best carvings for selling?

[drums57]

what is the most asked for carvings these days.your opinions would greatly be appreciated.

[Dan S]

Las Vegas has a strong market for about two carvings. Unfortunately I have no idea what they are or who wants them. On a broader scale though, Santas always sell well as do wood spirits. Walking sticks are also popular if you can find a place to sell them. I think that different species of dogs would also do well. As a marketing tool you could offer to paint them in the color of the buyers choice. Have a look on Ebay and see what is selling.

Good luck,
Dan

[Donsexton]

I have sold many carvings over the years and I think cute sells quicker than serious. Not that I am an expert of selling art. I just think people that buy woodcarvings tend to be into folksy art. I think it needs to be local as well, what I mean by that is in my area the gulf south carvings of mountain lions and big horn sheep no matter how well carved won’t sell as well as gators or pelicans. I agree the Santa’s and wood spirits would sell most any place in the country.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Good ones!

[hwallen48]

What ever the buyers likes!

[Kadiddle]

Thats a tough one. One year its Santas, next year its whimseys, what ever is going to sell good we never have enough of. Or so it seems. This year slower than last. Building inventory, thats what I call it.
Carve On
Kadiddle

[chuckbolton]

it depends on the buyer and that may change each time you go to a show-- most of us sell santas-- as most people celebrate xmas- after that-- figure out what you like to carve-- get good at it-- and then do it. if its a caricature-- it will sell somewhere--im in kc so hillbillies and caricatures seem to do well. but if you dont like doing those things-- dont-- i know some that carve only realistic ducks and birds-- they seem to do well. some will tell you that only inexpensive things sell others do well with higher priced items-- ive seen santas from a few dollars to several hundred-- you just wont likely sell as many of the higher priced ones. but may make as much profit as you will with the smaller ones-- in fact i think there is more profit in higher priced items. you are likely to get as many opinions as you do responses-

carve what you like-- if you like it- you will be enthused and those items will sell better than something you dislike.

[Just Carving]

As chuckbolton just said:

Carve what you like and do it well!

If you do something you like to do, and do it well, it will show in the end result of your work.

There will always be someone who will like your worst carving, and hopefully, be willing to buy it!

Bob L

[Ed Redwine]

Santas are the most popular with my buyers. I usually move about 40 per season. I do some other commissions, usually caricatures of some form or another. Years ago, the Indians were popular. Christmas always wins out though.

[Terry Vance]

Most people that I come in contact with are always wanting something for nothing. I would try to have some that are quick and easy and can be sold inexpensively and more complex pieces for the more seasoned purchaser. I have seen folks pass by some remarkable carvings to purchase what to me is junk. Looked like they had been carved with a very dull knife and the finish was terrible. Then I've seen people purchase several expensive carvings and not even bat an eye.

I guess the real answer is "Ya just never know".