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Darien carver's got a way with wood

Photo

Photo by Terry Mayer

An eagle created by Darien woodworker Cindy Austin.

Woodcarver Cindy Austin loves making things and often creates carved pieces for family and friends. The Darien woman is a member of the Rock River Valley Carvers of Wisconsin, which is hosting its annual show and sale Sat., Sept. 15, at the Rock County Fairgrounds in Janesville. Terry Mayer photo.

DARIEN--Cindy Austin enjoys using her creative ability to make things for other people.

“I just have to learn how to do everything,” Austin said. “I’ve done cooking, cake decorating and quilting -- all kinds of things. I like to make things.”

(Read all of this week's stories from Walworth County Sunday HERE. )

Austin also can add woodcarving to her list of creative activities. She uses several techniques, including wood burning, chip carving and intarsia (a mosaic technique) to create her pieces.

Austin, of Darien, will be one of the featured artists during the Rock River Valley Carvers of Wisconsin annual show and sale, slated for Sat., Sept. 15 at the Rock County Fairgrounds in Janesville.

Austin mostly designs animals, buildings and nature scenes into her pieces, many of which are for family and friends.

“With wood burning, I love doing buildings, barns and outhouses,” Austin said. “I’ve designed a lot of eagles, and people like wolves. I’ve even done a carving of my grandkids. I just pick what I think people would like.”

Austin also makes items on request through her home business, Cindy’s Creations.

“If I can make something for somebody, that’s great, especially if it makes a great gift,” she said.

When she’s in Janesville for the annual show, Austin will have several pieces on display and some available for sale. Sometimes she gets orders right at the show.

Woodworking makes Austin happy, even though some projects -- especially wood burning -- can take up to 15 hours to complete.

FULL STORY

At a glance

-- The Rock River Valley Carvers of Wisconsin annual show and sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Sept. 15 at the Rock County Fairgrounds, 1301 Craig Ave., Janesville.

-- The Rock River Valley Carvers of Wisconsin meet at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the Janesville Senior Center, 69 S. Water St., Janesville. For more information about the group, call (608) 921-1537.

-- For more information about Cindy’s Creations, call (262) 882-2660 or (262) 705-8615.