Just wanted to say "thanks"!

[johnspensandmore]

A couple of days ago, I posted a pen made from a cast scorpion over on the "show off your pens" forum. I was really surprised at the responses I received! I wanted to reply to all who posted, but it would clutter up the thread so I decided to use this forum to say "thanks". I really appreciate the kind words!

Several of you PM'd me or posted that I should consider offering these blanks for purchase. I certainly have no shortage of scorpions around my house, so it's something that I may do. I need to iron out some details on the process and I'll get back with you all. I also need to decide on how much to price the blanks. As you are aware, the process, from hunting them to casting them, is quite intensive. If any of you have suggestions on this topic, please feel free to let me know!

Thanks again for your posts - It means a lot coming from this bunch of talented artists!

 

[IPD_Mrs]

John the only suggestion I could come up with is don't get stung catching the little buggers.

As far as selling the blanks you need to look at it from a business point of view. Doing these will take you away from your own turning and potential sales due to the time involved. Price your work appropriately.

 

[workinforwood]

I am not your adviser, and can't tell you what way your should go in your endeavors. What I can tell you is that you received the response you deserved. You presented something very new and unique with great execution and the community appreciates that, as it is not something easy to do. Thank you for showing us your pen!

 

[Tanner]

Take a black light and go around the outside of your house at night. The little buggers glow in the dark under a black light. Tip a few rocks over and you will see them.

 

[ed4copies]

Well said, Jeff!!!

 

[phillywood]

John, I was one of the ones who was interested too, but before you go and do something drastic like that you may want to check and see what's the least dangerous way to catch those critters, i don't think you want to venture on this without knowing what's the risk of getting stung and running to ER. that alone can eat your profit in a heartbeat. Although your pen was really unusual, you need to consider the time that it would take you to catch those guys and preserve them and casting them. whatever you price them at would be worth while since no one else has done it before. Good luck to you.

 

[johnspensandmore]

Take a black light and go around the outside of your house at night. The little buggers glow in the dark under a black light. Tip a few rocks over and you will see them.

Thanks! You mentioned before that you are in the pest business - So am I! I have been in the industry for over 20 years, and I am a BIG fan of black lights for the control of scorpions. That is exactly how I control/capture them at my house!

Stay tuned for a picture of the scorpion pen under a black light! Yes...He still glows!

 

[johnspensandmore]

John, I was one of the ones who was interested too, but before you go and do something drastic like that you may want to check and see what's the least dangerous way to catch those critters, i don't think you want to venture on this without knowing what's the risk of getting stung and running to ER. that alone can eat your profit in a heartbeat. Although your pen was really unusual, you need to consider the time that it would take you to catch those guys and preserve them and casting them. whatever you price them at would be worth while since no one else has done it before. Good luck to you.

Thanks for the advice! As I posted above, I am in the pest business and have been for many years, so capturing them is another day at the office and something I already do every night to keep them out of our home. I once brought our company's Entomologist an aquarium with over 80 scorpions in it that had been gathered in less than a month!