6/2/14

A Better Answer to "How much would it cost..."

You're at a summer party, proudly wearing one of your latest designs. Let's face it, we all hope someone notices our creations. What if another partygoer does notice and wants one for herself? For her getaway vacation next week? Would you know how to guide the negotiations and quote a profitable price for your handmade jewelry? I've made a number of pricing mistakes when I found myself in this situation, from forgetting to include a key component when doing a quick mental tally of costs to seriously underestimating the time it would take to recreate a piece.

To prevent such pricing faux pas from happening again, I'm adding one more very important step to my design process. I'm documenting the production process from gathering up the beads to tying off the last knot!



I plan to generate production notes for every piece I design, beginning with the Bridesmaids Earrings I created for my son's wedding last month. I was making six pair of these brick-stitched designs, so I sat down at the computer after completing the second pair. My production notes have a space for a materials list (the digital document includes links to purchase), a breakdown of costs (including scrupulously accounting for my time), and a crisp photo of design options. The rest of the sheet details step-by-step instructions and design notes.

An added bonus: documenting the step-by-steps this way brings a different eye to the process and I quickly saw a better thread path to ensure optimal alignment of the center crystal.



And if someone admires these in daughter Dani's ears and wants to know if they can be made in turquoise and silver? I'll know the answer can be found at Fire Mountain Gems, since my production notes tell me it's the only place that my design's non-standard size of faceted crystal ovals can be found!

8 comments:

  1. I am wondering what software you are using for your documentation.

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    1. I used Serif's PagePlus desktop publishing software. I design newsletters for several organizations, and it's what I'm already familiar with. PagePlus has enough drawing tools and features to produce Beadwork/Bead & Button-style illustrations, so I haven't investigated the beading-specific software that's out there. (I timed myself and it took 90 minutes to illustrate and type up this 4-step earring design from my handwritten notes and sketches.)

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  2. Me, too - I could use some software that pulls all this together. Right now, I use sticky notes, and frequently leave out something important! Great post!

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    1. Problem was, I could never remember what I meant by those clever tips in my sticky notes! With everything clearly spelled out and illustrated, a year can go by, and I should be able to print the production notes and stitch up a pair. (Knowing that it will take 2.5 hours from start to finish.)

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  3. Hi:
    Very interesting and useful post,though,the calculations of the real 'worth' of the certain design is not simple,because includes such subtle elements,like the time and force we spent for the designing and creating process,the quality of jewelry components we use,on the artistic worth evaluation finishing.
    The use of even the best computer program in this matter,doesn't include those factors.We can only calculate the approximate,nominal worth of the item and on this basis describe the real price,but obviously,such kind of calculation can be very helpful.
    -All the Best-
    -Halinka-

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  4. Holy moly that is organized! how fabulous to capture it all that way ... is that a program you're using?

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  5. I love these past couple of posts. I have been tracking all my work in a Powerpoint but don't do the illustrations and step-by-step like you do. I can see that it really makes sense and a difference - especially as I have gone back to some of my older projects and thought: hmmmmm how did I do that? It's not always apparent by the photo! You are very patient, organized AND talented! Glad the wedding went so well too!

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  6. Ok, that is just awesome! I definitely want to be this organized when I grow up. Sadly, I may not be, but at least I know the right direction to head! Thanks for such a great post!

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