Need to reduce inventory

[FrankEV]

Since starting to do Scroll Saw work a few years ago I have been making many pieces, mainly Scroll Saw wall hanging portrait type projects.   Many are, what I consider, well done art pieces that I am willing to hang for sale in the Fine Art Gallery /Artist Co-Operative I am a member of.  However, many are work that I do not consider of that high quality, but never-the-less, not junk either.  

The quantity of work I have produced is a bit over whelming and far out weights what I may need for display at the Gallery.  My house is small, and my shop is tiny, so my storage capability is severely limited and need to do something to reduce my inventory.

However, I have a philosophy that I adhere too, that is: I would rather give away free anything I make rather than sell it cheap.   So, with that in mind I’m considering giving several of my pieces away for charity. 

However, I do not want to just donate them to a thrift store, or the like, where things are sold as this would defeat my philosophy stated above.  I’m thinking about donating to an organization who needs to raise funds though events like a silent auction where any money raised does not necessarily equate to the actual value of the work.  

With that being said, I was wondering if anyone has done something like that?  I know a few have made special pieces for special fund-raising reasons but not just donating normal everyday projects.  If you have, I would like to hear about the ‘Who, What, Where,When and Why’.   Feel free to offer suggestions in this regard.

[Joe W.]

Hi Frank,

Religious organizations come to mind.  There is a church down the way that annually has craft fair of sorts to raise money for the church repairs/improvements.
And then there are the non-profits:  SPCA/Boys & Girls Clubs,  March of Dimes.
Consider checking in with the city manager - they are often a good source of information of groups trying to raise money.
And let us not forget the "mature" organizations.  We have a "Modern Maturity" (Senior Center) that has a variety of activities to raise money.
As well as Elks, Moose, Lions Club, etc. 

Just my two pennies worth.  I've seen your work and I believe you won't have any problem finding a good home for your works. 

[preprius]

My wife had 2 photo pictures that we submitted for auction at 2 events.  These were professional framed.  One sold for $200. The other one sold near $75.

The organizations:

1) Wildlife rehabilitation center.

2) Local cat shelter fund raiser.

We live in a town of 35k people.

 

Me.

Mark Eason

 

Edited January 6, 2022 by preprius

[John B]

I have donated pieces to a few organisations, for quiz night prizes, raffle prizes etc.
They have been well received.

Edited January 7, 2022 by John B

[kmmcrafts]

I donated a lot of stuff to my kids school when they was in school.. They are always selling things for field trips etc.. and to help those kids that parents can't afford to pay for a child to take a trip etc.. 

[new2woodwrk]

There are 2 charities in our area that now contact us regularly for donations which we provide puzzles.

That being said, our preferred donations are to the 'Children's Home Society" an orphanage in our area. The kids LOVE our stuff and by far and away are the most appreciative for what they get!

[Norm Fengstad]

I donate to an Autism organization and to a Christian summer camp 

[meflick]

Check with any nonprofit organizations in your area to see if they do Silent Auctions as fund raisers. Many do. For example, we have a Cancer Support Community organization in our area who does a Fall Luncheon with a Silent Auction of donated items. These committees are always looking for quality items to offer at their auctions. Other groups in our area for examples are schools, churches, but also American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club, Children’s Hospital, Girls Scouts, Friends of the Smokies, and many more.

[Jim Finn]

On 1/6/2022 at 1:00 PM, FrankEV said:

Since starting to do Scroll Saw work a few years ago I have been making many pieces, mainly Scroll Saw wall hanging portrait type projects.   Many are, what I consider, well done art pieces that I am willing to hang for sale in the Fine Art Gallery /Artist Co-Operative I am a member of.  However, many are work that I do not consider of that high quality, but never-the-less, not junk either.  

The quantity of work I have produced is a bit over whelming and far out weights what I may need for display at the Gallery.  My house is small, and my shop is tiny, so my storage capability is severely limited and need to do something to reduce my inventory.

However, I have a philosophy that I adhere too, that is: I would rather give away free anything I make rather than sell it cheap.   So, with that in mind I’m considering giving several of my pieces away for charity. 

However, I do not want to just donate them to a thrift store, or the like, where things are sold as this would defeat my philosophy stated above.  I’m thinking about donating to an organization who needs to raise funds though events like a silent auction where any money raised does not necessarily equate to the actual value of the work.  

With that being said, I was wondering if anyone has done something like that?  I know a few have made special pieces for special fund-raising reasons but not just donating normal everyday projects.  If you have, I would like to hear about the ‘Who, What, Where,When and Why’.   Feel free to offer suggestions in this regard.

Our club makes thousands of toys every year for over 30 years now.  Some of the places we give them to can also use a few art items.  The Salvation Army comes to mind.  They do not sell stuff, they give it away.  I give them a few items that are not toys every year and they are well received.  I have personally donated art/craft objects to the Cystic Fibrosis group, and they use them for fund raisers.  Our club has made a few items like that for the Ronald McDonald house fund raisers also.

[crupiea]

The stuff that I dont like or didnt like to make seem to be the stuff that people actually want to buy. 

The stuff I pour my heart into just sits and no one appreciates it. I personally would take some pics of that stuff and sell it online.  So what if it goes cheap, some money is better than no money. You can use the funds to support your nicer pieces.  

if you dontate it, they wont appreciate it either.  They will sell it cheap and make the money you could have made.  If you could give it to another croller who has more space it would be best.  Like if you know someone with more space who does sales. 

[CSull]

I have donated items to our local Trout Unlimited and Clark Fork River coalition when they have silent auctions etc...I like to see my work go to support causes I care about.  My wife has donated some of her paintings to our local women and children's shelter which I think is a very worthy cause.

[JackJones]

The other option is you sell the stuff even taking a hit on the price and donate the money you make to a charity of your choice. 

[FrankEV]

On 4/9/2022 at 6:39 PM, JackJones said:

The other option is you sell the stuff even taking a hit on the price and donate the money you make to a charity of your choice. 

That totally defeats my wishes.   I do not want to lower the value I place on my work.  I've said it before; I would rather give away my work rather than sell it cheap. And I do give away many pieces.  And, if I give away as a donation to a worthy cause that operates a silent auttion, it does not matter if they get $1 or $100,000 for a piece.   There is no actual value attached to the piece, other than what a bidder might feel is appropriate.