Paul touched on something that I forgot to mention, with regards to
carving.

The more you actually draw your image, the more you *understand* it.
Following what the photocopier or Photoshop gives you is less scary,
in terms of drawing, but making choices about the realtionship of dark
to light, line weight, and composition produces a more satisfying
final image. The more choices you make, the more you made the image
your own (and you'll surely learn something in the process)!

I tend to use all the tools in the toolbox. I download images, I
manipulate 'em, but then, I always draw on my carving material, so I
understand what I'm about to "take a kife to." And, I know better
than to ever expect that I'll arrive at photo-realism with a slab of
pink rubber and a couple of tiny knives!

But that's just my aproach. I have nothing but good things to say
about my fellow Northern California carvers. If I didn't think you
guys were all amazing, I wouldn't be so eager to go hunting letterboxes!

Cheers Y'all!
Lisascenic