I need your honest advice

[Colin-Partridge]

As most of you know I had ventured out and started doing some Santa's with actual quilting material deco parged onto them. As I am always looking for new ideas and different ways to step out of the box I decided give this a try. As always I ask for critisism contructive or not and also whether or not you like what I am doing. Not that I need my ego stroked if you knew me you would realize I dont have a big ego. I carve and create for two reasons firstly because I love to work with my hands and secondly as a business. I have recieved pro's and cons on the quilted Santa's. Some people love them others not so much. I have been told they are really not wood carvings because of the deco parge.I do actually carve each one before the quilting. I personally dont so the difference whether they are painted or deco parged it is still covering up the wood. Having said that I still paint my Santa's and can do so with great detail which I love to do. To cut all those little squares and stick them on one at a time takes me a lot longer to do than painting believe me. So I need all of your honest opinions I wont be offended just need to know if I should persue this medium or stay with the painted one's. Heck I had one beaded for me in Mexico and was humbled by the talent of the young man that beaded it for me to me it is my most prized Santa in my collection. So let me know if you dont mind I look forward to your replies.
Colin

[North Wind]

I think you should do what ever you like. If they are carved than that is what they are. I don`t really like to paint but bass wood is kinda boring so I do it but if i was useing figured wood I would not paint. If you like what you are doing than you do it. It may not be the norm but it is something that you like. I say GO FOR IT. Just my thought. Vince

[Sharon of the Dell]

Like Vince said. I like the material on them. But I'm also a quilter. Anyway, I think it's great idea and different. Why conform to others ideas. You're a trend setter!

[Nomad]

I think it's a terrific idea and shows creativity and thinking "outside the box."

[Robson Valley]

Paint is so terribly "common." Ignore the critics. . . most of them, their taste is restricted to their mouth. To start a trend, somebody has to be first, cutting the trail. Keep going. The rest are just followers.
I don't hesitate to use bone, stone, shell or mineral on my carvings. If it's good enough for the First Nations carvers of the Pacific Northwest, good enough for me.

[rcurtism]

My two cents is not worth one most of the time but here goes. I have seen the ones you have posted and to be honest I love the cloth on the coat and pants part but that hat made it seem a bit much. A couple I had to stare at a while to deside if they were painted or deco parged but either way I was amazed at the look. I say do what every you feel works for you. Also if you are doing this for extra money then do a few that don't work for you and see which ones sells.

[Robert Cahill]

I have looked at them and I really do like them. But if I were to purchase a carving that is what I would want a carving and not something covered up. Now that is just my opinion obviously other disagree.

[Josef]

Jeez, you need to ask? Heck, to hell with critics and naysayers. Do as you see fit no matter the subject. If they sell, they sell, if they don't, then you know they are not a good idea. Everyone has a separate opinion as to what constitutes a 'real' carving...who cares???? Do what makes you happy and prosperous and kudos to you for originality. Joe.

[Buffalo Bif]

Follow your heart, man. Imagine if Picasso had asked that, or Andy Warhol....

[Kadiddle]

Colin, I like to leave the butternut ones onatural just becouse I love the way they look once they are oiled. Even some of the other woods look great with just there own grain showing. I think though that we have our own style and we are known and recognized by our style. Maybe you have found a new style. Follow your heart.
Carve On,
Kadiddle