New Here?

Request Your FREE DVD

Home

Engraving Systems

Micro Sandblasting

Airbrushing

Training Classes

Photo Galleries

Masters Program

FAQ's

Testimonials

Site Map

Profitable Hobbies Featured Artist Program

We are proud to feature some of our outstanding artists in our network. We are surrounded by such talented artists. What makes Profitable Hobbies network, truly amazing is everyone's willingness to share what they know with each other. We are blessed to have such people in our network. If you would to submit your story and pictures to our Featured Artist Program, to be featured here, the directions to do so are at the bottom of this page.

I purchased my Paragrave in 1985, from Dr. Lew at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.
My plan was to use it on Automotive Glass as an addition to my existing business of Vinyl Pinstriping and Graphics. I did a little glass in the local area, but soon discovered that to stay busy I needed to follow the “Car Shows”. I was not willing to be on the road all the time.

Then I started engraving Ostrich & Emu eggs, however most ended up as gifts.

The only class that I have attended was in Plano, Texas, on “Simulated Ivory Inlay.” The Instructor was Keith Hone, however Dr. Lew was there, and I remember our dinner on the last evening. It was great getting to know Dr. Lew.

For a couple of years, during the Holiday season, fragrance companies contacted me to go to the local malls and engrave on their fragrance bottles. This paid very well but was seasonal.

 I went to all of the “Things Remembered” stores in the City, left a stack of my Business Cards and ask if they would send me any work that they couldn’t do, and I would do the same for them. This was a good move; over the years they have sent me loads of business.

When the Parablaster was introduced I purchased one and continue to use it on all of my glasswork.

About this time the oldest & largest jewelry store in OKC started sending me all their work. They have also sent a lot of local organizations to me for their Annual Awards. 

Now 80% of my work is crystal; the balance is metal and wood. Last year I started carving gourds. I’ve completed around 10. I entered two in the State Fair this last October and won a blue and red ribbon.

I am making arrangements to present our new U.S. Representative, with the gourd that won first place at the Oklahoma State Fair, which depicts our state’s Centennial.

The Route 66 sign on the top of the gourd is made of woolly mammoth tusk, with scrimshaw lettering.
 
I have come to the conclusion that my true love is engraving and carving wood. I am working on a large mouth Bass lying beneath a stump. I intend to enter it in a Wood Carving show in Oklahoma when finished.

I truly enjoy and look forward to Dr. Lew’s weekly conferences. He has a heart for us and wants us to succeed. I intend to sign up for the one he mentioned starting in the future.

Thanks again for your products, and your desire to see us reach our dreams and goals. You encourage us to pursue what we desire and love.

Don Rodgers
Oklahoma City, OK