So as soon as Christmas has come and gone, all the Valentines stuff appears - I hate it too, but that's just the way it is, I suppose. Anyway, I've been playing around with several ideas, and here is my first offering...'Love Birds'. Originally the birdcage (made essentially using gardening wire and an embroidery hoop) was covered with papier mache with a poem printed around the bottom, but I couldn't get it right and using fabric seemed softer somehow. I don't think I'll be making many of these as it was very time-consuming, although I would like to trial one using darker fabrics. I'm finding it really hard putting a price on it - it did take me ages, but you have to be realistic about how much someone would be willing to pay...a common dilemma for artists everywhere I guess (unless your name is Damien Hirst or something!)Anyway, your comments are always most welcome. Hope you're having a good week! (It's snowing again here!)
PS Spotty and floral linen fabric by the very lovely Sarah Hardaker
or if you';re a supermarket, they skip valentines and go striaght for easter eggs. seriously.
ReplyDeleteI love the birdcage, its beautiful!
awww thats SO cute! and a really nice idea. would love to see more!
ReplyDeleteMore birds love..? lovely, lovely, as always Kirsty... but more birds?...thought you said 'NO' to the birds thing....?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think they're lovely...
Marion ;oD
Ha, ha! Fear not, Marion, more seahorses are coming soon!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, and lovely colours. I know what you mean about not being able to charge a realistic price, especially textiles which by their nature are time consuming. I've always felt it's a bit unfair. Paintings have a higher perceived value, even though a watercolour can be rattled off in half an hour!! (No offence to painters!)
ReplyDeleteMarion
I really like it but see your problem with pricing. I fear the time you have taken on the fab cage wont translate to hard cash (if you know what I mean!). I agree with Marion, there is so much 'hand made' style mass produced stuff around it makes it difficult to get a fair price for actual handmade (I was amazed at how cheap the christmas decorations in John Lewis were and to be fair they were nice-ish, just made in China for a few pence!). Had you thought about going back to a simple perch? Maybe with a heart shape Involved? I know it wont be as nice but it might be the way to balance time and price.
ReplyDeleteSorry, bit long winded! Bethx
It's tricky isn't it Beth, nice to get a response from like-minded people who know how tough it is. Thank you for your suggestions, I am going to concentrate on smaller pieces. The cage looks quite nice hanging in our bedroom for now, so I don't mind if I don't sell it!!
ReplyDeleteSoooooo sweet. I love it. xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, I really like it, no I really love it! Was thinking you could just put a price on it that you would be happy to sell it for and see what happens. But I suspect it might have taken up permanent residence and to be quite honest I can't blame it. I mean with a house full of sea horses and driftwood boxes brimming with fabric it would be mad to want to go. L x
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning Kirsty. Your talent and Sarah's fabrics make a wonderful combination!
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