Though written to be informational and to comment on the town as a whole, I wish they would have gone into all the wonderful businesses we have to offer. People JUST. DON’T. KNOW. It boggles my mind when a customer comes in and says, “I’ve lived in Emmaus for X-amount of years, and never stepped foot in any of the shops.” Sometimes they live a block away! It makes me cry at night. Okay, that’s a little dramatic.

But still…residents of the Valley often go to Bethlehem for the specialty shops they love to browse and purchase in, when really what they are looking for may be right in their backyard (literally). Even if a store doesn’t carry the things you need and just gotta have at that very moment, please do yourself a favor and just go to look. Meet the owners and sales associates. You probably know them. Or if you don’t actually know them, you’ll leave the store feeling like you just chatted with a friend. We’re very welcoming here in this little charming town.

Thank you, Lehigh Valley Style, for giving us that shout-out. We really appreciate your kind words encouraging readers to check it out!

And please keep ALL of our businesses in mind when you’re gearing up for the holidays. I promise you’ll enjoy discovering what we have to offer.

Since your kid’s teacher has put a handmade touch on your child’s education, why not go with a handcrafted gift to show him/her your appreciation?

Dona Jones has perfected the art of creating delightfully whimsical items. Her line of animal and symbolic shapes in torched copper catches every customers’ eye as they’re browsing. Your kid’s teacher is sure to love them!

Check out these photos that will give you a sampling of her wonderful pins, earrings, magnets, necklaces, and ornaments…all totally reasonably priced. They’re sure to put a smile on a proud teacher’s face as they say goodbye to your perfectly-behaved genius of a child (because your kid was an angel ALL year, I’m sure!).

Although, it’s a fact (at least here at OOOH) that pottery sells WAY better in the fall/winter.  Customers picture wrapping their hands around a beautifully-glazed mug of cocoa.  They imagine a bubbling hot pie coming out of the oven in a vibrant pie plate.  They smell the stick-to-your-ribs mac n’ cheese baking in their uniquely designed casserole dish.  It’s not often that the average customer decides to purchase pottery in the blazing hot summer.

Well!  I’m here to tell you that our pottery, especially our traditional glazed stoneware by Monica and Ray Sommerville (the artisans that we’re featuring), most certainly has a use for many of your spring and summer needs.  Here are some (exquisite, if I do say so myself) photos of how to put your pottery to good use during these seasons.  Please enjoy…I’ve taken time to let you know exactly how I envisioned each piece being used.  Maybe it will inspire some pottery sales for us.

As a side note, I ran into some lovely ladies today purchasing some unique items for a wedding shower they were attending.  In talking with them, we all agree…the typical registries are a BORE.  I do admit…when my husband and I were about to be wed, we went around with the “gun” and scanned all of your typical glassware, dishes, serving ware, etc for our personal registry.  Our generous guests obliged, purchasing many of the practical items we had so carefully chosen.  However…I must say, now with 3 years of marriage under my belt, I have used many of those dishes…but I’m more than likely to break open a fun serving dish that someone went out on a limb for.  The stark, white, cookie-cutter dishware that I imagined myself using whenever we had our fancy dinner parties (what a laugh!) pretty much always gets forgotten.  My point is….as I continue to babble…that the bride and groom you’re purchasing for will appreciate something fun and exciting.  Our Sommerville pottery is not over-the-top-crazy, but adds a handcrafted and warm addition to any table.  Trust me.

So here are those photos I was promising…enjoy!

We have lots of artisans that have been working with their craft for many years, but we have some that do it as a side-passion or have less experience.  Many times pricing comes up as a HUGE question…”Just what do I charge an interested customer for something I put my blood, sweat, and tears into?”  It can be daunting to overcharge for your work…but even scarier to UNDERcharge.

