Until a few weeks ago, most of what Joel Morris knew about woodcarving he had gleaned from videotapes.

"I thought I'd come over here so when I ran into problems someone could help me," said Mr. Morris, who attended his first session with the Aiken Wood Carvers Club at Hobby Lobby in Aiken about two weeks ago. "What a novel concept, learning from actual people rather than a video."

There had been a woodcarvers' club in Aiken about 14 years ago but it had disbanded, said Jack Osbon, the group's coordinator. He contacted the original members about a year ago and started it up again.

The club, which has 45 members, meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays.

Club member Tommy Harman has a long career in woodworking. He made scale miniature furniture for 35 years and started carving about eight years ago.

His specialty is Christmas-theme carvings.

"The Aiken Center for the Arts carries my furniture and Santas," he said.

Mr. Harman said he asked a friend to teach him woodcarving. His first project was a cowboy boot.

"It was very challenging," he said.

The club has members at all levels of ability. Some are new to wood sculpture while others have been carving for years.

"There's a lot of talented folks in here; all of them are willing to share if you need help," Mr. Harman said.

The club helps new members get started by offering hands-on instruction.

Club members recently exhibited their carvings at the Aiken Mall, and other exhibits are scheduled.

In October, during the Western Carolina State Fair, the club will sponsor the first CSRA Artistry in Wood Show.

The show will offer prizes to woodcarvers in the area. Mr. Osbon said the club is looking for corporate sponsors to offset the cost of the prizes.

Being a club member is not expensive. "We do ask once they get established to donate $1 a month," he said. "That covers the Web site and mailings."

The club does not have to pay for its meeting site.

"Hobby Lobby has been very good to support us," he said.

For more information, call Mr. Osbon at (803) 270-5454, Mr. Harman at (803) 599-8962 or Marge and Ned Peterson at (803) 641-1700.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.