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Post by Tonyterner on Nov 7, 2008 14:22:10 GMT -5
I got the catalog today. I'm thinking it was through that company Exolite or whatever it is that I sent you too for belt buckles. I've been fighting this mentality with my woodturning for years. There is no winning, other than finding the people who know what they are looking at and appreciate quality. Very few people would buy a hand turned bowl by me over one thats "just like it" at Wal-Mart. And don't forget those women who always think their husband can do whatever you can do.
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steelandstone
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2008
Posts: 500
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Post by steelandstone on Nov 7, 2008 18:20:16 GMT -5
Conversation always seems to trail to cab shape when the subject of quality vs. mass produced is brought up. Nowdays it seems that many are stuck on the idea that a freeform shape is a requirement for a unique hancrafted cab. I did nothing but freeforms for quite some time and I shunned the traditional shapes altogether. I have since learned the error of my beginner ways. There is a time and a place for freeforms but also times when only a traditional shape will do. Like when you have such an exquisite pattern or picture on a cab that you dont want it overpowered by a multi-cornered uneven shape. Another reason I shunned traditional shapes as a beginner was because they were HARD. I often used the excuse that they were boring but it is not easy to keep a round shape perfectly round. Or an oval even at both ends. You cant just mess up and say oh well, it now has three corners instead of four, like you can with freeforms. For those that were like me and flat out refuse to make traditional shaped cabs because they are "boring", challenge yourself instead of avoiding them. Become skilled with freeforms AND traditional shapes as is it makes for a more highly skilled lapidarist. My cabs are unique hand crafted pieces even though the shapes are traditional and I dont think anyone would call bobby1's oval beauties boring. Shannon As much as I can see your side of it I actually started out doing standard ovals and Triangles and other standard geometrical shapes and have transitioned into freeforms. I have such Linear / Drafting / Mechanical drawing background and personality it was hard from me to do Ovals or Circles. Not because I felt they were harder it was because that is what the other 10 vendors in the show had. I want to be different and unique. No two of my cabs or any other freefromers cabs will be the same. I get more comments from people that come to my booth and say Wow these shapes are really cool, and different. Thats what I like to hear.
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snivlem
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2008
Posts: 167
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Post by snivlem on Nov 8, 2008 0:59:33 GMT -5
Conversation always seems to trail to cab shape when the subject of quality vs. mass produced is brought up. Nowdays it seems that many are stuck on the idea that a freeform shape is a requirement for a unique hancrafted cab. I did nothing but freeforms for quite some time and I shunned the traditional shapes altogether. I have since learned the error of my beginner ways. There is a time and a place for freeforms but also times when only a traditional shape will do. Like when you have such an exquisite pattern or picture on a cab that you dont want it overpowered by a multi-cornered uneven shape. Another reason I shunned traditional shapes as a beginner was because they were HARD. I often used the excuse that they were boring but it is not easy to keep a round shape perfectly round. Or an oval even at both ends. You cant just mess up and say oh well, it now has three corners instead of four, like you can with freeforms. For those that were like me and flat out refuse to make traditional shaped cabs because they are "boring", challenge yourself instead of avoiding them. Become skilled with freeforms AND traditional shapes as is it makes for a more highly skilled lapidarist. My cabs are unique hand crafted pieces even though the shapes are traditional and I dont think anyone would call bobby1's oval beauties boring. Shannon As much as I can see your side of it I actually started out doing standard ovals and Triangles and other standard geometrical shapes and have transitioned into freeforms. I have such Linear / Drafting / Mechanical drawing background and personality it was hard from me to do Ovals or Circles. Not because I felt they were harder it was because that is what the other 10 vendors in the show had. I want to be different and unique. No two of my cabs or any other freefromers cabs will be the same. I get more comments from people that come to my booth and say Wow these shapes are really cool, and different. Thats what I like to hear. I say that both have their advantages creatively. Not being confined, you can find that magical scene in a slab, and bring it to life without any limitations. Almost all of my designs are done this way. I also really enjoy making larger pieces, and that is actually the trend in jewelry now anyways..but-when confining yourself to a standard shape, you can force yourself to see with a different eye, and sometimes scenes emerge you would have never envisioned. Kinda like the rectangle edges of a camera. They can confine wonderful imagery that would never be seen if the whole scene was visible. Why limit yourself to not limiting yourself! And what is the name of the catalog that was received?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2008 1:08:28 GMT -5
Good points. Im sorry.......I got rid of the catalog and I dont remember the name. It was all in black and white and had no photos though so one would have to buy sight unseen.
Shannon
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UtahRockHound
spending too much on rocks
Sometimes your the Windshield, sometimes your the Rock.
Member since May 2008
Posts: 301
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Post by UtahRockHound on Nov 8, 2008 4:00:44 GMT -5
I dislike the mass produced. I have always believed in something that someone has put their heart into.
One way to look at it. If a person buys the cheap stuff, it is costume jewelry, and easily lost. If they buy the quality stuff, then they appreciate how much it took to craft it. Long after the cheap stuff is lost, yours will be adding beauty to the person. Who knows, maybe they will pass it on to their children/grandchildren, and you have created a cherished memory for someone.
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randy
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 117
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Post by randy on Nov 8, 2008 15:04:42 GMT -5
I think the solution to the issue of foreign cheap products vs. locally manufactured and more expensive items is rather simple. I had a similar discussion about Nike shoes that are made overseas by underpaid and undertalented manufacturers; don't buy the product. If people really want the manufacturing efforts to come back to the local level, then it is the only possible way to force large companies to bring manufacturing back from overseas. I think it is very reasonable that Nike would stop making tennis shoes in asian sweat shops in less than one year if the market place refused to by the product. It would require some spine on the part of the consumer, but it would absolutely have the desired result. The exact same market influences apply to cheap, trashy cabachons.
Sorry, but I had to get on my soapbox for a moment to a crowd that might just listen with open ears rather than an open wallet.
Randy
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