How much is this carving!

[sitesby]

I recently attended a carving show in Muncie Indiana to show my work and to participate in the carving activities. I even won first place by entering a walnut "Herby's Angel" Who Hoo! The entire day was great fun, except for one common conversation. I was constantly begin asked how much? or can you carve me one?
When I started carving I wanted to for the enjoyment and I still want to for enjoyment. I think that when the day arrives when I start carving with a production schedule is the day I will begin to hate woodcarving.

So I ask all of you, before I attend my next show, is it a good idea to put a sign on the table that says " I carve for enjoyment and all the carvings here are for display purposes only, nothing is for sale"

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Congrats on the first place Jerry! I totaly agree with you as I also carve only for enjoyment. I think a sign is not a bad idea, it has to be a good feeling that people want to buy your carvings.

Dave

[Merle Rice]

I feel if you don't want people to ask you those questions then my question to you is , why do you enter the shows? When people see something that they like and would like to have they want to buy it if they can afford it. So for you to take it as an imposition you are missing out, it is a compliment and you should enjoy it. They seem to like it even if you don't. Would like for you to post it for us to admire, Thanks, Merle

[Clifford_Parker]

Originally Posted by Merle Rice

I feel if you don't want people to ask you those questions then my question to you is , why do you enter the shows?

The first line of the original post answers this very well. "I recently attended a carving show in Muncie Indiana to show my work and to participate in the carving activities". Wanting to let other carvers see, critique, and talk about your carvings and to enjoy the classes and company of other carvers is enough for some.

Congrats on the win and I see nothing wrong with the sign you suggested.

[Mitchell]

A simple "Not for sale" should do. No need to explain why.

IF you do plan or want to sell, have a price in mind BEFORE showing so that you are prepared when/if asked.

[brent]

I 100% agree with Mitchell and Clifford.
A friend says that if he wanted a job, he would go to work. Doesn't like a schedule either. Started carving for fun.
But like it was stated, it has to make you feel good for someone to ask

Take my problem over the years. When I was able to sell my work, no one ever asked or bought. Then when I would drop my license, everybody would ask if I ever sold any. I couldn't win, so I gave up trying.

I figure if someone would offer me enough for a piece,and their price was right, I would sell it and then pay the tax on it if need be.
Mainly though, it is a hobby.

[Mark Dellinger]

Jerry,
Congrats on the placing. I wish I would have known about the show I may have been able to have stopped by.uncies not far from me. I think the sign is a good idea if you have no desire to sell your carvings. If they are already completed and you are not personally attached I don't see anything wrong with selling them. You could post a sign that you don't do orders, that way you still carve for fun and don't have to worry about pressure. If another show in Muncie comes up let me know. I will try to stop by and introduce myself.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[carver33]

As I usually carve something different every time I start a new carving, and carve for my own satisfaction, I usually spend a lot of hours on a carving. When asked how much, I usually quote several hundred dollars. If it sells, that's fine, if not, that's fine also. I've given away more carvings to appreciative friends then I've sold.