I have a few suggestions.  Now keep in mind, I don’t consider myself anywhere near an expert, but I do read…a lot.  I’m constantly checking out books, websites, magazines, blogs, even message boards where artists literally ask others for advice on a specific creation.  I wanted to not necessarily give my opinion on the matter (I am a bit biased because of my job), but to pass on valuable information so that you can make a more informed decision.  Here are a few resources I found helpful:

• Etsy is always on the top of my list for inspiration, but also for a reference.  Where else will you find that many people who all make stuff by hand???  Nowhere.  If you already have Etsy as a resource for purchasing beautifully unique items, think of it also as a resource to find useful blog articles or discussions.  Here is an Etsy message board posting that I came across…lots of comments on an artist’s actual earrings for sale from real-life crafters.

• I’m currently reading Craft, Inc by Meg Mateo Ilasco…a very quick read that maps out how to make your craft your full-time endeavor.  I recommend it for an overall look of the business, and it includes many quotes from successful craftsmen, along with a section on pricing and suggestions for an “equation” to use when calculating all of your expenses.  Check the book out on Amazon here.

• Crafting, MBA is an extremely interesting resource…basically a blog written by an exceptionally clever and knowledgeable woman, Megan Auman, who gives endless advice on how to make crafting not just a hobby.  Here are some blog articles she’s written about slapping a price sticker on your work: Defensive Pricing Strategy and How I Raised My Prices and Lived To Tell the Tale.

• One more blog, Glue and Glitter, is more based on eco-friendly craft ideas and how-tos, but I found a quick read on the author’s take on what to expect when you purchase something that’s handmade…here is the article. It’s nice to hear about her personal experience with customers scoffing at her high ticket prices.

I try to encourage artisans to never forget the time and skills necessary to create any handmade item.  Don’t sell yourself short…not everyone possesses the expertise to create an item such as your own!  However, on the flip-side, keep in mind current trends and what other stores (aka mean and ruthless corporations) are charging for an item that is similar.  Though the item you’re creating is undoubtedly more interesting and creative, don’t price your item out of the ballpark (for instance, a decorative wine glass at a home decor store may cost $12 each…I wouldn’t price your handpainted glass for more than a few dollars above that).

Sometimes artisans cannot price their items competitively…or somewhat competitively…with what the current market is.  They just can’t make a profit on the item they are selling for a reasonable price.  That’s when you must step back and really ask yourself, “Is it worth making more to sell?”  I’d hate to tell anyone not to continue something they love, but it quite possibly might not make you money.  This is something you must be willing to admit.  If you’re doing your craft to make money, reassessing the materials and time may be necessary.

Best of luck creating…and ultimately pricing to sell, sell, sell!!

Lauren

Things we’ve done so far:

• Updated our lighting and are almost all converted over to those funny-looking curvy bulbs that use less energy.  We also turn off lights when customers are not browsing.
• Bought a Brita pitcher and are purchasing less bottles of water and cans of soda (but the ones we use go into recycling).
• Used our shredder to recycle magazines and other paper as packaging material.
• Downloaded an eco-font that uses less ink because of tiny little holes within the letters (available here for free!).
• Reuse boxes for shipping and paper for printing on the opposite side.
• Switched to an email mailing list to send coupons and notices, rather than printing post cards and other mailers.
• Purchased retail boxes and bags made from recycled paper and created a custom rubber stamp to be used on these (we were using stickers beforehand that took paper and ink to print).
• Got rid of our fax machine…we’d get tons of junk and barely ever used it (no more paper and less electricity used!).
• Purchased rugs made from recycled tires…so cool and super durable!

Does anyone else have ideas for improvements?  I’m always searching for things we can do…even the smallest things make such a difference.

Thought I’d share.  Now I’m going to turn off my printer and monitor while I go do some cleaning…so I can save on electricity!

We had appointments with two wonderful artists scheduled…each had completely different work, but both were a pleasure to meet and to view their wonderful items.  It  got me thinking about all the different types of individuals we have that are interested in our gallery.  Like snowflakes, no two are alike…but I must admit that in my mind I  rank them.  Professionalism and how well they represent themselves do come first…and then I consider their talent.

