Functional Projects

[Back2Jake]

I am curious to know if scrollers are interested in functional projects, such as what we call "Scrolled Projects". Sue and I have designed projects that serve a purpose, such as Four Four Time Clock, Message Boards, CD rack, Tie Rack, The Fisherman's Clock and others. These projects require little equipment making them great for scrollers but we are not entirely sure scrollers in the true sense want such functional projects.

So, do you? Do you look for projects for craft fairs and shows that have a function? Or are functional projects more for presents? Do you even want functional projects or do they simply take up more time and you'd rather be scrolling something decorative?

Looking forward to hearing back.

Take care
Toni

[Minnesota scroller]

Personally, I think I'll stick to portraits and other decorative paraphernalia. I've seen some awesome scrolled clocks, but how many clocks does someone need? CD racks, tie racks etc. are items that can be picked up at Wally World. Of course you won't get the quality or style but a lot of people just want cheap and won't want to pay for what something is really worth. However, scrollsawn portraits is something you won't find in any discount store and they really wow people who have never seen one.

Just my 3c worth.

[bearfretworks]

Funtional sells well for me. Small clocks, coat/hat/coffee mug racks, business card holders, napkin holders, pens (oops....those come off the lathe). I have lots of pretty decorative things in stock, but the functional stuff goes almost as fast as I can make it.

So YES, I'd be REAL interested in functional stuff. Expecially with yours and Sue's touch to it.

[Jediscroller]

I agree with Barry. Functional items definately outsell decorative items for me. I enjoy cutting decorative items more, but ya gotta cut what sells.

[Back2Jake]

Thanks for the reply guys.

Sue and I have added some scrolled projects to the site and it was a long time coming. Although I enjoy making them from time to time, when it comes to patterns I do appreciate my architectural background.

I'd be interested to hear any feedback on the designs since we did try to bring our style to functional and it was a challenge for us.

Take care
Toni

[Minnesota scroller]

Well, at least you got feedback from a couple experienced crafters. My opinion was based more on my wifes' shopping habits. Her and her friends are the most impractical shoppers you could ever hope to find. Here is a good example. A week ago we went to a furniture store to order a couple recliners for our rec room to replace a very old love seat. I also wanted to get a very small table to put next to a recliner for my graphics tablet. This way I can sit with my laptop on my lap and utilize the tablet easily at the same time. The first table she saw was priced at $260. She wanted it because it was so cute. Functional, yes, but then so was the one I purchased for $60. She would have spent an extra $200 just for the physical appearance. Now you see where I'm coming from. Her little group of cronies love to buy things that serve no purpose other than show them off to the next visitor that comes by. It drives me nuts.

[Back2Jake]

Kevin was kind enough to PM me with some thoughts on the Scrolled Projects and the idea of functional versus decorative.

Most of us know Kevin as a regular at the craft shows and fairs. He has a formula for profit versus cost, and has looked at the designs we offered as he would other projects - marketability and assembly... commenting on which he thought would be best suited to production for craftshows.

Thanks Kevin.

Sue and I have tried to design for the scroller and for items of marketability. I am pleased to see we've accomplished it at least in part.

[lucky788scroller]

I myself love that juke box cd holder!!! I can see where that would be a very popular item! I cut anything, functional, fancy, or just becuz. I like some of the functional things because with working with the 4H kids, sometimes a functional piece adds to the excitement. Like for instance, a gumball machine, where once made, it serves as decoration and usefull, and they get an extra little charge out of seeing everyone go for it to get a gumball.Or even a simple cutting board of glued up strips of extra scraps, then scrolled to a shape. Every time mom goes to chop up an onion, shes crying over that functional project her child made, and i think the kids really feel valued in themselves for doing their part to make something so useful. Dale

[Steviegwood]

Hi Dale, I agree with you, I will cut anything also. What is appealing to one may not be to another someone may want to just decorate and hang an intricate piece of fretwork or maybe just a simple shelf to display something on. I have this attachment on another thread but it works here also. The customer wanted something useful but yet appealing. Steve

[lucky788scroller]

That is truly a lovely piece, and I can really see the value of reproducing that one. I bet at a craft show, you could get some decent bucks (pun?what pun?) from it! Dale