I just can get inspired to carve

[Lightningbolt]

Both Mitchell and Lifesecure seemed to really hit the nail on the head... or at least how carving relates to me. I know that I've already posted this somewhere on the forum, but back in the late '90's I was supplementing my income by several thousand dollars/year, then I suddenly realized that supplying the shops and all of the demand was becoming too much like work. I was carving every afternoon, evenings, and on weekends. Simply said I just wasn't having fun at it anymore and I already had a full-time day job that I did love.

Carving has once again returned to a first-love and something that I always enjoy doing because I now control when I carve and when I stop. I accept NO orders and simply sell by word of mouth... good enough for me. I always have several of my walking sticks on display at the school woodshop where I teach and Just last Friday a clients mom bought one for $40.00... once again, good enough for me! No orders, no pressure, and they can choose from whatever I might have on hand.

I've been to the mountain top (of selling) and I guess everyone has to strive for that "success" at first, then must come back down for air and decide exactly where that comfortable equalibrium is at for your own personal happiness. I guess we are always striving for that "balance" in our lives and we as individuals are the only ones capable of gauging the mercury in our own thermometers.

I can lay down the carving knives now for months at a time and still be happy because a healthy balance in my life is the most important thing for me. Carving is my hobby first, then (and only then) is it allowed to become anything else.

[GoneWoodcarving]

Colin; I find the best way to get inspired is to go to a woodcarving show or be with other carvers. Seeing what other carvers are dooing and talking to other carvers. I stay away from taking commissions that way I can carve what I want to carve not what others would have me carve. Commissions seem to tie my hands and make me not want to carve

[Colin-Partridge]

Perhaps you should just carve something special, for no reason, like Rick suggested, just take a piece of wood, start whittling and see what comes out of the wood. Oh....I know...then you could just give it away to a really good friend, who wouldn't be expecting it at all...and they would be so happy....and you would be so happy to see how happy I (errrr, I mean, they, would be) that it would just brighten up your whole life! Well...it might work!Sarcastic
Boy did this tread get some mileage so I guess I am not the only one that gets in a slump from time to time. It was this message board and all of you that brought be back out of my slump. The above quote was from Callynne and you know it really hit home. I did what she said and sat and carved something and sent it to her. I really felt good doing that and of course she didnt expect it. Today I am much more motivated and look forward to carving every day thanks to all the wonderful friends that I have here. That reminds me what am I doing on this message board when I could be carving. Bye
Colin