Daily Wire Tip: Jazz up Your Jewelry!

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip

Question:

I make jewelry and love it. Recently I did a show and was told I make dull and granny jewelry. That hurt so bad- I don’t want my jewelry in that category! What could I do to jazz it up a bit?

-Trisha in Breckenridge, Texas

Answer:

Oh my goodness Trisha, believe it or not I know exactly how you feel! Especially when you are tired and have spent days working on both, your pieces and your display, one negative comment can really damage your thinking process.

Because I have not seen your work, I can only make generalized suggestions. Go to the front of your display and try to look at your work through a customer’s eyes:

Are most of your pieces made in natural stones that are mostly “earth tones”? If so, you could jazz them up a bit by adding a tiny sparkling crystal bead here or there, or by adding a brightly colored stone bead in a complimentary color. Keep in mind that sometimes what we were taught as children is not true; for example, purple and green DO look good together!

Do all of your pieces look basically the same, like they were made using a cookie cutter on different colored stones? Add a complementing headpin drop or chain to a regular frame. Try refreshing the top of pendants by changing the way you use the remaining frame wires to embellish in a slightly different way, or cut some of them off entirely! (If you have not yet signed up for our Free Email Patterns, please do as there are some awesome designs and ideas among them!)

What about earrings? (Simple headpin charm earrings sell well about anywhere.) Often a pendant pops out, if it is displayed with a simple pair of headpin earrings made using similar stone beads as the pendant, mixed with a few sparkling crystals.

This brings up another question. Are you sure it is your work, and not your display? How do you display your items? Are they grouped by color? If so, then all of those earth tone pieces will look boring if they are not broken up with brightly colored pieces or items that sparkle. What are you using as display items? Sometimes a whimsical item will give interest to a piece as it invokes a customer’s memory or sense of humor. How about sliding a few silk leaves under otherwise-common stones to break up the color. What type and color of tablecloth are you using? One of my students came by and set up a mock display for me to see. Her issue was that she had a lovely lace tablecloth that took away from her work – made it confusing to the eye. (Yes, the Definitive Guide has great display, design and sales tips that can help with all of the above!)

Seriously, I am sure that a customer’s negative comment has made an impression on about all of us, at one time or another. For example: I remember, about two years into doing shows, while they were looking at my jewelry I heard a couple of smartly dressed women say, “Oh look. Big, gaudy jewelry. Ugh.” And they walked away. That night I went home and decided I was going to make nothing but medium and much smaller pieces – wrong! I did just that and had several of those tiny things around for the next 4 years!

Above all, make what you are happy creating, step outside of the box occasionally, and always be true to your own instincts. Always take criticism creatively, and not to heart.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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53 Comments

1. 

   Lorraine Brooks

   December 6, 2010 at 7:52 am

   Great advice dale, as usual. But you know what, that mean mouthed person could have also been a jewelry maker or did so at one time, and they were jealous.

   I had that happen to me at a craft show, and found out the person had a setup on the other end of the building, but not before she made several trips to my booth making rude comments when people were looking at my items. Talk about unfair, but it backfired on her, I sold out and was taking orders from pictures I had, she left with nearly everything she came with. And not to sound mean, but I didn’t feel sorry for her at all that she didn’t sell much.

   Trisha I bet your jewelry is lovely, but as Dale says, it never hurts to add a bit of sparkle.

   Lorraine
   • 

     dalecgr

     December 6, 2010 at 11:10 am

     Lorraine, what I call ‘professional jealousy’ is not always so professional – I have met that person myself!
2. 

   Diane

   December 6, 2010 at 8:14 am

   I do so agree! Years ago I heard a lady say of my earrings ”Oh, they’re all for pierced ears” and walk away. I then started to make clip-ons, and have never sold a pair! So I agree – stick to what you like doing and are good at.
   • 

     Gayle

     October 16, 2012 at 7:20 am

     Diane…I get that comment as well. I carry clip-on earring findings at all times. Whenever I hear that comment, I mention that almost any of my earrings can be turned into clip-on earrings. That either–
     Makes a sale
     or
     Defuses the non-customer’s negativity.
   • 

     Sandi Stephenson

     October 16, 2012 at 7:42 am

     I keep extra clip-on earwires so that I can change them over, as well as a few studs – keep them on display with your earrings and they can be changed in moments
   • 

