Pine Cone Bottle stoppers

[Doug B]

I had a request to make a matching pair of bottle stoppers out of Pine Cone for a wedding present. The wood and shape were specified by the customer.

I'm just not sure if the cones came out similar enough for the matching set, but, these cones are all different when turned. Some have lots and lots of pine nuts and some don't.

Hopefully these will work, but I may try to make another one to see if I can get a better matching set.

<edit in> oops, I meant to let you know about the stopper hardware. These are the ones from Ruth that were recommended by someone here (Beezlebub???) and I really like them. In fact I just ordered some more today because I like them so much. The shape is really great, balance is good, they are stainless steel, they seal extremely well, and they are made in Pennsylvania! I love them. Here is a link to the site: www.torne-lignum.com/
<end edit>

Here is the first bottle stopper


And here is the second one

[woodmangler]

Too cool... those really look great.

[Joe Lyddon]

Really COOL Doug...

I see what you mean about not going deep enough into them to see more designs in the wood...

[maverick31]

they came out great doug, I really like that bottle stopper kit. I saw them and thought about ordering some. I likey-alot

[Doug B]

Thanks Marc, Joe and Mav! I appreciate the comments.

Mav, I can highly recommend those stoppers. They are at the top of my list of stoppers now, and I have tried several different kinds. Now, I'll have to see if the customers agree

[sachbvn]

Doug, again - wonderful work! Every time it has to be a nice surprise for you - because, even more so than wood, the design is completely unique.

With this - I think you can really grab a niche in the market of turned items!!


Zac

[Ruffnek]

Too cool, Doug. I like the look of those flush-fit stoppers, too.

[maverick31]

Dec 15, 2009 21:15:11 GMT -6 Doug B said:

Thanks Marc, Joe and Mav! I appreciate the comments.

Mav, I can highly recommend those stoppers. They are at the top of my list of stoppers now, and I have tried several different kinds. Now, I'll have to see if the customers agree

let me know how it goes. I am going to test the markets after the first of the year. I just ordered 10 more stoppers but I think the next order I will have to add some of those in too.

[Doug B]

Thanks Zac and Cody.

Zac, Pine Cone pens and bottle stoppers make up half of my recent sales. They are a real good display item too - lots of interest in them even from people who buy something else.

Cody, your comment about the flush fit made me think that I should post a pic of the stoppers in bottles.

Mav, I'll be sure to let everyone know how well they sell - I've got 3 more Farmers and Crafts Market times before Christmas which should give me a pretty good idea.

Here is a pic of the flush fit stoppers in a pair of oil and vinegar bottles.

[boodrow]

Doug great lookin pair ! Most the time I just say that about , well lets not go there. I to have started usin some of the ruth nile stoppers , is that who u get urs from ?
Boodrow

[glenmore]

Very nice Doug you have some real talent with your turnings. Keep them coming.

[Doug B]

Thanks Glenmore! I appreciate that.

[Doug B]

Dec 16, 2009 5:31:34 GMT -6 boodrow said:

Doug great lookin pair ! Most the time I just say that about , well lets not go there.

LMAO Boodrow!

I to have started usin some of the ruth nile stoppers , is that who u get urs from ?

Yes, that is exactly where I got them. She is a really nice lady too, and I like the fact that they are made here in the USA.

[/size]
Boodrow[/quote]

[boodrow]

Doug I have started usin some of her stoppers , they are more money but are nice. Ive talked on the phone with her on a couple occasions and a very nice lady. But as a sellin point I dont think it makes people a damn bit of diff on what the bottom looks like. I had a lady call me yesterday that bought some of my stoppers when me and Cody did the edom show. Sent it to her son in Indiana and wants to meet me sat and buy more. One of the few times handin out cards with the sells paid off.
Boodrow

[Doug B]

You are probably right Boodrow.

It's just that I need to know that I am providing the best quality possible. I have always only used Stainless Steel stoppers because I know they will hold up the best. That way I have no issues with the price I am charging. I don't want to see any of them come back to me because of a problem with the hardware...I think these new ones are going to do that for me. Yep, they cost a bit more, but hopefully they will mean more return customers for me in the future.

I know what you mean about the business cards...I give them out freely at the craft shows and I send one out with the customer on each purchase. And I have yet to get an email from a potential customer. I just don't understand it because a lot of folks seem very sincere in wanting my business card so they can contact me. I dunno.

[maverick31]

Dec 16, 2009 23:03:24 GMT -6 Doug B said:

You are probably right Boodrow.

It's just that I need to know that I am providing the best quality possible. I have always only used Stainless Steel stoppers because I know they will hold up the best. That way I have no issues with the price I am charging. I don't want to see any of them come back to me because of a problem with the hardware...I think these new ones are going to do that for me. Yep, they cost a bit more, but hopefully they will mean more return customers for me in the future.

I know what you mean about the business cards...I give them out freely at the craft shows and I send one out with the customer on each purchase. And I have yet to get an email from a potential customer. I just don't understand it because a lot of folks seem very sincere in wanting my business card so they can contact me. I dunno.

would not suprise me one bit if some folks start to call after christmas. People that have bought stuff from you will show it off when family comes into town and someone will think they cant live without one of your pine cones.