A word on workmanship

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.

SPECTACULAR FINDS OF 2007

As the year comes to a close, I have been fortunate enough to be introduced to some wonderful products, artists and crafters over the year. I will share them with you!

1. Natures Corridor is a Wisconsin artist who creates warm and wonderful watercolor and acrylic paintings. I absolutely love the colors she uses, the hint of whimsy in her watercolors, and the movement she creates in the trees and landscapes are mesmerizing!


2. Natalya Sots is a ceramics artist from Schaumburg, Illinois. She makes teapots, cups, plates, bowls and bells too! Her creations are fun and pack a colorful punch! My favorite piece is the Mad Hatter Teapot.


3. sjDESIGNS is an exquisite greeting card crafter from Omaha, Nebraska. I have been purchasing cards from Stephanie (sjDESIGNS) for over a year, and every card is perfection. If you are looking for unique and very well-made greeting cards, look no further!


4. Block Party Press is no ordinary polymer clay artist! Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, she creates all of her designs by first making a hand-carved stamp, then using the stamp in the clay. Thus all of her designs are uniquely hers! Additionally, she uses a special distressing technique on her items too, which further creates a unique yet distinguished look.


5. Soapylove is the creator of bright, cheerful, and perfectly scented glycerin soaps and soapsicles. They make great gifts, especially for kids and the kid-at-heart! Debbie (Soapylove) hails from San Diego, California, and her soaps can be found around the globe and on Etsy.


6. KimonoMomo is obsessed with vintage Japanese textiles. Carol is the creative genius behind Kimono Momo where she reconstructs vintage kimono and obi into one-of-a-kind works of art, namely scarves and handbags. Each piece is uniquely beautiful...and if you are looking for vintage fabrics, Carol also has some available in her Etsy shop!
7. Precious Meshes is a wire and jewelry artist. Emily Conroy crochets fine gauge wire to create masterful works of art! Some of my favorite pieces are her Anemone Hoop Earrings. Emily is also co-owner of VIX Emporium in West Philadelphia, which features independent artists and crafters from around the world.
8. Purusha creates "All Natural Handmade Soaps" and is based out of New York City. I have been an avid handmade soap user for over three years for two main reasons: Handmade natural soaps are better for the environment (no nasty chemicals being washed down the drain) and handmade natural soaps have done wonders for my skin.
   

Of course, these are in no particular order and I'm almost certain I have neglected a few talented artists and crafters...but the best thing about a blog...I can edit and update the list! :) So watch for additional 2007 Spectacular Finds over the next week or so.

Again, I would like to wish everyone a warm and joyful New Year! Oh, and be on the lookout for a special sales announcement in your mailbox (hint-hint)!

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!