I didn't think it would happen... I've just had a quote turned down on the price of the sterling alone. From now on it's small pieces only...
I didn't think it would happen... I've just had a quote turned down on the price of the sterling alone. From now on it's small pieces only...
We'll be re-cycling baked bean tins soon, as predicted by Neve: http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/hot...y-designs.html.
Last edited by Dennis; 25-07-2011 at 05:51 AM. Reason: giving credit.
It is only going to go up and up. I have only approx 1 in three quotes coming back to place an order. And very rarely for gold. :-(
It's getting interesting at the moment - that's a jump of about 20% in the past month. That said, there was quite a bit on display at Art in Action over the weekend (although some pieces made me think I should revisit my prices). Similarly, there was a lot of lower-priced (mass produced) silver on display at the Game Fair too, so it's still about.
Talking to some jewellers the other week, there's a feeling that the price rises will bump a lot of the PMC users in particular out of the market (given the premium there is on the material over and above "normal" silver) - what do other people think?
I had the same thoughts at Art in Action Peter! Even with the horrific increase in the price of silver, I was astonished at some of the prices being asked (and seemingly achieved).
I don't use metal clay, but I looked at the price of silver clay the other day and wondered why anyone would want to buy it.
The particular examples that stood out for me were some raised bowls and anticlastic bracelets (of course!); knowing the material costs and labour time quite well - and being able to work to a similar level - made for a good benchmark, especially when they weren't by names I recognised (although that could be me as much as them!).
On the other hand, it was good to see people seemingly prepared to pay for a decent level of craftsmanship and not need to go through the all-too-common liturgy of "yes, I *know* Argos sell silver jewellery cheaper, this isn't it...".
I started out with silver clay, but just can't afford to buy any at all now, so am using sterling (in tragically small quantities), but I am still using copper clay... for now!
Mel
Web: www.spinysharklythings.com
Blog: www.spinysharklythings.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpinySharklyThings
I think it's a terrible shame that such talented jewellery makers are being turned down for the price of their art. I am equally annoyed that just as I wanted to give things a go myself the prices have gone through the roof. Even using silver wire mistakes are costly.
I had already bought a Silver clay kit but can I warrant the price of such a small lump of clay? No I don't think I can, sadly.
So what to do now???
Kim x
That's why a lot more people are using other materials.
It's always difficult to know how well people are selling at shows as no-one likes to admit they're doing badly. Most people, if they're honest, will say that shows have been bad this year. I've only done 4 so far this year and 2 have been bad, one OK and one very good. I've got several coming up in the next few months and I'm dreading them. My problem is that living where I do, I have to travel long distances for the good shows, which makes them very expensive, so I have to sell a lot before I start to make a profit.
Talent will out Kim, so there is no need to give up. If you visit a developing country you will find crafts people making beautiful gifts, ornaments and jewellery from found objects and materials that cost nothing.
You can also still use: copper, brass and stainless steel, which can be worked like precious metals and
aluminium, titanium, niobium, which need to be cold connected.
Then there are: glass, resin, wood and leather.
Below are free gemstones made of shattered safety glass. Dennis.
Last edited by Dennis; 26-07-2011 at 03:58 PM.
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