My name is Dennis Carlson originally from Rock Island, IL. My wife and I recently moved to Bettendorf, IA to be nearer to our Granddaughter without the inconvenience of the I-74 bridge. Both cities are part of the Quad Cities and right on the Mississippi River.  I am married and a retired school social worker.  I spend my new found free time doing a lot more woodcarving. 

In 2005, both my children were in college and I found myself with time to pursue my own interests.   I took a wood carving lesson at the Woodcraft Shop (home of Larry "Big Dog" Yudis) in Bettendorf, IA  and I got hooked. (The move to Bettendorf put me closer to the Woodcraft Shop, an unintended benefit.)   I joined the local woodcarving club, the Mississippi Valley Woodcarvers Association where I found a kinship with the other carvers.  Woodcarvers are a friendly and helpful lot.  We meet every Thursday at the Woodcraft Shop where we carve, tell stories, encourage each other, tease each other and purchase supplies as needed (Big Dog is no fool).

Being a school social worker I had summers off and was able to seek out carving events around the Mid-West and beyond.  I was able to sit with a number of the masters of the craft learning their techniques.   Most importantly, I spent a lot of time with a tool in my hand learning about the nature of wood, the abilities of the tools and my own strengths and weaknesses. 

To contact  me please email me using the form to the right.  I check my email frequently.  You may also call or text my cell phone: 309-738-7340.