I thought I’d pass on some tips to those who are looking to sell their work at galleries or another type of store.  Keep in mind that I am not extremely knowledgeable in this category…I’ve only been really working as a gallery manager for a year and a half…but I thought it would be helpful to show what it’s like to be on the receiving end.  Here’s my top tips for approaching a gallery that you’re interested in:

• Visit the gallery prior to your “sales pitch”.  Actually walk into the brick-and-mortar store, check out the vibe, meet the employees, manager, or owner, browse the work, pay attention to the price ranges.  Seeing an artist take in the atmosphere lets the gallery know that you’re to be taken seriously.
• When inquiring about a gallery’s policy, it’s a good idea to be able to “sell” your work…be prepared to describe your work and give an idea of how it would fit into their atmosphere.  Digital photos are EXCELLENT in order to show…it proves to us that your work is quality and interesting.  We probably will be more interested when actually seeing a sample.
• If you notice that the store is busy with shoppers, give the staff a break and explain quickly that you’re an interested artisan.  Take a card and ask if you can email them with information about yourself and your work.  Thank them and be quick…they will appreciate it because customers come first!
• When presenting your work (once an appointment is made), only bring in your best items.  Don’t bring unfinished work (unless it’s extremely close to being done…maybe something new that you’re trying out).  Make sure that your work is ready-to-sell (and by that I mean matted/framed if need be, packaged if appropriate)…it gives the gallery owner an idea of what the customer will exactly see.  I know that I get a rush of excitement if an item or product is sell-ready…I want to put it right out on my shelves or hang it on the walls!
• Really think about pricing.  Get a good idea of how much you should make off of an item…and BE REALISTIC!  I’ve seen a lot of people believe that their work is worth way more because of the “talent” put into it.  Although I do really think that handcrafted quality should be taken into consideration, please keep your prices competitive.  Don’t over/under sell yourself.  Ask questions if you are not sure!!!
• MOST IMPORTANTLY…do not scoff at any gallery’s policies or contracts.  If there’s something you do not agree with, then simply explain that you don’t feel they are the right venue for your work, thank them for their time, and be on your way.  It’s quite rude to haggle any terms and conditions.  Please keep in mind that the gallery does a LOT and there are many fees to running a business: advertising, credit card fees, boxes and bags, rent, utilities, supplies, computers, point of sale software, insurance, website…they must pay their employees on top of everything.  Though they couldn’t do it without your talent (it’s true), I’ve unfortunately had quite a few people who felt that our terms were not fair.  Basic manners are always appreciated.

Hopefully that gives you a sense of the expectations we and other galleries have.  Basically if you’re professional, polite, and prepared, that says a lot about how it would be to bring you on as a consignor.  Oh, I”ll just say it and not beat around the bush…your work may be great, but if you’re a pain to deal with, we probably will think twice before bringing you on board.  Clear enough? 

On a sweeter note, please know that we’re always looking for new artisans and excited to hear about new talent.  If you’re looking for more specifics, contact us and we’ll be absolutely thrilled to answer questions!

Happy Creating,

Lauren

Though I feel put on the spot a bit when someone is inquiring about the amount of money coming in, I do know it’s probably on everyone person’s mind.  It’s totally normal to be curious.  We’re still not out of these bad economic times yet.  Therefore, when a person enters an independently owned business, it is natural to wonder how they are getting through.

I wanted to give everyone a little insight.  No, I’m obviously not going to show any real numbers.  However, I want to be realistic and show the customers who care how hard it is with small businesses right now.  Maybe it will inspire some to really…REALLY…try and shop local retailers.

I’ll begin with the beginning of the year…dead.  January through Mother’s Day is pretty awful.  Sure, you’ll see some pickup for Valentine’s Day, especially with jewelry, but to be honest I don’t even celebrate Valentine’s Day, so it’s not the best holiday for us.  Mother’s Day is pretty okay.  I think our shop screams Mom.  We do see a lot of our return customers during this time (we LOVE our dedicated shoppers…even if they just stop in to say hello, it’s a real treat).

As far as the spring into summer, it’s a tad bit slow some days, but we enjoy helping customers choose wedding presents, which are typically more high-ticket items.  Once the Farmer’s Market really gets rolling, it seems people are more willing to get out of their houses to re-discover what Emmaus has to offer.

