Dr. Lew interviews Robert Lee - Watch it now.

 Jeannie White tells us how a Profitable Hobby has changed her life.

In 1996 I purchased my Paragraver with the thought in mind that my permanent job at the sawmill was not going to last much longer. At various times I would buy different books and videos from Dr Lew on projects to try and learn all I could in using this new little air tool.   One video that stuck in my mind was one on scrimshaw.  Being from the east coast, Connecticut in particular, I was exposed to that art from an early age.  Mystic Village was nearby and I remember making frequent trips to the old whaling Seaport for school projects.  This art of scratching ivory and darkening the lines has always fascinated me so the closest thing that I got involved at the time was pen and ink drawings.
 
The sawmill shut down for good in February of 2000 so I needed to find another line of work, so I tried my hand at making ivory ear rings and necklaces with Alaskan wildlife scratched and carved on them as well as engraving glass, metal and wood.  April of 2002 brought me to Utah to take a most memorable class in gunstock carving from Craig Hone.  Both Craig and Keith are some of the best teachers and most hospitable people I have ever known.  While I was there, I saw some of Craig's scrimshaw where I was inspired by his work. In the past year, another gentleman by the name of Bob Hergert from Port Orford Oregon has also influenced me with a stippling technique using hundreds if not thousands of dots to make a picture. 
 
After gathering information from everyone and combining different techniques of fine line and stippling, I am trying to form a style of my own.  This past spring when showing some of my scrimshaw to an owner of an art gallery in Ketchikan Alaska, they accepted every piece and wanted all that I could produce.  This is just the start of a promising career into scrimshaw, with each piece getting better and striving to perfect many different techniques.  There is always so much more to learn, I guess that's the exciting part of being an artist. 
 
I have to thank Dr Lew for taking the time and effort in developing this idea of a dental drill to create art.  His vision in a tool and the concept of proper business practices in using it will always have me thanking him every time I create something.... Thanks Dr Lew.

Steve Lankerd Sr.

     I was first introduced to Paragrave Corporation around 1992, when I saw a magazine advertisement in January 1992 Opportunity, (An Opportunity Association Publication) on the back cover.  At the time our children were 14, 12, and 8.  I realized then that after they were grown and on their own, I would have more time to pursue my artistic interests.  The ad stated "SEE FOR YOURSELF BY ORDERING OUR NEW "DEMO VIDEO'!  To order your PARAPAK, The DEMO VIDEO, or for further information call or write PARAGRAVE... the high speed engraving experts."

      The "DEMO VIDEO" really got me excited about all the possibilities of bringing some of my dreams to life.  I purchased the Para-pak Ultra High Speed Engraving System and began on my journey of exploring my artistic interests. Most of my engraving has been in Kansas native limestone.  Many of my first projects involved hammer and cold chisel carving combined with using the Ultra High Speed Engraving System for detailed work (ie. artwork).

      When I received my equipment, included in the shipment were several training videos.  KNIFE ENGRAVING VIDEO-VOLUME 1, KNIFE ENGRAVING VIDEO-VOLUME 2 and INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO 3  I watched them several times before I gained confidence to try new media material.

      Dr. Lew I truly appreciate you and all you have done for the PARAGRAVE, now Profitable Hobbies members.  There has to be a special place for you in heaven.

Roderick Earl Hoffman

For over 25 years I have been working in the check printing industry.  As check usage declines I have been looking for the right opportunity to change my career. It has always been appealing to start my own business: not just any business but the right business for me. After looking into several different options that had very little appeal I met Dr. Lew Jensen with Profitable Hobbies and my life hasn’t been the same since.

Jack Short

If I never sold a single piece, the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment derived from carving and engraving with my system would still be reward enough. Nothing is received more enthusiastically than a gift that exhibits a degree of craftsmanship the receiver thinks is well beyond their own capabilities (if they only knew). The sentimental value they ascribe to that gift, knowing it was handmade especially for them, adds a quality that cannot be found in store bought items.

Raymond Dreczko