Do good work, then get out of the way!

On one of the Etsy forums, an artist posted about a conversation she had with a successful sculptor who was a bit of a recluse. His advice to her was to make sure you do the best you can, do what you love, and stay the hell out of the way!

How many times do we see something we love, only to realize that perhaps there are unwanted "labels" attached to it? Silly examples would include a great dress, but the advertising for it features an overexposed Kardashian. Or maybe you need a loan, but those annoying pop ups on your computer make you shy away - or a car but the salesperson! Ugh.

OK so these are extreme examples. His point was that there is something innately beautiful to someone, somewhere, when you put your talents to work and enjoy what you do. With patience and persistence, your audience will find it if you just put it out there.

Of course in this age of internet, go go go lifestyle, Facebook et al., it's hard to know what is too much and what is too little. To Tweet or not to Tweet, that is the question.

How do you promote your business and work without it being offputting to a buyer? Where exactly is that "sweet spot"?

Something to ponder. -luv J

Greetings to 2011!

Hello everyone. I must admit to having been rather happy to see 2010 leave, and am hoping that 2011 isn't as challenging the rest of the year as the beginning has been for me!

I am very grateful for lessons learned, and lessons yet to be learned. Speaking of lessons yet to be learned, this is a photo of my new sewing machine I got for Xmas! I am taking lessons since my skills are rusty at best, and am really looking forward to incorporating more recycled textiles in my upcoming work. Yay - saving more stuff from landfills!

Of course with all the holidays and such it was hard to get a lot of creativity and work in, but I do have quite a few new pieces that will be making it up on my Etsy site soon. I also have just put together a Facebook page, so please like it! I will be doing extra discounts for my Facebook fans. There's a little "like" button on my blog here for it.

Thanks to everyone for your support and interest. I can't wait to get more active with craft fairs and seeing you all in person!

Cheers -luv J

Hump day week in review!

What a week this has been so far! My 3 month old Dell laptop's C: drive crashed, so I've been relying on a backup laptop that I had to add new programs onto. It's been an experience. After so many years of using Dell computers, imagine my surprise! At least it was still under warranty...anyway...

The sample show on Friday went ok. I sold enough to cover my registration, then promptly spent some of it on a bag and dress. Damn sample sales! I don't know how anyone could pass up a $5 bag and a $10 dress though. I have no willpower! Some lessons learned 1) having a booth at a sample sale implies that you are selling samples, clothes in particular (which I also had brought, phew!) and 2) nobody will buy jewelry at full price, just stuff at cut rate prices. Not from you, not from anyone.

So I am thinking of other "real world" venues to show at where my one of a kind upcycled jewelry would be appreciated - any ideas?? There is a great Farmer's Market by me, would anyone be interested in hanging out on a Friday afternoon/evening in Monrovia? I could use the help! I'm serious, let me know!

So, other that all of that, I am very sad to see the US lose in the World Cup. Vuvuzelas be damned, I'm still watching. Love it! I get hooked every four years, it's like sports crack to me. And it sure doesn't hurt that the guys are eye candy!

Lastly, I just wanted to say thanks for your support! It's been a kinda rough last few days, so it has been really great to be able to go to my Facebook and see the nice sentiments there. Thank you!!