Welcome to Pondside Studio!
I'm Allen Aardsma.
Since I began carving in 1963 it has been my pleasure to carve almost 200 species of birds and animals -- over 3,000 carvings, most of them with a Buck #307 jackknife. Many of them can be seen on this site's 'Pocketknife' and 'Powertool' Galleries.
You can also view past carvings by clicking the "More Carvings" button at the bottom of this page.
There are many "fun and interesting little crevices to explore" [Thanks, CF.]
on this site, so have fun exploring!
"Oh, Lord, what a variety of things You have made!
In wisdom You made all creatures, great or small;
the earth is full of them!
Your workmanship is marvellous -
how well I know it!
Let us give to the Lord [not to evolution]
the glory due to His name."
Psalm 104:24; 139:14; 29:2
Some of The Master's handiwork:
a Mourning Cloak butterfly on a White Pine cone on a bed of pine needles, grass and moss.
Try making any one of these things!
I am holding one of the very nicest gifts I've ever been given by a customer: a hardcover book entitled "The Artist", covering the carving of "Stormy" from beginning to end. Pictures of the process, of the real Stormy, of my family, and of this Adirondack setting are accompanied by the most clever poem and comments.
This is a real treasure - one I will prize for the rest of my life.
Thanks, E & L!
(Pictures of the process of carving "Stormy" can be seen in this site's
"Powertool Gallery".)
This is a real treasure - one I will prize for the rest of my life.
Thanks, E & L!
(Pictures of the process of carving "Stormy" can be seen in this site's
"Powertool Gallery".)
PLEASE NOTE
I am currently not taking any orders as
Robin and I will be teaching at the
Oak Hill Christian School, Herndon, VA,
through the 2022-23 school year.
Our current address is:
13305 Glen Echo Circle, #2-306
Herndon, VA 20171
It would be a great pleasure to hear from any of you.
My email address is: ADAardsma@gmail.com
A styrofoam relief carving commissioned by Smile Lodge Pediatric Dentistry, Clifton Park, NY. (Picture: courtesy of M. McMahon.)
"Your work is just beautiful!" RP (6-1-21)
"I get such special joy from your creations." JH
"Wanted to say thank you for the amazing carving you did for us.
I was just staring at it today for five minutes and it made me think of you.
Thank you so much!" EM
I was just staring at it today for five minutes and it made me think of you.
Thank you so much!" EM
"Your artistry is incredible. Like just wow!" JL
"Each of your carvings is a treasure and brings us joy." MP
"Your carvings are scientifically accurate, yet artistically beautiful." KZ
More carvings can be viewed by clicking, below.
"We are grateful for your love for all living creatures and for the miracle of your gifted hands." AH