A friend asked me to paint her little dogs on an ornament. Of course they were the little lapdogs of undetermined ancestry who often wear clothing and cause me to stifle a scream while looking for a chair to stand on. I am a very understanding person, and I understand that a photograph of a dog is not a rodent seeking a pantleg to climb. And all custom art is a chance to learn new skills and to practice pleasing customers.
I didn’t save any photos to show you because I didn’t want to encourage any more jobs like this. The dog photos were blurry and it was crazy difficult. The saving grace was that my friend was pleased, which was the point of the whole exercise.
Meanwhile, another friend (same social group) asked for a similar custom ornament. When she told me what she wanted on the ornament, my head may have spun around a couple of times as I said, “You want WHAT??”
This one I painted at the dining table instead of the painting workshop, so I could prop my elbows on the table for support while painting these tiny subjects.
I charge $75 per ornament, which might work out to about $12 an hour.
SOMEBODY STOP ME, PLEASE!
P.S. I have purposely not added any “tags” to this blog post so that no one can find me on a search for custom ornaments. I only go through these difficult exercises for friends. No, there isn’t enough time for another one this year. Well, maybe, but they now cost $150 each. No, $1500. How about $15,000?
9 Comments
Jana, those ornaments are absolutely beautiful!! What a great idea fir a gift! I will have to remember for next year!! By the way, you never cease to amaze me with your talents!
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas, Barbara! I just drew with my paintbrushes, no big, except the thing was so tiny and ROUND! (How did you like my new pricing?)
I’m trying to figure out what the subject of the top ornament is. Wooley Mammoth?
My favorite is the snow-covered tree. It’s a shame I don’t have a tree up this year. Two teen-aged cats. Nope, not going to lose my precious, breakable, historic ornaments!
Sharon, for goodness sake, can’t you recognize a bunny riding on top of a polar bear??
Fall down laughing.
The polar bear and bunny is the bottom photo. I’m talking about the photo at the very top of your article, some sort of an animal with brown shaggy hair?
Too funny – it is a redwood tree with a snowy branch across the front. Thanks for the laugh!
Oh, ha ha I see it now! Tree trunk, not woolly mammoth.
I think I’ll stick with the audio arts….!
I am chuckling out loud in my little office. Most people have no idea of the time/research/ and redoing failed attempts, or simply throwing away failed attempts. Yes- I have done that. You are a good sport and a good friend. But – yes – charge more for those suckers. Ha ha ha .
Just finished Where the Crawdads Sing- LOVED it. I was sad to see it end. I know I am late to the party- this was a best seller years ago. But- since your an avid book lover,,,,,, I am doing Ann Voskamps The Greatest Gift devotional for this Christmas season. I am enjoying it so much. I did this first in 2014, then again in 2015. It’s been interesting to read my answers to the questions each day, during that time period. And then now. I follow her on Instagram and she posts a snippet of the devotional on Instagram….. as well.
Thank you- for posting your blogs. It’s part of my morning readings, and I always enjoy the pictures and commentary!
Hi Anne, It makes me smile to know my post made you laugh!
I’ve been on the waiting list for Where The Crawdads Sing for quite awhile now. It’s probably time to renew my hold request – thank you for the reminder. I’ve only read one of Ann Voskamp’s books – can’t remember which – something about thankfulness. Her style doesn’t suit me, but I’m glad to know there are so many choices available to us all, paper or virtual.
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