Are you turning more with Christmas approaching?

[David Wyke]

I’ve been a little shocked with request for bowls lately. I chose not to do any shows this year and when some past customers found out I wasn’t doing the 3 day Christmas show this year they have come to my home to buy bowls and hollow forms. They also brought friends with them that bought. Some have went through my shop and put their name on finished bowls and hollow forms that have not had the finish applied.
I gave a few bowls to a hospital for a cancer raffle and gave a few to friends. Someone saw the bowls, asked if I could do five bowls about the same size out of the same type wood. I dug out 7 cherry bowls from 2023 and told them I could second turn them in the next couple of weeks, they gave a deposit and said do it.
I’m a little shocked with all the requests but I guess it comes in waves. Don’t want this to become a job and usually just try to sell enough to support the hobby.
Is anyone seeing an increase in request for their work?
Maybe this is just a fluk for me

 

[Richard Coers]

Yup! I’m doing two shows this year, so another 2 dozen yet to go.

 

[John K Jordan]

I'm turning less, like almost nothing, too busy with farm and fencing. My Lovely Bride did put in a couple of orders for friends but they will be simple. Some are already waiting on the shelf.

A friend turns amazing ornament globes so I'll be making finials in the next week or two. These are all donated and sold to support a local children's hospital.

JKJ

 

[Curt Fuller]

I’ve been a little shocked with request for bowls lately. I chose not to do any shows this year and when some past customers found out I wasn’t doing the 3 day Christmas show this year they have come to my home to buy bowls and hollow forms. They also brought friends with them that bought. Some have went through my shop and put their name on finished bowls and hollow forms that have not had the finish applied.
I gave a few bowls to a hospital for a cancer raffle and gave a few to friends. Someone saw the bowls, asked if I could do five bowls about the same size out of the same type wood. I dug out 7 cherry bowls from 2023 and told them I could second turn them in the next couple of weeks, they gave a deposit and said do it.
I’m a little shocked with all the requests but I guess it comes in waves. Don’t want this to become a job and usually just try to sell enough to support the hobby.
Is anyone seeing an increase in request for their work?
Maybe this is just a fluk for me

If you don't want this to become a job, quit turning such beautiful bowls from such beautiful wood. Seriously though, you might try raising your prices or maybe just start saying no. But I'm afraid the word is out and you're going to be busy.

 

[David Wyke]

If you don't want this to become a job, quit turning such beautiful bowls from such beautiful wood. Seriously though, you might try raising your prices or maybe just start saying no. But I'm afraid the word is out and you're going to be busy.

Thanks Curt. My pricing is in line with the professional turners at the gallery I’m at and most I see online. I’m usually turning something every day or at least 4-5 days a week. I have had to say no several times as I like doing my own thing. I turn what I want, if you want it fine, if you don’t that’s fine too.
Just wondering if everyone’s turning increases this time of year.