Keeping track

[Marci MN]

How do you keep track or records of your carvings if your intending to sell some of them?

How do you sign or date them?

Since I'm a total beginner at carving I would think its a good idea for me to learn how to keep track of what I've done and who they go too?

Do you keep pictures of your carvings?

[Mitchell]

There are many options. It's a personal thing, but the better records that you keep, the better you will feel about your development - IMO.

I would advice signing (signature) your pieces and taking pictures if possible. That would help in dating them later. Some carvers that sell do not date as it may distract buyers if it is dated a couple of years back. Of course, if you think that you may one day be collectible, then the date may add value to older carvings. The log with pictures could help both ways. It just will take some discipline and time to do this.

If you carve a lot of similar items, then you could number them for easier reference.
Again, this is only my opinion and others will have varying ideas. It's really up to you.

[Kenny_S]

Wehave a couple of digital camreas and we take pictures of our carvings. Then burn(record) them off on CDs and DVD. Both pc have the burners plus the little bride got an early Christmas present of a VCR/DVD recorder. Now she can burn off her vcr of the Grandkids on to DVds.

I sign all mine now( the last 5 years with my Signature and monthand year like following:

Ken Sanders

12-'05
OR, if I am going carve more than one then it is my signature, number of carving, month then year.


Ken Sanders
0001-12-'05

Recording them on to a CD or DVD, they will last almost forever.
BTW, we make backup copies of them also.

[squbrigg]

I suppose it would depend on what you carve, and how much you carve. You should always sign them in some way....your signature, initials or a mark or logo. Some folks add dates, numbers, etc, to keep track of them, and again, it all depends on how much you carve, and what you intend to do with them. I keep a log book of everything I make, but as most of my stuff takes a while to do, it isn't a big deal to maintain. (if I was smart, I'd figure out how to do a log on the computer and attach photos to each piece) I do like to keep track of what materials (types of wood) I've been using to carve or build with, so the log works well. You will be surprised how much work you forget quickly, at least I do, so I try to maintain the log religeously.

As for keeping track of where they go.....that's tough , if not impossible. You may keep track of who you sold it to, but no telling where it may end up. And they do show up in the oddest places!
Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I've had a few carvings I wanted to "burn" too! lol

[Sam]

Hi,

I take pictures of all my carvings and keep them on the PC and also burn them to DVDs. In addition, I keep a spreadsheet of all the carvings, description including size, colors, if I sold it, I keep the price, and last know location. I don't do this, but you can keep a thumbnail in spreadsheets with the other info.

I sign and date the bottom of my carvings and I have a unigue logo of my initials that is carved into the carving.

[Kenny_S]

I use to initialize all my carvings and got to thinking, Who is KDS. But then, who is Ken Sanders. Seen on this board and other carving boards, poster asking if anyone knew of a carver with only initials on the carving. That is why I think, at least a signature. JMHO!

[Thor]

I got a photo album that was a convenient size (about 8" X 9") that hold 4" X 6" photos. In addition to the digital portfolio, I also print out the pictures of my work, and have them in the photo album with notes on the pieces scribed next to them in the convenient column that this photo album had. The dates are written there as well.

This is as convenient as a digital record in many ways, but even more convenient when you go demonstrate, or carve in groups, or have a selling booth so you can let people strum though you work and see what you've done in the past. It helps especially when you take on commissions.

As far as signing my work. I usually sign with my mark (a thorn rune and a crescent moon) and date it with the year. Sometimes, I forget.

The photo album surprises me too sometimes, because it reminds me of how much I have improved, but also how much I've completed.

Thor

[Marci MN]

Thank you for your answers. As I was carving more Santa ornaments late last night I got to thinking about having all my information on a CD.. that kinda scares me since there may come a time that a CD is as extinct as a vinyl record.

I do think I will take a picture and print it out. Then I can write the information on the backside of each picture. And the 'show and tell' idea works well with this idea too. Thanks.

Now about signing.. what if I hate signing my full name? I see one person uses a mark.. I like this idea. Do you have to register it as being only yours like Ranches do for their branding marks?

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I don't like to receive carvings from folks with initials or marks....because this time next year (maybe next week! lol) I won't remember who did the carving! If your last name starts with an M...just put M&M's ha ha....no one would forget that!