     Karin

     October 16, 2012 at 8:58 am

     I know, responding to an old comment, but further to this, you might find it useful to have some clip-on findings at hand. If your earrings are dangles with a loop at the top, you could swap them out for a client on the spot, should a similar comment arise in future
     • 

       Nikki

       August 10, 2014 at 11:48 am

       This time, I am responding to an old reply. Lol. Since all of my earrings are Sterling Silver, Gold, or Gold filled, Where do I find the findings to turn these types of metals into clips?
   • 

     Gwen

     October 16, 2012 at 9:35 am

     Diane I have gotten he same comment and reply that “I can put any of my earrings on clips WHILE YOU WAIT.” I carry the supplies to convert french wires to posts or clips to every show. I made sales to 2 women whose little girls wanted there “first pair of earrings” but didn’t have pierced ears yet. The girls were BEAMING as they left my booth wearing their new earrings and moms were thrilled. The women who said that ‘they’re all for pierced’ may have just been making a verbal excuse why they weren’t planning on buying anyway since the one who said it at my booth looked very sheepish when I told her I could change any of the earrings she wanted to clips for a minimal price difference.
   • 

     Nikki

     August 10, 2014 at 11:42 am

     Diane, I am one of those people that have walked into many shops and was very disappointed to find that all they sold were pierced earrings. Before I leave so many of these stores, I ask if they would please look into clip-on earrings. I have also walked into places and bought every pair of clip-on that they had, who knows when I would find another pair! Lol So Maybe that lady that spoke out loud was giving a hint. Not the right way, but try looking into the positive side of everything. You wrote this 4 years ago, hope you have some clips,lol.
3. 

   Maria Delgado-Pontani

   December 6, 2010 at 8:21 am

   OMG, Trisha, your note struck home. When I started doing the show circuit those types of comments would affect me for days until I realized that you can’t/won’t please everyone. Are YOU happy with your designs? Do YOU feel they’re fun, funky or whatever the “look” is that is yours? If so, then just take those comments with the proverbial grain of salt and let them go. On the other hand, if YOU feel your designs need a bit of spice then you definitely need to start thinking outside the box and, as Dale said, forget everything you ever learned about art growing up. I have fun with my designs. Do they all sell? No…but I never know when the “right” customer will come along for a specific piece.
   Keep your chin up and good luck!
   Maria
   • 

     dalecgr

     December 6, 2010 at 11:08 am

     Yes Maria! Every piece has an owner – sometimes it just takes a while to find them.
   • 

     Jilly

     October 16, 2012 at 9:10 am

     So true, Maria! I did a show last weekend and sold several pieces I’d had for 3-4 years. Interestingly enough, my style has changed somewhat since then, but it made me think I ought to make a few pieces now and then that are similar to what I made then.
   • 

     Becky

     October 16, 2012 at 1:44 pm

     Trish,

     I totally agree with Maria. I made a piece back in 2004 that contain light blue glass beads and red coral with a carved red coral centerpiece that I loved but never sold. Then I was doing a show in 2012 and a lady saw the necklace and fell in LOVE with the piece and bought it. She was very happy with the piece and I was so happy it sold. It a lot of patience to not get discouraged. There is a person out there for every piece.

     Hang in there and try to stay positive.
4. 

   Jane Elizabeth

   December 6, 2010 at 8:47 am

   Trisha and Dale, I am so sorry you had to have that experience! It amazes me how frightfully cruel some folks can be. You would think you would be given credit for putting your creative nature out there would be enough to receive an “at a boy” from the onlookers. Maybe what these people were not saying was that they couldn’t do it! Dale suggested looking at the way in which you are presenting your jewelry. Sometimes adding a non traditional display item like a wine glass to hang earrings from can make a striking display! Keep up the good work, nothing comes over night!
5. 

   Robin Burns

   December 6, 2010 at 9:43 am

   It’s always helpful to remember, too, that one person’s opinion is just that – one person’s opinion! If you overhear similar comments from more than one person you might want to reconsider an approach in design or display, but don’t let a single carelessly dropped word determine your direction. A mentor once told me: “If you have a problem with one person, it’s probably them. If you have a problem with several people, it’s probably you.” I would let sales guide me. If you’re selling enough to be happy with it, you’re on the right track. If you want to boost those sales sky high, take a critical look at all aspects. I love Dale’s willingness to share so much!
   • 

     michelle mertz

     October 16, 2012 at 6:55 pm

     I, too, overheard the “gaudy, old lady jewelry” comment one time. I looked over, they were young girls. You have to take into consideration WHO is saying it. Also, that their opinion is just that, their opinion. As for those young girls? Their comment didn’t affect me at all— 99% of the time young girls are not customers for my wire wrapped pieces because they do not have the money to purchase them. You need to take what was said with a grain of salt, decide if the comment was valid, and move on.
6. 

