I carve mainly from bass wood and also from Cypress knees.  When I purchase Cypress knees, I study the shape of the wood to determine if I can carve a Santa from that particular Cypress knee.  Therefore, each one has a personality of its own-many of them are whimsical.

I have filled many special orders, including a dentist Santa, photographer Santa, and several college football Santas.  I carve Santa sports figures, such as fishermen, golfers, skiers, and baseball players. I also carve Noah's Arks, Nativity Scenes, and Christmas tree ornaments.

I have enjoyed working with wood most o my life.  I have built cabinets, chests, tablets, shelves, etc.  In about 1996,  I decided to try woodcarving.  My wife, Rose, collected santas; so I decided to start by carving Santas.

I began by copying patterns, but soon started creating my own designs.  I think my style of carving is unique.

Each figure is hand-carved and no two carvings are exactly alike.

Press

in 2008, Southern Living Magazine wrote about my work.  Here is what they said:

Whimsical Wooden Santas

Ranks of tall, thin Santas carved from cypress knees-or plump, jolly ones made from basswood-populate A.P. Churchwell's Rome Workshop.  This time of year, the bag-of-toys-clutching figures, standing a few inches to nearly 2 feet high, begin disappearing as he finishes cutting, carving, sanding, painting, antiquing, varnishing, waxing, and buffing his playful creations.

Prices range from $50 to $300.

Look for them at American Sampler in Roswell or at the Apple Annie Crafts @ Art Show at Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta December 5-6.  Or  cotact the artisan directly by calling (706) 235-2077 or e-mailing apc136@bellsouth.net.

To see the article, please click here. (PDF File)