Rutgers
Well-known member
I'm sure you've noticed how every year there are more and more new decoys come out. Just about every specie, standards, Magnums, super magnums, all kinds of poses, etc, etc. Ever wonder how they do it? How they keep selling them year after year? I'll tell ya, its very simple. It is impossible for a man to have too many decoys, and to say that you do is nothing short of heresy.
I would like to offer for your consideration a dozen balsa greenwing teal hand carved by yours truly.
First, about their construction. Like I mentioned already they are carved from Balsa (average 10# density) with lightweight cedar heads. The bodies measure aproximately 10" X 4 1/2" X 2 1/4" I know they seem a bit thin at 2 1/4" tall, but they are light and don't draw much water so they project correctly as a heavier decoy would. They have pine keels and no weight added as I was trying to keep them light. I painted them with a combination of FME, Rustoleum, and solid exterior stain. Why? I have found each of these to work well. I interchange them simply because I have certain colors already mixed up already. I have painted a lot of decoys in each of the three medias and in combinations and they are all very durable. I don't remember how many coats of paint I put on them, but its a lot! They have tack eyes with the exception of the sleeper and back preener.
Now about how they will perform for you. I designed them for protected water or a light current. They are quite light and easy to pack in. it only takes a little breeze to get them moving around a bit. They will not be will suited to a guy hunting a swift current or a big windy lake. They do not self right, which is something I don't worry about anyhow, but mainly on these because I was trying to keep the weight down, however with their wide footprint and low center of gravity, they will stay upright in all but the worst conditions. Rule of theum is if these get blown over, say a prayer and get heading home cause its getting ugly. Balsa decoys are a bit more fragile than cedar, pine, etc, so you'll want to keep them in a good compartmental bag. I recomend ordering one from Dave Clark, he makes nice stuff. Almost forgot, they all have leather loops for your anchor line.
Now, the pictures! I'd prefer to sell them as half dozens or the whole dozen together. If they don't sell like this then I'll re-consider.
First, this group is more on the active side and made to represent feeding ducks. Add a quiver magnet and if you have teal around, things could get ugly. *** THESE 6 ARE SOLD***
Next is the more contented six. Not really loafing or sleeping, but just not as aggresively feeding, even so I included a headless feeder in this group as well.
Like I mentioned, each half dozen comes with one of these headless feeders. Now I know some people out there think of these being a lazy carver's decoys, but I like to use them. They really add some realism! I had planned on keeping these decoys for my rig and have a couple more of these to make.
Now, time to talk turkey.
How much would you expect to pay for a half dozen of these babies? $600? Not even close. $500? Keep going! $400? Close, but still no cigar. OK, $300? Still not there! (If this was on TV, I'd be yelling it, so kind of imagine that when you read it)
Drum Roll Please.............. How about $275 per HALF DOZEN shipped to the lower 48. If you want to take the whole dozen, then I'll make it $525 for all of them. Either way you cut it, thats less than $50 a (hand made mind you) decoy!
But wait, there's more! I'll also throw in 30 feet +/- tarred line so you can rig them up right. I'll even tie it on if you so desire.
Now I can here what some of you are thinking..."My wife is gonna kill me if I buy any more decoys" Well, don't sweat it, I have you covered there. You see, not so long ago, Michele and I took my hobby of making wooden kitchen utensils and made it into a business. Were it not for me having so many problems uploading and posting pictures I'd post some up, but It's late and I'm tired, so I'll just describe them to you.
I'll go ahead and throw in a few pieces.
If you're significant other likes to cook, remeber that she will most likely appreciate and get excited about a nice hardwood hand made utensil as you do about a nice decoy.maybe even more because she can use it all year not just during the season. Let me try to explain just how much I expect she'll like it. We have been selling these at craft shows and farmer's markets, and they are well received. Ladies see them and get all goofy eyed and start handing me money. Sometimes it gets crazy especially when I start running low. Remember back in the 80's when Cabbage Patch Kids came out and old ladies were trampling each other to death to get one for little suzie for Chrismas before they ran out? Well it's almost like that. Almost. Seriously ladies really like this stuff. Kind of artsy but very functional. I get a lot of good feedback on them. I guarantee she'll love it. In fact, don't be suprised if she makes you buy more decoys from me so she can get a few more pieces.
So there you have it. Truth be told, If I didn't need the money these guys wouln't be for sale. I will be completing a half diozen blue wings as well in the next few weeks and offering them up for the same price. They will be all nice and plumed out so you southern guys can put them to work.
