It turns out that commissions seem to come like stereotypical buses – none for ages and then two at once. I had the pleasure of accepting two very different commissions last week. The only thing was – they were both last minute with a very short time constraint. I did some juggling and evening work but fit them in and delivered both on time. Here’re pics of the projects:
Commission one
First up was a bespoke carved wood sleeper as a commemoration of 34 years of teaching music for a local music teacher on her retirement. The originally requested project inspiration was not possible given a 10-day timescale and after discussion, we settled on this design. The idea was based on a post I carved for my garden some eight years ago and renovated at the end of last month. Top tip – use the right tools. Had I stuck with an inferior routing bit, I think I would have still been hacking away. And if I am going to do another at any point, I will invest in a decent plunge router that is a little bigger than my Dremel!
200x100x2400mm Tanalith treated sleeper; Cuprinol Garden Shades: Black Ash; laminate acrylic (brushed silver on black).
Commission two
A friend telephoned asking if I could make some art pieces for gifts to take to Canada, referencing some I had made for last year’s Christmas fairs. There were two important questions: when for, and how much luggage space was there? A meeting followed that afternoon and two painted A5 wood panels (with stands) and a 9¾” / 25cm square watercolour ready for insertion into a frame were agreed on. Three verses from Psalms were eventually chosen and a couple of overall themes discussed. I managed to work on them while waiting for rain showers to pass and paint to dry. A personal message was also engraved on the back of each. Flat pack stands were cut out of the same wood so they could be friction-fitted on arrival in Canada.
3mm poplar plywood; DecoArt Americana acrylic paints; Posca pens; Faber Castell Polychromos coloured pencils; Liquitex acrylic spray paints; Derwent Inktense paint palette; Ranger Stickles glitter glue: Stardust; Wink of Stella glitter pen.
Some notes
Remember that prices need to include design time as well as materials and making time. Also, remember that any fees for extras should be agreed on. And, as I mentioned before, get the right tools for the job at hand.
Oh, yes… should you wish to commission me to do some work for you, please give me plenty of time to do it! I’m not used to workplace pressure anymore 😉