Taking a deep breath and asking ...

[Vicky]

A few weeks ago I visited my local art gallery - it's reasonably well known and patronised - and found they have a small shop. So I took a deep breath and asked about putting some of my work in their shop on consignment. And they were really interested. Very interested

It's taken the best part of three weeks but I finally finished all the paperwork today and I now have 3 pieces on display. On display stands! Behind glass! Well lit! And I am soooooo impressed and excited - I just had to share ;D

I was really surprised at which pieces they chose, not my favourites at all. What they wanted was ... just copper wire jewellery.

Stones are OK but only if they were "local" (not sure how they define that) but no beads nor sparkly bits or anything that "you might buy in a shop". Just copper wire jewellery.

Having read so many articles about how to price your work I had created a spreadsheet to work out the costs of replacing my wire and supplies, I factored in my hourly rate, my profit margin, their commission, government taxes and thought my prices quite reasonable - I was happy with them - and they tell me "they're too cheap" so up the prices went, in one case by $60. If they sell I will be one very happy little vegemite

Well, I feel much better now, thank you for reading, my grin has reverted to a big smile but I'm a lot calmer now I've shared

[las]

Well done Vicky.
If you dont ask you will never know. I hope you do well and get to be a Happy little Vegemite.
Enjoy the moment

Lee-Ann

[laura]

WOW! That's fantastic news!! Congratulations

Make some pics of your pieces under glass if they allow so you can post them on your blog!

[Renate]

Congrats, Vicky! I imagine you still have that wide grin on your face a day later. I really love that part: "they're too cheap"! ;D

I'll echo Laura: pictures please. Would love to see what kind of "copper only" jewelry they preferred.

[Vicky]

Lee-ann, Laura and Renate thank you all for your comments - I really appreciate your support.

I've attached a photo of two of the bracelets on display - not at the gallery but from an old post on JL. I will go into the gallery at the weekend to take some photos onsite.

@ Renate, this is what they wanted - just copper wire jewellery (18 and 20ga in this case) and I loved the "too cheap", too

[caeterle]

Woo-hoo! You go!!!
I never had the guts to ask anywhere beside one little gift shop which was already crowded with all kinds of stuff, though.

Beautiful pieces, too! A friend of mine has pieces in a gallery and she says the "just copper" actually sells quite well there. It seems people finally learn to appreciate copper.

Fingers crossed for good sales!

[Vicky]

Hi Cat,

Thanks for the encouragement - extra crossed fingers never hurt anyone, lol!

I'll let you know how my "just copper" goes - I'm just happy to get my work out somewhere that others can see it, rather than being kept in zip lock bags and never seeing the light of day.

Thanks again,

Vicky

[Tela]

I'm a little late to the post, but congrats!!! Good for you for working up the courage This sounds like it was a great learning experience, too.

Any new news?

[Vicky]

Hey Tela,

Thanks for the back pat

No, nothing yet. I had reasonably high hopes for the Easter long weekend - we get lots of visitors to our area during the holidays but ... patience is a virtue (so they tell me).

I did find out they have a Christmas shop that is very popular - when you're looking for that something a little different for someone special - so I'm working towards getting some inventory together.

Unfortunately, I have to work full time so my jewellery making is still a hobby but I have plans, LOL!

[Tela]

You sound like you have a good attitude about it. I'm glad you didn't give up. With a fulltime job, it's good things didn't take off right off the bat or you'd be overwhelmed and make mistakes. Slow starts are the best starts, I always say. Sounds like you have a foot in the door and a Christmas goal to look forward to.

[Vicky]

I'm so excited. Finally, something sold! Yay! A real SALE! I've made things as gifts for family and friends and I've done a little commission work but this is different - a complete stranger bought something I made.

No doubt all of you who have websites etc sell to strangers all the time and probably don't think too much about it but ... to me this is amazing.

For the record I won't be retiring anytime soon and once the tax and art gallery's commission is taken out I should be able to go for coffee and cake but I doubt it will stretch to lunch, lol

[Renate]

Congrats, Vicky, I'm so happy for you!!!
I know exactly what you feel - I have sold only a few pieces to strangers, but yes, it's an unexpected thrill. ;D Will you replace it in the shop?
Keeping my fingers crossed for more good news!

[livewire]

Congratulations, Vicky!

I'm relatively new to selling (in a gallery, I don't have a website) and I relate to the feeling. It's about validation. Someone actually thinks what you create is wonderful enough to pay money for!

A real confidence booster.

Joyce

[Vicky]

Thank you both for your kind words.

Renate - Things have been very slow in the gallery shop, only two sales in the past 6 months (ie since they started the retail space). I will certainly be asking if I can put a replacement item in, especially with Christmas on the way. To be honest I already have something I prepared as a replacement.

Joyce - Yep , validation is a wonderful feeling and my confidence has risen as a result. It's also made certain others stop and think whether tinkering in my work room is a waste of time

Vicky