How do you do it?!

[jillsy]

Here's a question for those who carve lots of the same pieces - how do you do it without going nuts?

In a nutshell, I found myself involved in an unexpected trade with someone who was willing to trade me 300 wind-up toys (I've been collecting for my kids), for 30 of my miniature Santas. She picked out 3 different ones and I'm carving out 10 of each.

I got the first set done and received 100 wind-ups yesterday, which was fun and satisfying, but having to carve so many more of the same is just...dull. Luckily, she's giving me the freedom to paint them how I want (which gives me more creativity, but also takes more time), but if I had to carve the same piece over and over for a living, I think I'd hang myself!

So I was wondering, how do you do it?

[Ashbys]

Resin .......

[Callynne]

Congratulations on your commission, Jill! I can see where it would be a little brain numbing though!! I've been lucky, I do what I call 'like theme' carvings and have the freedom to change them a bit. For instance, Santa dressed a little differently, beard a bit different, a slight variation in pose....can you do something like that, so that each piece is just a little different? That might make it a bit more interesting and challenging. If not, just keep reminding yourself how much your children are going to enjoy that wind up toy collection....three hundred...WOW! Deborah

[MDWine]

I'm impressed that you can carve them that quickly!! I can only imagine a table full of Santas!

any chance for a pic??? Talking

[jillsy]

Hey!

I did take some pics (I think) of the ones already sent and will try to post.

Deborah, I'm carving the same piece, but do have the freedom to experiment with painting so that helps ALOT. The trade has gone very smoothly - she just emailed me and said she got them yesterday and loved them! That's a weight off!

Yeah, I'm really happy with the way the entire transaction has worked out (it's basically the honor system, which I know is a huge risk!) It's worked out for both of us. She gets rid of things that are just sitting in boxes in exchange for Santas she's going to give as Christmas presents. I get to save money from bidding on Ebay and paying s/h prices by carving. And my kids really like these little things (so do I they're cute!) which is what keeps me motivated.

[Tom-H]

Jillsy, So who said you don't go nuts???Not my wife! She thinks I am nuts...So far this season I have done somewhere around 100 small Santa ornaments. I think the secret is to make each one just a little bit different. Bigger cheeks, longer beard, bigger/little nose...Even then you may still go nuts....But if you cannot make each one just a little different...well you just may be going nuts.. Any day now I'll post a photo of my 100 on a little tree....Tom H

[Just Carving]

Jillsy,

My work involves making drawings of just about the same thing day in, day out. So, I know about being NUTS!!!

My suggestion: do something different but related to carving--or maybe a different hobby, if you have one. A good example is carve a small carving that you want for yourself, or maybe draw a sketch or two of a carving you want to do. It should be something that would take only 10-15 minutes. Also, give yourself the reward when you've accomplished a goal--say when you get 10 Santas done, reward yourself. It gives you incentive to get the work done, a chance to take a break, and a break from doing something monotonous.

HEY! I know--reward yourself with a nice big ice cream sundae--with the works!!! (UHHH--leave out the nuts!!) (Ya gotta "carve" out the ice cream don'tcha?!?!)

YEAH! THAT'S THE TICKET! YEAH! YEAH!!

(I told I was nuts)

[Kenny_S]

One thing for sure Jillsy, the last one should be a heck of a lot better than the first.
Carving, Dull? Surely you gist.HEHEHEHEHE

[mdallensr]

I carve decorative spoons for Christmas presents for family and friends. I carve 15 every year; this is year 7. After the first two years of identical spoons, I started trying different woods. Now I still carve the same design for all 15 but use 4 or 5 different woods. I've experimented with different tools for each wood and different finishes. The carving is pretty much the same, but I've learned a lot about carving a variety of wood and now do that for other carvings. I also do a binge and knock out about half of my spoon carvings on my Easter vacation. There's nothing boring about carving on a beach, even if you're just making chips. Mike

[jillsy]

You guys ARE all nuts!

The carvings I'm working on now are sets of Santa and Mrs. Claus leaning in to kiss each other. Santa's basically the same, but I've been able to make enough changes in Mrs. Claus' apron and dress to keep me interested. Actually, I think with every carving I'm getting better! Each one seems to have just alittle more detail so this is great practice for me too. Talking