[Woodcarver] What you all carving?

[Joe Dillett]

Hey Jim,

I've done many of those types of mantels. My standard pricing ranged between $4.50 to $5 per square inch of carved surface, plus material. In your case the customer is furnishing the wood so a 6-foot long by 6-inches high 432 square inches of carved surface times $5 per square inch = $2,160.  Having done a bunch of mantels I've gotten fast at doing them. You may consider going a little higher per square inch if you feel it's not enough.

Typically my mantels were carved to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. The sketch I would show them for approval would be full size and show all the important things that they wanted but I purposely avoided getting too detailed on the sketch. My carving would show a lot more detail then the sketch, which made the customer feel like they were getting more for their money.

Joe Dillett
The Carving Shop
645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
Somonauk, IL. 60552

(815) 498-9290 phone
(815) 498-9249 fax
http://www.thecarvingshop.net [business web site]
http://www.carvingmagazine.com ['Ask Joe' column]
http://community.webshots.com/user/joe_dillett
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  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Williams 
  To: Carvers List 
  Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 6:01 PM
  Subject: Re: [Woodcarver] What you all carving?


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  Hi
  I have been carving for twenty years and have carved a lot of different things.  Lots of Santas and other figures, Native American busts, relief carvings, etc.  But I am about to take on a new item.  I have been asked to carve a basswood mantel piece.  It is 6 foot long and 6 inches thick from top to bottom.  The customer wants the entire front of the mantel carved with a scene that is not yet completely determined.  However, I know that he wants a cabin, mountains in the background, a stream, several deer, flying ducks, a wolf, trees, etc.  I have just started working with this guy and I am going to have to come up with a final sketch based on a future discussion of what his priorities are.  I feel confident that I can provide him with a quality product that he will enjoy.  My only real problem is trying to figure out how much to charge him for such a project.  He will provide the mantel, it is already made.  I will do the carving and then stain it, seal it and wax it.  I have only carved a few items on commission so far and could use any help that any one can provide me to figure out what is a reasonable price.  From sample pictures he has shown me, he wants this carved fairly deep, not just a shallow relief.
  Any commments out there?
  Thanks
  Jim
   
  From: jdillett at thecarvingshop.net
  To: woodcarver at carverscompanion.com
  Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:03:10 -0500
  Subject: [Woodcarver] What you all carving?


Friends in Carving: Please support our List - visit carverscompanion.com/List/Support.html to donate.  
  Just wondering what you all are carving this days. I just finished carving 3 nails to go on the table with a crown of thorns that I made for an Easter center piece. I'm also working on an onlay (basket with fruits and nuts) to go on a 20 by 48-inch panel for a kitchen. Anyone doing anything spring or Easter related? Joe Dillett The Carving Shop 645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3 Somonauk, IL. 60552 (815) 498-9290 phone (815) 498-9249 fax http://www.thecarvingshop.net [business web site] http://www.carvingmagazine.com ['Ask Joe' column] http://community.webshots.com/user/joe_dillett ******************************************************************

  Just wondering what you all are carving this days. 

  I just finished carving 3 nails to go on the table with a crown of thorns that I made for an Easter center piece. I'm also working on an onlay (basket with fruits and nuts) to go on a 20 by 48-inch panel for a kitchen.

  Anyone doing anything spring or Easter related?

  Joe Dillett
  The Carving Shop
  645 E. LaSalle St. Suite 3
  Somonauk, IL. 60552

  (815) 498-9290 phone
  (815) 498-9249 fax
  http://www.thecarvingshop.net [business web site]
  http://www.carvingmagazine.com ['Ask Joe' column]
  http://community.webshots.com/user/joe_dillett
  ******************************************************************

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