Feeling a little RUSTY

Well, let's see....I haven't done a show since December 2nd, 2006.....so that makes it 7 months since my last show!

Yes, I'm feeling pretty rusty. Since my last show my focus has changed a little. I'm doing less bead work and much more metal work. I have to update and change all of my signage to reflect my changing focus.

I also realized that my price points are a bit higher than last year. I had to bite the bullet and get a merchant account so I can now accept credit cards at shows. In a small way, this step has also made me feel a little more validated as a "real" business.

I also upgraded my promos. Leslie from This&That made me some wonderful logoed button magnets. I also developed a tri-fold brochure with Artist Information and facts on the materials used in my jewelry. I included a few photos and and policy information too.

**Hint** When printing your own brochures, make sure the paper thickness is thick enough so you don't see the printing on the back of the brochure! I found (after trial and error) 28LB to be about perfect. My printer, which I love, has a bad habit of eating thick paper. I have yet to be able to print my own business cards or address labels! So, cautiously, I am printing brochures in tiny 5 page batches crossing my fingers I don't have too many "ooops" I have to throw away.

I'm not really changing my display much. I did buy some risers for my necklace busts to add some additional height to the overall display.

The only thing I'm really missing is a backdrop and a nice sign. I'm torn between making a backdrop out of PVC piping and fabric or buying a frame from a manufacturer. At this point, I do not have enough time to really do either. This show will not have a fabric backdrop. Fortunately, for this show I am against a wall, so my backdrop will be brick! :)

If you're in the Milwaukee area next weekend, stop by and say "HI." I promise to smile, give you a brochure and maybe even a promo pack (if you ask nicely).

ART vs. CRAFT - http://www.artvscraft.com/
July 7th and July 8th
Doors open at 11am CST

Interview with Nancy Addante

Name: Nancy Addante
Company Name: Smokey Lady 54
Years in Business: About 10 years
Location: Illinois
Where can we find your work?: http://smokeylady54.etsy.com/

EbD: Everyone asks this question, but what is your first memory of creating art or crafting?
Nancy: When I was about 5 years old, I went to my first circus. When we got home I drew pictures about my adventure until dinner time. At bedtime, I was still very excited and did not want to go to bed. But, mom and dad won that battle. Oh, I thought I would fool them! I got out my crayons and drew everything I could remember about the circus on my bedroom walls! I got into trouble and had to wash it all off. It took me days.

EbD: When did you start to seriously consider crafting as a business and not just a hobby?
Nancy: Friends kept telling me to start selling my work at fairs and such. I don't like sitting all day, so that did not last long. I am currently in two local stores and on Etsy. But, to me it is still just having fun.

EbD: What do you feel is the most important lesson you've learned about being in the crafting business?
Nancy: Never get impatient. You need to make a good product, and then wait for the right person to see it and say "Wow." Always take pride in your craft and never rush the project you are working on. Never be sloppy.

EbD: What do you wish you would have known before opening your business?
Nancy: I wish I knew more about taking pictures of my items. I also wish I knew how to write better product descriptions.

EbD: Do you have any techniques or skills you're interested in or would like to learn in the future?
Nancy: I want to learn how to put dots on lampwork beads. I am always trying to learn something better. We can all improve our skills.

EbD: What are three words that describe you or your craft?
Nancy: Simple, colorful, cute.

To read more about Nancy and her crafting adventures, look here: http://shinnybling.blogspot.com/

Something a little different...

For me anyway.

I think it would be neat and interesting to promote/critique different indie businesses and their products. I might even throw in a personal interview or two!

My personal guidelines:

• Only critique items I have actually purchased. No freebies as I believe this has the potential to taint my opinion!
• Be 100% honest in the product's performance, quality, price, etc.
• Seek out indie business owners who are in the beginning stages of their business as well as established business owners.
• Have fun.

Well, I'm off to develop a questionnaire for my first interviewee!

HOW much?

Ah, yes. This always seems to be a difficult issue to tackle. Why? Because most crafters undervalue their work. More specifically, the time and energy they put into their work. And then there is always the hobbyists vs. the artist debate (but I'll save that for another day).


There are a few formulas commonly used to figure out how much you should price an item. It looks a little like this: CoGS + overhead + labor + profit x 2 = Retail Price. There are other formulas too, and most are a variation of the one I just presented. For example, other industries may use a 2.3 multiplier rather than 2, etc.

CoGS is the cost of your materials. Simple.

Labor is the wage you pay yourself. Usually this is an hourly rate, but I suppose you could pay yourself a flat rate or by the piece. The important thing to note here is to be confident in your skills and workmanship and to pay yourself accordingly. All too often crafters and artists have the "my work isn't good enough to command $XX/hour" mentality. Humbug! YOU would gladly pay someone else $XX/hour to create a custom piece for you, so why should it be any different when you are the one doing the creating??

