Eide magazine feature interview

Before I left for Atlanta for the ICE (Indie Craft Experience) show I contacted Eide magazine.  As you may recall two years ago they did featured my jewelry on the cover of their magazine (ummm huge deal!) and I really wanted to meet some of their staff and invite them to the show.

Alas, they couldn't attend however the Eide team was so gracious to interview me about the show and supporting locally sourced handmade goods.  Eide's correspondent intern, Hannah Lenore Gray, had some great questions.  My main point was to stress how much local economy benefits from supporting handmade.  It boils down to putting money in your neighbors pocket, which in turn supports your local coffee shop to your neighborhood restaurant.  It all comes full circle.

 

Still can't get over this rad image and The Hunted double owl talons on the cover!

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The importance of small boutiques and galleries

Over the past two years I've been working hard to establish my jewelry line and get it out to the public.  One of the most essential parts of doing that is working with independent and small galleries such as Equinox Gallery in San Antonio and Ghost Gallery in Seattle (and the many other places, including online).  I've come to realize how important they are and many other independent retailers.  

It's a very symbiotic relationship, without jewelers and makers like myself these galleries wouldn't have the fresh talent to show their customers and without galleries like them I wouldn't expose my work to new customers.  In that sense I'm so grateful for them.  I also understand more of what it takes to run a gallery, studio and events since co-opting at Art Avenue.  

The hard part is getting the community to understand just how crucial to people and the community small business' are to the economy.  I try to stress this with my friends and family that aren't as into the handmade community as I am, but it's hard when you've got the Family Dollar down the road.  

So here's my soapbox message for today, think hard about every purchase you make because there is a history to it.  Such as the on trend blouse you get at the mall that was manufactured in China, that supports the big business and yet doesn't give much to the poor people that made it.  However, when you drop say $25 or $50 on that ceramic mug your local artisan made it goes to an artist that pays his rent, shops locally and puts that same money back into the community.  

*many ECU alumni are represented by this Equniox Gallery

Laurie Kearney, owner of Ghost Gallery has a super keen eye for artwork

My beaver teeth earrings (ethically sourced - no animals harmed) now being sold at Equinox Gallery.
Image by Equinox Gallery

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why buy handmade?

I've been thinking about this topic for the past several days; the importance it means to artisans and local business' that the general public understand the meaning of 'handmade' and buying local.

I'll tell you how buying handmade affects my life.  Whenever I make a sale, it means I can pay my rent, car payments, buy new equipment, get groceries and maybe one day have employees.  I always tell my friends that it means your putting dollars back into your neighbors wallet. 

I also thought of the other angle, that 'hey, I'm shopping for a bargain' which, I'm almost always doing.  However, I also want something to last and be worth my money.  I'll admit, I love going to TJ Maxx and getting something on clearance.  But nowadays its for necessities; like running shorts or shoes not a candle or a coffee mug.  I made a conscientious about seven years ago that instead of buying crap, like tshirts from Forever 21 or Target, that I'd save my money and wait for something that I knew would last, even if it meant wearing or using old things that I was tired of.   

When I'm searching for a wedding gift, I buy handmade, or any gift really.  Buying handmade means supporting your local economy as well as the artisan economy.  There is a deeper meaning and story behind the object you purchase and that's special and worth spending good money.

So with all that said, I urge you to do the same.  Invest in pieces that are unique, one of a kind and keep the history of handmade objects alive.  

Me, using my hands to make individual and memorial pieces.  

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belated Earth Day

I completely forgot yesterday was Earth Day and now I realize, it's really silly to designate one day to the earth; everyday we should honor mother earth.  I try, with small things, like recycling and consuming less, eating local food and purchasing local goods.  Small steps add up and can make big differences.  Very akin to the butterfly effect.  

Speaking of which; on Saturday while car shopping my fiance found a poor broken-winged moth attempting to lay her eggs.  Such beautiful creatures and so soft.  We realized that with the broken wing the moth was going to die.  I've kept her in my car, contemplating on making her into jewelry.  We shall see. 

I hope that you take steps everyday to reduce your consumable imprint on the earth.  Thanks for reading!

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National Women's Small Owned Business Month

"Forty years ago, women owned just 5 percent of all small businesses. Today, women own 30 percent, which equals a total of 7.8 million companies generating $1.2 trillion a year in sales." - Karen Mills, SBA Adminstrator

How awesome and amazing is that? I love it that nowadays women don't even have to question the thought of whether or not they can dream of owning a business, because we can.  It's more of a question of financing one.  I'm on the email list from the SBA and I've found it so helpful and informative - business logic is not my forte so I really try to educate myself. 

Celebrate national women's small owned business month by purchasing or supporting small owned business' - it's the little steps, like buying tea from the local tea shop versus your usual latte from Starbucks (which is already rich) or buying a dress from a locally owned consignment shop. I did that just the other day, instead of buying a Coca-cola, I bought Honest Tea (not the biggest jump but closer).

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