Thanks for reading and looking at the pictures. I hope this year's season is the best ever.
My Very Best,
Paully
I would like to offer for your consideration a dozen balsa greenwing teal hand carved by yours truly.
First, about their construction. Like I mentioned already they are carved from Balsa (average 10# density) with lightweight cedar heads. The bodies measure aproximately 10" X 4 1/2" X 2 1/4" I know they seem a bit thin at 2 1/4" tall, but they are light and don't draw much water so they project correctly as a heavier decoy would. They have pine keels and no weight added as I was trying to keep them light. I painted them with a combination of FME, Rustoleum, and solid exterior stain. Why? I have found each of these to work well. I interchange them simply because I have certain colors already mixed up already. I have painted a lot of decoys in each of the three medias and in combinations and they are all very durable. I don't remember how many coats of paint I put on them, but its a lot! They have tack eyes with the exception of the sleeper and back preener.
Now about how they will perform for you. I designed them for protected water or a light current. They are quite light and easy to pack in. it only takes a little breeze to get them moving around a bit. They will not be will suited to a guy hunting a swift current or a big windy lake. They do not self right, which is something I don't worry about anyhow, but mainly on these because I was trying to keep the weight down, however with their wide footprint and low center of gravity, they will stay upright in all but the worst conditions. Rule of theum is if these get blown over, say a prayer and get heading home cause its getting ugly. Balsa decoys are a bit more fragile than cedar, pine, etc, so you'll want to keep them in a good compartmental bag. I recomend ordering one from Dave Clark, he makes nice stuff. Almost forgot, they all have leather loops for your anchor line.
Now, the pictures! I'd prefer to sell them as half dozens or the whole dozen together. If they don't sell like this then I'll re-consider.
First, this group is more on the active side and made to represent feeding ducks. Add a quiver magnet and if you have teal around, things could get ugly. *** THESE 6 ARE SOLD***
Next is the more contented six. Not really loafing or sleeping, but just not as aggresively feeding, even so I included a headless feeder in this group as well.
Like I mentioned, each half dozen comes with one of these headless feeders. Now I know some people out there think of these being a lazy carver's decoys, but I like to use them. They really add some realism! I had planned on keeping these decoys for my rig and have a couple more of these to make.
Now, time to talk turkey.
How much would you expect to pay for a half dozen of these babies? $600? Not even close. $500? Keep going! $400? Close, but still no cigar. OK, $300? Still not there! (If this was on TV, I'd be yelling it, so kind of imagine that when you read it)
Drum Roll Please.............. How about $275 per HALF DOZEN shipped to the lower 48. If you want to take the whole dozen, then I'll make it $525 for all of them. Either way you cut it, thats less than $50 a (hand made mind you) decoy!
But wait, there's more! I'll also throw in 30 feet +/- tarred line so you can rig them up right. I'll even tie it on if you so desire.
Now I can here what some of you are thinking..."My wife is gonna kill me if I buy any more decoys" Well, don't sweat it, I have you covered there. You see, not so long ago, Michele and I took my hobby of making wooden kitchen utensils and made it into a business. Were it not for me having so many problems uploading and posting pictures I'd post some up, but It's late and I'm tired, so I'll just describe them to you.
I'll go ahead and throw in a few pieces.
If you're significant other likes to cook, remeber that she will most likely appreciate and get excited about a nice hardwood hand made utensil as you do about a nice decoy.maybe even more because she can use it all year not just during the season. Let me try to explain just how much I expect she'll like it. We have been selling these at craft shows and farmer's markets, and they are well received. Ladies see them and get all goofy eyed and start handing me money. Sometimes it gets crazy especially when I start running low. Remember back in the 80's when Cabbage Patch Kids came out and old ladies were trampling each other to death to get one for little suzie for Chrismas before they ran out? Well it's almost like that. Almost. Seriously ladies really like this stuff. Kind of artsy but very functional. I get a lot of good feedback on them. I guarantee she'll love it. In fact, don't be suprised if she makes you buy more decoys from me so she can get a few more pieces.
So there you have it. Truth be told, If I didn't need the money these guys wouln't be for sale. I will be completing a half diozen blue wings as well in the next few weeks and offering them up for the same price. They will be all nice and plumed out so you southern guys can put them to work.
Thanks for reading and looking at the pictures. I hope this year's season is the best ever.
My Very Best,
Paully
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