Hello Everyone!
I joined AFI a week or so ago and have been feverishly sponging up as much of the collective wisdom as I can. I just wrote a blog post (with a link to a photo album) asking for some advice, if you care to comment on it.
I am 51, a Jeweler, married with on child, two stepchildren (all grown) and three grandchildren. I live in Tacoma, WA. I have been doing local shows since 2009. I sell my work on Etsy as well as in one local boutique.
Until this year I did mostly Steampunk, Fantasy and Victorian- and Vintage-inspired pieces... until I went to a metalworking retreat last September. I've begun doing some very different pieces and they have sold well online. Now I am setting my sights on better shows... which is where my blog post comes in.
If you care to visit my blog and comment on it, I would be deeply grateful.
Thank you. :-)
Robin D.
Replies
Hello Robin,
I just joined myself and thought I'd say welcome. I would love to see your work, I suppose I'll find a link in your profile. Still feeling my way around this website. My wife also makes jewelry but I don't think we'll see her on this site but you never know. How are your Etsy sales going; I think it's a waste of time for my wife, she has sold very little on it. The nice thing is their whole cart system; hard to find another like that for the price. Been thinking about trying TickTail but haven't had much time.
I'm a photographer btw.
Welcome.
Robin - welcome to AFI, used to live just up the road from you in Auburn WA, we're now full time RV'ers (jewelers) traveling the show circuit and finding shows with warmth and sunshine.
Not sure if this will help, if you take a look at my page and several blogs I've written you will see reviews on multiple shows in the Pacific NW. I saw your comment on doing Art a La Carte in Tacoma, did that one for a few years when we were just starting out but dropped it from our schedule as it continued to go downhill.
Hi Ruth! Yes, I agree about Art a la Carte. I've done it the last 4 years and it's gone way downhill - I won't be back this year. I will certainly check out your blogs. Thank you!
And we are pleased to meet you, Robin. Love to have a perspective from the West Coast and personally love Steampunk and Victorian style -- welcome to our community. I hope you'll find it hospitable and useful in growing your business.
Do you have any shows coming up?
My first show is in March, then (presuming I will do all the Old Faithfuls) all summer long and into the fall, with the last one in November/December.
I still do Steampunk etc. - it sells well at the local shows. I do an entire line of spiders. :-D
Man, this whole 'cohesive body of work' thing is so dang hard for me, as I have several of them.