Structures #69
Structures #69 ©2007 8.5" x 15.5"
I made my first sale on etsy this morning - hurray. It was to a good friend of mine who has wanted to buy my work for a while and was just waiting for me to start selling it, so that was pretty cool. We’ll see if the etsy community warms up the idea of art quilts in my price range.
In addition to Squares #1 from etsy my friend also purchased Structures #69, shown above. I made this piece to send to the Quilt National gift shop because it is similar to my piece in the show but I guess it didn’t quite make it there. He had to talk me into selling it to him. I think I need some serious help in the sales department. I’m pretty sure discouraging potential customers is not the right approach but it seems so weird to receive money for my art, especially from people I know.
But eek - I now have just a few weeks to make new work to send to the Quilt National gift shop. I’ve always sold a piece in the gift shop during the show so I want to make sure to have work there again this year.
All of these pieces are small pieces and to cover my expenses I’m going to have to also sell some of my larger work. As I mentioned in the comments on yesterday’s post I applied to become a guild.com artist last month. I heard today that I was accepted. So starting some time May some of my larger Structures quilts will be available for purchase on their website. Yahoo!
Posted by Lisa in: Abstract Contemporary Textile Art, Art Marketing, Marketing
Nellie said,
April 15, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
YEAH! WooHoo! It’s a start. It’s no surprise to me that you were accepted into guild.com … even though they’re very choosy about their artists. Kudos on selling and getting in.
Alyson B. Stanfield said,
April 16, 2007 @ 3:51 am
This is great news. I suspect you’ll be selling more and more.
shan said,
April 16, 2007 @ 6:13 am
This is very exciting, Lisa. Congratulations on your acceptance and sales. I’m agree with Alyson–there are many more sales to come.
Stacey Peterson said,
April 16, 2007 @ 10:11 am
Congratulations on the the sales Lisa. I’m excited to see you’ve opened an etsy store - I’m sure you’ll be very successful, and I’m looking forward to seeing what you offer.
cynthia said,
April 16, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
Congratulations! That’s terrific on both fronts…the Etsy sale and acceptance to The Guild. Do you mind if I call sometime and ask about your application?
I know what you mean about selling to friends. I felt that way last year when some of my blog readers bought some of my items. : )
Diane Clancy said,
April 16, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
Congratulations, Lisa!! Yippeeee!
I know it can be hard selling to friends but sometimes they are our first fan club - and they often have a good idea of the effort and love that it has taken to get where we are … I know I buy local musicians cds a lot - because I want them to thrive.
I think some of my sales are similar … but a sale is a sale! I bet you will sell more now.
~ Diane Clancy
Julie said,
April 16, 2007 @ 6:47 pm
Lisa, Congratulations on selling the Etsy piece, but also through The Guild. This could be a great vehicle. It is such a tasty venue, and I know you will sell alot through Guild….Yeah!!!!
Sue O'Kieffe said,
April 16, 2007 @ 7:26 pm
This is my mantra: “I am worth every penny I charge.” I am excited for you that you sold your first piece of art. It encourages us all.
You might also enjoy reading what Molly Gordon said on her blog at http://www.shaboominc.com/blog/ about selling to friends.
We all need each other.
~Sue O’Kieffe
http://sacred-circle-mandalas.blogspot.com
Lisa Call said,
April 17, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
Thanks everyone. Hopefully I’ll have to get used to selling to friend :)
Cynthia - yes - we should do lunch sometime and talk about the guild and other things.
Rebecca Crowell said,
April 18, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
Structures #69 is a gorgeous piece–there is something playful, almost figurative to me about the lines. Good luck with your etsy sales!