Comments for Authentic Arts | Natural Jewelry Handmade by Jenny Hoople

Comment on How To Drill Small Beach Stones by AL

AL — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:45:25 +0000

This is so helpful, you are very inspiring! thank you!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:53:16 +0000

You’re most welcome, Sandi! Nice to meet you :) I started right where you’re at, everyone encouraging me to sell what I make! But I didn’t feel like it was something I could really do until I hit on making jewelry and just couldn’t stop. I don’t feel like I would have done well trying to sell what I simply enjoyed making. When I found that I couldn’t stop making jewelry (it was seriously an obsession) then I figured I’d better start selling it because there would just be too much of it!! :D

Good luck!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Sandi R

Sandi R — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:13:43 +0000

Thank You for your post! I, too, found you through craftgawker. I am thankful that I did! I am adding you to my regular internet haunts :) I am a home/gift artist (mostly textiles) that doesn’t sell my work (yet, lol) I have been considering it. Many friends and family have encouraged me to do so. Of course we all get creative ideas from everything we see. Color, form, etc… “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” -Sir Isaac Newton. Only by learning from others and my own trial and error am I able to create. Others have generously shared their knowledge and design with me. I can only hope to do the same….
~Sandi R.

Comment on How To Drill Small Beach Stones by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:29:08 +0000

I’d say it’ll probably work fine! Good luck with it :D (sounds like you’re gonna have an awesome time!)

Comment on How To Drill Small Beach Stones by Cat B

Cat B — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:43:10 +0000

Oh I am SO gonna try this this weekend! I’ve got a whole bag of beachcombed moonstones and jadite from Central California and more bags of old beach glass and bits of abalone shell that I started collecting in my teens in So Cal. (30-something years ago.) I’m thinking the shell will be easiest to drill since its so thin. But, my Dremel is not a variable speed one — will it still work ok? Guess I finf out tomorrow!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:23:06 +0000

That’s another good point: That a lot of people who are copying are just making something for themselves, which, in my view, is really nice :) That’s why a lot of knitting etsy sellers also provide pdfs! Make kits, make patterns and sell those! :D

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Marlies-owner of Snowwolf Creations

Marlies-owner of Snowwolf Creations — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:58:30 +0000

Thank you for reminding us that “Imitation is the highest form of flattery”. I too have been told from another jewelry artist liked 1 of my necklaces so much that she would copy it for herself( hopefully, and not to sell as hers). Thank GOD that He loves variety in everything!!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:33:20 +0000

Yeah! “you have to remember that you ARE an artist” Love that! Thanks, Emma :D I’ll have to check out that book, too!!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Emma

Emma — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:15:36 +0000

I could not agree with this post more, Jenny!
I have a good book called ‘Marketing And Selling Your Handmade Jewelry’ by Viki Lareau, and the author says exactly what you say in point 2: worrying about copycats is a waste of your creative energy. You should be so busy coming up with new designs that by the time someone sells a copy of one of your designs, you’ve moved on. I have learned that many artisans don’t like telling me where they get their components, but I decided years ago that I am happy to tell anyone who asks where I get my supplies – for all the reasons you discuss.
Creativity is not a commodity. Creativity is not something that runs out. If you have to copy someone else, you’re not an artist; and if you’re worried about someone copying you, you need to remember that you *are* an artist and that, as such, your potential is limitless.
Thank you for another superb post. I’m off to share this on Facebook!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Sat, 05 May 2012 01:12:36 +0000

Yeah, being copied exactly is so creepy, but also few and far between :) Err on the side of flattery, I totally agree!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Sat, 05 May 2012 01:10:28 +0000

Thank you and thank you and ;P

Thanks for stopping by, Natalie :)

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Sat, 05 May 2012 01:09:54 +0000

Thanks Keri Lee! (glad to know you found me through craftgawker!) They used to send out messages when they featured your work, but I guess they don’t anymore :)

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Paula Caddick

Paula Caddick — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:13:49 +0000

Totally agree. I’m always teaching techniques to other people and I find it incredible when people tell me I shouldn’t do it. I can’t understand that way of thinking at all. I wouldn’t like someone to copy a piece exactly, simply because I pride myself that all my makes are unique, but that would be virtually impossible anyway. I see nothing wrong with sharing ideas and am flattered that people take inspiration from me.

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Natalie

Natalie — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:13:15 +0000

Well said – cool stuff! I may copy it hehehe :)

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Keri Lee Sereika

Keri Lee Sereika — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:13:10 +0000

Great Post! I found you through Craft Gawker and felt your post was an interesting read as well as very pertinent too. Thanks for speaking up and sharing your opinion!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:36:01 +0000

Hi Roberta :) Thanks so much! Having new ideas all the time makes it more fun, too!!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:35:15 +0000

Thanks, Karyn! Totally :D There’s a saying in Mexico “Cada cabeza un mundo.” Which translates roughly as “Every head is it’s own world.” It’s so true!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:33:24 +0000

Yes, Ruth! Like the old saying, if you’re constantly on the lookout for trouble, you just might find it!

