When I started seriously working as a marine woodcarver, I had a silly idea that I’d be concentrating on transom banners, billet heads, and quarterboards. It took a woman at a New Hampshire show who wanted me to carve a portrait of her husband’s boat to show me that it was going to be much more.
I also began selling my wooden spoons at shows for supplemental income. They were pretty much plain, straight shaft spoons. A customer walked up and persuaded me to make spoons with curved handles. Not only curved, but reciprocally curved. Those spoons, she said, offered the cook multiple options for gripping and holding the spoon.
Advice like that I received from my customers is like receiving a golden fleece. But without all the effort of adventure, marketing research, mishaps, or trouble. Both tips led to success in sales and satisfying artistic endeavors.
OK. The spoons in the photo are lying on my workbench this afternoon. The straight with the straight shaft one is almost done. But the curved one has a way to go before the curvatures are “fair” in the maritime parlance, and comfortable to the hand. The bowls need to be sanded and polished afterwards. Then they’ll be treated with the mix of beeswax and mineral oil I use to seal them. Afterward, they’ll fit in someone’s stocking for a Christmas present!
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That curve in the handle is everything. I have one spoon that has a wonderful bowl and the handle is long enough to keep my hand away from the heat, but….if I could only bend it just a little bit. Handle is way too stiff. Smart request from that customer, Lou.
Of course, on the occasion that one of the cats is supervising me in the shop, they take all the credit.
Would love to have a fraction of your skills 😀
Thank you
Your spoons are so good Lou
They are fun to create, because even when they have a family resemblance to others I make, they are unique because the wood is different and restricts and frees your efforts.
I love my spoons, Lou.
I’m glad you do!
The curved handle was a brilliant idea.
Lots of customers have good ideas, if you listen to them. Some business owners are too hung up on themselves to care.