Thursday, September 15, 2011

new directions

I thought that this would be an appropriate post to follow up yesterday's reworked post.  While I am revisiting a lot of old designs, I am also working on lots of new things for my shop.



I sold my first teaching package over the weekend.  Someone who bought one of my patterns through eBay this spring contacted me about teaching it this fall.  Thanks to Carol Dean of SandFibers who gave me some excellent advice about pricing and what to include, I was able to put together everything she needed pretty easily.

This is what I included in the package:
1) A cover letter explaining the terms and conditions for the pattern.  This includes the following:
All students must have a full copy of the personal use pattern, including the terms for it.
There is no limit to the number of times that you can teach the class and the number of the students that can be in each class.
2) A personal use copy of the pattern.
3) A commercial use copy of the pattern.

I can make these packages for any of my patterns.  I can also just make commercial use patterns.  Some sellers list both the personal use and commercial use versions in their shop.  I may at some point, but it hasn't been a big priority at this point.  I'm going to launch my next two new patterns before I worry about that.  Pricing for commercial use and teaching packages will vary for different patterns.  Let me know if you're ever interested.

Also, for those who are wondering why I'm not teaching this class myself, it will be offered in Arizona.  I'm not interested in flying around the country to teach classes.  I don't have the connections for that at this point either.  This woman already has a following at a particular store in Arizona as a teacher so it makes sense for her to do that.  I would teach a class in the Midwest if the opportunity presented itself, but I'm not pursuing that myself at this point.

I listed a new necklace over the weekend.

It's available here.  I bought these stone focals back in the spring with the intention of making this necklace for the summer.  Obviously that didn't happen.  I had so much fun with my July design piece that I got inspired to make more beaded bails and worked up this piece as well as very similar pieces with the remaining 4 stones.  This is a very versatile color combination that will carry you into any season.  Discounts apply for multiple orders of this necklace so if you'd like more than one, let me know.

I love this piece and hope that it does well.  I'd like to try making similar pieces with different stones and color combinations.  Here are a couple considerations for stones/focals.


Winter gemstone donut assortment by SueRunyonDesigns

Aqua and Black Wheel Thrown Stoneware Clay and Fused Glass Pendant or Necklace by artisanclay

I've been trying to find something local and haven't settled on anything yet.  I'm sure it's not a surprise that I have tons of other projects planned for now so I'm not ordering anything right away, but I mostly will at some point if I don't find anything in a store.

9 comments:

  1. You offer a wonderful variety in your shop, Rose! The necklace is stunning. It's a combination of the shape you like most and I like most (triangular + round) :)

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  2. I like the package and how it has worked out for you. I actually decided last week that I want to teach her locally and am giving myself a goal for next year. Your post reminded me that I need to write it down and think about the details!

    Erika
    Artful Rising

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  3. I LOVE your new necklace! The palette is quite striking. Can't wait to see what you come up with next. Also, I'm surprised about the teaching package, I never even thought about that. Good for you- that's wonderful!

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  4. the stoneware and glass bail is pretty. Never seen anything like that! Good luck with your new patterns - it's nice that someone so far away is going to teach about your pattern. Good marketing too! {:-D

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  5. Congrats on the teaching package! I really like your new necklace too!

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  6. I think that this makes you a published author! Will you put your contact information on each page?

    Wondering, for the bail, do you make 2 triangle peyote pieces and zip them together?

    Congrats teach!!!

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  7. Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm glad that my necklace has been well received.

    Thanks Duni! Your comment made me smile. :)

    Erika, good luck with that! You'll have to let us know how it goes.

    Re, I put copyright information on every page of the pattern, which includes my full name. I hope that my directions for the beaded bail helped. I can't wait to see what you do with that.

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