Tony and I have been selling online since 2007, but earlier this month we decided to test the waters of selling in-person. Wow, it’s such a different animal!
Preparing for weeks in advance. Figuring out how to display literally hundreds of pieces. Tagging each item. Building custom displays. Photographing each piece for inventory. Whew!
But all of our hard work was totally worth it. In the end, we met several really great people and made many new connections.
The best part of the day was interacting with people and answering the swarm of questions that poured in. Many people didn’t realize that my pieces aren’t painted, but in fact colored clay. I also explained many times over my process and shared with them about polymer clay and the capabilities of this versatile medium. The most popular question of the day seemed to be, “You make these by hand!?”
Of course there were some small bumps along the way. Take for instance the classic snarky customer. I of course expected that we would come across a couple of these individuals throughout the day, so at least I had a stockpile of responses ready at hand.
The funniest was one person in particular. She had a sharp tongue and bluntly informed me that there was no purpose to my art. (But that’s a different topic for another day.) Noticing that I take custom orders, she teased around with her friends, “I bet she couldn’t turn me into a robot!”
Smiling the sweetest smile I could muster up, I told her that custom robot portraits are actually one of my top sellers and if she’d like to order a couple for her friends she could fill out an order form at the next table
So maybe the crowd wasn’t quite the niche that we create for, but all in all, it really was a great experience and something we’re very proud of.
I’m not sure if you’ve seen them, but I actually do make things other than comical robots and superhero pets
A few months back I started making polymer clay pet rocks. I figured people like to collect pet rocks, so why not have a cute clay one that will smile back at you?
Now typically people think my pet rocks are really cute, sweet and innocent looking. And usually I’d have to agree. But this one…this one is just completely different. I’ve never had anything like this happen to me before and I guarantee it will never happen to me ever again.
Notice anything? Look really close…
The clay formed my initials on the bottom of the rock! Normally I carve out ‘js’ on the bottom, but this rock did it all on its own.
Stephanie Lynn of Sweet Designs Magazine started the online magazine in January 2007. In this short time span, it has become a popular place for young girls from all over the country to come get advice, read about other girls, and even contribute their very own stories. One of the main goals of the magazine is to, “help teens avoid the traps and pitfalls of youth and become successful, well-adjusted adults.”
So when Stephanie Lynn asked me to contribute to the magazine, I was all for it! She asked me some questions regarding the business, how I got started, and what I would tell to young people wanting to be in the arts when they get older.
I thought it was just going to be a small interview, so I was very surprised to hear my story was going to be the main article! I even made the cover!
Thanks again, Stephanie. I hope Sweet Designs continues to grow and thrive. It’s such a positive place for girls. Keep up the hard work!
Below you’ll find a quick–well, just a few minutes long–video tutorial showing how I create one of my itty bitty characters. Just click the picture and the video will start rolling!
Along the way little pop-ups will show up along the bar where I’ve written quick tid-bits of information.
All you’ll need to create the monster is some polymer clay, beads for eyes, and a tool for smoothing out the seams.
The final result will look similar to this guy named Dexter. The main difference is the creature in the tutorial isn’t all furry like Dexter, but you can easily add it on.
If you end up creating a character based on my tutorial, email me a picture and (if you want!) I’ll post it right here on my blog. Enjoy!!
My pieces may be small in stature, but they’re slowing popping up all over the globe!
Click on the pins to see if there are any superheroes fighting crime where you live! You might just recognize some of their faces.
Happen to have a picture of yourself posing with an itty bitties original? I’d love to add you to my map! Just email me the picture and I’ll take care of the rest.
I think it’s obvious to see that I love dogs. They’re in my art, I read about them, I buy books on them, I research breeds, I’m inspired by them. Heck, I even visit the pet store by campus just to see the puppies sometimes. Obsessed? Possibly. But I can’t help it.
So that is why I’ve started a collection inspired by famous pooches in popular culture. These dogs have touched the hearts of millions so I hope you enjoy my interpretation of them.
To start if off, I’ve made a mini of one of the most popular pooches…Toto from The Wizard of Oz. Personally, I think this cute Cairn Terrier was the true star and hero of the film.
The thought of combining my love of dogs and movies just seemed too good for me to pass up.
So it’s official…I have the community up and running! If you’re an indiepreneur or someone who just simply loves handmade, check out the community, get indie!
I’ve created it as a place for crafty people to gather and share and learn from one another. At get indie! members can share pictures, videos, and stories through a community forum and also through individual blogs.
Sound like a place for you? Well stop on by! I’d love to hear what you have to share.
Welcome to itty bitties for you! Be sure to keep an eye out for new additions to the site. I’m just getting started, but there are many exciting things planned for the future!
Over on the right you’ll find my email address, so if you have any questions or just want to say hello, shoot me a message. I’d love to chat!
