by Staci Louise Smith
I feel very blessed by this creative journey I have taken, and am currently walking. I have had many wonderful people in my life, who have shared business information, creative wisdom and even crafting tips with me. This, in part, is why I feel drawn to sharing what I know (be it much or little) with you all. Pay it forward. It fulfills me to share what has been shared with me. In the end, I hope you all can find the joy that I have found, by creating from the heart.
One particular artist, took extra time with me, for which I am very grateful. Let me give you a little background.
When I started making jewelry, I basically strung beads
.
what I made to sell
what I made for ME
Gemstones and pearls were my main focus. I have always loved rocks and minerals, and so, my designs were mostly just a way to wear the pretty stones. I started doing shows within a year of making jewelry, and the competition was harsh. Everyone had gemstone jewelry for sale.
Now, in my heart, I wanted to make wild, big, asymmetrical silver jewelry, but little old me had young, young, young, kids (like, I was still having them as I progressed- doing shows while pregnant and all) and didn't have the means to be making my own components and such.
So, I found ways to make jewelry that was a little different and had an edge, but still, was something the average person would want to wear. I'd make crazier things for myself............
semi-crazy design, somewhere between what I'd make for me and what I'd make to sell
crazier design I'd make for myself
chunky necklace- super chunky and asymmetrical
and I'd get comments all the time- like, "that is wonderful on you, but I'd never wear it". And those comments scared me, and kept me making what I thought people wanted, instead of what I wanted to be making.
I wanted so badly to get into PMC (precious metal clay), but didn't think anyone would pay enough to cover my costs. My average piece of jewelry was $35. I am pretty sure I made NO money at this at all for years.
Marlee's Faux Bone Pendants
A Mixed media piece by Marlee
seed bead mosaic pendant by Marlee
PMC fern imprint pendant by Marlee
I immediately felt a connection with her, and with her work. I could see her in each and every piece she made. There was cohesion, there was passion, there was peace. Her art spoke to who she was and is as an artist, as a person. It was bold, and fearless. I was / am a fan for life.
And- turns out, she is REALLY nice. I mean, give you the shirt off her back kind of nice. And she saw something in me and my work. And she encouraged me to take it where my heart wanted it to go. To design for me, and not for my customers.
I began to see that she did well at shows, regardless of the price tag, as long as it was something unique and true. That gave me courage to pursue my hearts designs.
I took the jump into silver clay, and began to make my own silver components. I started out making some little charms, but quickly jumped into bigger stuff.
earring charms in PMC
larger keshi bloom- became a signature style for me
keshi swirls and wire
Full Moon- available in my etsy shop- one of my first PMC designs, and still one of my favorites
my winged hearts took flight the silver was at an all time low- cause they are large!
Marlee also openly shared with me tips on making jewelry (she taught me to solder). She made her own chain and clasps, and openly shared new ideas with me. Completely handmade was where I also wanted to be.
I was extremely happy, and having fun creating. At my next show, I had about 20% artsy PMC pieces, and about 30% artsy wire work in silver.
samples of my crazy wire work and gemstones
The rest was gemstones, since I was hesitant to not have "what usually sells for me". Well, needless to say, I sold the artsy stuff. Not the gemstones.
I remember that show perfectly clear. Marlee walked into my tent and told me she saw a definite style in everything. That every piece was me. Coming from her, that meant the world.
I never looked back. I found my voice, my wow. From that day forward, I only made things that I would wear- and that I loved. Since that change, my business has been more successful then ever.
You see, when people invest in art, they are investing in the artist- YOU. We, as artists, we are complex- deep- empathetic- unique- people. We see things differently, we feel things differently. When someone buys from us, they are buying OUR perception of things, because they wouldn't have seen it that way themselves.
I love this quote- it really sums it up.
So I encourage you, to find your wow. To create from your heart, from your soul. To share the universe as you see it. Stop over thinking it. Stop making what you think people want. You have something inside you, a wow, just waiting to come out and connect with someone.
I leave you with a quote from my friend Marlee- such wisdom.
"We listen to what speaks inside us and that doesn't come from outside expectations. And the bonus is that people love what you do in the end, so by creating for you, you have made what people wanted, right? They just didn't know it until you made it. " -Marlee Page
(see why I adore her?)
Now, be brave, and go find your wow!
