Corona from a different point of view: 6 things that we can also see positively

Now the corona virus pandemic fear is taking off! Schools and universities are closed, events are canceled, entire areas are declared a restricted zone. There is also fear and uncertainty....

December 13, 2018

RAUHNÄCHTE (Magic Nights): THE TWELVE NIGHTS AFTER CHRISTMAS

‘Rauhnaechte’: these are the twelve cold, dark nights which, across Northern Europe, are steeped in myths, legends, and spirituality. In these nights, images of oppressive, bare forests collide with the Christmas message of hope. An old German/Austrian tradition in the darkest time of the year.

When you buy jewelry or anything else at Walmart, someone was paid a decent wage to design it ONCE, and then a person halfway across the world was paid a few cents an hour to make 1000 of them. Total time and materials for a single necklace at Walmart is

December 11, 2018

Why handmade jewelry "is so expensive" !

“$75 for pendant?!”
“I love your website, but everything on it is overpriced!”
“Your stuff is too expensive.”
“Are you rich or something?”
“I could make that for $5.”
“Sorry, but that’s a rip-off.”
“$200 for a sterling silver gemstone necklace? You’re not Tiffany.”

I’ve heard it all. It’s not something I hear often, but any other seller will tell you- you remember every comment like this. They get under your skin. They fester. The next thing you know, you’re a walking rage zombie! At first it made me worry that my prices were too high. And even now that I have years of success under my belt and wonderful repeat customers that assure me my stuff is worth every penny, the rude comments still hurt my feelings sometimes.

Why do so many artists get asked to work for free, so often? And what's the best way for an artist to deal with these requests, and ensure they're financially secure and their work is valued?

December 11, 2018

If other professions were paid like artists…

Why do so many artists get asked to work for free, so often? And what's the best way for an artist to deal with these requests, and ensure they're financially secure and their work is valued? Michelle Aldredge explores the problem and encourages 'mindful decision-making' as a way forward.