Good Morning,
I'm still struggling with all of this EBAY stuff, but I think I've managed to stumble my way through opening up an EBAY store. I don't know whether this is going to be a good thing or not, as EBAYS fees are higher than ETSY's, so we're going to test the waters slowly.
http://stores.ebay.com/timberstoneturnings
If anyone see's anything that I've messed up, (Darkhorse), please let me know, as I'll take all of the free advice I can get.
Thanks, have a great day!
Update:
It just occurred to me that we don't have any experience on the backend of things on EBAY. In other words, what happens when the bidding is over. Given my not so stellar efforts thus far, we're going to post another stick this morning on EBAY on a 36 hour auction and see what happens after the fact, assuming it sells. I would actually like to get the commemorative stick into the winning bidders hands, and going in blind on the backend isn't a very good plan.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Sunday Evening Update
Good Evening,
Thank you Darkhorse, I messed up the international shipping on the commemorative stick. I did the same on the test stick that was previously listed, so at least I'm consistent. It took an hour on the phone with an EBAY rep that walked me through getting it corrected. I wanted to hug the guy afterwards, and I even told him so. He was extremely patient with what had to be a very painful conversation on his end dealing with a moron like me.
As you might imagine, we kind of want our international customers involved if they so wish, I just had it set up as U.S. only... hey, I'm new to this EBAY stuff. I did move it up to 5 days, as we were already down 2 on the 7 day listing.
Sorry, have a good night.
Thank you Darkhorse, I messed up the international shipping on the commemorative stick. I did the same on the test stick that was previously listed, so at least I'm consistent. It took an hour on the phone with an EBAY rep that walked me through getting it corrected. I wanted to hug the guy afterwards, and I even told him so. He was extremely patient with what had to be a very painful conversation on his end dealing with a moron like me.
As you might imagine, we kind of want our international customers involved if they so wish, I just had it set up as U.S. only... hey, I'm new to this EBAY stuff. I did move it up to 5 days, as we were already down 2 on the 7 day listing.
Sorry, have a good night.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
A question for you
Good Morning,
Yesterday I received a custom request for a Paris themed stick. Well, I don't have any such thing, so the request would technically fall under the "create it from scratch" category, which we charge more for accounting for design time, etc. I'm thinking about waiving the additional fee, pending a question I have for you.
As often happens, my mind began drifting back 15 years ago when we visited Paris. We absolutely love the city, it was the most memorable trip of my life.
After having revisited Paris in my mind, I began thinking, and here's my question. Does anyone think that there might be any interest in creating a "Cityscape" series, Paris, London, Munich, NYC just to name a few?
I think it could be kind of cool, but then again, I generally like most of my ideas initially. If you would, please share your thoughts with me, because I'm getting tired of chasing down empty rabbit holes, and believe me I've got empty rabbit holes all over the place.
Thanks for any input, and have a great weekend!
Yesterday I received a custom request for a Paris themed stick. Well, I don't have any such thing, so the request would technically fall under the "create it from scratch" category, which we charge more for accounting for design time, etc. I'm thinking about waiving the additional fee, pending a question I have for you.
As often happens, my mind began drifting back 15 years ago when we visited Paris. We absolutely love the city, it was the most memorable trip of my life.
After having revisited Paris in my mind, I began thinking, and here's my question. Does anyone think that there might be any interest in creating a "Cityscape" series, Paris, London, Munich, NYC just to name a few?
I think it could be kind of cool, but then again, I generally like most of my ideas initially. If you would, please share your thoughts with me, because I'm getting tired of chasing down empty rabbit holes, and believe me I've got empty rabbit holes all over the place.
Thanks for any input, and have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
The Reveal
Good Morning,
Well, today's the day you get to see it, and tomorrow it's off to EBAY. Suffice it to say, I hope you like it.
So the plan for tomorrow is that we'll be posting it on EBAY around 5:00 PM (CST). I understand that the start time is completely irrelevant to you, as it's a 1 week auction, so who cares what time we post it. There is a reason however that it's relevant to us.
