Uncovering the Surprising Cost of Resin Art - Can You Make A Profit?

In this video I make a clock that at first I thought was ordinary. Then I screwed up and.....well the fix took it to a new level. Join me as I make the Blue and Gold Clock. I also map out my time and costs, showing you exactly how much money it took to make it and how much profit was made by the sale of it. profit Find my work at www.etsy.com/s... or email [e-mail] for pricing
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DISCLAIMER: Please note that my channel is for entertainment purposes only. Don’t be stupid. You should NOT rely solely upon the information and techniques discussed and displayed in my channel. I am not a professional woodworker, wood turner or electrician and working with machinery and electricity can be dangerous. It is recommended that you fully research each technique and decide for yourself what the safest possible work method is for you.

[@Large_Sarge]

Yeah you should double your price easily for all the work. All the comments here talking about experience and exposure. This was time away from your family and that is worth something. I don't blame you for not doing this type of a project anymore. Ask $500 going forward and maybe someone will pay you for what you're worth. Thanks for the content as always.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks you Sonny. I appreciate that.

[@trurex007lee7]

Beautiful clock. Thanks for telling us the costs and time. The value of your time far exceeds the cost of the clock.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you.

[@fionanaylor6104]

Sumptuous. Loved watching the blue and gold resin cook off. Completely understand why it is no more clocks. One of the benefits of costing each project out. TY💗

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you Fiona.

[@TotalBoat]

Wow! So much went in to this beauty. Happy the initial 1in pour didn't cause any major set backs!

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you. Sometimes I can get more, sometimes I can't. Sometimes I think the resin has a mind of it's own. 😂😂😂

[@lissanne9769]

The clock you made is gorgeous. I didn't see a single flaw. Great artistic work. It's really hard to give a price on your own work being a artist and not a seller. But had it have been me, I would have done the same thing. I've sold a lot of my oil paintings for not much money. Don't be hard on yourself, remember it's about the art more than anything. Thank you for this fantastic video.

[@MoonpieCreations]

This is a very true statement. I make maybe $50 on my bowls too. Even if I wasn't selling my pieces I would still be making them. I give away a lot of my pieces too. The wife gets so made at me sometimes, but understands why I do it.

[@lissanne9769]

I've done the same thing, all of my family have told me that I've given to much of my art away. But I like doing it. It's just our prerogative.

[@stevewhite8161]

Great job Ken and that didn't even account for power or wear on equipment. You did an outstanding job with this clock though.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks Steve

[@oilerfreak]

You do not know how much I appreciated this video, I am in the process of starting a woodshop and this will help me immensely in my goal. Again thank YOU.

[@MoonpieCreations]

You are welcome. I will be finishing up a few other videos with times and cost associated with them.

[@rosscasemore3188]

No one understands how much time it takes to make these one off projects until you try it yourself. It looks great. 👍

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks Ross

[@PohlBarnProductions]

Hey Ken Nice looking clock ! thumbs up as always

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks Doug. I know you can sympathize.

[@jackstrange186]

That clock is gorgeous. I love it. I can't wait to see it in person. I actually love the fact that the circles aren't perfectly round. It gives the clock character.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@Oxyte]

When you break it all down like that, it really puts things into perspective!

[@steveschulkin8335]

Ken, don't be so hard on yourself. The clock came out amazing. I love the colors. No one said making things was easy. That's all part of the fun and enjoyment of what we do. Stay cool. Next time you do a clock, try using glow in the dark pigment for the number circles.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks Steve. Btw that is glow in the dark Resin in the circles.

[@Muskrat1960]

You deserve to make some money on your art. Nice piece.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you Bruce

[@lilwaves9670]

I really like these cost profit videos. I hope you do one on turning a bowl soon.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Should be coming soon.

