Handmade Freedom

Can shopping promote freedom? Hmm, maybe that seems like a stretch. Certainly the accumulation of stuff for stuff's sake can't equate to freedom but just maybe how and where we shop can help ensure choice and diversity.

Fingerless Gloves by Tickled Pink Kints

I decided to look for some answers by being my own guinea pig and went in search of fingerless gloves. My closest big box store offered two kinds of fingerless gloves. The styles were slightly different and only came in 3 color combinations - pink, black or pink and black.They were, thin, poorly made and at $2 and $3 appeared to make a strong case for “you get what you pay for”. The buyers for major retailers make many preliminary decisions for us. They limited color, style, quality and price. They separated me from the maker and the process. Aren’t I smart enough to make those decisions myself? According to Jeff Milchen at ReclaimDemocray.org “As fewer giant corporations dominate both production and sales, our options - determinded by a powerful few - will be drastically reduced.”

Persian Green Mohair Fingerless Gloves by Love and Knit

Now consider my expericence shopping for fingerless gloves from small independent sellers. I typed fingerless gloves into the Etsy search box and came up with 21,619 items. While some of the shops have the same style/color limitations as “Big Box”, combined they created great diversity! I could chose from long, short, fold-over mitten, with buttons, without buttons, stripes, fancey, plain, men’s or women’s, natural or man made fibers. I narrowed my search further and found for example that just one of Tickled Pink Kint's 10 fingerless glove designs can be ordered in 16 different colors. (Sierra? Ruby Red? Sea Blue?).

The U.S. Small Business Administration says that the average American shopper will spend $704.18 on holiday gifts and seasonal merchandise this year. So while you’re making your list and checking it twice remember, each dollar is a vote for the kind of world you want. Vote wisely.

Fingerless gloves in Violet by DonataFelt

Ltd Edition Yellow Cashmere Frilled gloves by Ileaiye

Storm Warmers from InnerWild

Everyday Handmade: Warm Wearables

Fall is my favorite season---there are the golden days with the beginning of a crispness, and the dark cold nights with a tinge of wood fire smell from any neighbor who might have a fireplace, and the chance to start bundling up again after the hot days of summer. It's not jacket weather quite yet in my town, but we're closing in, and with that comes the chance to stock up on beautiful handmade things that will keep you cozy. Today, for my Everyday Handmade series I'm rounding up some warm wearables---specifically scarves and such. Here we go . . .

First a perfect scarf for all seasons: This Grey Striped Linen Scarf/Shawl from SleeWay is just the ticket for Fall and beyond. And the striped gray will add a little something extra to any outfit while keeping the wind out. Find it and so many other beautiful linen scarves here.

Isn't this sweet little Bolero Scarf from Thread&etc? What a great way to warm up without having to wear a full coat or sweater! It would look cute with just about anything from a wintery dress to jeans. Find it here.

I love the elegance and playfulness of this Merino Wool Ruffle Shawl from Tickled Pink Knits. It's functional and has a little whimsy to it---my favorite combination. Find it here.

This Beehive Loop Scarf from Love and Knit will surely bring that warm cozy feeling to you every time you wear it with it's honey tones and big warmth, while adding a little pizazz to your cool weather outfit. Find it here.

Last but not least, I love the rustic chunky feeling of this Butterscotch Cowl from New Moon Crochet. It definitely makes the process of keeping your neck warm into a bright and happy opportunity. Find it here.

With so many options, how could you dare succumbing to a seasonal chill? I hope you enjoyed this warm and cozy round-up! Happy Fall!

Selling Wholesale: How to Approach Galleries

Set of Glacial Stone Tealight holders by Brooksparrow

If you’ve never sold wholesale before, and the thought of asking a gallery to represent your work sounds akin to dental surgery with no anesthetic, you are not alone. We all have strong feelings of vulnerability when it comes to our art. Keep in mind that it is free to ask, and that a gallery buyer will make a business decision, not a personal decision, regarding your work. Take a notebook with you to your presentation, and record all feedback, positive and negative. It helps to keep accurate notes on what each gallery is looking for.  Both rejections and acceptances are valuable learning tools.

The best way to begin is locally. Make visits to all your area’s galleries. Don’t introduce yourself as an artist at first- just look around at price points, style, and the amount of work in your media. Make notes.

When your gallery tour is complete, eliminate the galleries that are obviously not a good fit for you. Then rate the rest- first pick, second pick, etc. Remember that galleries in a mid sized town will want exclusive representation for that city, so if your work is in one, the rest will not want you. In a large city, the exclusivity is by neighborhood. Approach your first pick and get a reply from them before moving down the list.

Next, call the gallery, and ask to speak to the buyer, or get contact info for the buyer. Call or email that person. Ask if they are willing to view some images of your work, and tell her the name on your email account. Most people are reluctant to open images from unknown sources. If this is okay, email 3-5 images with info on the pieces, including wholesale price, size, name of collection.

 

Grapevine Cowl by Tickled Pink Knits

Follow up in a few days with a phone call if you don’t hear back, to make sure that your images arrived. If the buyer likes your images, ask for an appointment to show your portfolio in person, even if they are not buying in your media at this time. Let the gallery buyer know that you are willing to make a presentation anyway, and that you value her opinions and insights. I can’t tell you how many sales I’ve made to galleries who said they were not buying at that time! Buyers are generally very cautious with money, but will spend for something they are excited about.

sterling silver and gemstone necklace by polestar

Next Wednesday I will cover how to make a successful in person presentation. I am happy to help you succeed at wholesale marketing to galleries, so ask me anything and I’ll reply in the comments.

Lee Wolfe/ OneClayBead