Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Winter Work


 Like many of you, I have a very cold studio in the winter time. Unlike many of you I am not going to work in it when it is really cold outside. Today was one of those cold days, and it was gray and sad, so I sat at the kitchen table and made some pendants, drank hot tea and took a bunch of photos while my dog snored under the table at my feet. Much nicer than freezing out there. I forgot how much I like making pendants. I'm no pro and my materials are not the finest, but they are pretty and I sell them for $10 so they are affordable for even kids that come to my studio or shows with the $10 their parents or grandparents gave them. I still see kids at festivals wearing pendants they got from me.

In other news, here I go again with Etsy. You might have noticed that I have a shop over there on my sidebar again. I have to say, I am still not the biggest fan, since it is so crowded in that place, and I'm not a fan of crowds, but compared to the other options, it is the most user friendly, accessible, and most frequented ecommerce site out there as far as I can tell. I gave Big Cartel a try, I like the look of it, much more sophisticated, but they do nothing to help you out. I did have a couple of sales but no thanks to them, they don't help with getting you out there in the public view like Etsy. I also looked into Shopify, because I like the catalog app they have for my ipad and there are some really nice shops in the catalog. But again, you have to do all the getting out there yourself, no one is helping with that like Etsy. I don't like Etsy's way of showing your sales, I really don't think it's anyone's business what your sales history has been, I wish they would give the option to show or not to show that. With that said, I'm going to give it another try. It's easy enough to do in the winter when I have some time, so why not. So after some bead making, I sat at the computer getting to know my Etsy shop again.

I have a few stars left for the season, some of the best I have made, I love these. They are only $24, great for that under $40 Christmas gift and they are in my shop! Have one sent to your mom's house for her to give to you, I'll wrap it up for you, haha!

I read an article the other day that said 43% of retail sales next year are expected to be ecommerce sales. I would much prefer that to the show hell I went through this year, but I want to see my customers once in awhile. I have no idea what the answer is to selling art, I don't even want to sell art. Actually, it just occurred to me, if I call it craft and make items that are more craft like, it might be easier to sell it. Selling my "art" is a painful process some days, but selling craft, that's not so bad. Maybe I will just sell art to those who ask for it..... hmm.... this might keep my sanity in control.
Go check out my "crafts" and tell me what you think! 
PS: FREE shipping on the stars right now!
peace ya'll
xo



10 comments:

Vicki said...

Oh my. Your bead box is so wonderfully organised - unlike mine, it's a real jumble. I really should get it sorted. You've inspired me!
And your pendants are so beautiful, I'm sure they will be a big hit on Etsy.

I too sell my pendant necklaces for $10, at markets. They sell well and the kids (big and small) do love buying something affordable for themselves, their friends and as end-of-year gifts for their teachers :)

Your Raku Stars are the BEST! I love them :)

Tracey Broome said...

Thanks Vicki, I sorted and organized my bead tray on the last day of the tour when it was slow, it didn't always look so great :)

Sandy Miller said...

Etsy....... getting a twitch. I know it's a way to sell on line but oh it's like sticking my toe in the ocean or maybe a stick in my eye.... not there yet.
I will vicariously through your adventure :)

cookingwithgas said...

Those pendents are so nice- best kind of work to do this time of year.

Lori Buff said...

I'm lucky enough to have a space heater in my studio but I still have to run into the house and get warm water for throwing.
It's such a disappointment that these other companies are not helping support the artists that can support them. It's a partnership people, how difficult is that to understand?

Tracey Broome said...

Hi Sandy, I sold four stars yesterday in the comfort of my home without the cost of a show booth or the agony of sitting there all day, test the waters with a few things that you know you sell well and see what happens. Its so fun to get an email saying you have sold something, haha!
Meredith, the pendants are nice, although I wish I were a more technically experienced jeweler :)
Lori, I have a space heater too, but some mornings it is such a challenge to make me head out there when the house is all cozy and warm! It is strange that the other online shops don't do more, as far as I can tell, you are on your own in promoting your shop with them. Too bad..

Michèle Hastings said...

Your pendants look great. Sometimes you need a day to sit inside, staying warm and clean, making that sort of stuff.
Good luck with Etsy, it is cool to get that e-mail saying you sold something!

Susan Wells said...

Yeah! Let's make the debate about art vs craft his-story. Her story is that when made by hand it is divine. because we are. Can't help it. No need to separate art vs craft! craft is not lowly and art is not hoity toity!

Ann said...

Thanks for the etsy heads up, Tracey...I snatched up one of your stars this morning :)

Best wishes to you for the holiday season and the new year.

Tracey Broome said...

Hey Michele, you gave me the little shove I needed to get my shop going again!
Susan, YES! craft IS art, but I sort of like the word CRAFT better!
Ann, it's on it's way, thanks!!!