[@wethreetums]

Beautiful clock. You're quite the artist. Thank you for sharing

[@STMwoodturning]

Love the colors of the resin! Whenever you share a video like this, cataloging all the troubles and setbacks you have to overcome, it reminds me to never, ever do commission work!! I was asked this once a while back regarding the wood bowls I make and thankfully I told the person I no. I will sell my work but I'm going to make what I like and if someone wants to buy it, they can. Take care Ken! 😁

[@MoonpieCreations]

I tell myself after each time "I will never do this again" then someone asks and I feel I can't turn them down. I am doing one now that has cost me almost $350 so far and I haven't even gotten half way done with it. I quoted $320 😳😧

[@STMwoodturning]

@@MoonpieCreations Son!! The resin fumes must be getting to you!

[@brenda3768]

Stuttgart American High School Alumni here, husband from Ramstein High. Beautiful Clock.

[@MoonpieCreations]

I was stationed just North of Ramstein from 2004-2008. I was at Baumholder.

[@freethebirds3578]

Weren't DODDS schools awesome? AFCENT in the Netherlands here.

[@brenda3768]

Yes! They were the best. An experience like non-other. They produced great people too!

[@ksart9188]

How amazing! I spent time in the same area in Germany in the late 70’s. The colors of that clock are amazing. Great job!

[@funo6581]

It’s a beautiful clock Ken. The separation is gorgeous. My hubby was watching your video with me and we were just talking about how tough just the resin can be, things can go sideways pretty quickly and it adds hours of time. Micro bubble, cracking, fish eyes.. just to name a few. I love playing with resin but, I don’t blame you for not wanting to do another clock commission. Sorry it turned out to be so unprofitable. Thanks for sharing all the details, I’m sure you’ve saved someone else from a similar situation. I think a lot of artists don’t charge enough for their time and abilities.

[@leliaguinn5307]

Good looking clock. The color separation was beautiful.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@evangoodlock1]

Love the time and price breakdown. Puts the cost of art in perspective.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@scottbeilsmith4261]

Fantastic color separation. Sometimes it is very depressing what we actually make per hour. Great job Ken 👍.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@kalynrobison6192]

That really did turn out amazing! ❤

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@theangrywoodturner9972]

Love the cost breakdown people need to see the numbers....don't get discouraged every project is a learning experience...thanks

[@MoonpieCreations]

Anytime I get to make something, there is no way I get discouraged. I just enjoy making things. Now making enough to continue to make stuff is another story. lol

[@raydriver7300]

Love the clock Ken. You forgot to add buying the kit to make it - and electricity! 🌞

[@MoonpieCreations]

There are a lot of things I don't put in the calculations. Resin plays hell on blades and cnc bits. lol Are you talking the mold? I made it a while back from free HDPE I got from a local industry.

[@horsetowater]

Looks like the surface of the sun when setting very cool

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you.

[@markparker5788]

Thank you Ken for showing the entire process. Your sticktoitiveness is inspiring. And thank you for replying to a question I had sent you about a month ago about epoxy. My first pour wasn't what I was hoping for but I was able to salvage something from it.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks Mark. I try to answer all questions and emails. Sometimes it gets hard lol.

[@5809AUJG]

I thumbed-up it anyway. I think it's gorgeous!

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@markoutler5139]

Great looking clock Ken! I love the design and the colors. I especially like the ring you added on the outside.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you Mark

[@jennifermcguire5557]

Absolutely stunning!!! I love the bubbly look.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@justplayin7799]

Okay, so I won't leave a comment. Doh! 🤣 Looks great and I love the colors. My School 's colors were also blue and gold. Years ago I made jewelry from bone. People just didn't understand how much labor goes into designing, carving, sanding and hand polishing each piece.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Very true. I have to admit I do it more for the sake of my art rather than a profit.😂 I'd die penniless if I waited for the money to roll in.

[@cykcyko1]

when i do clocks like that i use a dish that is meant to go under outdoor potted plants, pre-cut the wood using a circle jig (like cutting out a bowl blank) then hot glue it in the bottom and pour the resin. I chuck it on the lathe to take it to round and wet sand and finish.... i am saving up for a CNC router so i can do pattern's, numbers and writing on stuff. don't let this clock stop you making more....they don't need to be that thick and that can save a lot in resin.

[@MoonpieCreations]

I've made about 12 clocks. I used to turn them on the lathe until the wife got a cnc. Thickness was determined by the customer. I think it would save a lot of resin if I only made them 5mm thicker than the mechanism. The thing that cost the most for what it was is the burl. They are twice the cost now.

