Table of Contents Digital Storefronts The Clustered Y Let's Get Ethical

In this newsletter, I'm going to talk about the renewed interest in handmade goods and how to sell your handmade creations on Web sites. I'll also address ethical considerations that come with beading and e-commerce. Get ready for an information-packed issue! This issue's free project, The Clustered Y, is a fantastic chunky chain necklace from the April 2008 issue of Simply Beads.

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Digital Storefronts
Instead of placing value on mass-production items, we are beginning to value unique jewelry and home decor items. This handmade movement is partly driven by improved access to Internet marketplaces and individual Web sites. No longer required to maintain an individual retail storefront, artists are free to sell their own finished work on seller-based Web sites like ShopHandmade.com or Etsy.com.

Just like any business, an initial investment gets you started. Because selling on the Web is technology-based, you will need a few high-tech tools to set up your store. To get started, you'll need the following basic tools:

• a computer,
• a high-speed Internet connection,
• a digital camera with a macro lens or a macro setting to capture fine details, and
• photo manipulation software.

Digital cameras and many computers come with software that will help you rotate, crop and make basic adjustments to photos. This means you must learn the basics of properly saving and managing photo files. Understanding the "nuts and bolts" of digital photography saves a great deal of time and frustration.

Look at various Web site pages for ideas on how to express your own style. Also, pay attention to the information and guidelines provided by seller-based sites to understand how they work. These guidelines can be a valuable resource that answer questions and provide insight on what works best to sell your products. Most sites charge a fee for each product listing and garner a percentage of your sales. Other sites provide sponsors for pages so that the listings are free to the seller.

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The Clustered Y Design by Barbara Lynch The classic Y necklace takes on a completely new dimension: unlimited, personal and convertible! Each element of the cluster is removable and interchangeable to reflect the personality of the wearer. Materials Assorted elements such as semi-precious stones, various beads, charms, earrings, old pendants, etc. 7 (3 - 4-inch) sterling silver head pins 7 sterling silver jump rings 7 small sterling silver spring-ring or lobster-claw clasps Large sterling silver spring-ring or lobster-claw clasp 21 - 25 inches sterling silver chain (chain should be strong enough to support weight of assorted elements) Round-nose pliers Chain-nose pliers Wire nippers 47 inches .018-inch-diameter nylon-coated flexible beading wire Chain-nose pliers Wire nippers Finished Size 18 - 21 inches (including clasp), plus a 3 - 4-inch droplet Instructions 1) String beads and/or charms on head pins as desired. Form wrapped loops after beads; trim excess wire. 2) Use a jump ring to attach beaded head pins, pendants, charms, etc., to a small spring-ring or lobster-claw clasp. 3) Attach one element to last link of chain. Attach large clasp to opposite end of chain. 4) Attach remaining elements to the last 3 to 4 inches of chain using small clasps. 5) To wear necklace, connect unadorned end of chain to a link one or two links above last link with an embellishment. Note: Since elements are attached to necklace with small clasps, they can easily be removed and others added. Copyright © March 2008 Simply Beads magazine. All rights reserved. Click here for printer-friendly page.

Let's Get Ethical

I recently received feedback from Lynn B via e-mail. After more than a decade of beading, I know that her question opens a big can of squirmy worms. My first impulse was to ignore Lynn's message and write about something less controversial, but after a day of consideration, I feel that it is my responsibility to address Lynn's query.

Lynn's question: "Can jewelry made from patterns in Simply Beads be sold (to friends and family, not mass-marketed)?"

I want to be able to answer this with one word or a short sentence, but it is a complex issue. Although this is a gray area, publications and bead artists have agreed on some basic guidelines over the past few years.

Techniques such as stringing, knotting, peyote stitch or wire wrapping cannot be "owned," but a design that utilizes these techniques is the intellectual property of the person who creates it. This remains true if the design is learned in a class or from a book or magazine. However, reproducing a design for resale purposes is not appropriate unless the original designer grants permission.

As a teacher, I tell students that they are welcome to recreate and sell the designs I teach them. Many teachers do not share that attitude. If you learn a design in a class, always ask the instructor how they feel about you reproducing and selling their design. Teachers who sell their own finished jewelry rely on those sales for income.

Most designers feel that it is only acceptable to reproduce a design for oneself or to give as a gift. Designs from books and magazines fall into the same category. It is often difficult or impossible to contact the designer and ask permission, so it is safest to assume that the answer would be "no."

My income is based on teaching classes, not selling finished jewelry, allowing me to grant students permission to replicate and sell my designs. I request that they sell the work for a true profit and pay themselves an hourly wage to make the design. I also ask that students give me credit for the original design. This is a vulnerable stance to take because I rely on each person to respect my wishes when they reproduce my original designs.

Because I rely on my teaching income to buy groceries and pay the electric bill, my sensitivities fall in a different place. If I find out someone is teaching one of my designs in a class, I call and politely ask them to stop. Teaching my designs is the same as reaching into my wallet and taking money out. Whether the design is from a class, book or magazine, distributing instructions is inappropriate and a violation of copyright laws.

To read more views on beading ethics, please visit these Web sites:
interweave.com
firemountaingems.com
beadwork.about.com

Mass production of someone else's design is never acceptable. Behind each great jewelry design is a talented creative spirit that deserves your respect and consideration. If you want to sell finished jewelry, have faith in your own creative talents and dedicate your time to making something unique that you can call your own. I promise you, there is nothing more satisfying.

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