Published: 02/07/2010 by Carl Avitar

Dear Crafters

I had the most wonderful experience the other day.

I had a request from a young couple to cast both hands and feet of their 7 month old baby. I was nervous , but also excited. It's been a long time since I have done such a big casting.

Firstly, I didn't know what to quote, so being an artist with no business sense, I seriously under-quoted.I was told by the client, that in future, I should charge almost 3 times as much, as he felt it was worth it. It's a good lesson.

My next challenge was that they wanted it box framed. Box frames are very expensive. I know how to make them, so they supplied the frame and I made the box. I didn't charge them for it. Another lesson learned, I can make and charge for box frames.

It was fun, and great meeting a wonderful couple.
When I did the commissioned casting, I had mom, dad, and granny watching, All I could do, to stop being nervous, was to focus on the baby girl. She is one of those children, you wish you could just keep. She was funny and VERY busy. Her hands were being opened and closed constantly. She actually ended up being 100% co-operative, so, in half an hour, I had 4 perfect moulds. Lesson learned...an active child can be co-operative, if distracted properly. the parents also loved being part of the process.

I took the moulds home to cast, the same night. They came out perfectly. Once dried, and prepared, I set them into the frame. everthing worked out suprisingly well.

The parents were over the moon with their frame, and found the casts fascinating. I had a lot of fun doing this. I love being in touch with challenges and joys of casting. I also get to meet wonderful people.

Happy casting
Carl