[@maddieadams75]

Beautiful clock❤

[@brucewatt2864]

I thought that it was a great looking piece Ken. The colours and the finish looked awesome. Hit the like button for you (just outright forget to do it sometimes). Hope you get a bump in subscriptions after this video as you deserve a lift. Always enjoy your videos and they and you are great to watch. Having the cost displayed will give a perspective to viewers of how little we actually are working for when we produce an item as beautiful as this. I was real happy for you when it didn't crack. Just remember you have a lot of support and backing from people who really enjoy your work. Thanks

[@laurazakrzewski]

That turned out very nice Ken!

[@maxinemccappin7919]

Beautiful work, as usual. Love the colour combination and that beautiful pattern you achieved.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you maxine

[@Blakksheap]

Thank you for letting us follow you on these projects. You're a great talent and deserve the praise. Nice job.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Wow, thank you for the kind words. They go a long way these days.

[@alangibb3100]

Wow I never thought you could demould as quick as that. The burl and these colours are fantastic, well done

[@MoonpieCreations]

I cut a bunch of the video of de-molding out. lol It pissed me off a bit so I had to walk away.

[@PHIL_S]

Well, you did recoup your materials cost and XP3 items - your time can be valued in learning experience I guess to make it a wash. I think it came out great - love to colors! Thanks for sharing the video and the numbers that most people don't even consider.

[@MoonpieCreations]

I have a turning video I am working on and "Spoiler Alert" it shows the same issue. lol I bought my burls two years ago and they were expensive then. I looked on line at the same place and they are going for double now. Not sure how anyone can make money like that.

[@bgpappy30]

Hey Ken, this clock is so beautiful! I love the burl and colors. I still am trying to buy some total boat epoxy resin since I won the Starbond giveaway. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all. I for one am so appreciative of you for sharing this information and your time. One love to all!!!

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks Patrick. Glad you won the Starbond giveaway.

[@slightly.above.average]

I wood work as a hobby and often requested to build stuff for friends / coworkers and they often can't believe the prices. Wood is expensive and my time has value!

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Beautiful clock Ken. I have no idea what you can do to make a clock so that it’s affordable for the customer and profitable for you, at least not using resin. He better like this one.

[@MoonpieCreations]

It wasn't what he was wanting, but he said he couldn't be happier with the results.

[@msudawgma]

Sure is purty! Excellent job; of course!

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@teresagraser386]

Loved the way the colors mixed. Turned out great

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you.

[@karendale7297]

Wow! Those colors with that burl are fantastic! Nice work! Don’t spend all that money in one place!

[@MoonpieCreations]

😂😂😂 you made me laugh so hard I almost peed myself.

[@willowwilson5358]

Clock looks amazing ... you could easily charge double the price ... clocks are one of those things I only make for family as gifts 😊 love the effect of the resin in this one and phew it didn't crack 😅

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks Willow. I found that you can charge what every you want for an item and eventually it will sell. I had a bowl that I charged 3 times what I normally do and it didn't sell right away. But it did eventually sell. Just have to have the right seller. Oh and sell in the right place. I could never sell my pieces in my town.

[@mrcannamike5636]

Moving on up. Got a raise from when you were in the Military 😂😂. Great video

[@MoonpieCreations]

No joke there. lol

[@ACKSWOODPASTE]

The price of everything these days Ken, its really hard to even make a profit no matter what retail business your involved in, we certainly know all about that. But your work is exceptional!! That clock is beautiful!

[@MoonpieCreations]

I know what you mean. That burl in the video is now $150 plus shipping on the same site I got it from.

[@ACKSWOODPASTE]

@@MoonpieCreations Wow!!

[@wolflynnx4]

The Thumbprint reminded me of the painting 'Stary Night'

[@MoonpieCreations]

Hahaha yes!

