When I started making jewelry, I did it because I love jewelry and I wanted one of everything. (I still do, if we're being honest here.) And since I'm not independently wealthy I had to figure out how to make things for myself. I made pieces that I loved, in the colors that I love. And then...
I had too much jewelry and friends encouraged me to sell some pieces. Hmmm... I could sell a few pieces to pay for more beads. Good idea. So I set up my online shop and started selling. Sorta. Items weren't flying off my virtual shelves or anything. So I did some research. I improved my photos and spruced up my shop a bit. And I tried making what I thought people wanted to buy. The "experts" said I should have a variety of colors and patterns in my shop to appeal to more buyers. Made sense. So I made pieces that weren't what I loved necessarily.
And guess what - those didn't fly out of my shop, either. By this point I was pretty much sure I was never going to make a success of the selling thing, so I went back to making things that I love. And I discovered the secret (for me, at least): make things that you love and be happy with what comes. I I'm happy sharing my things with people who appreciate them. Life is good.
So when you look around my shop, what you'll see there is me. Me in an elegant mood:
Or me in a playful mood:
Or me experimenting with color:
Or me playing with my favorite color:
But what you'll always see, is me.
loved what you wrote here....I seem to do the same(only not in mini macrame)... I tend to make things that i like (unless someone asks me for a certain colour/style/size.)so glad im not the only one!and even there i tend to put in a 'little something' of me! :)
ReplyDeleteYep, I've decided even on special orders, if I can't love it, I won't make it.
DeleteI love what you wrote. I also love what you make, everything is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteIt's taken me a long, long time to realize that I'm happiest when I only have to please myself. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree - and it's a strange circle... I seem to sell more when I make what I like.
DeleteI think what you wrote will resonate with many people! I've been through this process too, trying to make what people will buy comes up to bite you in the end :). you can get suggestions or even requests from customers, but in the end it's YOUR work!
ReplyDeleteI love what you wrote!!
ReplyDeleteYou work is gorgeous!!
Thank you and thank you:)
DeleteReally well said Sherri! I might not sell much, but as long as I do what I love I'm happy, and that's what art should bring: Happiness!!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter offered these words of wisdom once: it's not the goal, it's a benefit. Definitely applies to selling.
DeleteI think that your work is just gorgeous and in the end it all comes down to you being happy with it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful :)
ReplyDeleteThank you:)
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