Monday, December 7, 2009

We're Waiting For You!



Ever wonder where all of those gorgeous carousel animals come from ? Well I was shocked when I heard there was a place right here in Birmingham for carving them. Chaffin's Carousel Carving School is located upstairs from Five Point's well known Dave's Bar. I was on my way home from lunch yesterday and passed these wonderful creatures peering out of the windows at me! Well I just parked my car and took a few dozen photographs. I'll bet you're wanting to see more, right? Well me too! I'll be paying another visit when they're open, and I'll have photos galore! Today a few shots to whet your appetite.


I especially like this photo. The reflection is the wonderful old apartment building, Terrace Court, where Chaffin's School is housed.

These giraffes looking down on me made me smile!!

26 comments:

Olivier said...

belle série de reflets, et beau coup d'oeil de ta part.
beautiful series of reflections and beautiful look on your part.

Tash said...

I definitely want the giraffes! The photos really came out great.

P.S. - I found the book on Google Books (AFTER I typed the article! - do I feel stupid or what?)...the whole article is available with the picture. At least I learned how to post documents on Google for free.

Babzy.B said...

I like very much the first shot ! It must be very interesting to visit this place !

Pat said...

I've always been tempted to carve wood, but this is a bit big for me. That reminds me; I have some tools on my craft shelf..hmmm.

I definitely like the horse. My son's first haircut was in a barber shop here that had real carousel horses for kids to sit on.

Kate said...

There is a marvelous toy store close to Wabasha, Minnesota that has an outstanding carousel, and also where the animals are carved. I've loved it for years so I can readily understand your fascination with them.

B SQUARED said...

At the risk of being cynical, there is a demand for this? Must be a lot of restoration work rather than new carousels. Can't imagine they are making any new ones.

Maya said...

That is cool. You never really think about where they are made, do you?

k said...

those windows must have been awesome to see... what a find!? and a carousel carving shcool, sounds just magical! k

Anonymous said...

Oh, the top photo is rather creepy in a Twilight Zone sort of way.

Elise said...

I cannot wait for the pictures from the inside...p[lease go back soon!
Elise

MadAboutParis said...

Photo #2 is simply fantastic - I think that you should sell it to them for their website...you are soooo TALENTED mon amie!

Char said...

i've been wanting to go back too

Halcyon said...

Funny! I just love that first picture.

Thérèse said...

"Superbe" Virginia! Facile la traduction n'est-ce pas?

Virginia said...

Thérèse,
Oui, trés facile!! Merci

Olivier,
Love your new profile photo. Glad you liked these.

Char,
I'd forgotten who told me about these. Merci

Halcyon,
I do too!

Mary,
Merci!

Hiker,
I thought so too in a way,

Karin,
thanks!

TASH,
I love their perky ears

B2,
I'll let you know when I get up there and inside!

Maya,
So we beat you all to la neige?? :)

Bibi,
Not that's a good idea for a barber!

Kate,
I would love to have seen that place.

Elise,
Look at you leaving a comment unaided! :)

Babzy,
One I get in there I will really have some photos to share I think.

amatamari© said...

Wonderful series full of charm, between dream and reality ...
Thanks!
:-)

SquirrelQueen said...

What a delightful place this would be to explore. I adore the first photo and the reflections on all the windows are great.

I would imagine the figures are used as home and retail decor as well as carousels.

Your photography is amazing, the images are beautiful. Thanks for visiting my blog, hope to see you again.

Judy

FireLight said...

These made me think of Kiddieland!
Lovely photos! And the snow...wow!
L & I will be at your church for Tea & the Tour on Sunday.
Peace be with you!

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Thanks for sharing the wonder of the carousel. Your shots are great and I look forward to seeing more. I love the new banner too.

Lowell said...

Lovely series. The making of these carousel animals is truly an art! I think the best carvers were Europeans of ages past. It looks like their skills were passed on to folks in Birmingham!

marley said...

Very cool! A Carousel Carving School?! And why not!

The horse almost leaping out of the window is a bit scary looking.

Bob Crowe said...

What's all this then? I think the top picture is scary. It's a crazy horse, a crazed horse. I'm sticking with motor vehicles.

Petrea Burchard said...

Ooh, I love these!

Unknown said...

The golden horse shot is my favourite on this page! And of course, V., one more gorgeous header!

valeria said...

It's such a lovely shop...I'd love to visit it! Do they have a website?
The photo with the reflection is really superb.

Daryl said...

Fabulous .. I am a lover of reflective shots .. these are superb!