Free Samples

In a discussion earlier tonight with a few other artisans the topic of how frequently we may be ask to provide free samples to various outlets came up.No one has a problem giving occassionally to a favorite charity or for a good cause.There may also be times when we would like an expert opinion to boost the image of our products;but no one should be offended if we have to decline.We are after all just artisans,an occupational choice that has made very few well off and we too have to survive in this downtrodden economy.Large corporations set aside a specific amount of free product for a fiscal year.When that amount has been reached, to bad; they may put you on a list for next year, or not.Fall is a difficult time for many,there are school costs recurring,craftsmen are trying to increase thier inventory for the christmas season and all your other expenses start to rise as winter slowly descends.Many craftpersons depend on christmas to keep thier small mom and pop shops going,it becomes our internet tourist season and we all keep our fingers crossed that our studios will be found,enjoyed and utilized.Being approached is anticipated by every business but do so with respect,be glad if you're offered a gift certificate,or discount ;and if you repetativly ask over and over again frequently,expect the same courtesy you are extending.I personally set aside a specific amount of product and funds in the way of discounts in my studios,and when that amount is utilized,I'm afraid you might have to be put on list for next year.

SHARD SCUPTURE

I love to dig in the bits and pieces of left over glass,or the tiny shards that we all have.Once I've retrieved a multitude of bits the fun begins.I will twist it,turn it,manipulate and move it around;not having a clue what I'm going to put together.Sooner or later an image forms in my strange little mind and I can start.I will fit ,layer,add accents,take a deep breath and attempt to take the image out of my head and create a tangible work.Very time consuming and would never be able to produce a second piece,but it gives me great joy when I open the kiln and it's worked.The unique idea now has form and substance;my work of art.It will never be duplicated,and hopefully others will like and appreciate it.Although the cost is reflected in the amount of time to create it,it never exceeds acceptable market value.All that is left is for someone to see and cherish it as thier own. Please look at picture below to see for yourself.

SHARD SCULPTURE

Collections,collections

Recently on artfire they have given members the ability to create collections of artisans products within a specific theme.The activity this has initiated is tremendous.There are so many collections already pink ones,cold ones, bold ones,serene oes.The possibilities are endless and so is the creativity of the members.This could be because all the members are very creative to begin with or it could be a new toy syndrome.Whatever the reason the collections are beautiful and I strongly suggest you look them over.The Firestalkers guild collection is GREAT!!Check it out.

Pricing your creations

I have been actively following artisans for a while,as they wrestle with what is a fair price to charge customers.They really do have a hard time coming to terms with a suitable figure.There are after all many things to consider.There is the length of time to produce item,the cost of materials for the item,the time involved to promote your wares and that is only for on line shopping.If you have a brick and mortar location you now have a multitude of other expenses to consider and if you go to craft shows there are other expenses.The one thing that always comes up is their desire to give the customer a fair price while maintaining sales.Dilemma,dilemma and you could say that again.Possibly one of the statements I read,was that to consider a friend made it for you and determine how much you would pay a friend for their time and expertise.Maybe buyers could look at a purchase the same way,would you expect to have a friend make you something and then undervalue it ,because it was a friend?Odd expectation of friends wouldn't you think.We know this will be an ongoing deliberation.I have a more matter of fact approach.Most of my wares cannot be duplicated and are expected to last and give the reciever many years of pleasure;compare that to one stop at a burger place that will cost me $20.00 or more for a quick fix,and we all know where that will be the next day!Some questions will never have a specific answer for everyone,oh well.Onward and upward.If you have the answer please let all of us know.

New creation

Again I have taken many smaller pieces and created a flower.These pieces are never cut,I rummage around in the scraps and shards to find what I hope will be enought to work with.Then they are placed together like a puzzle and fired.I'm never sure exactly how the finished work will look.So far so good.The large pendant piece is 3 in long x 2in wide,and because of glass overlap has slight texture.Earrings are about 1 in long and 3/4 in wide.As of yet no finding are in place as I wished to see what the purchaser preferred.Always an original creation

Firing Decals

I have tried something different from what I usually do.All the info I have ever been given for firing decals is to put them on a completed piece and fire again.I"m not only a curious soul,I'm a frugal so and so.I decided to try to cut out a firing,placed unfired decals between unfired glass and fired as usual.It worked,and if anything the decals have more depth.I would show you if I knew how to put a picture in!Hey!! I just figured it out, theres hope for me yet.I'm not saying it's foolproof but try it on scrap and see your results.