   Harry W Wood

   December 6, 2010 at 9:49 am

   I would tell Trisha to make what you love. Be enthusiastic about that creativity and the sales will follow. There will always be someone who likes only one thing…maybe the negative comments came from a steampunk jewelry buyer. Classic wire work is different from the assembly style and can be just as edgy depending on the focals you use. I have a shop on etsy.com called oscarcrow and sell all styles from steampunk to classic pearl and cameo caging. I am learning to mix wire work with steampunk and classic bench style pieces. Your personal style is important. Make it as well as you can and love the customers that love it.
7. 

   Angela Friesen

   December 6, 2010 at 9:51 am

   Trisha,

   The critics out there are going to get to us eventually, and not everybody remembers the rule ‘If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all’. I have yet to do a show, but I can still remember grade 6 when I was told that I had no sense of fashion. Chin up girl, and remember that for every critic, there’s a hundred people out there that love your stuff.
8. 

   Mequita Praet

   December 6, 2010 at 9:54 am

   Trisha, Remember you cannot please all of the people all of the time. As Dale said be true to yourself. You must love what you make in order to sell it. You’ll be surprised the next show you do those very pieces may be the ones that sell.
   • 

     dalecgr

     December 6, 2010 at 10:56 am

     True Mequita – sometimes the piece that I really don’t like is the one that sells first!
9. 

   Virginie

   December 6, 2010 at 10:07 am

   One lesson I learned by doing art shows or trying my way into stores is this: “If you cannot accept criticism, you cannot be in the game of selling your art”.

   Remember, we cannot please everybody. I hear a lot of “Oh, more jewelry :(” as people are passing by my booth. Or “I could do that myself. Is it really that much ?”, specially in front of my “neighbor”‘s knitted shawls. Or people frowning while touching MY hard-made beautiful jewelry with their dirty fingers, while their beverage is making a mark on my table cover !! Do not get discouraged by these people. They will always be around. But listen to criticism constructively, as there is always room for improvement anyway, and follow Dale’s suggestions.

   And believe in yourself, in doing what you love. I am sure you also receive a lot of compliments.
   • 

     dalecgr

     December 6, 2010 at 10:55 am

     Virginie – I once saw a sign in a wood-crafter booth that was perfect: “Yes your husband can probably make this, but will he and when?”
     • 

       Gayle

       October 16, 2012 at 7:25 am

       I’ve encountered those non-customers who tell each other “We could make that.” I either let it roll off my back, or point out pleasantly–have fun trying, but you won’t find THAT stone, natural materials are unique.
10. 

    Joan

    December 6, 2010 at 10:14 am

    Hang in there Trisha. Take Dale’s good advice. Remember, your jewelry might not appeal to everyone’s taste. I had one customer tell me she would never wear anything so gaudy, then another customer tell me I had the best jewelry at the show! I just try to pay attention to what sells and make what I love!
11. 

    Ginni Tutterow

    December 6, 2010 at 10:15 am

    Also consider: Is your jewelry selling? If sales aren’t there, then maybe there’s an issue. If sales are good, then it could just be one insensitive soul with a big mouth.

    My favorite story (one of them, because we all collect lots of them!): A wonderfully beautiful and talented wire sculptor was sitting in her booth making pieces during a show. She was physically attractive, well-dressed and well manicured, and her pieces were gorgeous. A mother and son stopped to watch for a bit and the mother turned to the son and said “See. If you don’t study and get good grades in school, THAT’S what you’ll be doing!” and they walked off. I guess carrying on a 2000-to-2500-year-old art form isn’t good enough for some people.

    So do the things Dale said, but some people and some comments just have to wash off your back.

    Good luck!
    • 

      dalecgr

      December 6, 2010 at 10:53 am

      Yup Ginni – some people just don’t get it! Glad that comment wasn’t taken to heart : )
12. 

    Alex

    December 6, 2010 at 10:24 am

    Honestly, I wouldn’t worry over much about what one jacka** said. If your sales are good, why worry? Jazzy and colorful stuff is nice, but many like earth toned and understated jewelry.