For those of you that have followed this little blog journey, you'll recall that our 2 favorite days of the week are Fridays and Sundays for Church. For the past 8 months since my 40th reunion last summer, there has been a core group of us that have gotten together at our favorite watering hole, The Tavern at Mission Farms from 4:00 until 6:30ish, every single Friday, we all just clicked. Today, Erin and I consider Neal, Steve, Deb and Keith to be as close as family, and we know the feelings are mutual. My shop has become our clubhouse, and it's not unusual for any of them to just stop by anytime after 3:00 and out the door by 7:00, any day of the week, so I can go to bed. I don't get cleaned up or change clothes, I just keep working, and they watch (I have seating set up in the main shop). We drink beer, talk, laugh and most recently cry. You see, two days ago, Neal's baby daughter Emily, 28 years old was diagnosed with, not one, but two strains of Leukemia. The clubhouse and our "family" has been Neal's respite of sorts, to some small degree in what can only be described as devastating news. So, next Friday as usual we're going to be at the Tavern in our usual spot with Ipad in hand, and at 5:00 with our family, and then we'll know who's buying the drinks. But back to Neal for a moment, I know you all don't know him or his family from Adam, but if you get a chance, say a little prayer for my good friend, Emily, and their family, because they need it.
Dominant Inlays 2 - The Abalone wide bands
Well, today's the day you get to see it, and tomorrow it's off to EBAY. Suffice it to say, I hope you like it.
So the plan for tomorrow is that we'll be posting it on EBAY around 5:00 PM (CST). I understand that the start time is completely irrelevant to you, as it's a 1 week auction, so who cares what time we post it. There is a reason however that it's relevant to us.
For those of you that have followed this little blog journey, you'll recall that our 2 favorite days of the week are Fridays and Sundays for Church. For the past 8 months since my 40th reunion last summer, there has been a core group of us that have gotten together at our favorite watering hole, The Tavern at Mission Farms from 4:00 until 6:30ish, every single Friday, we all just clicked. Today, Erin and I consider Neal, Steve, Deb and Keith to be as close as family, and we know the feelings are mutual. My shop has become our clubhouse, and it's not unusual for any of them to just stop by anytime after 3:00 and out the door by 7:00, any day of the week, so I can go to bed. I don't get cleaned up or change clothes, I just keep working, and they watch (I have seating set up in the main shop). We drink beer, talk, laugh and most recently cry. You see, two days ago, Neal's baby daughter Emily, 28 years old was diagnosed with, not one, but two strains of Leukemia. The clubhouse and our "family" has been Neal's respite of sorts, to some small degree in what can only be described as devastating news. So, next Friday as usual we're going to be at the Tavern in our usual spot with Ipad in hand, and at 5:00 with our family, and then we'll know who's buying the drinks. But back to Neal for a moment, I know you all don't know him or his family from Adam, but if you get a chance, say a little prayer for my good friend, Emily, and their family, because they need it.
So again, by the numbers:
Item Number
6.5" Ebony Hairstick 1 (Correction - the stick actually measures 6.625")
Paua inlays 18 - The underlayment below the engravings
Sterling Silver Inlays 6 - Thin bands bordering the abalone, and the top
Dominant Inlays 2 - The Abalone wide bands
Primary Inlays 40 - Different gemstone inlays on the diamonds
Secondary Inlays 426 - Mother of Pearl inlays in the numbers
Total Number of Components 493
The final picture, the underside of the lid, lists all of the various components, basically in order from the top of the stick to the foot. While difficult to achieve in these pictures, the owner should be able to identify each and every inlay, through process of elimination. Several of the colors are close to the same, for example some of the greens. There are subtle differences however, and upon closer inspection you will begin to see the differentiation.
I'm probably going to lay low for the next few days, as I have some serious catch up work to do.
Have a great day, and for those that might like to try, good luck!
The final picture, the underside of the lid, lists all of the various components, basically in order from the top of the stick to the foot. While difficult to achieve in these pictures, the owner should be able to identify each and every inlay, through process of elimination. Several of the colors are close to the same, for example some of the greens. There are subtle differences however, and upon closer inspection you will begin to see the differentiation.
I'm probably going to lay low for the next few days, as I have some serious catch up work to do.
Have a great day, and for those that might like to try, good luck!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Introuducing Mr. Craig Arnold
Good Afternoon,
One more day until the unveiling, but first you need to see the 5K sticks sleeping quarters. A little more on the details later, but first, meet my friend and woodworking mentor, Craig Arnold.
"I offer select custom, traditional, and original designs of heirloom furniture, wall cabinets and galleries, and boxes.
Woodworkers who inspire my work are Paul Sellers, Peter Lloyd, Nancy Hiller, and Doug Stowe, to name a few.
