Help me create my new style.
Donation protected
I have spent 6 years apprenticing to learn the trades of being a jeweler, caster, and lapidary artist. About 3 years ago I decided it was time to learn the last part of the trades, the art of salesmanship. I have put forth money when I had it, to book shows on the hope of success. I have managed to add about 2 shows a year and so far, of the 6 shows I have booked, only one of them failed to make a decent profit.
Up until now, I have always had the comfort of my studio. I have always had guidance in the ways of my mentor, and he has always seen to it that I had proper tools and supplies to craft with. Now I must make a daunting step, and expand upon what I have learned. It is no longer enough that I master my mentors methods of making beautiful works of art. I must take what I know and make my own designs and styles.
Part of this need is a change in my life style. When I started my studies I was single and childless, and had all the time I wanted to work, learn, and grow. Even once I had a child and a husband, I still made time for a trip to the studio, to continue to work, learn, and grow. But, at the beginning of this year, I had to start working a regular job for my family, and now I can hardly find the time I need to keep up with my Etsy orders.
Since I started my new job, I have noticed a definite drop in on-line sales, and I believe it is in part, due to my lack of time for marketing, and not producing new designs in over a year.
But I have found a new craft that is better for me in many ways. I had some good friends donate some supplies of chain links, beads, and thin wire. I was able to craft a few beautiful designs inspired by chain-mail, beading, and wire wrapping artists. It is something easy to travel with, I can do it at home, and I can put it up and finish it later with more ease than soldering, casting, and lapidary work. And at the same time, I can incorporate the first set of skills with the new set of skills.
All I am asking for is $500. With this amount, I would be able to remake my design in several color options, and still have enough stuff to make a few new designs. And I might have enough left to get better tools of my own. I'm currently working with really cheap pliers.
The biggest part about this fund raiser is that I have 2 shows in October. The first one is Archon and it was the 1st show I booked 3 years ago. My studio has successfully sold at this event to the point that it is self sustaining, meaning I only had to come up with the money that first year. We have re-booked that show every year with a portion of our profits. Now I have booked an artist table at this event to display my works, and to show people what my imagination can create. It is my hope to raise the funds to offer actual products for sale and not just examples in a portfolio.
I am leaving things to the generous of heart, to help see to it that my craft will continue to thrive and become stronger and better.
Any thing at all that any one can do to spread the word would be most helpful. I am going out on a limb here and asking for help, but, if you could just think of me every time you have an extra $10 or $20, it could really add up.
Up until now, I have always had the comfort of my studio. I have always had guidance in the ways of my mentor, and he has always seen to it that I had proper tools and supplies to craft with. Now I must make a daunting step, and expand upon what I have learned. It is no longer enough that I master my mentors methods of making beautiful works of art. I must take what I know and make my own designs and styles.
Part of this need is a change in my life style. When I started my studies I was single and childless, and had all the time I wanted to work, learn, and grow. Even once I had a child and a husband, I still made time for a trip to the studio, to continue to work, learn, and grow. But, at the beginning of this year, I had to start working a regular job for my family, and now I can hardly find the time I need to keep up with my Etsy orders.
Since I started my new job, I have noticed a definite drop in on-line sales, and I believe it is in part, due to my lack of time for marketing, and not producing new designs in over a year.
But I have found a new craft that is better for me in many ways. I had some good friends donate some supplies of chain links, beads, and thin wire. I was able to craft a few beautiful designs inspired by chain-mail, beading, and wire wrapping artists. It is something easy to travel with, I can do it at home, and I can put it up and finish it later with more ease than soldering, casting, and lapidary work. And at the same time, I can incorporate the first set of skills with the new set of skills.
All I am asking for is $500. With this amount, I would be able to remake my design in several color options, and still have enough stuff to make a few new designs. And I might have enough left to get better tools of my own. I'm currently working with really cheap pliers.
The biggest part about this fund raiser is that I have 2 shows in October. The first one is Archon and it was the 1st show I booked 3 years ago. My studio has successfully sold at this event to the point that it is self sustaining, meaning I only had to come up with the money that first year. We have re-booked that show every year with a portion of our profits. Now I have booked an artist table at this event to display my works, and to show people what my imagination can create. It is my hope to raise the funds to offer actual products for sale and not just examples in a portfolio.
I am leaving things to the generous of heart, to help see to it that my craft will continue to thrive and become stronger and better.
Any thing at all that any one can do to spread the word would be most helpful. I am going out on a limb here and asking for help, but, if you could just think of me every time you have an extra $10 or $20, it could really add up.
Organizer
Jane Still
Organizer
Dow, IL