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

It looks great.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@mandicoleman7433]

That looks effin awesome ❤❤❤❤

[@debbieunverzagt5379]

Beautiful

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you Debbie

[@tommywalker77]

Looks good to me that will look good on any wall

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thanks Tommy

[@ddutton0]

Looks great

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@DesertBumWoodWorkn]

That did come out Awesome Ken.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@glennprovenzano1837]

Gorgeous

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you Glenn

[@DaveGDesigns]

Nice job buddy I love those colours and they go perfectly with the burr 👌🏻

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you Dave

[@looselycollected7505]

Blue and gold are the colors for the combined grade school and junior high I went to. I thought the swirls started to look a bit like peacock feather patterns. Beautiful piece. Bummer about all the various issues and the little to no profit on it.

[@MoonpieCreations]

A peacock....that's what I was trying to figure out. Thanks.

[@clydeschuyler]

I still love the clock. Maybe little profit but still your work will get out there.

[@MoonpieCreations]

To tell the truth most of my projects with burl and resin lose money. Burl is very expensive unless I find it and dry it myself. Thank you.

[@MarklTucson]

Very cool looking. Those resin colors were awesome. Thanks for sharing the cost of doing this piece and the resulting "profit". If you take into account electricity for the equipment, you probably used up that $6 profit. 😕 Haven't sold that much yet, but that seems to be the struggle, pricing such that customers don't walk away but getting reasonable return on time and material. [Apologies for the late comment, I'm not sure if I'm not getting notifications for your videos, or if I'm missing the notifications but there are several that I have not yet seen and am now catching up]

[@MoonpieCreations]

Yes pricing is difficult. It's impossible to use an hourly rate. I am working on a coffee table right now that I have at least 40hrs in and not even half done. AT $20 an hr that's already $800. Plus materials. But hey don't we do it for the love of woodworking? Bahhahahhaha. Good to see you Mark.

[@jediping]

Looks really good! I’m terrible at estimating how long my work takes me (different type of work), and with individual clients it must be even harder to find a number that values your time and the cost of the materials but takes into account the client budget. Yikes!

[@MoonpieCreations]

I always under value my items. With costs going up I refused to raise my pieces cost. But you can't run a business like that forever.

[@louloumagoo2512]

Beautiful

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@williamellis8993]

Looks great, Ken. And people wonder why your works are so expensive (they're not) in your store. Bill

[@MoonpieCreations]

True. I still always love that line "I can get it for $40 from Target" 😂

[@virginiafoster864]

Awesome

[@MoonpieCreations]

thank you

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, Moonpie Création, great looking clock, it is a shame that you didn’t make money on the commission peace, just a suggestion before you run your CNC on the work peace, do a run on a peace of MDF , then if it’s not correct you can reset and a just your work, I am retired English gentleman living in France, specialist carpenter jointer, retired, I have never used a CNC machine, but have made a lot of jigs , for making chairs, tables, windows, stairs cases, I do fancy having a go at resin/wood turning, Keep up the great work, Stay safe, PHIL FROM THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOULIN FRANCE.

[@MoonpieCreations]

That's good idea. Thanks.

[@timbutler3733]

Good video, I appreciate you sharing costs. Knowing what you know now, what would you charge the customer?

[@MoonpieCreations]

No less than $320. These clocks are probable better prices at around $400 though.

[@Azurko]

That was a great looking clock and yeah...you didn't make any money on it directly but at least you were able to turn it into content so it's not a complete waste.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Funny you say that. I was thinking about doing a video on the costs and time of making these videos versus how much I make per video. "Spoiler Alert" Would you be shocked to know I lose around $20 per video I post?

[@ziny2814]

It's very beautiful. Why does it harden quickly?

[@MoonpieCreations]

Pouring to much resin at one time causes it to over heat.

[@willytheekid]

Beautiful as always...but Ouch! "Apparently" Rule #1 in small Business is:...if it costs you $1 to make, you need to sell it for $3! (Materials, Overheads, Profit) ...imagine if woodworkers followed these "rules"...yeah, thats a $600+ piece! Kia Kaha Ken❤...the art will remain long after the money is gone!

[@MoonpieCreations]

I hate that you do have to price like that. I rarely do. lol The wife gets made at me for giving away my pieces, but then again she understands.