As a member of the Kansas City Woodworkers' Guild, I'm privileged to work in a great shop with some very talented people and enjoy sharing with those who are new to the craft.
When you buy something from me, 10 percent of the purchase price is donated to the Kansas City Woodworkers' Guild as a way for the Guild to continue to provide education and community service in woodworking.
Thanks for stopping by and drop me a line if you'd like to discuss something you see here.
Best regards,
Craig Arnold"
Craig truly is my go-to guy with any questions on how do something in our given field. Some of you may recall last year when we went down the barrette rabbit hole, I had to take a course in finishing, and Craig was my instructor. I've come to accept the fact that fundamentally I'm a pretty poor woodworker, I just happen to be ok if the wood is spinning at 3,000 rpm. As a disclaimer, the box is still in it's final curing stages and it has not been polished yet, it will be polished prior to it being shipped.
As mentioned in a prior posting, you can see that Craig's work is truly outstanding. I highly recommend Craig if you should have any wooden type wants or needs, he's great to work with and you won't be disappointed
Have a great evening, we'll chat again in the morning.
One more day until the unveiling, but first you need to see the 5K sticks sleeping quarters. A little more on the details later, but first, meet my friend and woodworking mentor, Craig Arnold.
"I offer select custom, traditional, and original designs of heirloom furniture, wall cabinets and galleries, and boxes.
Woodworkers who inspire my work are Paul Sellers, Peter Lloyd, Nancy Hiller, and Doug Stowe, to name a few.
As a member of the Kansas City Woodworkers' Guild, I'm privileged to work in a great shop with some very talented people and enjoy sharing with those who are new to the craft.
When you buy something from me, 10 percent of the purchase price is donated to the Kansas City Woodworkers' Guild as a way for the Guild to continue to provide education and community service in woodworking.
Thanks for stopping by and drop me a line if you'd like to discuss something you see here.
Best regards,
Craig Arnold"
Craig truly is my go-to guy with any questions on how do something in our given field. Some of you may recall last year when we went down the barrette rabbit hole, I had to take a course in finishing, and Craig was my instructor. I've come to accept the fact that fundamentally I'm a pretty poor woodworker, I just happen to be ok if the wood is spinning at 3,000 rpm. As a disclaimer, the box is still in it's final curing stages and it has not been polished yet, it will be polished prior to it being shipped.
Constructed from Bubinga and Curly Maple, the lid and it's underside are inlaid with turquoise.
The interior of the box features a fitted, foam cushioned, turquoise felt bed.
The exterior of the box features clean and sharp curves and bevels, while the box lid with the curly maple inset, showcases precisely chamfered edges.
As mentioned in a prior posting, you can see that Craig's work is truly outstanding. I highly recommend Craig if you should have any wooden type wants or needs, he's great to work with and you won't be disappointed
Have a great evening, we'll chat again in the morning.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
The Guinea Pig
That Shawnah is one quick shopper! 34.9 seconds, she must have turbo-refresh or something.
OK, step one is completed. Now, if I only had a clue how to put the Commemorative stick on EBAY. Enter, the Guinea Pig.
I'm working on an angel wing white paua right now, that would ordinarily be posted on ETSY at $125. I need to figure this EBAY stuff out, and if there's an issue of any sort, I'd rather know about it now than on Friday. So... you guessed it... it's going on EBAY to test the waters.
From a pricing standpoint, the fact is, we've never not sold a stick, with a worst case pricing scenario being, selling it through a Friday Night sale. So, for this EBAY listing, I'm setting the reserve at 80% of retail, or in other words, going in to it with Friday Night Sale pricing. It seems to make sense to me, but who knows, we're entering uncharted waters for us, so we'll see how it goes.
I'll post a link here once it's posted.
OK, step one is completed. Now, if I only had a clue how to put the Commemorative stick on EBAY. Enter, the Guinea Pig.
I'm working on an angel wing white paua right now, that would ordinarily be posted on ETSY at $125. I need to figure this EBAY stuff out, and if there's an issue of any sort, I'd rather know about it now than on Friday. So... you guessed it... it's going on EBAY to test the waters.
From a pricing standpoint, the fact is, we've never not sold a stick, with a worst case pricing scenario being, selling it through a Friday Night sale. So, for this EBAY listing, I'm setting the reserve at 80% of retail, or in other words, going in to it with Friday Night Sale pricing. It seems to make sense to me, but who knows, we're entering uncharted waters for us, so we'll see how it goes.
