Returning to myself

Dear Reader,

If you’ve been following along either here on the newsletter or before on social media, then you might know that every single thing I make, with the exception of custom orders/commissions, I offer at sliding scale pricing. Basically, that means that if you make me a reasonable offer on something you like, I’ll accept it. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, think again. Because, for most people it isn’t.

• Why have I only had about ten people take me up on this?

• Why does this make most people so uncomfortable?

• Why is it so difficult when money is part of the conversation?

I think there’s a pretty simple answer to these questions. We’ve been conditioned to have these reactions when it comes to money. I will say, that many people are concerned that they will offend me or not properly compensate me for my work. I appreciate that respect and consideration, but I wouldn’t offer this method of pricing if I didn’t feel it in my heart. So, I will keep focusing on these anti-capitalist strategies and make my work financially accessible to as many folks as possible. Maybe if we keep having these conversations we’ll all feel a little more comfortable. I hope so.

How can I offer this form of pricing?

The main reason is that I keep my overhead extremely low. Aside from my website, which I pay for yearly, and shows, which I do about ten months out of the year, I don’t have a lot of expenses. And, even though I make part-time income at best, my business does not lose money.

How do I keep my overhead low?

• My studio is in my home, which I own. Thankfully, My husband and I bought our house before the prices in the city skyrocketed. Now houses in my neighborhood are selling for five times what I paid.

• All of the materials I use are donated, with the exception of some things such as jewelry findings, which I get on eBay, and sewing machine parts, which I get here

• Even the paint I use on my fabric and art projects is donated or thrifted.

• I try to find creative solutions and use what I have around me.

• This is not only the way I run my business, but it’s the way I run my life.

Last week at a glance

• I saw a hummingbird while I was working in the garden. It was only there for a brief moment. The last time I saw a hummingbird was over ten years ago when I found a kitten stuck in some thorn bushes.

• That same day while I was harvesting elderberries I found a praying mantis.

• The cat birds ate almost every single elderberry on my tree this year, which is disappointing. Next year I’m going to try some pinwheels to deter them. I’m fine with sharing the berries I can’t reach, but not 95% of my harvest. That’s just greedy.

I’ve tried hanging old cds and anything reflective in the tree, but that only worked for one growing season. Now they’re on to me, and they just keep coming. I’ve heard that an owl decoy works, but I also don’t want to deter the many birds that come into our yard and don’t eat the berries. I’m open to any suggestions that are humane and will just get rid of the cat birds who are gorging on elderberries.

• I went for a beautiful early evening hike with my family on Sunday.

  

• I finished an art quilt.

• I got accepted to a show in Woodstock, NY with The Phoenicia Flea which will take place on September 27. A week before the event I will be reactivating my instagram account to advertise because it is recommended, but I will deactivate my account again after. Not so thrilled about having to do this, but I understand, and I love the shows I do in NY, so I’m happy to do my part to share about the show.

  Many shows that I do are getting pretty stringent about this, so it looks like I will have to be present on instagram at times or I won’t be able to participate in some of my shows anymore. I’ve always advertised in my own way by putting up flyers, and spreading the word, but alas, social media rears its ugly yet head again.

  The best way to reach me will always be here on the newsletter and/or email.

• I unfortunately had to indirectly deal with a toxic, negative person that I haven’t had to deal with in over a year. That was not the highlight of my week. But, I was reminded yet again, of the many reasons why I cut this person out of my life.

• I printed up a bunch of new sheet music for piano, and I’ve been enjoying playing new songs every day.

• I’m rewatching Portlandia. That show just cracks me up.

• I’ve been trying to figure out a new set-up for my booth, which is something that I literally think about constantly. I like to change things up. I’m sure you other right-brained creatives can relate to that, right? I’m also always trying to think about how I can make the shopping experience the best that it can be for my customers. This can be challenging, since every venue is different and I sell a wide variety of things, which are always changing.

• I’ve decided that if all goes well with me figuring out size charts (wish me luck), I will be offering many made-to-order items.

• Here’s what I’m considering.

• Patchwork tops: tanks, short- sleeved tees, and long -sleeved tees

• Crochet apparel: tanks, vests, tees (short -sleeved), and sweaters.

• made-to-order crochet beanies will also be coming soon

• While I will still offer one-of-a-kind crochet pieces at shows, they will no longer be available on my website.

• I found a brand new paper cutter at the thrift store, and I’m potentially considering the possibility of making some small blank journals that I might offer for purchase. While I have made small books and journals before, I’ll see what I think when I revisit the process. Of course I’d use recycled/repurposed materials.

I appreciate all of you who choose to be here and read my newsletter.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend, and I hope you have a beautiful week.

xo,

Christa

Events and happenings

• I will have fabric art collages available for purchase at River Pearl Studio starting on September 7 and continuing throughout the month.

  https://www.riverpearlstudio.com

  Links

  Email: wildchildfibers@gmail.com

  Website: https://www.wildchildfibers.com

  Gallery: here

  Anytime 20% off discount in the online store for subscribers.

  If you’d like the coupon code, leave a comment and I’ll give you the code. ♡ ♡

Thanks for reading. I appreciate you.