[dchilders]

This is my first post to the forums, as I just established my membership yesterday.

I'm truly anxious to see who and what is going on in the world of woodcarving. I am planning retirement mid-next year and I hope to establish myself as a wood carver to fill quite a bit of my down-time during retirement. I hope there is also a means to create "some income" through the sale of my work, if it meets anyone's expectations.

This forum should be the place to find out.

Thanks for the opportunity to view and display in near future.

David
Southeast Missouri

[Mottles]

Hello and Welcome David, congratulations upon your up coming retirement. Woodcarving is a wonderful hobby I haven't really got into the selling of my carvings. For me it's mostly a rewarding hobby.
Don't get me wrong if someone wanted to buy a carving I'd probably sell it to them. I'm considering taking a commission for a carved mantle piece. Fortunately, I don't have to make the mantle just carve a relief into it.
There are some wonderful carvers and woodburners on this site and all really generous with their expertis.
Kathy

[susieq]

Welcome David,
You have come to the right place. So much experience on this website and everyone is willing to share what they know. Good luck with your endevors. I didn't think about selling my work when I started. But lucky for me, there is a huge demand for my specialty and it worked out. I started selling my work by accident, then started setting up at the annual woodcarving show our local club put on, then adding another show that a different club put on, and it sort of mushroomed. Sometimes these things take on a life of their own.

I would advise you to carve what you love, carve to make yourself happy and others will probably love what you do also. I wish you well with this. It is a good feeling. Though I would hate to try and make a living at it, some folks do. Mark Yundt, a regular on here, has been making his living at this for a few years. It can be done.

[Irishman]

I viewed your profile David and you should see carving as a second career as your still young yet. As for selling your carving, try to be patient. Have some fun with it first and you'll find your nitch...and before you know it, people will give your money for what you enjoy. My hobbie can't keep up with the demand as cottage lovers all want a wooden character at there entrance. Hope you enjoy the site.
Patrick

[Donna_T]

Welcome, neighbor.
We're glad you could join us. Hope you enjoy your experience of learning to carve wood. If there's a carving club in your area, I'd encourage you to attend and learn from them. It's the very best way. You can learn without being in a club--but it's sure easier if you can connect with other carvers.
Good Luck in your carving experiences.

Hope you get lots of good ideas hee.

Donna T