Why Buy Handmade… Article #3
Hey Fabulous Diva’s!
This is a subject that is near
and dear to my heart. With me being a
handmade jewelry designer and creator, it is a conversation that is Always on
the table or floating around when it comes to purchasing my uniquely exquisite,
elegant and funky designs. So, this
month I WANT you to take a trip with me from how I choose the materials and
decide what is going to go into a creation that finds its way to you in hopes
of spreading a little education about the cost of something that is not massed
produced but is made with love and care.
First, I attend at least 4 bead
shows a year. The International Gem
& Jewelry Show, twice a year and the Gem Show, twice a year. These shows bring vendors that come from all
over the country to an area for 3 days of bead browsing and if you are anything
like me, touching and buying. I am very
tactile. I need to see, touch and feel
the beads and components that I use to create a piece of jewelry. I find that the beads speak to me and most
times I know what the beads are going to be transformed into before they get
home. Like, a pair of earrings, a
bracelet or a gorgeous necklace. There
is nothing like picking up a strand of beads and they tell you what they want
to become. Now I know it sounds strange,
but that is what happens to me when I am on the hunt for new materials; there
is this pull that brings me to the strand and then when I pick them up it
speaks out to me what it will become. The strand can even tell me if I need to
buy more than one strand because it wishes to be a set (bracelet, earrings
& necklace). There are times that I
have no clue what a strand of beads will become, but I know I cannot leave
without them! There have been times that
I know whom ever is watching me is wondering just what is going through my
mind, because I caress the beads, I speak to the beads and I smile at the
beads. If I pick them up more than likely I will be putting them in the basket! My process is somewhat slow, but it
guarantees that I pick some of the most beautiful beads for my designs. I incorporate Swarovski Crystals for bling in
most designs, so I need to make sure that the beads are worthy.
Second, I go home and inventory
the materials I have purchased. This is
a crucial process because if I don’t catalog my beads then there is no way to
know how much it costs to put a piece together and what is the component;
pearl, jadeite, quartz, etc… Everything
is labeled and put into a spreadsheet so that I can keep track of what I use and
what company I purchased them from. I
may not want the same beads, but I will want the same quality, so I try to keep
track of the vendor as well.
Third, I am a horrible sketcher, but I try to do rough sketches of the ideas that I have. Most times my designs assemble themselves in my head when they appear to me. I see them and the components that are needed and how I need to construct it to get the look I desire. Once I have written this down, I need to go through my stash of beads and find the ones that will complement the design. This includes considering the color combination right down to the clasp that I plan to use. I find that the clasp of a bracelet or necklace is highly import to the look of the piece. Some of my necklaces can be worn with the clasp as part of the visible design by wearing it in the front so that it is seen. And when have you ever worn a bracelet that stays put on your wrist? So, if it has a beautiful clasp just like the beads it is supporting it makes for a more cohesive look and you don’t worry about having to re-adjust the bracelet.
Last, since the designs I create
are ALL handmade, yes, this does mean that I assemble the components by
hand. There is no machinery that puts
them together. It takes more time and it
lends to better quality when your piece is handcrafted. The old saying is true, “Time is money”. Think of it this way, when you clock in at
work, your expectation is that you are being paid for the work that you
produce. Me too! I put a fair amount of time in to choosing
the components and creating the handcrafted pieces that you admire and
purchase. This translates into time
spent working at my job.
Just to reiterate, the components are picked with care and attention to quality. It is a slower process than mass production and you are supporting someone who has taken the time and care to create a beautiful piece that Only you will have! Exclusivity is a wonderful thing!
I appreciate you and your ability
to support me and other handcrafted designers, it shows you like quality,
individuality and uniqueness.
Well, ta-ta for now and remember
to be Fabulously Funky!
www.funkydivaaccessories.com
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