I'll post a link here once it's posted.
ETSY 5,000th stick
Good Morning,
So here's the plan for today.
I'm guessing I'm still a couple of hours out before it's finished. Once Erin is finished with her magic, I'll post photos on this posting. I've spent the last day trying to figure out when to post it on ETSY, and I've got to tell you, I had all kinds of diabolical plans.
At the end of the day though, I've finally concluded that if it ain't broke, I'm not going to try to fix it. We'll post it in the regular FNS timeslot (1:00 PM CST). Regarding the price, as irony would have it, it's the same price as Sammi's stick, and the reserve price on the commemorative stick, $195.
... stay tuned.
OK, here it about 11:30 now, and I just finished it, with a whole hour and a half to spare.
I'll be honest, this entire exercise has been exhausting, and we'll be glad when things return to normal. It was exhausting, but fortunately a fun adventure, because so many elements had to come together. I should be getting the finished box back from Craig tomorrow sometime. Once in hand, it will be photographed and posted here, along with all you need to know about Craig. We're tentatively planning on posting the actual stick here on Thursday, with the EBAY games beginning on Friday... and then we rest.
One of the challenges that I had, hearkens back to Cipriana's comment on the 19th. She in essence asked if multiples of the Commemorative stick could be produced. My answer then, was no, as it is today, it was simply too complicated, and I don't choose to relive the experience. That didn't mean that her question wasn't entirely valid, it's just undoable on my end.
So my challenge was to create a design similar in nature to the Commemorative original, that could be reproduced if anyone so desired in terms of a custom request. The stick that we're posting at 1:00, is the stick that I'm describing. I also understand the concern for whomever might purchase it, desiring to own the actual and true 5,000th stick.
So here is how I'm proposing to ensure that the 5,000th stick will be identified as the original. The stick is signed and dated February 28th, the day I created the design, obviously not today when I finished it. Going forward if anyone would like a reproduction, it will be dated the date that their stick is completed, and numbered in sequence 001, 002, etc.
See you in an hour and 10 minutes.
So here's the plan for today.
I'm guessing I'm still a couple of hours out before it's finished. Once Erin is finished with her magic, I'll post photos on this posting. I've spent the last day trying to figure out when to post it on ETSY, and I've got to tell you, I had all kinds of diabolical plans.
At the end of the day though, I've finally concluded that if it ain't broke, I'm not going to try to fix it. We'll post it in the regular FNS timeslot (1:00 PM CST). Regarding the price, as irony would have it, it's the same price as Sammi's stick, and the reserve price on the commemorative stick, $195.
... stay tuned.
OK, here it about 11:30 now, and I just finished it, with a whole hour and a half to spare.
I'll be honest, this entire exercise has been exhausting, and we'll be glad when things return to normal. It was exhausting, but fortunately a fun adventure, because so many elements had to come together. I should be getting the finished box back from Craig tomorrow sometime. Once in hand, it will be photographed and posted here, along with all you need to know about Craig. We're tentatively planning on posting the actual stick here on Thursday, with the EBAY games beginning on Friday... and then we rest.
One of the challenges that I had, hearkens back to Cipriana's comment on the 19th. She in essence asked if multiples of the Commemorative stick could be produced. My answer then, was no, as it is today, it was simply too complicated, and I don't choose to relive the experience. That didn't mean that her question wasn't entirely valid, it's just undoable on my end.
So my challenge was to create a design similar in nature to the Commemorative original, that could be reproduced if anyone so desired in terms of a custom request. The stick that we're posting at 1:00, is the stick that I'm describing. I also understand the concern for whomever might purchase it, desiring to own the actual and true 5,000th stick.
So here is how I'm proposing to ensure that the 5,000th stick will be identified as the original. The stick is signed and dated February 28th, the day I created the design, obviously not today when I finished it. Going forward if anyone would like a reproduction, it will be dated the date that their stick is completed, and numbered in sequence 001, 002, etc.
See you in an hour and 10 minutes.
African Blackwood, 6.75"
Natural and Teal Paua
Silver and gold e.p.e.
Timberstone Turnings on top band
Signature and date on bottom band
Sammi's 5,000 repeating crosshatch design
34.9 seconds... you all are quick!
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