    Another thing is to look at people around you, that you meet every day. What are they wearing? Make stuff to be in that vein, as those are the styles of today in your area. I try to get looks at women’s earrings and pendants, and always say “my those are pretty earrings” (so they won’t think I am a weirdo by staring at them), and often they will take it off and let me look. I go home and sketch the design, and make something sort of like that – but with my own flair – and put it in our next show!
    • 

      dalecgr

      December 6, 2010 at 10:51 am

      Great advice Alex, thanks for sharing!
13. 

    Dorinne Dawes

    December 6, 2010 at 10:56 am

    Trisha,
    Thank you for sharing from the heart, so honestly. It is a sting most of us have felt.

    Dale,
    Thank you for your answer. I think it is about the best advice on the subject that I have ever heard. Your encouragement and tips go a long way.
14. 

    Anthony Binkowski

    December 6, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Comments like that hurt and taken constructively (such as you are doing) can definitely help improve our work and display tactics. Another thing to consider is to take the comments and feedback from your customers as a whole, not necessarily individually. What I mean by this is if you are receiving mostly positive feedback and this was one zinger, then I personally wouldn’t worry too much about it, but it would cause me to take a new look at my work and displays. The old saying is you can’t please everyone, but not all those you can’t please can keep their mouth’s shut.
15. 

    Alberta Bouck

    December 6, 2010 at 11:49 am

    I LOVE Granny squares. They are happy, decorative and festive. And to make jewelry that resembles granny squares would be beautiful. Incidentally I can’t make a granny square. Can’t figure it out. I did an art fair (I paint) once and the comments were awful. I put my stuff in a gallery and it sold right out! So much for criticism or nasty mean comments. Do what you love and the love shines through. Love gives artwork — jewelry a special quality. It shows, is visible.
    • 

      dalecgr

      December 6, 2010 at 12:01 pm

      Thanks Alberta! You are so right – every piece we make, no matter the medium, has part of ‘us’ in it. (I’ll have to work on a ‘Granny Square’ pattern.)
16. 

    Jackie

    December 6, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    I think that the important thing is to keep growing. Go to the high quality, juried shows and look at others work. I just went to such a show on the weekend. I saw a lot of nice pieces but nothing amazing until I reached the last vendor. Her work was breathtaking. I marvelled at the colours she combined, pendants with wire work and delicas, a stunning wire work seahorse pendant with several different kinds and colours of beads. She was brave and original in her approach. Her display was well thought out and showcased her work.
    A lot of my earlier work, (which I thought was great at the time), I wouldn’t offer for sale now. I think that’s how it should be if you’re growing and evolving.
    Lay out all your beads and play with different combinations. Do we really want our creations to look basically like all the rest? Keep growing, keep learning, be creative, be brave!
    And that comment was just plain rude!
17. 

    Rachel Ison

    December 6, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    What great comments! Yes there is always that one person out there that will be negative for some reason or another. I sometimes have to remind people that my jewelry isn’t trendy, it’s art to be passed down through generations.
18. 

    Marcia

    December 6, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    I agree, I think we have all encountered these people! I too have been suffering from comments….especialy the I could make that variety! I want to thank all the responders for sharing, it really helps me. MaryKay, yes that MaryKay had a wonderful attitude about business, “Go give” and help each other and it will come back to you many times over. Blessings to all you artists out there!
    • 

      dalecgr

      December 6, 2010 at 5:09 pm

      Thank-YOU Marcia – for your giving today : )
19. 

    Diana

    December 6, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    Trisha,
    Jabs from rude people always hit the mark. Because our creations are part of us, we are sensitive to what others say about them. It’s like someone criticizing our children. Unfortunately there will always be such people without any manners.

    Of course, Dale’s advice is sound. We do have to, often in fact, step away from our creations and look with a fresh eye, first at what we are making, second at how we are presenting what we have made.

    Though we weren’t told ahead of time, at one show I attended, our displays were reviewed by a member of the state bead society. I had taken a few doilies, some candles, small mirrors and a couple of lamps for highlighting certain pieces. I also covered my table with lace clothes.

    After the evaluation we received comments. Those concerning my display indicated it was too busy. What I had set out to accent my pieces was overshadowing them. Also, my diplays were too flat. Customers had to bend down to the level of the table to look at things. It was suggested I try using risers, and other raised display areas to highlight my work. Oh yes, no lace table clothes. Plain black, white, beige or other color that complimented my pieces was prefered but no patterns.

