Sunday, September 5, 2010

Wire Work is Hard Work

Something I've discovered about the wire work that I've admired -- man is it ever hard work.


Not only that, but it takes a ton of time. Which brings me to the question of how much do I pay myself and how much do I charge for my jewelry?


Wire work seems to look the best after it's been put in liver of sulfur to turn it black, then buffed so it shows depth.  I've discovered a sincere hatred for steel wool, as it shreds and sticks in the wire and makes a hella mess.  Thankfully, I've discovered a substitute.  When I took a class with Tracy Stanley at BeadFest, she introduced me to Pro Polishing Pads and I've never looked back.  That's saved me some time, but it still takes extra effort that my stringing doesn't require.

Over the summer I've been experimenting a little bit -- and I say a little bit because as I said, this stuff takes time and will end up costing more than my normal work.  The challenge for me will be educating my customers as to why.  Hopefully, they'll be able to just look at it and see -- hold the piece and fall in love.  I haven't strayed from my love of lampwork, so the jewelry isn't too far off track, and I think that's key to adding in new work.



I'm not sure why I'm worried, because I also make chain maille jewelry, and it's priced a bit more than my lampwork jewelry, and yet it sells.  I suppose I should remember that there is indeed a person out there for each piece of jewelry.



Will I keep making wire jewelry?  Yes.  But I'll pace myself.  I haven't had a show since March, and my new web site hasn't launched yet, so I don't know how these pieces will be received.  I know *I* like them -- but will they?  And if they like them, will they want to pay a little more for them?

Either way, I've tried something new, and that's all that matters in the grand scheme of things.


Lori Anderson creates jewelry for Lori Anderson Designs and also writes the blog Pretty Things.  She's also a contributor to Art Bead Scene.

17 comments:

  1. these are gorgeous,
    i was just sitting here with my calculator figuring out what i make after all the fees are taken out..yikes

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  2. I agree that wire work is very time consuming! I can look at a piece and know that so would expect it cost more. But then again, I make wire jewelry, too, so I'm more knowledgeable than the customer you're talking about!!

    I remember a colleague saying to me once something like don't let your self esteem get in the way of charging appropriate prices.

    So charge what you feel is a fair price to compensate you for your time, materials, etc. You'll find your market. Or rather, your market -- the one values this kind of hand work, knows the time and effort it takes and is willing to pay for it -- will find you :)

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  3. Beautiful, Lori. Just love the third one.

    As for pricing, I have no idea. I just wanted to say how lovely the jewellery is!

    Laura x

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  4. Lori, These are amazing! You have such a great sense of design. Sometimes I think wirework can be "overworked." You hit on the right balance of allowing the beautiful beads to be accented by your gorgeous wirework!

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  5. Don't sell yourself short on these pieces, Lori. Your work is beautifully crafted and the pieces are truly works of art! The people who are aware of that will pay you what your time is worth.

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  6. I understand the dilemma! I love wirework and chain maille. I also do fine chain maille (20 guage) and the pricing for the time doesn't compute in people's heads. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the lessons of having a balanced product line. Smart!

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  7. Those are beautiful, Lori. Customers who appreciate the time and quality of workmanship will pay you well for it. :) I heart those Pro Polish Pads too!

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  8. Lori - reguardless of technique used, all of your work is beautiful and beautifully executed. I agree - there is a person out there for every piece that is made :-)

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  9. I have been wanting to get more into wirework too, but I know it's so much work and am not sure I have the patience for it. Love that second and third one!

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  10. Your pieces are great. I love the second one. I agree wire work is hard and expensive! But I do love playing.

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  11. I love the wirework you are adding- It is certainly worth the time so your prices should reflect that. Anyone who questions that should go shop at yard sales!!

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  12. Wire work is certainly laborious but it sure can be pretty - your bracelets are gorgeous...love the chainmaille also.

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  13. Pricing vs cost vs value = headache. Gorgeous pieces!

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  14. I hear ya, Lori. That's my least favorite part, all of the buffing after oxidizing. But once I get to the point of "throwing" it in to the tumbler, I'm almost in the clear. It's so worth it when you take the piece out and see that great contrast in the wire!
    What beautiful bracelets here...I'm sure they will be well received!

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  15. Those are stunning! I love wire work and have found that yes they take more time, so they should cost more for all the extra work. They do sell eventually when the right person comes along that knows how much work is put into these pieces.

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  16. These are beautiful. I know pricing is hard. But as you said, for every piece there is one right buyer. Dita

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Thanks so much for commenting!