Hi Bill

Yes there's also the I can't compete with so and so, so why bother, I'm
never going to win.

I think it is important that you have 2 or 3 levels where let's say
those that have already won first price before, go into a higher class,
those with 2nd and 3th and honorable prize winnings go into another
category and all others in the novice class.
That way a brand new turner doesn't have to compete with a gifted
accomplished turner, and all compete on a more equal level.
As for complicated or uncomplicated, who's deciding what's complicated
or not ???, something simple for one, might be a real challenge for the
next one.
Of course you can set sizes, like a box with dimensions not to be
exceeded, then leave it up to the person to rise to the challenge,
that's where most people will try to do the best to their abilities,
IMO.
Take the box example, one will try just a good fitting and finished box
and the next will do inlay into that or some other fancy enhancement,
coloring or chatter work etc. , just give them a chance to show what
they can do, and a small $$ prize or ribbon for encouragement.
Give people a chance to explain their special things that they have
done or tried before a winner is chosen, and peoples choice is
preferred over and above "experts" IMO.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo
BillR wrote
Thanks Leo. Quite a comprehensive list.
I notice that most, if not all, are relatively uncomplicated items. This
makes me wonder whether some of themes we have had are too complicated and
have resulted in a poor number of entries. We have been working on the
principle that the themes should be challenging and move the members into
areas new.
For example one of last years themes was a 'mother and child' lace bobbin
not to exceed 6mm (1/4") diam. It took me a week trying to figure out how to
get the slots in it to be neat and even. I know some of the other members
gave up at the thinking stage.
It presents a dilema as to make it easy and get more entries or to be more
difficult and get a few entries.
wrote in message
ps.com...
Bill you can also use the seasons and special holidays for themes, like
say fruit forms this time of year, hollow or just the forms or boxes,
also thank-givings time, platters and or plates, cups and saucers, or
goblets, long or short with or without rings, christmas time, ornaments
like angels or snowmen, trees or the balls with icicles, pierced or not
and also small bird houses or in the spring at easter time it's good
for eggs, hollow or colored or pierced, then there are the bowls or
hollow forms, mushrooms, toys like tops or whistles or paddle boats,
spoons spurtles dough rollers etc. etc etc.
A demonstration the month before to give everyone an idea of how or
what to do for the next month's challenge.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

BillR wrote:
Our woodturning club is putting together it's theme for each of next
years
monthly competitions. We are having trouble thinking of new of new
ideas.

Some of our past themes have been:
Babies rattle
Lace bobbin
Carved or decorated bowl
Item made to a drawing
Narrow necked vessel

Can anyone suggest any others?

Thanks

BillR