Handmade Should *Never* Be Cheap

Sometimes, you read another person's blog, and they are able to so succintly say what you have been thinking, you are more than willing to let them be your voice.

I had been fiddling around with Facebook, when one of those revolving ads popped up on the right hand side of the page--you know, the ones that are supposed to be tailored to our likes?

 

 

I don't know about you, but I don't like Handmade Jewelry, or handmade a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g being called cheap. Ever.

Fellow artist, Jennifer Cameron of glass addictions, reacted in much the same way at these ads. Her response on her blog provides one of the best written proclamations for why handmade objects hold such value, why they are the antithesis of "cheap."

Like I said above, sometimes someone can say what you're thinking better than you can. Please check out her post: "Handmade Jewelry. Ridiculously Cheap." Value yourself, and value handmade.

Are Supplies Really Necessary?

Photo Courtesy of massdistraction

 As someone who makes handmade jewelry and glass beads, I have a bead addiction problem. So, of course supplies are necessary!

But...is it really necessary for the big "handmade" sites to sell supplies as part of their offerings?

Yes, there are handmade supplies. Lampwork beads are considered as much on many sites.

But do these sites, that promote themselves as handmade, really need to scores of other supply shops, offering made in China merchandise alongside those supplies handmade one by one? Isn't this in conflict somewhat with the mission of these sites, to support the handmade lifestyle and artist?

If you are a source for handmade products, then *everything* allowed should be handmade by individual artists--even the supplies.

I'm curious to hear what other artists think about this situation--should Etsy, Artfire, and Zibbet have a supply section that allows re-sellers and importers? Is this of benefit to handmade crafters because they can in theory shop on the same site that they sell? Or is this just a ploy to cushion the earnings of the sites on the backs of handmade artists?

My opinion? I think allowing resellers and importers, even when they are properly identified, undermines the "mission" of these handmade sales venues. If you are a source for handmade products, then *everything* allowed should be handmade by individual artists--even the supplies. I would gladly do my shopping elsewhere for my crystals and chains that fill out my jewelry creations.

Let me know what you think. Let me know if my bringing this up ticks you off. Or is it a non-issue?

Friday Fun Finds is Back!

One of my favorite posts was always doing the Friday Fun Finds, so of course, I had to bring them back! I love looking at the work of handmade artists, and this gives me the perfect excuse to spend some time browsing the online shops of the creative.

I'm not sure about where you live, but Spring decided to take her own, sweet time arriving this year. It felt like we were going to have barren trees and dreary, cold days forever! Then, like magic, the trees decided to rebel and unfurled their leaves--one of the sure signs that winter has been kicked to the curb. So in celebration of spring being better late than never, I offer you some beautiful handmade trees.

A gorgeous Carnelian Tree Pendant, by LOC Designs. Found in their Zibbet Shop!

Next, Magnolias no2, a beautiful fine art print, by Jessica Doyle. Found in her Etsy shop.

Finally, this Blackbird and Branches Aluminum Cuff by K. Murphy Designs. Found in their Artfire Shop.

What fun finds have you discovered in our theme of trees?

Dog Days of Summer Fun Finds

Where I live, it is finally summer! We one of the coldest July's on record, but August has been nice and hot! So to celebrate the dog days finally showing up, here are some of my favorite handmade dog finds!





Puppy Yawns, an adorable Limited Edition print from Michelle Pullman














Golden Retriever Table from Jeffrey Pohan



















Cuter than cute Pointer Dog Earrings from Mark Poulin












Mini Custom Needle Felted Puppy by Emilie Friday; pick your breed!














For your little one, this Puppy Hooded Towel by Tulips & Daisys














A Fused Glass Whimsical Dog by Enid Traisman

















An Ergonomically Designed Pet Feeder by Woodin' You

Meet the Red Hot Fire Divas

Welcome of my first installment of "Meet the Fire Divas." The Fire Divas are a group of lampwork artists who have come together to support, promote and inspire one another. We "met" on a forum for lampwork artists, and the rest is history! When you buy from a Fire Diva, you can be assured that you are buying from an actual artist, not some re-seller trying to pawn off factory-made lampwork as artisan-made!

This week I am showing off the work of five of our Divas: Cindy Haberman, Melissa Vess, Lara Lutrick, Lea Avroch, & Angela Kane. Next to each picture you will find the Divas name, their Etsy user name, the name of the bead pictured, and a short bio!