This past year, we saw a huge drop around school starting.  Not only did our store experience this, but other businesses that we talked to in town also saw a decrease in shoppers.  I’m still not sure why that was…maybe people just spent a bundle on their kid’s clothes and supplies?  Anyway, it picked up a bit around the end of October, and remained steady until the dreaded Black Friday weekend…which surprisingly brought out a bunch of people, which is uncommon.

Since then we’ve remained strong in sales, with the week before Christmas being our best week of the year.  I really do like getting the traffic, don’t get me wrong, but it does make me wonder where all of these people have been all year.

And then back to a very stagnant season once we begin the new year again.

So, in telling you all of this, I want to let you know…we appreciate all of you.  Whether you come in to spend $10 or choose the most expensive work of art we have, we really do love our customers.  I can definitely say the employees and even the manager at Walmart do NOT love you.  Keep that in mind.

And I also want everyone to know…small business is in trouble.  Each and every tiny shop is feeling pain.  Please shop local…somewhere, even if it’s not our store, we don’t mind!  This is our plea to you, the consumer.  Don’t forget about all of us.

I want to link you to the 3/50 Project, and if you haven’t heard of it yet, please check it out.  It’s a campaign to save independent business, and it totally makes sense.  Chew on the facts a little.

Please keep us in mind!  Even you take a little spin around and we don’t have what you’re looking for…then you can go to pick it up at whatever large chain store you so choose.  It takes but 10 minutes, and you might just find something so special, you’ll never even know you were searching for it.

Number One:  Time. You all will nod in agreement when I say, there are just not enough hours in a day.  I wear a lot of hats during my daily routine; I’m a sales associate and manager, an office assistant, a store layout designer, a maid, even a direction-giver and story-listener on some occasions.  Don’t get me wrong, I love it.  Wouldn’t change it for the world, but you can see I lead a busy life.  Thanks for understanding.

Number Two:  Being Mommy. Prior to today I brought my daughter, Ava, with me to our gallery almost every day.  Having a 14-month-old pre-toddler running (yes, running) around, most adorably I must add, increases the amount of daily stress.  Though I cannot thank my parents (the OOOH owners) enough for allowing for Ava to be here with me, and I truly enjoyed every moment of her existence here, I’m extremely happy to announce: she has begun daycare!  Mommy is free (though I admit sobbing when dropping her off the first day).

Number Three (most important):  I’m boring. At least in blog-form.  I get nervous and anxious that I’m not saying the right thing or using the proper tense of a word, and my blogs just end up not happening.  As a regular blog reader, I find myself drawn the ones that are descriptive, relaxed, down-to-earth…and then it hit me.  Why am I not attempting to be creative, witty, and fun in my blog posts when I enjoy reading such things?  Why can’t I just type out how I normally talk in everyday conversation?  Why can’t I talk about MYSELF and my FAMILY…as if there’s no person behind our business???  Let me tell you, this was a major breakthrough for me.

So let me re-introduce myself, and this business, because we are PEOPLE here and not some CORPORATION that hides behind minimum-wage employees …I will save that rant for later…

My name is Lauren.  I’m the store manager.  If you’ve been in our lovely establishment, you’ve most likely met me.  I’m a mother and a wife and a darn good talker if you get me going.  My background is in Art Education and I dabble in many different mediums, though I’d probably tell you that watercolor and life drawing are my ultimate faves.  Though it kills me to admit it, I’m not a working artist.  I make side-projects as gifts or favors to friends, but I wouldn’t consider them any great work of art (though they are tons of fun).  I like picnics and snowboarding and breakfast and cuddling.  My mouth hurts at the end of the day because I’m constantly smiling (I have a lot to smile about).  So that’s me.

My parents are Rich and Val.  Rich is the photographer, Val the retired speech pathologist.  They are my parents and bosses, and really my biggest fans.

My mom is here 2-3 days a week, and when she and I are running the store, it’s like magic.  She’s my ying to my yang.  When I get a crazy idea (and I get them quite frequently), she’s the one to exclaim, “Great idea!  Let’s do it!” or tell me oh-so-gently, “Maybe we should put that on our list and chew on it for a while.”  Val is super, and she has not only us as her fans, but she’s got a slew of professionals in her field that miss her so.  I am always appreciative of how Mom takes on projects and gets ‘em done, but also how she takes the time to listen and give me a loving hug or encouraging pat-rub on my back (she’s been unconsciously doing that since I was a kid, and I’ve never really expressed how much it calms me).  Mom is also our bookkeeper and accountant, which saves me from doing math, which is good.

