Custom Orders

I sure can. I get so bogged down in the client's choices that I can't really enjoy what I'doing, much as I love to bead. Of course, there's also the isssue that since they "had it made" it's no problem to "edit" the finished piece. "I'd like to have this 3/4 of an inch shorter, please".....AFTER it's finished! Stick to your guns, girl!!!

I don't like to have to do things.Even things I'd choose to do if I didn't HAVE to. I'm contrary that way--I spent too many years being controlled by others, now I like holding the reins. Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

Every bit of it.....I do custom orders, sometimes, but I usually make several, take photos and let them choose. That way, I have a certain amount of freedom and they get the one they want from what I can offer.

The Use of Foul Language in Written Communication: The Tiny Rumblings of the Ineffectual and Stunted Thinker. The Inability to Think Beyond The Obivious and The Crude. ~~~Henry A. Byrne

Kathy -- I used to have people come up to me at shows and say, "Can you make this in red?" LOL - I hate red, and it is the last color I am wanting to make anything in! I had to bite back the responses that I liked the piece exactly the way it was, which is why I made it that way!

Having said that, I found some custom orders to be very inspirational. I didn't get any joy out of remaking a necklace in another color. I did get a GREAT deal of inspiration out of making necklaces "to go with this outfit" but that was because, I believe, it was completely up to me what that necklace looked like. I think I did my best work during this period and on those pieces. The thing that was great is that it inspired me -- I did new color combinations, or moved in different directions from how I normally think.

It is up to YOU what you do with your talent. Do what makes you happy, dear one.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

Actually, this is why I don't repeat my designs. I like making it once. Making the same thing more than once is WORK. Not fun. And when I was doing jewelry/beads only for a living, I had to do some of this because it was my work. Yuck. Don't have to do it any more.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

I've done some custom work for friends, where they can watch and give feedback during the process. I also don't mind doing *simple* stuff -- like a quick pair of earrings -- as a custom order. But I think I'd be uneasy with anything more complex for a stranger.

Celine

Absolutely I can relate to this Kathy. The problem for me is the things people ask for. They don't have any taste at all or any clue about what goes with what. It grates on the few nerves I have left to make something that I know looks bad from the start. I really encountered this when I did stained glass, which I think was one of the big factors in my not doing that much anymore.

Juanita

E Bay Items

May fate bless us all according to our deeds.

Oh, boy, can I ever identify with THAT statement! However, I will point out that there's more than one way for someone else to control your behavior. If, for example, you *insist* on eating dessert first because your parents made you clean your plate or have no dessert, they are still as much in control of you as they were before. Be aware of the risk of "cutting off your nose to spite your face."

Celine

Very much so. I keep saying that I'm not going to do any more custom work. So I quote a really high price for something and the person says OK. Then I'm stuck. The money's good but I don't want to do it,really. I've got to learn to "just say no". If what the person wants is something I really don't think I'd like (and would not want to see my name on!) I do pass on it. Now, to just get a little more will power on the others.......... Barbara Dream Master

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~~ Albert Camus

You did stained glass? I'd just kill to learn this trade... I really love it!!

Mavis

I think we also all have a natural palette that works for us. Or shapes that we work well with. Expanding our comfort zone is good, but working with things that just don't come together for us, cheats the customer.

I really like the idea of making several things with a color theme, and letting the customer choose. And actually I often look at some material and have several ideas on how to use it.

Tina

Wow, Kathy. Talk about open a can of worms! This topic is endless. I think all of us hate it no matter what it relates to...

Mavis

Juanita -- update your link on your sig line. It comes up with one of those "input error" thingies.

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

^5, Roxan! I have trouble using red as an accent color -- don't like it at all! LOL Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

I'd be glad to pick up your custom orders!!!

Absolutely. However, the message I am choosing now to ignore is "You *must* please others". While pleasing others is, well, pleasant, its not my goal in art or lots of other things. Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

Barbara, when you come up with a "really high price" to quote, double it. That'll at least cut down on the incidences and raise the rewards!! Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

Definitely! Frequently, when someone asks me to make them a set, even if I like the beads, it seems like they are the last thing I want to do! Lol. I don't know why.