And another yes, it certainly happens that the big box stores pick up trending ideas from the hip awesome crafters who are out living on the edge of craft, and it’s not cool, but it’s all a part of the cycle. If it’s on the shelves at Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters then you don’t want to be making it anyway! Make something else, something more progressive :D Something more you and less them!!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:29:30 +0000

Thank you, Meredith! I added your FB page to my page’s favorites :D

Yeah, when artisans say things like that they get annoyed when people add their work to their “jewelry inspiration” pinterest boards (for example), I always feel that they’re surrounding themselves and their work with the wrong energy. If they’re really confident in how unique and awesome their work is, then there’s nothing to be afraid of!

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Meredith

Meredith — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:32:50 +0000

You are a very wisse young woman, and I applaud you for this blog entry. I’ve just posted it to my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/wildwomanbeads).

When I first set up shop on Etsy, I sent an email out to all the bead artisans who make the beautiful beads I use for my jewelry. I asked them if they preferred to be named as the bead artists or to remain anonymous. At the time, most jewelry makers didn’t reveal their sources out of fear their ideas would be stolen.

TO A PERSON, they thanked me for asking and said they preferred to be named. TO A PERSON, they said that not being named seemed a disrespect of their art. So, because I love their art and have grown to be friends with many of them, I started naming them openly in my descriptions. I still do. (Occasionally I can’t remember where I got the beads.)

Yes. I’ve seen some people replicate my work. I take it as a compliment. Mostly, I feel at peace within myself for honoring the people behind those of us whose names on are the final product.

I hope you get lots of comments on this entry, and lots of compliments for the wisdom you exemplify.

warmly,
Meredith

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Ruth

Ruth — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:45:06 +0000

Great advice Jenny! Not to mention, when you approach your craft, art, and creativity in general in such a tight-fisted manner, it can make you a bitter and suspicious person. I feel like there will ALWAYS be copycats out there – if you really don’t like copying, don’t share your work on the public forum that is the internet, and if you do get copied, try to create something new and move along.

(There are definitely some instances, say where Urban Outfitters rips off a small artist that are really not cool, but given how difficult and expensive it is to do anything about it… it seems like moving on is the most mentally healthy thing you can do)

Oh and….watermarking your photos is a good idea

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by Karyn B

Karyn B — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:29:40 +0000

I agree with everything you’ve said. :D Even though we might be working with similar components or techniques, we each have our own unique voice and vision.

Comment on Why Handmade Artisans Shouldn’t be Afraid of Copycats by roberta

roberta — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:27:49 +0000

Great post! I agree about always making new things and having new ideas. It keeps the copycats guessing!

Comment on Bid for My Rainbow River Rock Necklace in the Mother’s Day Handmade Auction by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:46:01 +0000

thank you!! :D

Comment on Bid for My Rainbow River Rock Necklace in the Mother’s Day Handmade Auction by alinahandmade

alinahandmade — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:55:41 +0000

I like your stile

Comment on Book Review: The Forest Unseen – A Year’s Watch in Nature by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:32:24 +0000

I’m really enjoying it :D Hope you do, too!

Comment on Bid for My Rainbow River Rock Necklace in the Mother’s Day Handmade Auction by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:31:54 +0000

Will do, Roberta :D When you’re selling something in the auction you don’t even have to be at it, but I think it helps. There’s this chat feature, so as people are commenting things like “hmm… wonder if those stones are dyed or really natural colors” then I can say “Oh, they’re all natural, they come from Spirit Lake in Idaho.” etc. :) The selling side doesn’t look too awfully complex.

Comment on Bid for My Rainbow River Rock Necklace in the Mother’s Day Handmade Auction by Roberta

Roberta — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:56:22 +0000

I just heard about that from Handmadeology. Keep us posted as to how it goes and how it works. I was a little confused when I watched the video.

Comment on Book Review: The Forest Unseen – A Year’s Watch in Nature by Steverino

Steverino — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:24:12 +0000

Wow, sounds like a great read from a unique perspective.

I put a reserve on it at my local library and can’t wait to start exploring.

Steverino

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:47:50 +0000

Thanks for stopping by, Patricia! (And for making such charming terrariums!) I’m following you on Facebook now :D

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:46:57 +0000

Hi Donaville! Thanks for checking out my blog :D I HAVE heard of the organized collection group! Whenever I’ve got a suitable stone arrangement happening on my work table, I add it to the group!! Arranging nature in collections is so satisfying :)

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by Doodle Bird

Doodle Bird — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:11:40 +0000

LOVE that shell wall hanging! Looks great!!

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by Donaville

Donaville — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:16:28 +0000

Fantastic roundup! Miles of Light is a favorite of mine — Romina’s got an eye for creating simply beautiful arrangements. Have you heard about the organized collection group on flickr? It was started by Camilla Engman and shows endless inspiration on displaying collections in an organized fashion.

