I think that many customers don’t understand that it often takes many iterations of a design to make a product. For some items, it’s a time-consuming process. That is one of the reasons why many original handmade items are more expensive. Design is a skill that separates an artist from a crafter.
Although I often make crafts, I continuously try to hone my design skills by developing new products. In the beginning, I almost always make more than one of every item I create. I learned a long time ago that sometimes it takes a while to get the kinks out of a design.
I just listed an altered chimpanzee necklace and earring jewelry set on etsy. The necklace actually went through more than one design change before I even finished the first necklace. I’m just going to give you one example of a modification I had to make.
If you’ve read my blog before, you might recognize the little guy above. Here’s a link to my first entry about him, Copper Chimp Necklace.
I noticed that when I wore the necklace, it sometimes flipped around. I decided to go ahead and drill holes in the top of my next necklace and let my pendant hang from the top. By moving the connections, the chimp now stays facing front…a much better solution.
Above is the new set. I had two smaller chimp altered box labels. I decided to make earrings out of them. I tested them out and they work great too.
I’m going to go back and drill some holes in my original Chimp Necklace.