    I have since adopted most of what was suggested and found that more potential customers stopped to look, or commented positively on most of my pieces. While I am mostly an assemblage artist, I do some wire work. Those pieces always bring the most comment.

    btw–displays don’t have to cost a bundle. My risers are bricks and plain boards 10 inches wide as well as a couple of cardboard boxes and a tub I use to transport my things to the show. I spent a little more on the fabric, using a good weight black cotton for the tiers and a beautiful polyesther creamy velvet velvet for the boxes and tub. That’s where I put my best, and smallest pieces. They are within my sight at all times so there is no problem with something growing legs and walking off.

    Enough of my blather. Take Dale’s advice. Look at your work, and your display, with fresh eyes. Most importantly, if your sales are good, and you really love what you are creating, just remember, there are uncouth oafs everywhere and they don’t have the native intelligence to keep their comments to themselves. Diana
20. 

    Mitzi Warren

    December 6, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    What wonderful advice you’ve received here, Trisha! I just wanted to add my voice to it and agree it’s happened to many if not most of us. And for whatever reason we’re programmed to let negative comments effect us immediately yet positive comments can take several before we honestly start to believe them. Why is that?? But you can negate those comments by concsiously refusing to accept them! I say to myself, “Cancel, Cancel” and let it go (same as your computer deletes a letter or word.)

    As artists, we should listen to all customer comments, not just one. Does your work get compliments and has it sold? Then you’re doing fine! Even if it hasn’t sold yet, but you get compliments were they small shows with mostly imported jewelry being resold really cheap? Then try to book only juried craft shows! Or… maybe you do need to practice and get better at certain jewelry making techniques. Look around you at what is selling at the juried craft shows!

    And yes, it’s true we can’t please everyone all the time! So make what you love and it will effect the piece! Love can be seen and felt, I hear it all the time from my customers!

    Whenever I try to make something that is only currently in style but I don’t truly like it, that energy is also in it and it may sit in my display for a year or more. Eventually I tell my husband, if it doesn’t sell this weekend I’m taking it apart! 9 out of 10 times, it sells! (But I have to really mean it and have given it a long time to sell on it’s own.)

    Keep your chin up, make what you love and love making it as what’s the point if you don’t?
21. 

    Gina

    December 6, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    I’m sorry that this happened, because I know how it hurts, but I’m comforted to know it’s happened to so many and not just me. I had a personal show in a home. Many people said my work was too big, they wanted something smaller. They asked me back 10 days later. I had added 12 smaller necklaces. I only sold one of the smaller ones so many had requested and the bigger ones sold like crazy. Same people at both shows. Leaves me scratching my head?????
22. 

    Rose

    December 6, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    In the words of Erika Badu, “Remember, I’m an Artist, and I am sensitive about my Sh*t”, lol. So Trisha, we Artist must learn to take people with a grain of salt, because the way I see it is, some people have no creative skills and all they no to do is dredge up put downs so they can feel grand about who they are and what they are NOT doing, so for real chin up girl, and keep on, keeping on, pop yo collar do ya thang, and don’t let NO one tell you or give you the feeling you don’t have what it takes to be an Artist.

    Rose
    In Riverview Florida
    Staying Bent
23. 

    Elle Mae

    December 6, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    Trish,
    Just remember one man’s granny or boring is another man’s classic or vintage. Like everyone else said love your work and others will love it too.
24. 

    Rebecca

    December 6, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    Trisha, have people been buying your jewelry? I agree that not everything will appeal to everyone. But if it is selling then obviously the buyer is willing to spend their hard-earned money on it!

    I had a friend selling my jewelry at a show that was the same day as a different show. She said that someone didn’t like the wire decoration at the bottom of a pair of earrings. Just because one person doesn’t like something doesn’t mean that no one will. I have learned that eventually the right buyer comes along. Some things that I was doubtful about, someone eventually bought. Make what you think is lovely. but take advice, too. That leads to growth, as a person and as an artist.

    Go for it, Trisha!
25. 

    Pam

    December 6, 2010 at 7:11 pm

    When I had an art gallery I used to put my watercolors in with the other artists we sold, in the same folder. I did not tell people that a particular piece was mine (unless they purchased it). It was great to hear what people thought about my work. They tended to be more honest with someone they perceived to be a dealer than with the person who made it. I had found it to be a human nature thing. So, when those ladies commented about your work, there was your opportunity to look at your work and think about it. Of course, they did not have to be rude – everything can be said in a nice way. Keep on working! And, Dale was right, be true to yourself!
26. 