Profit is the money you make above your costs. This money is usually reinvested in the company for things like new equipment or new technology.

Overhead is one of those words many people use as a catch-all for every thing else that costs money in the business. Most overhead are expenses you incur on a monthly basis. Some of these items include: insurance, rent, office supplies, show fees, tools, software, display materials, packaging, travel expenses, promotional materials, etc.

A word of caution: when you first start making pieces, your labor time will be slightly higher because you may not be as efficient as you can be. This will change with time. Secondly, if you are not buying your supplies at true wholesale, rock-bottom prices, you will be priced out of the market by other sellers who do buy supplies for less. Shop around for low prices (but don't sacrifice quality). Some wholesalers will only sell to bona fide businesses. So, if you do not have a business license or a tax ID...get one!

Next: A little more on pricing.

A few words about QUALITY.

Quality, especially for a new crafter or artist, is one of those things many feel they can cut corners on. The mentality goes something like this: Silver-plated earring hooks look just as nice as sterling silver hooks, and I can purchase the silver-plate for less and pass the savings on to my customers. No! Don't do it! Even though your mental justification sounds right to you, today, at this moment...please reconsider.

Today and even tomorrow the silver-plated earrings will look nice. But as your customer handles the earrings and wears them the silver-plate wears through. Now what does the customer do? Maybe she just throws them away. Maybe she returns them to you and asks for a new pair. Maybe she tells her friends that she is disappointed in the earrings she bought from you. Maybe she decides never to purchase anything from you in the future. Maybe...??

Spending a few extra cents on solid sterling silver, gold or gold-filled earring hooks will certainly ensure your customers will not be disappointed in the performance of the earrings. In fact, using quality materials tells your customers that you have pride in your products and care about your reputation and the longevity of your product.

The next aspect of quality has to do with your workmanship and skills. Using gold earring hooks aren't enough if the wire ends are sharp, rough or otherwise poorly made. I highly recommend making a few pieces of jewelry for yourself and "road testing" them for a week or two. Is it comfortable? Sturdy? Does the necklace lay nicely across your chest? Do the earrings get tangled in your hair? Is the bracelet easy to clasp? Again, these are just a few things to consider when thinking about quality.

Use good materials and use excellent workmanship. Always!

Next: Pricing!

More defining STYLE

Being able to define your work will allow your to determine the best outlets for your work. In other words, if your work is a little kitschy and you use a lot of upcycled goods and ephemera in your pieces, an upscale art gallery probably isn't the first place your should approach in showcasing your work. Perhaps a hip and trendy gallery near a college is better suited for your type of work. This necessary step will also help you define your customer base. (And remember, your can't sell to someone if your don't know who that someone IS!)

This next step is, or can be, a long process. Developing your unique style. Just about every fashion design and known artist has a distinct style. No, you don't have to reinvent the wheel, but you do have to make it your own wheel. Take good 'ol Norman Rockwell for example. Just about everyone can recognize a Norman Rockwell painting. Why? His painting have a distinct style. Is the subject matter unique? No. Is applying paint to a canvas unique? No.

I say this can be a long process because in the beginning of your career, more than likely you will create pieces based on work that someone else has already created. Take bead jewelry for example. There are tons of bead magazines out there, and most of them all have "projects" for you to try to replicate at home. There is nothing wrong with this, but who's style is it? Certainly not yours. As you become more comfortable with your skills, a style will develop. I promise!

Next: Quality.

WHAT do I do?

Good question. Have you been able to pin-piont exactly what it is you do? Sure, it's easy to define your work through the process it takes to create the work. Example:

• I paint. Therefore, I'm a painter. I make and sell paintings.
• I string beads. Therefore, I'm a beader. I make and sell beaded items.
• I make clay pots. Therefore, I'm a potter. I make and sell pottery.

Now it is time to really expand the definition of your work. Saying, "I'm a painter" doesn't really SAY anything about your work. (my 3 year old nephew is a painter too!) Take for instance, an art museum. Every wall is sure to be covered in paintings, but each painting is different. Unique. Not just in subject matter, but technique too. Bold, subtle, modern, still life, nonobjective, etc.

Let's take a baby step. "I am an impressionistic painter." This one word adds so much definition to your work. People can almost picture in their minds what it is you do now. Maybe take another step. "I am an impressionistic painter who works in a warm color palette."

Why is this important? Because if you can't define your work, how can anyone else? Defining your work gives you focus, purpose, a direction, a style, meaning, life. Imagine you are being interviewed by your local newspaper as an up-and-coming-artist....what would you say about your work to make people interested in knowing more about YOU and your WORK.

