Crafters Corner 2025

Firecrest - carved from driftwood for a customer

 

Love that @Jungle Jane

 

Me too, its stunning!

 

That's lovely Jungle Jane. I remember your work from a few years ago.

 

Thank you very much

Yes I don't really do it as much as I used to do now. I was selling them in a local art gallery and the owner pretty much made me into a factory so don't really make them as much as I used to. This one was a commission from a collector

 

I understand how you feel. When a hobby turns into a workload it loses its appeal. I did the same sewing for others.

 

I had to stop doing "Pet portraits" for the same reason. I found I didnt have time to paint what I wanted.
Your carving is so beautiful and must've taken hours and hours @Jungle Jane

 

I have been carving for about 13 years and some members may remember my earlier work. It sort of started off as a hobby but then quickly turned into satisfying what people wanted just to give me an income.

The gallery I was working for would take 40% per sale as well and while they were popular it got to a point where she said to me "I want 11 robins" one Christmas and I had to turn round and say no. Some birds I'd only make £15-20 out of in the end once commissions are taken out.

There's quite a few artists who want to get into galleries for the prestige but it really ain't all it's cracked up to be. You are pleasing the owner and the demand which is a flash in the pan.

I work as a professional gardener now and while that too was a hobby I feel happier doing that at the moment.

Thank you but it only took an hour to carve. Painting it is the more time consuming part.

 

There is some kind of knitting group in our village and they have covered just about evert tree and bush in our village square in knitted tat. Even the small concrete pavement pillars have knitted condoms covering them. The whole square looks a mess. They should be knitting for a worthwhile cause. Anyone know why they are doing this.

 

Maybe they're just keen knitters who hoped to cheer people up with their creativity? Alas, you can't please everybody all of the time

 

I think @Jenny namaste might be able to answer that for you.

 

No idea - seems in very poor taste in my opinion.
jenny namaste

 

I am a keen knitter @Jenny namaste and I agree with you.

 

Maybe they were just for Easter? I've seen such little extravaganzas popping up at significant dates, such as Royal events, like jubilees and coronations. But they do seem to be becoming more frequent. Ho hum.

 

Sorry @Jenny namaste. I thought you may have an idea as I think you've done something similar in your area in the past.