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:56:48 +0000

Hmm, I haven’t sent any convos like that, Fred. (to you or to anyone!) The last message I sent was about that veggie burger quesadilla I made :D I look forward to your future blog, I bet it’ll be fun!

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by Marmie

Marmie — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:09:59 +0000

Well now, Xena’s Dad is one of my favorite people! I’m also a fan of the purity of other etsy nature collecting artists.
Peace,
Marmie

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by Fred Brandes

Fred Brandes — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:52:06 +0000

Now this was a welcome relief!
The previous Etsy conversation informed me I was booted off an Etsy team.
I didn’t know I was on it!
Anyhoo, many thanks and I will soon be asking you about blogging:-)

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:04:05 +0000

You’re welcome Jenn :D I’m glad you like it :) Xena’s Dad (Fred) is fun, I’ve gotten him to try veggie burgers and he likes them! He’s been experimenting with crumbling them up in different meals, etc. I never thought of adding them to chili!

Yes! I think about that a lot, how we can be seeming to making work with the same or similar ideas and yet our creations are so different from one another! That’s why I freely and happily share the stone-drilling how-to :D It’s not like I invented the idea, anyway!! More on that next week ;)

Comment on Why Does My Natural Jewelry Cost 30% More?? by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:59:11 +0000

Thank you, AmaniArts :D It was a scary but thrilling change to make :)

Comment on Inspiration Knocks: Nature Collectors by Jenn

Jenn — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:44:46 +0000

Thanks for featuring me here, Jenny! I haven’t run across Doodle Birdie or Xena’s Dad yet, and look forward to exploring their shops. I do love Miles of Light’s work, and it’s a great example of how one idea (photographing natural objects on a white background) can look so very different when two different artists interpret it. A great argument for artists sharing our knowledge and enjoying the inspiration others may get from it!

Comment on Why Does My Natural Jewelry Cost 30% More?? by AmaniArts

AmaniArts — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:59:05 +0000

I respect you so much for this post! As an “up and coming” who hopes to have that sustainable business, I am so disheartened by the low pricing I often see on Etsy and elsewhere. I guess many people are just looking to cover materials to keep their hobby going. I also appreciate you sharing how you came to your formula. Thanks for the advice!!

Comment on The One Key to Making a Successful Trade on Etsy by roberta

roberta — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:25:19 +0000

I haven’t done any trades yet but this is good information to keep in mind if and when I do!

Comment on Why Does My Natural Jewelry Cost 30% More?? by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:08:38 +0000

Glad to help, Aunt Sara :D Pricing is a hard hard thing to get over!

Comment on Why Does My Natural Jewelry Cost 30% More?? by Aunt Sara

Aunt Sara — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:42:48 +0000

Much needed info for me. Makes me feel better about the price I set my book collections at–though now I think they are underpriced, not over!

Comment on I’m Sorry, Did You Say Stone Xylophone?? by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:19:30 +0000

I saw them!! Thank you, Robin :D If you email me your address I will so seriously send you some jellybeans!

Comment on I’m Sorry, Did You Say Stone Xylophone?? by Robin Van Vleet

Robin Van Vleet — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:02:45 +0000

Posted links on your status update- where’s my jelly beans?!

Comment on Why Does My Natural Jewelry Cost 30% More?? by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:26:54 +0000

I know what you mean, Marlene! I think a lot of people aren’t treating themselves as well as they should. I’ve even seen successful sellers, (in the top 100 Etsy jewelry sellers) who often complain that they aren’t sure all the work is worth what they make. That’s terrible!

Comment on Why Does My Natural Jewelry Cost 30% More?? by marlene

marlene — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:49:27 +0000

I have been making jewelry for 16 yrs and have become so disheartened by what I see on Etsy, etc. There are very few people who know how to price there items.
Thanks you for posting this article.

Comment on The 3 Most Important Things Women Should Know About Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 03:36:43 +0000

You’re so welcome, Sara! I totally hear where you’re coming from. I had finally found THE thing I wanted to be doing, and it was so frustrating to need to take weeks off and feel like I wasn’t going to be able to do this.

I just recently started seeing a NUCCA, upper thoracic chiropractor (they only adjust the top two vertebrae in the neck) and highly recommend checking out that option, too! I don’t even need to use the anti-vibration glove that I’d been using before!!

Good luck with your healing! Know that it’s possible!!

Comment on The 3 Most Important Things Women Should Know About Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) by sara mack

sara mack — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:43:34 +0000

I was so greatful of your comments. I have just started a small jewellery business, finaly found something that I can do as I am not much of an accademic. I was so dishearted when I started to get the symptoms of RSI, your web page has really lifted my spirits.

Thanks

Sara

Comment on Book Review: The Forest Unseen – A Year’s Watch in Nature by jennyhoo

jennyhoo — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:46:58 +0000

You’re welcome, Tanya! :D Thanks for stopping by!