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

Not only do my tags reflect my personal and artistic style, they compliment my jewelry and help them stand out to customers. I believe personalized tags are a great way to market and draw attention to any type of artwork. They add a finished look and create consistency throughout a collection.

Some suggestions to create an identity that is right for you:

1. Use a typeface or handwriting that is easy to read and works with your style and type of art. Keep it consistent so it creates a connection throughout your collection.
2. Color helps to draw the eye, so you might want to try one or two bright colors. But don’t let it overpower the actual artwork. After all, it is your art you are promoting.
3. Create a logo for yourself. A dominant icon or symbol can add a legitimate and professional look to your art.
4. Describe yourself and your work graphically. For example, I use bright colors and a pattern on my tags that reflect my modern and fun artwork and lifestyle. But this might not work for a classic or traditional type of artwork. Discover what works for you and will attract your audience.

Overall, you want to enhance your work and help it to stand out to customers. Remember not to distract from your art, but to create a finished and professional look.