What to do? Is my work just hidden in an over-crowded marketplace, or have I lost it? I've had so little time to design or market lately that my sales (and ego with it) has plummeted. I look at the inventory of gemstones and precious metals I have stashed. feel guilty and think--I really need to 'design'--so I give it a go. On the other hand, so much is going on, with so many distractions, some days my heart isn't into it. I don't think I've lost my creative touch. Sometimes the investment of time is overwhelming, especially when I'm lost in a crowd of jewelry offerings on etsy? Maybe my aesthetic isn't working for this market? I do have trouble deciding whether to do artisan lampwork designs or work with only gemstones--hard as I try, I can't give one or the other up! Which probably confuses my customers... Just thinking out loud---I really have to get off the fence and figure what I want to and should be doing with all those precious minutes in my life and maybe this isn't it, right now. Not that I would want to
never make anything again--but maybe just gifts, (and things I want for myself), now and then, with a streamlined stash; and that would satisfy. Or maybe I need to move into galleries, instead of the internet--haven't really explored that direction yet. I've had lots of creative outlets over my many years, they've come and gone, ebbed and flowed, and been replaced by something better...for me. Change is good when it's taking you to something better.
So which is more cumbersome--trying to design jewelry in fits and spurts , or trying to destash the raw treasures staring me in the face. Hanging onto it all isn't an option if I'm on to something new. Today, both are overwhelming...so like Scarlett O'Hara, I'll "think about it tomorrow."
In the meantime, I'm going to do a give away. If you're so inclined, enter with a short comment on this blog post. Let me assure you, the Yee Murdock artisan beads are lovely , with copper and sterling mixed metal findings.
I'll have a drawing to pick a winner when 15 people have commented or by October 15th, whichever comes first, lol.
6 comments:
Rickie!!! You are an AMAZING designer, we just need to HELP you get the word out!! I had no idea you had a 40% sale and I have access to your sites and pages. I love your stuff and know plenty of people who will also. I'm going to suggest your site to each of them. Also, have you considered selling in high-end boutiques and fun hair salons that have small boutiques in them? I want your stuff to FLY off the shelves, cuz you're amazing!! I'm off to tell others about the gorgeous stuff you make and the delightful bracelet they can win (except I hope I win it instead!). Love you!!!
I agree with Stephanie - you are amazing at everything you create. Please don't stop nor be discouraged - most of us would LOVE to have an ounce of the creativity you have. As to why no one took you up on the sale??? Who knows but it's most certainly NOT because it isn't beautiful creations! Hang in there and know I love you too! xo
Rickie, your design talent is amazing! It is a very crowded marketplace so creativity is getting the word out is imperative. It's hard to do without nagging friends and friends of friends. I won't do that and my sales suffer, too. I understand completely, and I don't have your level of talent! Your creations are beautiful and I know because I own a few. Wish I could own more! I'd love to win and wear it with great love and pride. - Beth
Rickie, you are one of the most talented ladies I know! This post pulled at my heartstrings for many reasons. Only you can know how to find the joy in creation again… it is not an easy journey being a creative person, putting yourself out there, I know. Sometimes I wish we could transport ourselves back to the 'good old days' when I sold my beads for 3x what I do now and everything you made got snapped up just like that!! Things sure have changed. It seems that there is a whole sea of people out there to get lost in these days! Sending you much good energy - and just a reminder of your incredible talent! You must honor that somehow, even if it's making special gifts for your loved ones. Sometimes that's the most fun anyway. Big hugs! -- Julie
I've loved your designs for years...I think it's just a hard market to be noticed in. But your work is gorgeous!
To each one of you my very personal, heartfelt thanks! It's definitely been a good ride and the friendships are really the best and most lasting part of it all. Elizabeth and Julie--two of my most ardent and supportive 'virtual' friends--your thoughtful support always touches me. You both know better than most what a lot of work is involved--the creations are just the beginning. It's all the 'upkeep' (photographs, styling, promoting, writing, etc.) that makes it all consuming and more than I have to give right now. Shortcuts just don't work, not these days!
Stephanie--you ARE one of the most talented ladies I know--everything you touch is amazing. (I do have my designs in Lynette Wilson Crandall's boutique in Hurricane at the entrance to Zion National Park, which I plan to continue for now).
And sweet sister Cindy, I think you and mother got me into this jewelry 'thang'--I'm always available for commissions.(-:
Erica, thank you. We keep touching base now and then in the jewelry world we love and that makes me happy.
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