Dad is the artistic talent that has been such an inspiration to us for so many years.  I’m so proud when customers exclaim, “Wow, that bleeding heart photo is gorgeous!” because I’m like, “Yeah, that’s my Dad.”  Some of the fondest memories of my childhood were going on these awesome vacations all over the country and seeing my Dad clicking his camera at every turn.  Though when I was younger, I used to roll my eyes, I now really see that he was completely in it…amazed at the beauty that all others take for granted.  My dad is hilarious and silly and the easiest person to talk to in the world.  He would bend over backwards for just about anyone, but has a great sense of what’s right and what’s wrong.  When I have a project in mind, he’s right there to hang this, or move that, or wait I changed my mind now move it here.  He’s not only the owner but one of our contracted artisans, and he’s always looking for ways to make our business better and better and better…

And though I would consider my mom, dad, and I the three Musketeers of OOOH, I can’t forget the people who support us so lovingly…

My sister, Joyce, is one of our jewelry artisans as well, and she’s always designing print projects for our store to make us look classy and sophisticated.  She’s quite a classy gal herself and one of the best shoppers I know, complete with a laugh that will make you laugh which will in turn make her laugh and…well, you get the picture.

I’m constantly wondering how I got so lucky in finding my husband, Devon, who can do no wrong in my book.  He’s our webmaster extraordinaire, which he does full-time for a company called 4O1! Creative…that is when he’s not being Daddy extraordinaire.  He also designs for us and promises that he’ll teach me Photoshop so I won’t have to keep bugging him for stuff (I kid, I kid).  Devon also finds time to keep me sane with his calm approach to life.

In addition to everyone I just mentioned, we have a long list of loved ones that support us unconditionally.  We couldn’t do it without them!  Kisses to you all.

And so that was my attempt at giving you some information about our life, showing you that we are a loving bunch with personalities of our own, and we hope to continuously inject that love and personality into our business.  I apologize for not explaining that before.  My bad.

From this day forward, I promise that I’ll try to be more personable with my written word.  I promise to not worry if I bring up something un-related to art and the art world and all things artistic.  Because showing that I have an interest in other things is not a crime, but mainly I just have to loosen up.  Better a crazy jumbled blog than no blog at all, am I right?

I really enjoyed writing this.  Hope you enjoyed reading it.

‘Till next time…which, hopefully, will not be 4 months from now.

As an offshoot blog of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen site, their mission is “bringing Pennsylvania artisans & shoppers together.”  On the HIP site, you’ll not only find information on PA artists making exciting new work, you’ll see events posted, advice for crafters, guest bloggers, even a recipe for homemade puffy paint (my newest favorite post).  The creators are doing an excellent job showcasing the talent that PA has to offer, although I’m positive there’s much more to be uncovered!  Can’t wait to see what HIP reports on next.

In addition, there’s a fairly new section of the webpage that maps all local brick and mortar shops that sell handmade within our keystone state.  We’re happy to be pinpointed here in Emmaus!

Check out HIP in the near future for ads from OOOH.  They are currently in the works!

But with all the great things NICHE has to offer, we must say that their almost-daily postings on Facebook are something we look forward to.  Whoever is in charge of their social media, we thank you!  By being a fan (or “Liking” their page, a new feature that is essentially being a fan) of the NICHE page, we are able to see their posts that link you to interesting articles that they in turn have found online, anywhere from tips on writing to-do lists to uplifting reports of the rebounding economy.

Another aspect of NICHE is their Awards, both in independent artists and craft retailers.  Being nominated for a future award in the top retailers category (possibly for our website?) is one of our main goals for the next few years, and to see past winners is truly inspiring.  Many of the winners from 2009 are not too far away from us in the tri-state area.

With all that said, we thank NICHE magazine for showing us that there is success out there for fine craft retailers and artists, and that though our gallery is not award-winning (yet!), what we represent is being appreciated and celebrated.