[Mitchell]

I've seen carvings marked with different methods: initials, symbols, marks, combinations of these, and of course, signatures. As with "flat art", a signature will add authenticity for collectability and I know that some very good carvers strongly suggest signing carvings.

Personally: for small carvings, I just use my initials. If someone requests that I sign it, I will add a base big enough for a signature. For larger carvings, I will carve (or burn) my first initial and last name. If someone buys the carving, I will generally sign it when I present it to them.

[Callynne]

Marci, I'm like you, I worry about having everything on CD's, or the computer, for that matter!

When I started carving I signed, dated and numbered my carvings, I'm so glad I did!! I take pictures of each one, print them out and put them in a photo album. I have a little notebook that I keep track of each one, the number, the month it was carved, if given as a gift to whom it was given, if sold, the amount it sold for. It only takes a few minutes, but it's well worth the time. You'll be amazed after you've carved a few dozen, how hard it is to remember! At least with my memory it is! Deborah

[Kenny_S]

I understand the hesitation in cds or dvd. However, You can always print them off, up load them to Wal-Mart and several other location, have them print them if needed and what is neat about that is, you can but in where you want to have them picked up. We use this method for the Grandchildren and great grandchildren's picture for Grand parents and great grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Yes, CDs or DVD may go by the wayside but in their defense, I still have 2 working 8 tracks tape players and 3 working record players with one playing to old 78s. Most here will know what those are. Whatever new gizmo they come up with, you will be able to tranfer the images to what ever they come up with. Just like the old reel to reels, People are still having their old reels transferred to dvd. Well, from reel to vcr(which are being phased out), to CDs or DVD.
So, I have no problem with this method at all.
JMHO!

Merry Christmas to all

[Donna_T]

What I do is just a variation of what's been said. If the carving is large enough, I sign (either with a wood burner or permanent Sharpie) my name. I have an index card file in my carving tool box that I list every carving I start. I list the start date (month and year);write a brief description; if it is a gift, I note who it was given to--if it's sold, I write the buyer's name; and then I write the number of the carving (I keep a running number system.) My numbering system started out with the whole month, day, and year, and then I modified it. For instance, if the carving is #790 and I completed it in 1999, the carving will show #79099... I just know the last two digits are the last two digits of the year.

I do have a photo album that I keep photos of the bigger carvings that I've done in the past 7-8 years. Just wish I would have photographed them from the start.

Where do I put all of this? On the bottom of the carving, where it doesn't show as it's being displayed. It the carving is mounted on a base, I put it on the bottom of the base. From time to time, if the carving has the space, I will incorporate my initials somewhere on it--usually toward the bottom (like on the back, bottom of santa's robe.) I used to make a lot of pins and ornaments and I never took photos of them, but I did number and sign everything.

One word of warning that my tax preparer gave me: If you keep this accurate of a record, and you're going to sell and report the earnings, your list of carvings can be used against you if you're audited. The IRS can say you carved 200 items this year but only reported xyz earnings, where's the money from the rest? The IRS looks closely at deductions for tools, workshops, etc. for carvers vs.income to determine if those expenses are legitimate. If you're like me and keep or give away your carvings, that's a different matter.

Donna T

[Marci MN]

Thank you much! I didnt even think of the IRS folks yet. I guess I will keep the best of records that I can.

Wow , to have an 8 track thats still playing. Amazing. I have a box of 8 tracks here somewhere, along with a drawstring bag full of 45's and another box of the larger records...are those called 78's? It would be fun to hear them again. But I'm sure they are scratched up by now.. ugh.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

carefully stored like that? nahh, they be just fine LOL

[Marci MN]

LOL... yup..

The 45's came in an auction bag. And since I had no player they stayed in that bag and shoved in the barn. The 78's are down there too somewhere. I seem to remember those are the Osmond records. Remember lil donny osmond?

[Kenny_S]

The old 78s takes a different player that the 45s and 33s. Even have a old hand crank Victorola 1870 with records and needles. Now the records are scrathy sounding but was left to me by my Grandmother. Now a days, a mention of those or an 8 track and people look at you like some kind of hick. Hmmm, I resemble that.All the suggestion are sound tips on keeping track. Since I am a hick that has worked on computers for over 35 years, I don't have a bit of problem using CDs or DVDs. Many of my carvings were on VHS tapes and haveing a VCR/dvd recorder, no Probel.
Yep, figure out what you like and give it a try.