Friday, August 28, 2015

Friday Afternoon Custom

Good Afternoon,

No one was interested this morning, so lets see if any is interested this afternoon.

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.

Update:  OneBlueWeim, you've got the custom!

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Thursday Morning Custom

Good Morning,

It's that time of the day where I start working on tomorrow... Do we have anyone interested this morning?

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.
Update:  It's yours Morganaa

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Wednesday Evening

Good Evening,

I just looked at LHC, and I apologize if we've somehow indicated that Holly is available. 

All we have in stock, and I don't have a great deal of it is spalted holly.  I've been searching for premium holly now for well over a year, to no avail.  The spalted holly that we have in stock was a purchase I made several years ago that was presented online as pure white holly... it wasn't, it was spalted, I was bait and switched and paid a premium.  For this reason, I don't purchase woods online, other than from trusted sources.  My preference is, and always has been to purchase all varieties of woods locally where I can examine the wood, prior to purchase.

Again, sorry if there was any confusion.

Wednesday Morning Custom Time

Good Morning,

Do we have anyone interested this morning?

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.
Update:  Congrats Wildcat, you've got the custom.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Custom time

Good Morning,

 Anyone up for a custom today?

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.
Update:  AmIGoingCrazy, you've got the custom!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Sunday Afternoon

Good Afternoon,

What a fantastic day in Kansas City, we're talking southern California nice.  70 degrees, zero humidity and not a cloud in the sky, it seems like we get maybe 4 or 5 of these kind of days per year.  Well, that meant only one thing, a Harley ride to Lawrence (home of the KU Jayhawks), for lunch with plenty of back road sights and smells.  135 miles of pure bliss, and Ivy had her picture taken on the back of the Harley no less than 100 times... she just makes people smile with her hair whipping in the wind.

So, we get back home only to discover the same 4 sticks in inventory that we had when I woke up this morning... that's just wrong on so many levels and it needs to be resolved.  As most of you know, I don't like looking at inventory.

I had to actually do a little ETSY studying, something I really don't like doing... the studying part that is.  I learned how to create a "Coupon Code", and I named it "TTGET15".

I'm announcing it only on the blog, no where else... why you ask, because I can.  As far as I'm concerned, if you're going to the effort of looking at this, you might as well be the beneficiaries.  If there's a stick currently in inventory that you like, enter the coupon code at checkout and you'll automatically receive a 15% discount (at least that's what it's suppose to do, and if it doesn't we'll fix it so you get the discount).

It's 5:15 PM my time, and I suspect I'll be ready for bed around 8:30... pretty exciting guy huh?  When I'm shutting the computer down for the night, that's when the sale ends.  So, if you've been on the fence, now's the time, there's no telling when we'll have another sale.

Have a Great Night!

Update:

I'm not going to make it to 8:30, I'm sunburned and tired... the code remains until tomorrow.

Goodnight, I'm whipped!

Update:  Monday Morning

The coupon code has expired, there is no longer a discount. 

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Saturday Morning Custom Time

Good Morning,

 Finished your coffee yet?  It's that time... any takers?

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.
Congrats Willowyn, you've got the custom.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Custom Time

Good Afternoon,

 I've got some space on the board... any takers?

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.
Congrats Sarah M, you've got the custom!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Where's the Bottom?

 


Good Afternoon,

Let's play a game, it's been a while.  It's roughly 2:00  PM (CST) my time, and I'm thinking we start a fabulous new game of "Where's the Bottom" game at 6:00 PM.

It's $175 right now, and beginning at 6:00 I'm going to begin reducing the price every 15-20 minutes until we find the bottom. 

Good Luck, so who's going to get today's steal?

Have a great Afternoon!



Oh, what the heck, let's do this one also, it'll save us doing a FNS.

 
 
 
 
And, just because I can... an added twist!   The prices may not just go down, I might raise the price every now and then just to keep you on your toes.
 
 
 
Oh, what the hell...
 
 
 
 
 
Update 7:10 PM
 
Last call Ladies, prices go back up in 15 minutes.
 
Goodnight, TT is closed.
 
 

 
 


Surprise Custom

Since we've got no takers for the custom time slot, Quasi, send me a note!

I've got 2 Paua's that I'm working on that will be finished later today, and if you like purple, today is your lucky day.

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Saturday Morning Custom

Good Morning,

 I've got an open spot on the board... is anyone interested?

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a winner... Sweet Cipriana!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Custom Time

Good Morning,

 I've got space on the board... any takers?

 As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.
Update:

Congrats Alpine Owl, you've got the custom!

and... Rury Chan you also won a custom order!

Friday Night Sale

Good Morning,

The next Friday Night Sale will be held on August 14, beginning at 1:00 PM CST (US), 8:00 PM (CEST). We will de-activate all inventory late Friday morning for price adjustment with an overall discount of approximately 20% - 25%. Everything will be re-activated at exactly 1:00.  Good Luck! (Please check your own individual time zone to make sure the start time aligns with 1:00 PM Central Standard Time in the United States.)

Have a Great Thursday!

 

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Custom Time

Good Afternoon,

We didn't have any takers this morning, so let's try again... anyone up for a custom?

As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.
Update:

Congrats Doodlesmart, you won the custom!

Monday, August 10, 2015

Custom Time

Good Morning,

Anyone up for a custom?

As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.

Have a great day!

Congrats kibiC, you won the custom.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Custom Time

Good Saturday Afternoon,

Who'd like a custom?

As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.