You can also find links to all of the Divas by visiting our blog.






Cindy Haberman: Cindylynne Glass
Lampwork Glass "Balloonimal"
Cindy started out trying glass fusing but quickly found her passion in lampworking. That was three years ago, though she has loved glass since childhood.












Melissa Vess; Melissabeads
Ice Blue Silver Nuggets
Melissa has been working with hot glass for over 4 years, and has a degree from the Art Institute of Colorado.











Lara Lutrick: Lutrick
Rainbow Bicone
Lara has been making jewelry & lampwork beads for over 10 years in her Seattle studio.
















Lea Avroch: LAJewlery Designs
Purple Majesty
Lea has been making lampwork beads for several years. Her work has been published in several magazines, including Bead & Button & Belle Armoire













Angela Kane: Blue Lagoon Beads
Inside the Raindrop
Angela has been making lampwork beads for a number of years in both soft and borosilicate glass.

Featured Artist: Magic Bean Buyer

One of the best things about writing a blog about handmade goods is being able to discover and share uber-cool artists with others. Jamie of Magic Bean Buyer creates the most adorable hand-sculpted and hand-painted figures I have seen in years. A pre-press designer by day, Jamie transforms into Magic Bean Buyer at night, sharing her whimsical vision with the world from her Etsy shop.

What does it mean to you to "buy handmade"?
Buying handmade to me means supporting your fellow artists and crafters. I appreciate knowing that something handmade that I've bought has a lot of care and hard work put into it. I also love being able to know where and from who the things I buy come from. It gives the item more value in my opinion.

How long have you been active in your craft?
I've always been creating things in my spare time and going through different phases, honing in on what I enjoy to make the most. But I'd say I've probably been creating my figurines and jewelry pieces for a bit longer than I've been selling on Etsy, which I've been doing for the past four years.


What inspires your work?
My biggest inspiration would have to be food (who doesn't love food?), with super cute things like kitties, polka dots, sprinkles and anything miniature, a close second.

Where do you sell your creations?
Currently, all of my items for sale can be found in my Etsy shop. I've been slowly building my own website, so hopefully one day my stuff will be available there as well. I love to take custom requests, so even if you see something in my shop that you like but wish it was pink, or wish it had a cupcake attached, or whichever....feel free to ask!

Handmade Harry Potter Fun Finds

Even if you aren't a huge fan of the books, you can't escape the hoopla now that the latest Harry Potter movie has hit the theaters. Today's Fun Finds pay homage to Harry & his Hogwarts friends!











Radish Earrings, inspired by Miss Luna Lovegood, and hand crocheted with wire by Yoola on Etsy.















A stylin', working Hogwarts Crest Pocket Watch by Iheartglitter on Etsy.















Imagine how fun the next office meeting can be when you wear these Harry Potter Upcycled Lego Cufflinks by bitsandbadges on Etsy.











A gorgeous Hogwarts Woodburned Box for all of your magical trinkets, by SixthandElm on Etsy.














Adorable Harry Potter Finger Puppets, handknit by kazzalblue on Etsy.












Catch your own Golden Snitch when you buy Fleur's Snitch Necklace by Trophies on Etsy.

Last but not least, the Hogwarts teacher every fan loves to hate, featured on this Professor Severus Snape Scrabble Tile Charm Bracelet by Islandgirlzjewelry on Etsy.

And the Winner is....

After dealing with my internet being down last night, I am back and ready to announce the winner and answers of the Lampwork Treasure Hunt!

The winner is: Susan Wells of swellsthings.etsy.com ! Susan wins a pair of my handmade lampwork earrings!

Were you wondering what the answers were to the treasure hunt? They are revealed below, with a photo and link to the Etsy listing!