[@suzetteedwards7956]

I think you under charged as well BUT. The burl, 90+ but how much of that burl did you use? Second, the error can't be calculated in as that was a boo boo. Third, you now have the set u for the CNC, right? Set up should be much quicker next time. Maybe $300 next time. You can use some more of that same burl and CNC set up will be quicker.

[@JohnClark-tt2bl]

Hey Ken, you know they make clock molds for making things just like this. Not being a smartass, but it likely would save a ton of time.

[@MoonpieCreations]

haha, there lies the issue. The mold costs money also. I really don't get enough orders for clock to justify spending $$ on a mold. I think it's a losing proposition either way. Thanks for the suggestion John

[@JohnClark-tt2bl]

@@MoonpieCreations That makes sense if you don't make many of them. Good molds aren't cheap either.

[@michaelross8794]

OK, let's number these comments: 1) Posting your costs and the time, BRILLIANT!!! Unfortunatelyl, with the price of that burl, every little mistake you make hurts all your viewers too. 2) 171 degrees? Holy hell! would it pay to put it in a small area with an AC unit? king at max?

[@MoonpieCreations]

It got up to around 254. lol A buddy of mine uses and A/C Fan blower thing. Another guy I know have a deep freezer converted to a fridge.

[@michaelross8794]

I like the freezer idea...but my wife would KILL me if I did that.

[@chrisnash2154]

Why didn’t you just use total boat fathom? I think it can do up to 4”. I’m confused about the labor. Looking at the quality of that clock, it’s obvious you know what you’re doing so I’m surprised you didn’t figure in labor?

[@MoonpieCreations]

It is very hard and next to impossible to get the color separation I was going for with Fathom. That was the issue with my last clock I did. Haha, I really miss quoted this commission for sure. Day job has me running around like a chicken with it's head cut off and I just blanked on labor.

[@jackthompson5092]

Nice clock. Not sure how it will maintain time without a mechanism .

[@MoonpieCreations]

😂😂😂

[@jnol9009]

Clock came out amazing. Sorry it just wasn't worth everything u put into it. Thx and take care.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you.

[@paddlefaster]

How much did the clock mechanism cost? It's why I don't do these small items. I always lose my shirt when I do

[@MoonpieCreations]

The mechanism cost between $9 and $12.

[@glasgowjohn7831]

very van gogh-esque

[@MoonpieCreations]

Thank you

[@cookiescoop6065]

38 cents hr that sucks. My dad went on strike for laborers to go fro 25 to 27 cents hr in the 40s

[@MoonpieCreations]

😳 wow!

[@roger7715]

I could not hear a word that you were saying!!!

[@MoonpieCreations]

Sorry Roger.

[@randyrenfro5907]

This is the second video I’ve seen where you measured wrong and cut through the edge…what’s up with that?

[@MoonpieCreations]

Haha, I have four projects going at a time and to be fair those cuts were a year apart.

[@rhettmeese7090]

Love it as always, I don’t think you should count video editing time unless you also count what you make from the video, let’s say for a month. Just my opinion and I know they are like bellybuttons 🤪

[@MoonpieCreations]

Haha, Most of my clients want a video to go along with their piece. It is the only reason I added it.

[@crackerjack010101]

You sir lost money-lack of labor aside. The $6.38 didn’t cover the electricity spent on all that. Not sure what model you’re using to calculate your pricing structure but it’s time for a new one.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Well thank you for the kind words on the piece. 😂Yes, I know I screw the pricing up. That was the point. I stated i screwed up. No worries, sometimes it happens. Adapt and over come.

[@davedavem]

Dude. 38 cents an hour. Damn. 😢 You're worth at least double that! Sorry 😅 Honestly, though. Do a commission again, but charge $450.

[@MoonpieCreations]

Haha, Some would say I am worth at least a $1. lol

[@edzoedzo369]

U quoted too little, or your arrangement with the customer was wrong! That's surprising because u should know better 🤔

[@jackiebuttnor8410]

Oh man! Hand made things always cost more to make than people believe. I did notice you didn't add in the cost of the clock works. Was that intentional?

[@MoonpieCreations]

I’m letting them customer get those.