If your having trouble defining your work, ask a friend or relative for some input. Lay out a bunch of your pieces, and ask them to come up with a word or three that describes your work. Watch them carefully. Look for emotion. Read their body language. If they are having a hard time coming up with any words...back to the drawing board for you!

Next: more defining your style...

But it looks so PRETTY...

Yes. It is pretty.

The font you want to use for your business name is very important. Why? Take Coca-Cola or Disney for example. Even if the words Coca-Cola or Disney were written in some foreign language, you would still recognize it because of the unique font they use. Your font, in essence, becomes part of your brand identity.

But, let's back-up a bit. Go find a business card. Any business card will do. What do you notice about the print? Does the color "speak" to you? Is it easy to read? Are the letters too small? Are the letters so swirly and curly (my term!) that you can't distinguish where one word ends and the next word begins?

A little planning goes a long way. Somewhere down the line you may decide to have business cards printed, a banner made, a website, maybe even a custom rubber stamp made with your business name on it. While detail is important, your chosen font must be:

1. Easy to read
2. Fit your business' personality (think funky jewelry = funky font, elegant jewelry = elegant font)
3. Can you live with it for a long time? (when was the last time Coke changed their font?)

Sit down one day at the computer (or with a sketch pad) and play around with your new business name. Try out different fonts and colors. Try out different font sizes. Bold, italic, underscore. Maybe even make an entire page of options and print them out. Hold the paper at arm's length and see how it looks.

Now for a small lesson I learned the hard way. Color.

If you like to match your colors (like I do), be prepared to sacrifice. Say you choose a really light shade of teal for your font and business color. Weeks and months go by. You're getting ready for your first craft show in a few weeks. It's nice to give your customers a little personal touch and give them their purchase in a gift bag. But wait. You search a few local papermarts and online stores for matching light teal shopping bags or tissue paper. Where is it? After all, if my printer can make light teal, why can't my paper supplier?

Short of ordering (very, very) expensive custom colored paper products, consider a coordinating color. Even if the coordinating color is black, white, deep teal, red, etc. You'll save time and money. And headaches!

That's enough to think about for today....

Next: What is your product?

I CAN do it!

OK. So now you've decided that you think you are ready to try your hand at crafting for a living. Well, don't quit you day job, yet!!

One of the first things you'll really need to ponder is your business name. Some artist simply use their name, or a version of their name. For example: Dawn Smith, Dawn Smith Studio, Designs by Dawn, Designs by Dawn Smith, D. Smith Studio, D.S. Studio, etc.

Some points to consider are:

• Is it easy to say? People need to be able to say your business name. When you think of something, say it out loud. Several times. Does it roll off the tongue or is it more of a tongue twister? If customers can't say your name, how will they refer you to friends and family? Think word-of-mouth!
• Is it easy to spell? If you intend on having a website or be listed in the phonebook, you want customers to be able to find you! If they can't spell the name of your business, this task will be very difficult.
• Is it flexible? "Stained Glass by Dawn" might be too specific. It doesn't leave much room for expansion into other forms of art.
• Does it fit your image? Cute name = cute product. Sophisticated name = sophisticated product.
• Is it available? This one is a little tricky. For obvious reasons you do not want to choose a name that has a copyright, trademark, or is otherwise registered. Start by checking the phonebook and doing a search engine check.

Next, we'll cover fonts for your business name.

Happy Easter

A celebration of the rising of Christ, oh and of self-induced chocolate egg coma!

I wonder how the two events ever became entangled with one another. Jesus and Easter bunnies? Hmmm.

Nonetheless, I must banish myself to the kitchen now to begin baking the ham and sweet potatoes......yum!

The Rumor is TRUE

Yep. Be prepared to do what you love! Be prepared to do it a lot less often!

I never realized how much time it takes to RUN a business. Inventory, bookkeeping, designing a portfolio, printing and designing business cards, marketing, making contacts, looking for sales leads, deciding which craft show seems promising, etc, etc, etc. I spend so much more time at the computer and on the phone than I actually spend CREATING that thing I love. Jewelry.

If you think going into business means crafting all day.....think again. Think long and hard. Don't just take my word for it either....next time you visit a craft show, ask one of the vendors what a typical week is like. Ask them how their day has been.

Chances are they woke up way too early, loaded tables and boxes of product into the car or van, ate breakfast on the road, with luck they didn't get lost on the way to the event. Assuming they arrived at the beginning of set-up time, usually between 7am and 8am, they check-in with the promoter(s), find their booth assignment and unload all their tables and product. If the vendor is a bit seasoned, they can probably have everything set-up in their booth in less than two hours. With a little more luck they finish booth set-up with time for a potty break, quick shot of caffeine, and a few minutes to check-out the competition and layout of the area. Now it's 5 minutes before "showtime"....brush your hair, check you breath and teeth, get comfortable, and smile...it's going to be a long day.