Treasure #1
1) Stephen King wrote about a dark one.
2) Only mail deer have these (use the singular!)
3) Free term: lampwork

Tower of Strength by juliechristie


















Treasure #2
1) If you have too much of something, you are up to your...
2) These are meant to decorate your ears
3) Free term: divas

Eyeball Earrings by JanelDudleyBeads














Treasure #3
1) A type of dark chocolate cake
2) A muffin's sweeter cousin
3) Free term: divas

Chocolate Devil's Food Cupcake by HollysFollyGlass





















Treasure #4
1) These are a girl's best friend
2) This can be cloudy, sunny or dark
3) Free term: divas

Diamonds in the Sky by Glass Addictions


















Treasure #5
1) Adjective for someone who loves their country
2) Jewelry that hangs from a necklace
3) Free term: divas

Three Cheers for the Red, White & Blue by LAJewelryDesigns




















Treasure #6
1) He brings happiness on his wings
2) She opened a box of trouble
3) Free term: divas

Bluebird of Happiness by islandgirl




















Treasure #7
1) Man's best friend
2) Beware the curse of the monkey's...
3) Free term: divas

Zoe's Friends Paw Print Focal by infernoglassbeads




















Thanks again to everyone who played with us! :)

Friday Fun Finds: 6.12.09 School's out the the Yart Sale!

Since I am a teacher, the end of the year is just as exciting for me as it is for the students! I decided to celebrate with this Friday's Fun Finds. As an added bonus, all of these items are part of the Etsy Yart Sale, so they are on sale, offer free shipping, or both! Enjoy!










Teacher's Pet by The Grace Within















Graduation 2009 by the Paper Fairy















School Day by Jennifer Dennis Potter














ABC's Learning Alphabet by Cillia Home & Hearth






















High School Musical XL Handfolded Envelopes by Good Earth Paperie

Etsy Yart Sale!!

Etsy is having an "unofficial" Yart Sale, June 10-14. I will be participating, with 20% off all items in my Etsy shop. Please check out my shop for details.

The Yart Sale is an "Art Yard Sale" that was first pulled together by an Etsy Street Team, the Etsy Supply Street Team. Now is a great time to take advantage of these specials on all sorts of handmade goods. Simply search "Yart" on Etsy and you should come up with all sorts of items on sale!

Featured Artist: Studio Marcy

Today's featured artist is a lampwork bead artist sure to bring a smile to your face. Marcy Lamberson of Studio Marcy creates whimsical and fun lampwork beads and sculptures.

Marcy's background, in her own words:
My happy and somewhat quirky lampwork glass beads are designed to make the viewer grin. They are a reflection of who I am. Besides being a full time beadmaker living in Atlanta, GA, I also teach this art form both as private lessons and in groups around the country. I contribute beads to the HOPE Bracelet Project and Beads of Courage, which are two non-profits supported by glass artists. Other important facts are that I can write with both hands at the same time in opposite directions, able flip my tongue over 180 degrees, and still working on learning how to hula hoop.

What does it mean to you to "buy handmade"?
Buying handmade is having a chance to purchase an item that was made with someone's hands and heart. I know from my personal experience, when I make something, my customers have bought a small piece of who I am as a person.

How long have you been active in your craft? What inspires your work?
Although I have created artistic items all my life, I have been making whimsical lampwork glass beads for about eight years now.

Inspiration comes from everywhere. As funny as it may sound, one of the ways I look at life is through beads. I see someone's dog, who I unconsciously reconstruct into a cute bead, or a pattern on a fabric or it can even be a phrase in a story that spurs my imagination. Inspiration can come from 3-D, 2-D or even daydreaming.

Where do you sell your creations?
I primarily sell my glass beads through my etsy shop, http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com. It is an easy way to find my most current offerings and contact me. Often people will email me through my StudioMarcy@gmail.com to request custom bead orders- like pet or people characterization focal beads, or beads representing items that have special meaning to them.

I also have a fun daily creativity, inspiration and lampwork glass blog: http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Are there any special accolades you have earned in your field?
Well yes, some wonderful things have occurred in my field.

This July, I am very happy to have been chosen to teach a sculptural beadmaking class for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers' International conference- The Gathering.

Last year I demonstrated and presented a program on my current work for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.

My work has been exhibited in many locations including the following:
The Heinz Museum, Pittsburgh, PA
The American Association of Woodworkers Museum (a collaboration piece)
The Ohio Glass Museum
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

Fabulous Finds: Lampwork Jewelry

I was spending some time wishing I had a million dollars :) If I did, I would splurge on some of these incredible lampwork jewels. These are not for the faint of heart, or the penny-pincher! These are all truly pieces of wearable art.







Colorful Cala Lillies by artjewelryonline












Surprise Bird Box by Birdland Creations














Lovely Dancing Bloom Earrings by risabeads



















Sea Grass by Skychica













Dangerous Liaisons by redhotsal