she’ll carve until it’s right. “It’s a mental release.” She gets to be creative in her job as a Marketing Coordinator and Graphic Designer but it wasn’t enough physical work for her to find that escape. Alissa used to run marathons but is no longer able to do that, and she needed something she could channel some of that energy into; something positive. Like she could when she was running; when she feels overwhelmed she can grab her headphones and saw. “It’s freeing. An escape. I’m happiest when I am creating things with my hands. I enjoy a challenge.” To ask Alissa which project has been her favorite so far, she’d give you an easy answer. “All of my projects are my favorite. People love it as much as you do.” Each piece is handcrafted for someone with careful planning and the end result makes both the client and the artist happy, so each piece is something new to love. “They are all different and unique…you’re turning firewood into an art piece.” Though, there is one piece that comes to mind if she really thinks about it. A walnut bear, that her and her kids call “huggy bear.” It was her second carving and was originally meant to be a donation for the school gala but she couldn’t part with it and did a trade for something else. It now sits in front of her house. Alissa has worked with walnut, pine, and hackberry. Pine is a softer wood. It’s easier and really good for things that will be indoors. Walnut is hard and it takes a lot of upper body strength. Hackberry is harder but Alissa really enjoys working with it. It’s harder as it dries but it’s really durable for things that will be outdoors. After watching one of Alissa’s videos, it’s definitely a process. You have to select the right type of log for your project. Make small cuts with the chainsaw to start building. Alissa then uses a blowtorch and paint to get the right coloring. The detail Alissa is able to get in her pieces is outstanding. Alissa’s husband Chris is very supportive; especially when he’s the one who helped her achieve her goal of creating art with a chainsaw. But he will sharpen her blades for her and helps out so she has time to carve. Which is helpful because it can take Alissa a few hours, depending on the size of the project. Alissa’s two kids are also supportive and think it’s fun. Sometimes they will join her while she carves. For more information or to contact Alissa for a piece of your own, you can find her on Facebook; ALB Designs. vBy Brandi Bue If you can’t stand the heat – get out of the kitchen... Us Do Let ’! okin he Co T Busy day at work & need something quick? Cheeseburger, Fries and Shake....only $8.00 Dinner time coming up fast & nothing planned? Chicken-to-Go, plus lots of sides to choose from. Just want to relax & let someone else do the work? Come in and enjoy a fabulous array of food on our nightly buffet. ly Fami 71 ince 19 dS Owne 2809 Broadway Ave., Yankton, SD 605-665-9884 11:00AM to 9:00PM Open Sundays at 10:30AM Call d Ahear Fo o To Gers Ord HERVOICEvSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017v11