Pages

Monday, September 23, 2013

Sari Monday

I placed another order with Darn Good Yarn and got more reclaimed sari ribbon.  I also ventured into banana fiber yarn.  I thought it might fulfill a need...I was told by several people that my pendants don't sell because they are not on a chain.  I didn't provide chains (metal, beaded, leather, etc) because I kinda assumed most people were like me and have a crap load of chains at home in the lengths they prefer to wear.  Not being well versed in any kind of chain/metal/wire, I put the word out on Facebook to see where people buy their metal chain in bulk.  I was given several store names.  I looked into them all then was paralyzed with indecision and fear of metal usage.  Funny...I love wearing jewelry with metal in it...I just want someone else to make it, not me!  So I ran from the metals and straight to Darn Good Yarn and started stringing the pendants on the sari and the banana fiber.  I might still do it on chain that I will buy (eventually) but I really wanted to try it on these textured, funky fibers first.  
I would really like to hear some honest opinions.  


15 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh Christine these are wonderful. I love the banana fiber too! Just a suggestion.... you could have some ready made chains and give the option chain or fiber. I think you can even buy ready made chains if you aren't comfortable cutting and putting a clasp on etc. Perhaps chain would increase the cost too. I like the fiber with your pendants myself and I think the texture works well with your beautiful beadwork. Lovely intense colors!

Therese's Treasures said...

Hi Christine,
I agree with Katherine about having fiber and metal chains avalible for people to choose. I do like the fibers that you chose to go with the pendants.
Therese

Maryanne said...

Your necklaces are beautiful, Christine. I agree that giving people a choice is probably the way to go. I like the fiber necklaces but I'm a fiber person. I like the coordinating colors. But, I'm sure some people would prefer chain and you can find it already made up. Rings and Things may have some, if you'd like to try finding some just to have on hand and see what happens.

Honey from the Bee said...

Your pendants are highlighted by these fibers, Christine! Trying to picture in my mind with chain and I just don't think they'd look as wonderful. The ribbon added more color and texture - enhancing their artisan appeal.

LisaS said...

Hi Christine, I have tried drawing ribbon through chain in some of my work and love the look ;) You might want to try some reasonably priced chain that is fun to experiment with... http://www.primabead.com/Chain-C450.aspx

p.s. By the way, I just stopped by Darn Good Yarn, have not heard of them before you mentioned it and am going to try some out. Thanks!

windrock studio said...

I really love the look of these beautiful pieces but I think you can never have enough texture & color! I'm unfamiliar with how working with chain is, do you not like the look of it with your beads or just don't want the added step or expense? It sure would change how they look if on chain, just my thoughts ... you do fantastic work, my friend.

AntiquityTravelers said...

I think I'm with Janet. You could have chain available (show pics of your pendants with chain) .... but I definitely prefer the fiber. I think it looks wonderful with your pieces!

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

Your fiber choices look great with your pendants! I agree...have ready made chains available as an option!

I recently wond a Nicole Hanna finely wrapped owl pendant..it is gorgeous, but, my point is that she included a black rubber...yes rubber...self fastening "chain"! It is fabulous, i keep forgetting to go out on the net to search for a source, and if they come in other colors. it is really sleak with this particular pendant

BIKBIK AND RORO said...

Haha.. "fear of metal usage".. but seriously, these necklaces are just gorgeous; I love them! Their style doesn't require metal really, I think. It looks so much more bohemian and laid-back this way -- the sort of thing a really cool surfer type might wear, or a bride getting married by the sea :)

Sweet Freedom said...

I personally wouldn't opt for fibers, because I'd be afraid of getting thrm wet, either with rain, or sweat, or some drinking accident (me?) or hairspray - whatever, and ruining them.

I also have tons of chain available, so It's hard for me to put my pendants for sale on chain, because I feel like the customer should be able to choose! I would certainly want options! In lenth, style, metal, etc.

Lots to think about!

Miss Val's Creations said...

The fiber make the pieces stand out more than a chain since they are much more complementary! It makes the pieces look more custom too.

Elysian Studios said...

I love your pendants! I think they look amazing with the colors of the sari ribbon! I have one of your pendants, and I wear it on a chain. I think most people would buy them with a chain over fibers, because it is just more versatile. I think showing them with the sari as an option is nice though- encourage some "fashion adventurousness"! :-)

Shel said...

I too think the chain along with the fiber choices are good ones. But I really love the look of them with the fiber. And, the fibers are such a great alternative to everyone who has metal sensitivities. But, if you give a choice, you'll have your bases covered! :-)

Liz said...

Ooooooo Ahhhhhhh nice! I'm no help with determining popularity of fiber vs metal but I know nice pendants when I see them :D Now I want to buy some banana fiber and sari ribbon . . .

Unknown said...

I love the sari ribbon for "chains." But I'm also not a big fan of metal around my neck.

I do find that many of my customers are shy about color. (Shakes head, not understanding why...) It seems like many women want unique jewelry but not anything that makes too much of a statement. (Shakes again again.) So I've found that using pastel ribbons results in sales. So does using cord, which personally I'm not a fan of, but sells well - both black and brown leather. Usually, I just try and get the bail big enough so customers can switch things around at will.