Cards, Collage, and Altered Art
To create successful art you must see things not as they are, but as they could be.
Monday, July 14, 2014
For All You Motorcycle Mama's!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Celebrate Earth Day
Monday, March 21, 2011
Altered Altoid Tins
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Easy to Use Resin
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Too Expensive? I Think Not!
It's funny how some individuals have no clue about the work and effort that goes into handmade items. I was selling my altered art pieces at a show this past week, and among my things I had a few bottle cap magnets and pendants. I was taken by complete surprise when an older woman remarked to me "You're selling these for $3? You get the bottle caps for free!" I quickly responded that: The caps are not free. I have to purchase them new and it takes time and hard work to create a piece of art! Maybe it was her age, maybe she didn't like my work, or maybe she just thought I was taking advantage of people. She said nothing and left.
That started me thinking about just how much time and effort go into any handmade item. I've broken the creative process down into four categories: Development, Implementation, Assessment and Marketing.
Development: the planning stage.
- What am I going to do? Is there a theme? What is the design?
- What supplies do I need? Where can I buy them? How much will they cost?
- What will I do with the finished product? Do I keep it, sell it, or give it away?
- How long will it take me to complete?
Implementation: getting to work
- Purchase all necessary supplies.
- Gather together the specific items needed.
- Experiment with various techniques to find the right one for your project.
- Assemble your creation.
- Re-assemble your creation when the first one isn't to your liking!
- Fine tune and clean up your finished piece.
- and sometimes - Start all over again because it's all wrong!!
Assessment: analyzing your handiwork
- Did your work come out as expected?
- Did it take too long?
- Are you happy with it? Would you make it again?
- Is it good enough to sell or give away? If yes, then proceed to Marketing. If no, keep it for yourself!
Marketing: selling your handiwork
- Will I sell online, in a store, or at a show?
- How much can I sell it for? How much would I pay for a similar item?
- When calculating pricing, don't forget the cost of supplies, cost of marketing, and payment for your time.
Okay - back to my bottle cap artwork. Now that I've thought about this whole thing, I think I better raise my prices! $3.00 seems like a bargain to me!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Kitchen Magnets from Vintage Findings
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Vintage Flair Card Studio Blog
Monday, February 14, 2011
Simply Hollywood
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Using Vintage Photos for Journals
Monday, November 15, 2010
Punches for Backgrounds and Frames
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Flickr Group for Cardmakers
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Handmade Cards vs. Mass Market Pricing
Women Who Dare
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
A Vintage Flair Card Studio
If you're unfamiliar with my work or would like to see some of my previous card art, visit my gallery on Flickr.