Anyone else burned out?

[jillsy]

Hey all,

Now that the holidays are almost over, I was wondering, especially to fellow Santa carvers, are any of you burned out with carving?

Ironically, during the year I'm full-steam ahead with carving Santas. Once mid-November came though, I lost all energy for it and really had to push to finish the ones I started. Maybe the holidays just kept me busy with other things, but I'm wondering when my love for it will come back.

I don't mind taking a break and actually have other things I'd like to try. And carving is still what I love to do most. I've got a couple new carvings in mind I'd like to try. I just don't know when.

So, I was just wondering if anyone else takes breaks from carving? If so, what other creative outlets do you have?

Have a great new year!

Jillsy

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

About every 6 months I get burned out.

Creative things? Can't think of any. Fishing, Hunting and Golf. Not very creative.

[Colin-Partridge]

Jillsy,
I did a thread on this very subject last year. I found with all the commissions and shows plus the travel to different parts of the country and the US I just got burned out. It got that I didnt want to carve anymore. Now having said this I knew I had commissions to do and couldnt stop carving. I also loved my carving it was my outlet but the thought of starting another carving just didnt appeal to me. So I wrote a thread on this message board and found out that I wasn't alone that everyone goes though it from time to time. One of the members on this board suggested that I do a carving just for me not a commission or one for sale. She said when I finished it to send it to someone and I would feel better. I did exactly what she suggested and did a santa and sent it to her. Now this lady carves santa's like nobody carves santa's so I was a little apprehensive about sending it. Well she was thrilled with it and when I got the chance to visit her there was my santa hanging in her living room. It really motivated me and I was back on track again. So maybe this would work for you. I recently as most of you know did a carving exchange with Patrick (Irishman) well receiving his carving has given me the motivation to carve again and try something new. All it takes sometimes is to get out of the rut that you are in. Hope this has helped I am sure you will be back at it in no time with a new vigor and enthusiasm.
Colin

[Keoma]

It all gets so overwhelming! I am glad to say that now that the holidays are over...all the gifts given...all the shops stocked...all the faires faired...ahhhh...I am now getting what I think is my 3rd or 4th wind. The great thing is...they are things I wanna make! So cool to be out there carving away to my zen and doing it for no one but me. I wish a few minutes of that for all of you!!!
As for other creative outlets...I am sewing, or planning too. I am in the process of making a crushed velvet hood/scarf, beads on the end and the whole bit! Have to have an inside project now that Nor Cal is covered in snow! G'night ya'll!

[AlArchie]

Can't say I ever get "burned out", but then again I don't do a lot of carving....only when the mood hits me and that is maybe only two or three times a year. When I do, I'll work pretty incessently, then put the finish on and walk away till the mood hits me again.

Guess I've quit trying to carve for sale and shows and just for enjoyment, so carving is just another recreational activity. In between, I do small woodwork, photography, hiking, boating, hunting, fishing, reading and general puttering.

Boy, this may even push me out of the "carver" classification. Oh, well........

Al

[William]

I know exactly how you feel Jillsy.

I have a new carving in mind for my collection but I'm not ready to start making chips just yet so I'm working on the clay model. I have only used clay a few times and both times they were rushed and very rough but this time I'm really enjoying taking my time and filling in the detail.

HappY New Year

Bill
^v^

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Yep...I understand! been in the doldrums for several weeks, haven't done anything to speak of in carving.......supposed to teach a class at the college in Jan. if enough people sign up for it....if they did, that will probably get me started again, if not...just wait til the mood strikes I guess.

[Merle Rice]

I'm not burned out from carving, but I feel that I am going to be in the near future. When we were packing the Car Xmas night to come home my Wife fell and broke her right arm. Spent a few hours in the Hospital to end Xmas day. She is in a lot of pain now, sooo I have became Mr. MOM. All decorations must come down, that she put up. Something she likes to do every year. Then their is a lot of other things that I am going to become aware of that she does Other that that we had a very nice Christmas. May I be the first to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Please don't feel sorry for me because I will be enjoying every minute till she gets back to normal. HAH. Merle

[Joy]

I don't think I am "burned out", but I don't have the urge to tackle the carving I have started. I am just enjoying a few days of "vegetating" after the rush of the holidays, daughter's hip surgery, and helping her move into a new home.

My problem is the jaguar Mom and baby I did in clay....I now have blocked out in wood, but it seems like I have already done it once (in clay) and I'm not too interested in doing it in wood. Oh well, I'm sure that, too, will pass.

[revnate]

i did 3 folk Santas and I don't want to do anymore till next year. I am moving on to another type of project.