Kevin Berthelot’s wooden creations – Show me yours

Kevin Berthelot, 43, owner of Southern Dovetail Woodworks, has an addiction: woodworking.

“At one or two o’clock in the morning, I’m up thinking about how to carve a leg or cut a piece of wood,” admits Berthelot, who’s also president of the Pelican Woodcarvers Guild. He started his cabinet making business in 1993, and he’s been with the guild for 10 years. Members showcase their work with each other, but most importantly, they share information. Anyone can ask a question and get dependable answers. In fact, the self-taught Berthelot has received no formal training beyond high-school shop class, yet he’s taken classes all over the country.

His $4,000 set of Swiss tools is custom-made, including his treasured No. 5 gouge. Many times, he’s even molded a brand-new tool to fit what’s needed for the job. But that’s just part of Berthelot’s passion: “I like for someone to give me a problem, and I solve it.” pelicanwoodcarvers.com

Berthelot’s faves:

• Chippendale ball, which he carved from mahogany in about 8 hours.

• Claw foot, which he carved from walnut.

• Sunburst. He made it from mahogany by drawing out the pattern first.

• Canthus leaf. It resembles a flick of fire. Ten hours in and not yet finished, the leaf will be worth $1,200 when he’s finished, Berthelot estimates.

Calling all wood carvers

In an effort to inspire youth to take up wood carving, the Pelican Woodcarvers Guild will display their works and free training to kids interesting in learning the craft.

The event is 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Greenwell Springs Library, Room 2, and includes training in safety (Larry Oubre), sharpening (Randy Saucier), wood burning (Oubre), basic cuts (Lionel Jardell) and basic relief carving (Berthelot).

For more information, contact Berthelot at 978-2722. In an effort to inspire youth to take up wood carving, the Pelican Woodcarvers Guild will display their works and free training to kids interesting in learning the craft.

The event is 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Greenwell Springs Library, Room 2, and includes training in safety (Larry Oubre), sharpening (Randy Saucier), wood burning (Oubre), basic cuts (Lionel Jardell) and basic relief carving (Berthelot).

For more information, contact Berthelot at 978-2722.