Good Morning All,
I've been gone for a while, working on the "double top secret" Design blog... but worry not, you didn't miss much.
Well, it would appear as if I'm all dressed up, with no where to go. In other words, I finally figured out how to make the barrettes and forks and let's just say that they haven't been a resounding success... once again. Glad at least that I still know how to make a stick.
So let me share with you a couple of reasons that I've been burrowing down these other various rabbit holes. The driving factor is that our business is down by a whopping 30% from this same time last year, and folks, financially speaking, that hurts. The simple fact of the matter is that in trying to support ourselves over the past few years, I think we've flooded the market, as I certainly haven't been getting worse at my job over the years, or at least I don't think I have. So there's that.
The other reason, which actually is a supplement to the above stated reason is that I don't know how many sticks are left in these fingers. My fingers hurt constantly, and it's from the repetition of making thousands of sticks. So, in addition to the income side of things, I need to find something that is marketable which I can make, that isn't as demanding on my hands. The other alternative, which I don't really relish is trying to get a real job again. I don't want to do that, because I love what I do and I don't want to give it up unless I absolutely have to.
In terms of additional design ideas, just like the "secret handshake only" Design blog, feel free to tell me what you like or don't like in terms of anything that I might be working on. My obvious preference is to make that which you like, as I'm getting tired of practicing that which I think.
So here's your TT update, I hope that I haven't depressed you too much :)
Have a great weekend!
Doug
I love the snowflake fork that's up currently. Can't afford it right now because I just bought a new vehicle, but I'm trying to talk my mom into buying it for my birthday here in a couple weeks. :D
ReplyDeleteI remember you did a set of earrings a while back. Maybe there'd be an interest in earrings or pendants? Bangle bracelets? (I don't wear jewelry, but if I did, I'd be interested in something like that.)
Thanks Annaleah, I'm up for just about anything.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that your hands are hurting and that the business is not going as well as you wish.
ReplyDeletePersonally I really like both the barrettes and the forks but I'm on maternity leave and the drastically reduced income from that doesn't leave much room for hair toys.
I agree with Annaleahs suggestions about jewelery. While I don't wear much myself it seems like that would be a bigger market than "just" hair toys.
I sincerely hope that you'll find a way to continue your wood working business. You're truly talented and the quality of your work is outstanding.
This idea might not be doable, but I'll throw it out there: would beads be too small/tedious/cost prohibitive? I have a Pandora bracelet, but if I could get custom engraved beads, I'd definitely be interested.
ReplyDeleteThat could be a possibility I suppose, I would have to give the execution some thought.
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