Friday, August 19, 2011

More Plans Than Hands

Who knew that August would be my busy month. Fairs, farmer's market, and ideas galore - in fact so many ideas that I can't keep up. At night I find myself like a spider weaving a web, going round and round, dipping and diving here and there trying to make things come together. Odyn's ripple blanket is coming along but has taken a back seat a bit. His fuzzy has been making more and more of appearance. Fuzzy went to the fair, for car rides, and almost took a bath last night. As lovely as this ripple is I don't think it's going to replace fuzzy.
In other news a big decision was made and it requires some guts, courage, and a bit of practice. If  you don't have a problem promoting yourself then don't mind my rambling that is about to start. Doing the farmer's market is great exposure but I've been thinking it's very small and a little limited. Etsy is great globally, they just haven't invented the Willy Wonka type computer yet, where you can reach in and feel my items. So the best thing for me will be boutiques and local shops, until the barn is completed. Never having done this, it does make me a little uneasy. Do you email, walk in an ask to talk to the owner, send a letter, call?
I don't want to come off as a person who thinks they are perfect and great - just look at my studio right now. It's a mess but it's real for a wife and mother of 3 who is working and creating. So with all this in mind I'm making the leap, taking a chance, and pushing the inner self doubter out the window. If you have marketed your things at local shops and boutiques and have pointers I would ♥ to hear them! Well as you can see, the studio needs cleaning, a custom order needs to be filled, and projects need to be finished. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend full of sunshine!

6 comments:

Jenniffer said...

I just want you to know that I think the things you make are wonderful, and I totally think you are heading in the right direction. So wish I could offer advice, but I've never done anything like that myself. I think it would be wonderful if everyone could just do what they love! Maybe the biggest thing that gets in the way of that is simply fear.
All the best and lots of courage to you!!

K @ Aurora Blythe said...

You go, Girl! You totally have the goods. Get out there and promote yourself. Craft malls want you to find your home with them, so it won't seem pushy or arrogant. And I know what you mean about not having enough hands for all the projects you want to do. I am in the same boat right now! Here's wishing you a steady, peaceful weekend ;-)

Kristen said...

I have these same fears, and I think you should just go in with an attitude of confidence, ask for an appointment with the buyer, bring business cards, and then go home and keep creating. And then come back here and tell us how it went. Good luck, you can do it! :)

greenrabbitdesigns said...

I have sold in a couple of local shops but my husband approached them on my behalf, I'm absolutely rubbish at it. I think it's the fear of rejection. The problem with selling through shops is the amount they themselves want to take. You have to be prepared to take a drop in your profit and it then can be unprofitable to sell or run the risk of it being priced too high and then not selling.
Good luck, I'm sure it will all work out for you.
Your ripple is gorgeous, it's like a multicoloured waterfall in the first photo.
Vivienne x

Anji said...

Go for it. You've got nothing to lose and if they say 'no', ask them if they can suggest another shop that might. Have a card you can give them for the future, just incase, they might change their minds or pass it on...

Take some of your work with you - but not bags full - just enough to get them interested.

Good luck

I visit your blog when I’m on ExposeYourBlog!

manda's challenges :) said...

You want help clearing your Studio? Simples ship it all over to me hehe Seriously your work is amazing and i wish you every luck and success in getting to where you want to be. Go for it! much Love Amanda xxx