From time to time, as I browse art and craft shows, I come across a crafter who might have an excellent eye for color and design, yet neglects workmanship. Over and over again I pick up beautiful earrings only to discover the earwire ends have not been properly filed. Yikes! Who wants to put that through their ear?! If a crafter is going to take the time and effort to handmake earwires, why not take the little extra time and properly finish the item? The crafter's reputation is on the line! Moreover, all handmade jewelry maker's reputations are potentially on the line! If a customer buys a poor quality pair of earrings, how likely is that customer to buy any handmade jewelry again?! Likewise, if a customer purchases well made jewelry, the likelihood of a future purchase is probably pretty good!
Please, before selling your craft, take your item for a test-drive. Try it on, wear it for a day or two. Does it hold up to normal wear and tear? Is it comfortable? If not, what adjustments could be made to make the item better?
Remember:
Quality workmanship = satisfied customers, less returns and complaints, and more repeat business.
Sunday, December 28
Friday, December 26
Handmade Pledge
It is now time for my Handmade Pledge confession....
But first, the good news! Just about everyone in my family received at least one handmade gift! My sons received handmade button/badges, a stuffed creature (upcycled fabrics), and mini notebooks (also upcycled). My sister and her husband received some graphic decals for their new home. Grandma received handmade bath silk, and my BFF received a marvelous piece of functional pottery. My husband? Well, that's were the confession comes in. He had his heart set on a GPS. So, he got a GPS. And me? Well, as hard as we tried, we were not able to find a pair of cool wool socks for me. I had a specific pattern in mind and a specific cut too. We searched for days to find these coveted wool socks, but to no avail. So we ordered from SmartWool. On the up side, they do practice sustainability and donate 10% of their online sales to various charities.
How did you do? Did you discover any great handmade items and makers?
But first, the good news! Just about everyone in my family received at least one handmade gift! My sons received handmade button/badges, a stuffed creature (upcycled fabrics), and mini notebooks (also upcycled). My sister and her husband received some graphic decals for their new home. Grandma received handmade bath silk, and my BFF received a marvelous piece of functional pottery. My husband? Well, that's were the confession comes in. He had his heart set on a GPS. So, he got a GPS. And me? Well, as hard as we tried, we were not able to find a pair of cool wool socks for me. I had a specific pattern in mind and a specific cut too. We searched for days to find these coveted wool socks, but to no avail. So we ordered from SmartWool. On the up side, they do practice sustainability and donate 10% of their online sales to various charities.
How did you do? Did you discover any great handmade items and makers?
Wednesday, December 24
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Day is almost here!
In less than 24 hours, the living room will be filled with joy and flying scraps of wrapping paper as the kids tear into their gifts. The savory aroma of Christmas dinner will waft through the house. Delightful Christmas tunes will fill the air. Oh, Christmas Day will arrive!
I hope everyone has a delightful day! Merry Christmas!
~Dawn
In less than 24 hours, the living room will be filled with joy and flying scraps of wrapping paper as the kids tear into their gifts. The savory aroma of Christmas dinner will waft through the house. Delightful Christmas tunes will fill the air. Oh, Christmas Day will arrive!
I hope everyone has a delightful day! Merry Christmas!
~Dawn
Monday, December 1
Green Tip of the Day
I recently found an excellent site which gives daily little tips on how to make your world and life a little greener. Ideal Bite is delivered to my inbox Monday through Friday. I especially liked this tip:
Don't throw out your holiday cards! Recycle them by reusing them as gift tags! The article suggests using pinking shears (or other fancy scissors) to make interesting and unique gift tags. I suppose you can also keep birthday cards and Easter cards to do the same. :)
Here's a tip from me: call around to local senior centers or women/children shelters. Many times these organizations are in desperate need of crafting supplies. Here, in Racine WI, the senior center uses old greeting cards for their residents. The cutting, pasting and creative process of crafting helps many of their patrons keep busy and it also helps with dexterity.
What else can we do with "old" greeting cards??
Don't throw out your holiday cards! Recycle them by reusing them as gift tags! The article suggests using pinking shears (or other fancy scissors) to make interesting and unique gift tags. I suppose you can also keep birthday cards and Easter cards to do the same. :)
Here's a tip from me: call around to local senior centers or women/children shelters. Many times these organizations are in desperate need of crafting supplies. Here, in Racine WI, the senior center uses old greeting cards for their residents. The cutting, pasting and creative process of crafting helps many of their patrons keep busy and it also helps with dexterity.
What else can we do with "old" greeting cards??
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