I went to a beautiful craft show yesterday with my little girls and parents, they had beautiful spruce trees all decorated with lights, it is called Spruce Meadows in Calgary and they host international horse shows and jumping, but also events like the Christmas craft sale. I wish I could say that it was a leisurely stroll and I got to take part in looking at all of the beautiful wares but unfortunately when strolling with little people they are in fast forward. One of the things I did notice was how many beautiful jewelry vendors there were, it gave me thought for pause.. I have always thought that there is enough room for all of us, but I have been thinking about it all day and wondering if I am foolish for wanting to make this into a business and doubting myself and my abilities. I haven't wanted to be a negative Nelly, but my spirits have been lowered and I am thinking that maybe I have been crazy to think that I could really make this into a thriving business. I have only ever sold to friends and family, or connections by friends and family. I have one sale on my Esty store and that is also from someone I know. I am feeling kind of blah about my whole future. I believe that in one of the Love My Art Jewelry posts someone asked about being a crafter or artisan. I am likely a crafter hiding behind trying to be a artisan. I have not had formal training and there are so many lovely artists, it is such a big world to compete in and what makes me think what I design is special.
I love buying beads and thinking about what I can design and I am always thinking if it will sell and buy things hoping that I will make money so I can buy more beads, but I know that I have spent a lot more than I make and that makes me think maybe I am just crazy, and give myself excuses to buy beads.
Sorry I am just feeling down in the dumps and needed to put my thoughts in writing. I think I need to really think about my future in designing jewelry, maybe I just need to focus on creating for myself.
Take care,
Penny
I could have written this post. Almost on a daily basis. I struggle with the same thoughts and sales situations. But then I think of how it is truly good for my soul. And how I really don't have anything else I want to do. And when I make jewelry that I think will sell, it rarely does. But when I make jewelry for the sheer joy of it, those pieces usually sell. On the days when I feel like I am on the right path, I tell myself (and believe myself!) that there is a market for all our jewelry, we all just have to find our market. Networking takes a long time, but Stick with it! You make beautiful jewelry :-)
ReplyDeleteWrite to me, hon. I feel the same way, you know, and I do these shows, and they intimidate the heck out of me. The thing to remember is not everyone is in this for the long haul and if you can hold out, have faith, continue to grow, and market, you can do this! There are lots of ways to go about this -- I want to help any way I can.
ReplyDelete(PS I'm down in the dumps, too, we can be there together and share pie!)