My 60 years of wood carving has culminated in the establishment of my hobby-business, Woodcarving By Babb. While I carve many subjects, including walking canes, I mainly supply enhanced cut-outs and rough-outs of classic carousel figures, collector Santas of the world, and Christ figures. I work in all sizes from small to full-size. I center on pre-1929 American carousel figures and the “Golden Era” of the American carousel.
I also sell finished carousel figures and Santas. Samples of these figures are pictured in this web site along with my 24-page catalog.
In addition to furnishing my own design called “enhanced cut-outs,” and rough-outs, I give wood carving programs featuring my carvings: “The Art and Joy of the American (classic) Carousel,” “The History and Legends of Santa Claus,” and “Portrayal of the Life and Ministry of Jesus With Woodcarvings,” and “An Introduction to Wood Carving.” In addition to sharing my carvings in shows and coaching carving sessions in the central Indiana area I also demonstrate carousel figure carving. A program folder (via e-mail) describing my programs is available on request.
Prior to my career in woodcarving I received a Masters Degree in Theology and pastored Illinois United Methodist Churches forty three years. Following my retirement from ministry, my wife and I moved to Indianapolis to be with our grandchildren and children.
I am a member of the National Woodcarvers Association, National Carousel Association, International Miniature Carousel Carvers Association, charter member of one carving club, and active member of the Indianapolis Circle City Carvers.
My well equipped shop in Indianapolis contains many power and hand tools necessary for my work. I work with excellent quality basswood and closely follow carousel construction methods used by early American carousel carving shops.
Woodcarving by David Babb 