora of tools. It’s pretty difficult to carve the eye of an eagle with a chainsaw so at times, other tools are needed for additional detail. Yes. I'm a tool girl not a shoe or purse girl. 

Being self-taught, not everything turns out wonderful. Chainsaw carving takes a lot of strength to control the saw and a LOT of practice. My goal is always to keep my work out of the woodstove. 

It wasn't until after the passing of my grandmother in 2021 that I really started chainsaw carving as a form of therapy. This is when my business was formed. Sadly, my dear friend Cora lost her battle with Pancreatic Cancer in May 2022.  I miss our late-night chats about carving and life but if I stay on the right path, I will see you someday. Both grandma and Cora are my inspiration for carving, but my God allows me to do it. 

Right - Cora Ten Eyck Hursey 

Below - My mom (Coach) and Maryellen Nace (Grandma) at 97 years young.