Two More Alden’s for the Stable

[ashdigger]

Someone commissioned two pipes and didn’t like the result. So Ryan contacted me and asked if I was interested in “castoffs”, of course I said yes.

The dimensions are the same at 5.16” x 1.95”, chamber is .75” x 1.5”

The Strawberry Briar (Cumberland Stem) weighs 28 grams
The Briar weighs 32 grams

 

[MikeDub]

Those are both outstanding. The strawberry briar one in particular is a beauty

 

[LeafErikson]

Absolutely beautiful!

 

[LotusEater]

Very cool!
Nice acquisitions!

 

[sablebrush52]

Those are beautiful! Can’t imagine what the original purchaser was thinking.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Castoffs Two beautiful pipes if you ask me! I’d have been thrilled with em. Their loss is your gain.

 

[JimInks]

I'd never do business with that "buyer". Maybe he got cold feet about spending money because there's nothing to dislike about those pipes. Things like this are why I require prior payment for my artwork when I sell it.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Beautiful pipes!! Congratulations.

 

[georged]

Can’t imagine what the original purchaser was thinking.

He wanted a smooth finish double-bowl Oom Paul churchwarden with a 20" long clear Perspex stem that had black & gold flowers etched into it.

You gotta admit Ryan missed it by a fair amount.

 

[Ahi Ka]

He wanted a smooth finish double-bowl Oom Paul churchwarden with a 20" long clear Perspex stem that had black & gold flowers etched into it.

You gotta admit Ryan missed it by a fair amount.

Sounds like he should have gone to @sasquatch for that commission

 

[americaman]

Alden is the man. I got my first one yesterday, delivered by Mr. Alden himself. It is a beauty, and the craftsmanship is next level. Enjoy your two new Aldens.

 

[AroEnglish]

Question for people who have gotten commissions done: What do you do if it doesn’t look like what you wanted? I’ve been nervous to get a commission done because even though many artisans don’t charge up from, I don’t think I could pass on it, even though I don’t love the result. Also, can you say “for X reasons I don’t think the pipe quite hit the mark; would you be interested in trying to make another pipe with those things adjusted?” Or is that disrespectful or just plain obtuse?

 

[Chasing Embers]

there's nothing to dislike about those pipes

All about personal preference. Though I can understand the appeal, I've not seen an Alden that I'd part money for.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

One person's loss is another person's gain. I'm guessing the other buyer didn't have the money. Beautiful pipes and being from Ryan, they're bound to smoke great as well.

 

[georged]

All about personal preference. Though I can understand the appeal, I've not seen an Alden that I'd part money for.

a.k.a. ---

 

[TexJake]

All about personal preference. Though I can understand the appeal, I've not seen an Alden that I'd part money for.

Fair enough - taste is personal. But, I think these are pretty good examples of his work. The difference is that you, knowing that you wouldn’t part with your money for his work, likely wouldn’t ask him to start 2 new projects for you either.

 

[Chasing Embers]

wouldn’t ask him to start 2 new projects for you either

It is bizarre that someone would do that.

 

[georged]

Question for people who have gotten commissions done: What do you do if it doesn’t look like what you wanted? I’ve been nervous to get a commission done because even though many artisans don’t charge up from, I don’t think I could pass on it, even though I don’t love the result.

Pictures speak louder than words

1) Find an existing pipe online you like that your guy already made.

2) Ask him if he could/would make the same pipe again with X changes (meaning things like stem length, finish color, overall size, stem material color, etc.)

The result? Clear communication and expectation on BOTH sides of the transaction.

A verbal description alone, or a submitted sketch, rarely works out for too many reasons to list.

Finally, if the pic you like is a smooth or otherwise dependent on wood size or grain, understand that the wait time for the right block to come along could be significant.

 

[AroEnglish]

Pictures speak louder than words

1) Find an existing pipe online you like that your guy already made.

2) Ask him if he could/would make the same pipe again with X changes (meaning things like stem length, finish color, overall size, stem material color, etc.)

The result? Clear communication and expectation on BOTH sides of the transaction.

A verbal description alone, or a submitted sketch, rarely works out for too many reasons to list.

Finally, if the pic you like is a smooth or otherwise dependent on wood size or grain, understand that the wait time for the right block to come along could be significant.

Thanks, George. You’re right about the clear communication. I think I’m nervous about stepping on someone’s toes when communicating what I’d like. I certainly am looking for their artistic license and wouldn’t want my communication to seem like I’m trying to box in their work/creativity.

I probably just need to not overthink it too much

 

[DesertDan]

Those are some mighty briars!
They look fantastic, especially the red one, congrats.