Hi
at the markets today was talking to a glass bead maker. Bev Butler
who make the most beautiful beads and gives me the rejects that crack
in the firing process so I have a half bead to set in silver. The
colours are amazing green or blue with gold accents. Having worked
at Beadco I thought I had seen beads but this lady makes the best I
have seen. And I have seen the commercial trade’s best Venice, Japan
etc.
Anyway the point is we were talking about Newbie and his piercing,
impressed by his dedication, patience and quality we were.Common
consensus was “I would not do that it would drive me crazy!” Also
there is an air of excitement when a newbie appears. More hand made
less imported rubbish.
He had a stall next to glass bead lady. We looked over and he was
piercing on his market bench. Back hunched bench pin too low. Went
straight over and said your bench pin needs raising or you will hurt
your back. His bench at home is the right height he told me but this
one was just made in haste. And he said he needs a cushion as his
chair is a bit hard on the bum.
Great to see a newbie learning from their own experience and happy
to take advice.
He can’t believe how supportive we are of him and how we give him
advice for free.
Also we got him into a big craft market into a prime position in
that market. A market that is full to “the take it out of the bag
and sell it” people.
He is excited by his sales, they are small but we will fix that for
him too.
So this newbie has had two glass workers a silversmith and a
milliner give him their support also other hand makers, card makers,
bead workers and candle smiths.
As far as the jewellery trade goes he knows very little as far as
markets goes he knows little. But we will fix that for him. Why?
Because he makes his jewellery, does not pull it out of a packet.
So newbies out there if you are just starting out and you hand make
your product you will find, in Australia at least, many wishing you
the best and giving you the best advice we can.
Also he is doing his own thing not trying to copy others, if he was
trying to copy he would get NO advice as he would be just another
rip off hack worker. Be original, work hard and the hand makers of
the craft world will help you all they can.
It is a joy to help a newbie and to see the response, this guy just
did not expect the support he got.
Of course told him to join Orchid.
Beautiful Autumn weather and a great day on so many levels. And hey
the tourists are back so sold a lot.
Now is this the true spirit of Orchid or what? Furthering the craft
and asking nothing in return.
Personally I feel so proud to be able to enter some one into our
world. This guy will be seriously good in a few years and has what it
takes to get there. He already makes good stuff and has only being
doing it since last Xmas. But we want him to be great and so does he.
Richard