Very First Carving & A Few Questions

[Brad Wardman]

Ok...here is my very first project off the machine (Not including the first two tutorial plans and some practice shapes).

This is right off the machine. Has not yet been sanded or cleaned up....I think it turned out pretty well, as I just carved "normal" on pine. Didn't quite cut all the way through on the outline, so needs a little TLC (board was a hair thicker than the pattern(was being safe on my first cut through)). Size is 11" x 18"...project from "Little Red Woodshop" with my lettering and sign details

Anyway, the questions...
How would you all finish this when it comes to painting/staining/etc ??
Also, what would you sell something like this for $$$ at a small town craft show (We are definitely not Chicago or LA LOL !!) We have a small lake community with a fair amount of fishing tourists, as I thought I could sell these at our local craft market.

Thanks Much,
Brad

[Smoken D]

Really nice pattern and sure came out nice. I'll have to look at getting that pattern for up here on Truman Lake When it comes to painting, you are the artist. I gave up on pricing, makes no sense to me how to charge. Good Luck and Great Job on the first carve!

[LittleRedWoodshop]

Thanks Ike ...

[Skyhawk]

Great job Brad!

Finishing is kind of a personal thing, I personally would stain a fairly light color, maybe Golden Oak, and paint the lettering black...and possibly gold for the filigree.

As for pricing you need to take in a few things into account. Wood cost, finish materials cost, and time which should include carving time and finishing time...The amounts that you charge for the labor should reflect the area that you're in, and what the market will bear.

On normal carve this probably took about 90 minutes to carve. If you use the method that I've outlined the finish will cost $3-4 for the supplies. I would guess that you'll spend an hour on sanding and another on the finishing process. Depending on the type of pine you probably have another $5 in wood costs. If all of this is accurate, this would leave you at $9 in hard costs, plus 2 hours full labor and 1.5 hours carving time. I would probably ask $25-$35 and see how they sell!

[b.sumner47]

Brad, you made a nice sign, different shape and I like the backround color - pink like the meat. Capt Barry

[b.sumner47]

Reel nice, ,clean, and sharp lines. Welcome Aboard ! Capt Barry

[eelamb]

Nice work Brad, are you thinking of the Branson crafts? I have always thought the CW work would sell well in Branson, and Harrison area. Yet all around Table rock is a good area to sell crafts.

[Brad Wardman]

Thanks everyone for the welcome, praise and any finishing tips. Looks like we have a fair number of MO folks here as well !! I am in Shell Knob, we have our own little tourist area here....don't think I want to deal with Branson for quite some time LOL. This is just a hobby for my Dad & I, so recouping costs and making a few dollars is all we are looking for.....not trying to live off it.
Thanks again everyone....working on a practice run of Colt grips right now....will post pics of the sign once finished.
Brad

[fwharris]

Brad,

Great job on the first carve! Great advice for the others. One thing you might try/do is a combo of some just stained and some with painting. Give them a little bit of an option to choose from. You will soon find out what the best direction to go to based on how they react and the comments you recieve.

Happy carving!

[LittleRedWoodshop]

Brad ... that turned out really nice. one thing that I might have done was ad draft to the pattern and the letters. As far as the finishing it is a matter of personal preference....

I would put a little paint on the sign (help show the detail in the fish), then do a little sanding and then stain it a medium color ... the antique look.