Watch the fine print with FEDEX

Learned a very expensive lesson, FEDEX will NEVER get my business again. Used FEDEX to ship a piece of artwork to my customer in Vancouver. Packed in 3/4" plywood to ensure no problem. Guess what - FEDEX destroyed it! They somehow managed to totally destroy the piece, admitted it was their fault and that they would compensate for the damage, just send them an invoice for the amount of the damage done. Sent them an invoice for $2000 which was LESS than what the amount charged to the customer. Total about face - offered me a $100. Told them bluntley that they could stick the hundred bucks where the sun doesn't shine. WHAT AN INSULT! Their come back was that the shipment was not insured so the maximum that they feel obliged to pay is $100. In other words, if you want ship by FEDEX, you need insurance just to make certain that they do the job you pay them to do. I can only imagine what it would be trying to collect from this lying outfit. I caution all artists to be most careful, there are a lot of other couriers who actually do the job you pay them to do without destroying the shipment. Would I use FEDEX again? NEVER NEVER NEVER AND I URGE YOU TO DO THE SAME. The big print giveth and the small print taketh away. Big guys win again, little guy looses. FEDEX you screwed up and got away with it. I HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT FEDEX - NEVER USE THEM AGAIN.

SOAPSTONE CARVING AT PIGEON LAKE

Join in the ART WALK on the Boardwalk August 6 between 11 AM and 3 PM at the Village at Pigeon Lake. I will be there doing soapstone carving demonstrations in conjunction with the Blue Heron Artisan Gallery. Should be a fun filled day in this very active community. See you there!

Big Commission Completed

These pieces are off to Vancouver and from there will probably go half way around the globe as Goldcorp uses these as special awards for their minesites.

Repair the Giraffe

It's not a perfect world and once in a while things just happen as with this giraffe that fell on the concrete floor.  With some epoxy, crazy glue and experience from having done this before, I was able to fix it so that it did not land up on the scrap pile.  No need to fret, just get back at it and do what you know what to do!

HAPPY SOAPSTONE CARVERS

Great group of participants at our Soapstone Carving Class at the Devonian Botanic Gardens this weekend. People came from as far as Calgary and Bonnyville to join with the group to make soapstone bears. Everyone had a good time, excellent results and a time to share with old friends and make new ones. Though the class was filled to capacity it was not short on enthusiasm and talent! (Next class is in May)

BLUE HERON ARTISANS OPENING AT PIGEON LAKE

If you are in the Pigeon Lake area you must stop in at the BLUE HERON ARTISANS in the Village at Pigeon Lake. This is a new venue that has been added to the places who will have my sculptues for sale. They are opening Mar 22nd - just in time to get ready for the busy spring and summer seasons. Their website should be up within days. Best of luck to all the artists in this popular resort area which is open year-round!

SOAPSTONE CARVING REGISTRATION UPDATE

Soapstone Carving classes are filling up very quickly, some of the classes are fully booked and only the Refresher Course on May 22 and the Carving Festival July 1-3 have a few spots left. These are the last courses that I will be conducting, if you want to particpate in this fun activity then I would suggest that you register ASAP with the Devonian Gardens as this may be your last opportunity!