Lazy or Crazy?

by Nancy

Hi everyone. I love love designing and making jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, pendants, earrings, etc. for adults and children.

My problem is that #1 - I am lazy or I just don't like selling my beautiful pieces.

#2 - I am not professionally trained.

Nancy

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Lazy or Crazy?

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No Professional Training? No Problem!
by: Rena

Hi Nancy,

I don't know about lazy or crazy - but you're in good company!

I don't have any professional training in making or selling jewelry either - but I do it anyway. :o)

Like many of our other friends here, I learned how to make jewelry mainly by messing around with jewelry supplies on my own, and from books, magazines, and an occasional video or online tutorial.

And I learned how to sell my jewelry by just getting out there and trying all kinds of things till I found the ways that worked best for me.

I say don't wait for professional training.

Simply decide what you want to achieve, and travel your own path to that destination!

I wish you all the best as you travel your path.

Do It Your Way
by: Cindy

I am not professionally trained either -- actually I took one stringing class and one wire-work class -- that's the extent of my "professional training." I make what I like and then wear it. And after people started complimenting me at work on my jewelry, they asked me if I could make something for them. And that's how I started selling jewelry!

I didn't have to sell MY jewelry (that's what I thought of any jewelry I made), but I could make something a friend wanted to buy and sell it to her.

I started very slowly the first year doing two craft shows, the second year I did 4 craft shows, and this year, I will have done 7 by the end of the year! I also do private showings/parties with friends and I take my jewelry to work for 2 days right before Christmas.

Do what you want, when you want to do it, sell it to whoever you want to sell it to......that's the beauty of this business! Do as little or as much as you want.

Just remember to ENJOY YOURSELF while doing it!

Don't Worry; Be Happy!
by: Tracy

These are somewhat hypocritical words from me, the eternal worrier. But when it comes to jewelry making, or any artistic pursuit, truer words were never spoken!

I'm another jewelry designer who lacks professional training. At times I've wondered if this sets me back. But more recently I've decided that I like my "untrained" status. It means I'm not locked into anyone else's way of doing things, and that each piece I create is a true reflection of my own unique vision.

As for not wanting to sell your pieces, I can identify with you there as well. I become very attached to the pieces I make and want to keep each and every one! To combat this problem, I've recently started listing "made to order" items in my Etsy shop. The idea was, I get to keep what I make, but if someone else likes it enough to buy it, then I could make them a version of it too (I say version because my pieces are rarely ever exactly alike). Recently, a woman purchased one of these such pieces, so I just whipped her up a new one and held on to the original! I realize this system may not work for every artist and every customer, but it's worth considering.

Finally, don't worry that you're lazy! I go back and forth between periods of mad creation and Web posting and idle times when all I want to do is watch TV (while not making something :) It's important to give yourself breaks so you don't burn out, especially if you work full time in addition to making jewelry.

Above all, have fun! Because that's what being creative is all about. Best of luck to you!

Tracy
The Tote Trove
www.thetotetrove.etsy.com

Lazy or Crazy?
by: Patricia Rae

Dear Nancy, I totally agree with Rena, Cindy & Tracy. I'm not professionally trained either, but I really enjoy making jewelry. I make jewelry mostly for myself, my family or friends. I've only sold a couple of pieces to a friend that placed an order. I would enjoy making a steady business of it, but no matter what...I enjoy what I do. If your getting compliments on what you make and have fun and enjoy your pieces when you create them, then that's what counts. Lazy or Crazy, I think not. Enjoy the inspirational moments when they come!!!
Patricia Rae of www.memoriesremadejewelry.com

Our gift
by: Carolyn

I am professionally trained to make jewelry but I agree with the others in that it has nothing to do with the creative process. According to E-Myth Revisited, we are one of 3 kinds of people: the manager, the salesperson, or the technician. The likelihood of us being any 2 of those is slim, and forget about being all 3. Because we are naturally creative, we don't have the gift of sales, so we have to do 1 of 2 things: either sell ourselves or hire someone to do it. Since I'm assuming none of us has the funds to hire someone, we have to sell ourselves. It's a stretch for me and I don't like it but I do it because I want to make money and I want my creations to sell. My husband is an artist and it's the same for him. Over the 8 years we've been doing art shows, he has become much better at selling. You're neither lazy or crazy, your gift is creation, not selling. That's something that has to be worked at and attained.

Rena
by: Gaynor

Thank you, Rena!
So many things today need you to be degreed, certified, have so much training or experience in the field despite un-work experience. It's nice to know there's one thing you can do without having to buy the university first, lol!

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