Have a great day!

Update:

Congrats Kherome...  you've got it!

Thursday, August 6, 2015

TT Update

Good Morning,

Early on when I started the blog I had mentioned that there was a story behind the laser.  So, for  those of you that remember Paul Harvey, here's the rest of the story.

Some of you may recall that back in January I had ordered a new laser because my old laser was hit or miss at best, plus it wasn't powerful enough to engrave ebony.  From a pricing standpoint, consider the cost of a new laser the equivalent of a new mid sized vehicle, they're not cheap. 

Fast forward to March, the big day came, packaged in a box the size of a smart car (literally, I know this because Erin drives a smart car and it replaced her car in the garage, and it weighed in at about 200 pounds).  The rep and I spent 2 days setting it up and training and life was good, finally.

Now, fast forward 3 whole days, and the new laser has stopped working.  Clearly a case of operator error, right?  Well, of course the rep had a schedule, and he couldn't get back to KC for additional training for 2 weeks, so now we're into April.

The rep visited again, and to his surprise he couldn't get it to work either, so he assumed we had a bad mother board, and ordered a new one.  Don't worry he said, it's a simple installation,  and he was off again.

Well, most things should be simple for someone that's been doing it for 20 years... not someone who has owned it now, inoperably for 3 weeks.  So another 2 weeks go by and he comes back to install the mother board, something that I couldn't have figured out how to do in a lifetime.

He finally get's the new mother board installed, and you guessed it... it still didn't work.  OK, OK, I've got it figured out now he said, we need a new rotary attachment, that'll fix the problem, so they sent me a new rotary.  Yep, you guessed it again, except now, it's not their problem... it's mine.  Clearly my computer isn't strong enough to run this powerful machine, so you need to buy a new computer and here are the spec's.  GULP, hey... what's another thousand dollars, I need this machine.  So now I've got the computer... and once again you guessed it.  Now HQ's technical support team determined that my new computer wasn't set up correctly, so I needed to send it to them for them for it to be configured correctly.  Of course they determined once they had it in hand that it had a bad port, so they replaced it... thus voiding the warranty and any chance of a return.

OK, so now we're into June.  Keep in mind that in order for all of this gloriousness to happen I had to pony up a $1,200 deposit in January, and my lease payments are $450 per month that I had to begin paying in February.  So, I'm not real happy about the situation, and trust me, I have a colorful vocabulary, and everyone learned that in short order.

I get the computer back, spend hours re-setting everything up... and it still didn't work, and now I don't even understand all the stuff they've done to the new computer, it's worthless to me at this point.  So now it's time bring in the experts, 2 tech support people fly to KC from Phoenix along with their trunkful of tools and diagnostic stuff, and spend 2 days taking the machine apart.  By 3:00 in the afternoon the 2nd day, I finally broke... pardon my French, but as the machine was sitting there in hundreds of parts, I told them to pack their shit up and get out of my house, I want my money back.

Apparently it wasn't a concept they were accustomed to, so I had to go to the top, and after a month of deliberation on their part,  I received my refund check last week, 7 months after it all started.  So this is my new laser story.

During all of this time however, I still had the old laser and just kept limping along.  Bear in mind, the old laser ruins at least 1/3rd of the sticks I make for one reason or another, up until 2 days ago when it died entirely. 

So here I sit, out thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours wasted and laser-less.  I can drive it to Denver to get it fixed, it's roughly a 10 hour drive.  However at $200 per hour, with an estimated 3-4 days repair time, along with me sitting in a hotel for the duration, doesn't hold much appeal.  So what do I do?

I've begun initial research into a new laser company, but it's a long drawn out and expensive process, and sadly we're not independently wealthy, I have to earn a living now... like everyone else, we've got bills to pay.  I could just take the sticks to my old engraver as we did in the very beginning.  The problem there is that now I'm making sticks for free, as his engraving charges would eat up whatever profit there is on any given stick.  That's the reason we bought the 1st laser to begin with.

So here's what I'm going to do, as my options are quite limited at this point.  We're going back to the good old days of banded sticks.  The only other alternative is for me to brush up my resume, and that is absolutely the last thing I want to do.  That said however, by the same token I'm not going to ask Erin to live under a bridge with me.

So there you have it... "The rest of the story". 

Later today I'll be announcing another "custom time".  Banded sticks are the only options.  If I get a request for an engraved stick, I'm simply going to provide a link to this posting.  Please don't think I'm trying to be a jerk by doing so, I just simply don't want to write this over and over again through ETSY conversations.  The simple truth is that I have a full platter right now in front of me, and lengthy conversations are not a priority.

For those that don't know what a "banded stick" looks like, here's one I did yesterday - https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1052409599

We truly apologize for the inconvenience but I hope you understand the pickle we're in.

Thanks
Doug





Saturday, August 1, 2015

Custom Time

Good Saturday Afternoon,

Who'd like a custom?

As a reminder, here are the rules of the "Custom Time" game.
  • Existing design only, no "create it from scratch" designs.  Ebony and Holly are not available.
  • The only information needed is a link to the sold or active stick, along with allowable changes which are wood type, gemstone / metal/metal flake inlays and length.  If it requires more information than what's listed above, it's considered a "create it from scratch" design.
  • Just one order, and the 1st to reply thru an ETSY conversation gets the custom.  
  • You are only eligible to win once in a 30 day time frame, and the custom order is non-transferable.

Have a great day!

Update: 

Congrats Vitaelis, you've won the custom.