    Linda Rodn

    December 6, 2010 at 10:49 pm

    My youngest son told me I make old lady jewelry. I told him “I am an old lady!” Granny/Old Ladies like jewelry too and not everything will please everyone. My sister frequently tells me my stuff is too big for her but she’s still managed to find something she likes and has purchased several items.

    Keep your chin up and don’t let the negative people get to you. Make what you love or there’s no reason to make any thing. If you don’t love what you’re doing it becomes just another job.
27. 

    Deitra

    December 7, 2010 at 2:15 am

    I can add amen to the all the previous comments. I even had a woman gasp so loudly at one of my pieces that I thought she had tripped and was about to fall down! What a drama queen!

    I tend to make what I love, as well, and I am 61 years old. It is much easier for me to sell what I can be enthusiastic about. Plus women my age tend to have a little more discretionary income. Why design jewelry for people who only want to pay $10-$15 for a necklace?

    I also look at department stores to see what colors, patterns, and styles they are featuring. Finally, I have gone downtown to some of the big office buildings to see what professional women of all ages are wearing. I figure they have a little extra income for jewelry too!
28. 

    Casey Willson

    December 7, 2010 at 11:56 am

    I have only recently begun to fully realize that this, for me, is art, my expression of beauty and how I see it. I just finished a show too and part of the reason I went was to clear what I consider my “junk” jewelry made just to stock my store for the $2 to $10 dollar buyer. WRONG! I now have tons of the stuff which is pretty but really isn’t ME!
    You do have to consider your venue and your market but nice pieces seem to create a market of their own. I get many more compliments than negatives, and sadly, many more compliments than sales too. I’m planning to take my “stuff” to the “big city” to my Sister’s house or big flea market and have a “jewelry yard sale” to clear the low end things. I’m clearing out my supplies also to keep only what I feel is good enough for the work I am now doing. Luckily I have a friend with a craft store! She’s selling my low end supplies quickly.
    I make more for love of it than profit although sales are necessary to keep buying wire and stones!
    And as many have said we make for the discerning customer who can see the beauty, not for the rude, crude who can go buy the mass made stuff at the discount store.
29. 

    Celeste

    December 7, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    WoW! In the beginning I used to hear some remarks like that and I would tell myself you’re new, give yourself a chance to get the hang of it. I tried to stay positive. But I discovered 1 comment that works for me, I respond with (in the nicest manner of course), “Yes I do make granny jewelry, are you an expert?” It gets them every time.
    Happy Holidays Everybody!
30. 

    Dee

    December 7, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    Anyone who would tell you such a rude thing outright to you is an ignorant jerk, and I would not trust their taste in jewelry nor anything else. I would be sorely tempted to tell them to kiss my granny a–, but would restrain myself.
31. 

    Linda Keesee

    November 10, 2011 at 11:01 am

    I’m pretty new to the jewelry business, and my business hasn’t taken off yet.. I tend to make what I like, and hopefully one day It will take off. I haven’t had any rude comments made about my jewelry like Trisha had. But I did have some comments made about my website I built myself. And worked very hard on, and stressed over again & again. And I know those comments really hurt, and are discouraging. Then finally I just told myself it’s part of the learning process, so I just excepted it as constructive criticism and now I’m moved forward in making changes which I hope will make my site better.

    I know this is different but my point is to just except it as constructive criticism and look at what you need to do to improve. Add that little bit of sparkle. (-;

    Dale,
    Thank you for your great tips and advice and I’m going to check out the definitive guide right now.
32. 

    Linda Overman

    October 16, 2012 at 6:28 am

    A while back I was doing a show and a lady was looking at a cameo
    pendant and said it’s nice but it looks like something my grand mother would wear. I smiled at her and said “thank you, grand mothers still love new jewelry too. The next month at the same
    event the lady came back and bought the piece for her mother!
    • 

      Rose

      October 16, 2012 at 10:24 am

      Good one, Linda!
33. 

    laurel wire

    June 23, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    You do have to consider your venue and your market but nice pieces seem to create a market of their own. I get many more compliments than negatives, and sadly, many more compliments than sales too
34. 

    Barbara

    May 6, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    Another strategy for defusing the negative remarks–if you can tell the person making them has no interest in your work–is to send them down the line to another artisan whose work matches their apparent preference better. “Their work could be just what you want; check them out!”, might be a nice comment to soften such remarks, and could make a friend of the other artisan for yourself. People have such different tastes, and we can’t create all our work to suit the whole world of personal preferences.