Personally, a show day can last 12 or more hours from the time you wake-up to the time you get home and unload the car/van. This of course is not including follow-up and post-event bookkeeping and updating inventory levels. That's a few more hours.

Do you have the time and dedication necessary to be sucessful?

The New Focus

I apologize for taking so long to update the Blog and to announce the "new Focus" but I think most of you will enjoy the new focus.

The new focus will revolve around not just sharing information about my business and the new and wonderful things I create, but now I would also like to add some of the lessons I have learned along the way in building my business. As I reflect on my journey, I realized there is so much that no one tells you about starting your own business. All the trip-ups, slip-ups, stumbles, hurdles, tears, tragedies, joys, loves, surprises, celebrations and an entire gamut of feeling and emotions. Not to mention many of the technical aspects of running a business like organization, taxes, approaching other businesses, consignment, etc.

Again, I hope you will find my new focus helpful, entertaining, and enjoyable!

~Dawn

Changes

I know it has been a while since my last post...but I'm working on changing my focus. Stay tuned....

My New Collection

I have finally designed my first collection. It is the Luna Collection. Each piece is named after a feature on the Moon's surface.

The Sea of Tranquillity is elegant, graceful, and quiet.

The Sea of Serenity is soothing, flowing, and delicate.

The Sea of Clouds is clean, pure, and simplistic.

Adventures in Chain Maille

Always beautiful, looks deceptively simple, and it's highly addictive! I recently finished a few chain maille pieces, and I love the way they turned out.

The first few weaves of any chain maille piece are difficult to start. In the beginning you're just looking at a few rings and it's not easy to remember which way is up! But, once the pattern starts to emerge, it's like magic!

Besides the ever popular European 4-1 pattern and Byzantine pattern, I have not seen many people wearing chain maille. Well, of course at the renaissance fairs! But I mean regular folk. Hmmmmm...maybe I'll have to make some for myself and wear it around town to see if I get any comments. Well, hopefully positive comments anyway!!

Happy New Year!

With the New Year comes new opportunities and ideas! I have been working diligently on learning new and exciting wire working techniques. I've also started creating chain maille!

I've fallen in love with the way wire and metal can be formed and worked to create truly beautiful and unique jewelry. Everyday my skills develop and my pieces become more intricate. Here is an example of one of my latest accomplishments. Since I am such a perfectionist, this bangle-style bracelet took nearly 8 hours to complete! It features over 10 feet of Sterling Silver wire and two dozen Swarovski Crystals!

To see some of my other creations and examples of my chain maille work, go to my Etsy shop.

I hope everyone has a safe and joyous New Year!

Secret Santa

This year I participated in my first Secret Santa! I know, I know...I'm 33 and have never done this before?! But it was so much fun!

I was fortunate enough to be chosen by On A Friday, headquartered in Honolulu, HI. Liana Miyamura is the owner and designer behind this terrific company. She creates handmade jewelry, greeting cards and stationary. For my secret Santa gift I received a wonderful greeting card set. It was complete with a well-constructed and just-as-beautiful storage box for the cards. She was kind enough to include some Hawaiian treats too!

Thank you, Liana!

Last Show of the Year!

Just a friendly reminder...this Saturday, December 2nd will be my last Arts and Craft show of the year.

I'll be exhibiting at the Union Grove High School on Highway 45 from 9am - 3pm. Stop by and say "Hello" and check out some of my new designs! I'll be offering free gift boxes with every purchase...perfect for gift giving, stocking stuffers, and even secret Santa gifts!

Hope to see you there!

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was filled with the usual fare....Turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie. As our family tradition dictates, we went around the table and shared what we were thankful for. Won't my son's teacher be surprised (and probably delighted too) to find out she was mentioned as a person he was thankful for!

I have had the past few weeks off from exhibiting at craft shows. But, this does not mean that I haven't shopped at craft shows!

I feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to work on some new designs I've been wanting to implement. Check back for photos.

Wishing everyone a merry holiday season, no matter which holiday you choose to celebrate!!

Has Crafting Hit Its Peak?

I remember once upon a time, there were two really large Arts and Crafts shows in my area every year. Our family would plan for these events for weeks before the actual show!

Gas in car - check
Bottled water - check
Picnic - check
Cash - check
Sunscreen - check
Hat - check

We were ready!

Today there seems to be an Arts and Craft show in just about every town, every weekend. My love for these events hasn't faded. I still make it a point to go as often as I can. However, with these events being so common now, some of the excitement and thrill has subsided. I know that if I miss a show this week, there will be another one next week.

As a consumer and lover of all things crafty, I am well aware of this fact. As a crafter and jewelry designer, I too am well aware of this fact. So, my big question is....is a craft show every weekend in every town sustainable?