Cynthia, I do two lines of jewelry. Premarily, I make semi precious beaded jewelry using gemstones, Bali silver, etc. I don't do any of my own Lampwork beads, but use other artists' lampwork in some of my designs. My own glass work is fused dichroic glass pendants and necklaces using the pendants. Also tac pins. While lampwork glass is made using an open flame torch (propane or a mixture of propane and oxygen), glass rods are melted on a mandrel, then put in a kiln to anneal. Fused glass is made by using fusible sheet glass (similar to that used for stained glass), stacked in a pleasing manner, and melted in an electric kiln, cooled for several hours to room temperature to anneal the glass so it doesn't crack. You can use mandrels to get a stringing hole in the glass, or fiber paper to make a larger channel (so it can be used for multistrand necklaces or hung on a wider chain such as an omega) or make a cabochon and then attach a finding such as a tac pin, earring back, etc. I sell my semiprecious designs and my fused glass designs on my website. I don't usually sell the other beads I have, but if you are interested in something specific from the website, I could sell you a small quantity. I know what you mean about people asking for discounts. That seems to be the norm any more. When I do shows, I offer a small discount if people buy two pairs of earrings, etc. I usually build in a certain leeway when I price things, in case I need to offer a discount. I've offered discounts on things and people have said, "no, your prices are reasonable, I don't want to take advantage of you." I don't usually offer a discount on my glass work unless I can sense that the person REALLY wants it and can't afford it. It may sound strange, but my jewelry is sort of like a pet to me, and I want it to go to a good home. I often come down in price if children want something, it all depends. A lot of it is subjective - if it's really bad weather and I'm worried about making my booth space price or I need $$, then I'm more open to discounts. It's strange, but in those situations, usually whatever the person wants is something I've had for awhile anyway and I'm glad to get rid of it rather than cart it home. Certain gemstones just don't sell around here, like amber, red jasper, etc. Thank you for sharing your Dad's sayings with me. My Dad always said, "Buy cheap and you get cheap." If someone gives me a hard time about bargaining, I say, "This is a juried craft fair, if you want a deal, go to a flea market." I honestly think people have no idea what spaces cost, I've had men, especially, ask me if the tables were free or $5.00. I've also had men take money out of their wives' hands when they were trying to buy an $8.00 pair of earrings. I want to slap these guys and yell, "she wants the earrings so she can look beautiful for YOU, stupid." I literally have to restrain myself sometimes, lol. Does anyone else have these things happen to them? Maybe we should start a thread about that..
Patti
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