Quality Issues?
Sunday January 7, 2007
I recently had a conversation with someone about the quality of crafts. It seems that there is sometimes a perception that traditional crafts are a "low quality" item. I guess that since I have attended so many quality fine craft shows throughout the years and have always worked with crafters with very high standards that I never really thought much about this being an issue. The thing is, that if your create crafts for a living, you had better make sure your finished products are of the highest quality possible. Otherwise, how can crafters compete with cheap imports? It certainly won't be in the pricing arena! What are your thoughts on this subject?
Comments
I recently sold my jewelry at my friend’s job. I use quality sterling findings, spent 20 to 25 hours crafting off-loom woven pieces using peyote, brick, square, and herringbone stitches with toho beads and semi-precious stones. I was astonished to find that people thought my pieces should sell for 20 to 30 dollars! I would be working for a few dollars an hour! I know that none of them would ever work for below minimum, yet the expectation was that my “hand crafted” skilled labor would be cheap. Such a disappointment!
Diane..all crafters experience the same thing. I stopped doing decorative painting because no one realizes, or cares, about your efforts. It’s not fair but it’s reality. Fine art such as yours shouldn’t be sold at a “friend’s job.” That’s not a venue where people can, or will, pay top dollar for an item. If you expect to get what you think your jewelry is worth, then take it an appropriate outlet such as a “fine arts” festival, a jewelry boutique, etc.
Jane… Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my comment. Thank you for calling my “work” fine art. I can’t tell you how much your words have comforted me. I guess that after spending so much time and care, people couldn’t “help but see” my vision. You are right. The place was wrong; the time was wrong, but you’re also right when you say that my craft was NOT wrong. Thanks a million!!
I agree with Jane. Selling your work is about finding the right audiences for it. That can take some time and some trial and error. But, if you want to make a living doing what you love (making objects of beauty), you need to know who will be willing to buy it!
During my 1st year selling hand made and decorated mirrors and picture frames i struggled finding the right outlets for my work. I just kept attending a variety of shows, went to retail outlets, art walks etc., and finally settlewd on fine arts and crafts shows. The juried events that don’t let buy/sell items works best for me.Kepp on plugging away and you will find the right arear for you and your work Jim
Finding the right venue is indeed part of the journey. I found that when your skill catches up to your style, your work will then speak for itself.
Wow, I am just blown away by the support and all the comments. It is so nice to hear your stories. I have sold some more pieces since my last post. I got the business by wearing my work. I sold a necklace to my doctor’s secretary for $45.00. It was a simple toho spiral necklace that I had made for myself. I knew at that moment that this love of my will ultimately be my life’s “work.” The silver lining is, of course, what I don’t sell I love to wear and display in my home. I just can’t lose!