Parting with a piece

Mischief · #1 03-25-2008, 07:30 AM

I notice many here sell their pieces. Maybe its because I am just a beginner and have but 3 pieces to my name but how do you bare parting with your pieces? I mean I would like to think that oneday, someone would actually want to pay me something for one of my carvings but..i think i would cry. Tell me how it felt to sell that first piece!!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 03-25-2008, 08:20 AM

My earlier carvings sat around so long I was tired of looking at them ha ha

Lynn O. Doughty · #3 03-25-2008, 08:38 AM

Charlie Russell said it best..."I raised my children to leave home!" Sure, I'm sad to see them go but the vacant space they occupied is quickly filled by something else. The thought that someone else finds my work worthy of becoming part of their life is a warm and proud one and that they are willing to pay me for it only adds to the experience.

Alice in Wonderland · #4 03-25-2008, 06:05 PM

I know what you mean ,I have to build a bigger house soon because I can not part with any of my pieces. They became so much part of me that I have a hard time giving or selling any :-(((((
Alice

Kenny_S · #5 03-25-2008, 06:17 PM

Amen Lynn. Good statements.
Yes, when I started, I wondered then why some one would want a carving carved my me. Now so many years have past, I still wonder why on earth would anyone want one of my carvings! LOL
Nope, I am not attached to any of my carvings. However, seems like the first carvings I do of anything does stay at home. It is a little bride thing.......... I guess.
If you keep them all, no one else can enjoy them.

Hugh P. · #6 03-25-2008, 06:23 PM

It felt like making another carving, and I'm not kidding, grin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mischief

I notice many here sell their pieces. Maybe its because I am just a beginner and have but 3 pieces to my name but how do you bare parting with your pieces? I mean I would like to think that oneday, someone would actually want to pay me something for one of my carvings but..i think i would cry. Tell me how it felt to sell that first piece!!

oldmaninthewoods · #7 03-26-2008, 03:26 AM

the joy i get is just carving the piece after iam done then iam ready to start on the next one i just love to see how they come out and i also enjoy the company of the other people in the club each week we talk about as much as we carver it just gets me out of the house a little with other people that enjoy some of the same thing that i do after working all my life and then forced to retire due to my health i have to do some thing to keep from going crazy and to much tv will rot your brain lol

squbrigg · #8 03-26-2008, 07:16 AM

Good timing..... I just ran into the lad that bought my first piece, back in 1982, he still has it, and it is displayed in his home. I offered to buy it back at the same price he paid for it, as a joke, he just laughed and said, " No, no, that's a collectors item now!" I told him I had gotten somewhat better since 1982 and that my pieces sell for considerably higher than the $5 he paid for his.

While it is hard to part with a piece, I carve them with the knowledge that they might go, or in more cases lately, are commissioned, and that the house isn't big enough to keep everything! Commissions are easier to let go, in most cases, because they are usually of something I wouldn't usually carve for myself, but sometimes, they turn out so interesting that you become attached to them and it is hard to let it go to the customer.

Can't have it both ways I suppose! I need the money!

Bob
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Doug Ridley · #9 03-26-2008, 08:58 AM

Here's the deal. A lot of people will admire your work and tell you how wonderful it is, but when some reaches for his wallet or for her purse, then you know they really like it. As soon as I finish something I'm ready for it to go.

Thor · #10 03-26-2008, 09:41 AM

I have sold most of my carvings, and feel pretty lucky that I have.
One thing that really helps me stay aware of them is to keep a portfolio of photos of them. Each one is described, dated and noted as to who bought it or commissioned it as well. It surprises me to look through and remember how many carvings I have done. Plus, it makes a terrific presentation to show someone who is thinking of commissioning a piece.
I have also enjoyed incorporating carvings into the trim all over my house. The little touches of detail here and there are fun to see, but also represent a stage my carving abilities were in.
Thor