So, in the last two weeks, I have gotten completely sidetracked by other projects and have not even touched my sewing machine. It is a deplorable state of affairs. But I have some good news.
1) This is small and personal in nature, but the bag that I made for my conference worked out very well. I'm still using it, in fact. I love the brown/black/red color combination and the more professional feeling of the sueded microfiber and the top stitching. It's so easy to drop stuff into and the tab with the pin never gets in my way, like the bigger flaps do. It's a little large for everyday, but at the conference it was a little small. I could just fit my program and my swag in there.
2) On a more professional note, the Open Door Art Studio selected me as one of their featured artists. (http://www.opendoorartstudio.org/artwork.htm) I am ridiculously pleased about this. It's so validating, especially when my sales are still not exactly overwhelming.
3) I had a wonderful "mutual admiration society" type conversation with Courtney at the Open Door Art Studio. It turns out that her application for the Tiny Canary show was accepted. (http://www.tinycanary.com/)
Since I'm new to the crafting business, I didn't appreciate how exclusive this show is. But several of my fellow etsians over at the Columbus Street Team were pretty bummed about not getting in. So, I'm thrilled for Courtney, and for the ODAS, who do such great work. And Courtney let me know that, as a featured artist, my Monster Bags were a critical part of her application.
It is so helpful to talk to Courtney and get advice and feedback about the Monster Bags. Etsy can feel pretty isolated. People buy things (or don't) and often I never hear what they liked (or didn't). I'm collecting "hearts" and "views" but I don't know why, or how to convert them to sales.
On the other hand, Courtney sees people face to face and watches how they interact with the art. She says that the Monster Bags are very compelling from a distance -- people come directly to them. And people like them up close too. But that the price tag is offputting. This is a pervasive problem: people want to spend Walmart $$ on handmade goods. Courtney thinks that the price point is good though and we should stick it out.
Anyway. Courtney wanted me to know that she needs a lot more Monster Bags for the Tiny Canary show. And the North Market show. And the Grandview Gallery Hop. (whee!) This is such a great partnership for me. I get a lot of exposure and it costs me very little. I like to think that it helps the good people at the Open Door Art Studio too. So there will definitely be a lot more sewing happening in the ArtsiBitsi Studio over the next few weeks.
Watch this space.
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