Jim Willett on wed 20 jul 05
Here's a suggestion. We just had someone search our web site for "individual
bean pots". We were thinking that a bean pot sized to fit an individual bean
would be quite small. Should fit all those hard to fill spots in your kiln!
Of course you would have to make several different sizes depending on what
type of bean you were planning on putting in the pot! (OK...maybe that's not
exactly what they meant :)
Jim and Cindy
Out of the Fire Studio
http://www.outofthefirestudio.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Pfeiffer, Dan R
(Dan)
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 8:20 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: minimum price
I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
cheapest thing they will make. I know small is not always cheap is in the
great tea pots of late but in looking to fill space in our kiln around
larger pots I have make a number of small things that we sell very cheap
($5), so the question became is it worth it or should we just make things
that could sell for a higher price? As we are new to selling pots it seems
to be good to have something for someone who may like to spend a buck on a
toothpick holder but would not what to pay more for a mug. It also gets some
of our work out and maybe some one will like it and come but more of the
stuff that could pay the bills. So the question to those who started long
ago, in a far a way place.... is did you do this sort of thing and looking
back on it was it worth the time?
Dan & Laurel in Elkmont Al
Potters Council Members
____________________________________________________________________________
__
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You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
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Pfeiffer, Dan R (Dan) on wed 20 jul 05
I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
cheapest thing they will make. I know small is not always cheap is in the
great tea pots of late but in looking to fill space in our kiln around
larger pots I have make a number of small things that we sell very cheap
($5), so the question became is it worth it or should we just make things
that could sell for a higher price? As we are new to selling pots it seems
to be good to have something for someone who may like to spend a buck on a
toothpick holder but would not what to pay more for a mug. It also gets some
of our work out and maybe some one will like it and come but more of the
stuff that could pay the bills. So the question to those who started long
ago, in a far a way place.... is did you do this sort of thing and looking
back on it was it worth the time?
Dan & Laurel in Elkmont Al
Potters Council Members
Andie Plamondon on wed 20 jul 05
I throw porcelain 1/16" scale miniatures, and they go around the kiln to
fill in the spaces. I market them to dollhouse and miniatures collectors,
they sell for (gasp) $10 each. I started making them as a challenge to
myself, and one day had one on a chain around my neck while visiting a
gallery - and a side business was born. And they do sell - I can't seem to
make enough. I use my scraps after I'm done throwing big pots, just reclaim
and re-throw, and they use little glaze - so they're almost free to make,
take no space in the kiln, they pay for the firing, and they sometimes sell
faster & better than the big pots.
If I were you, I would sit down & come up with something small you really
LIKE to make, and go for it. Think it through & try to make them 'free' -
reclaim clay, leftover glazes, etc - so that they are completing the space
in your kiln, and selling, while not eating up your time & supplies.
I know a girl who makes clay beads - she makes hundreds of them, fills every
empty space in her kiln with them, and then glaze fires with one 1/2 shelf
on top with bead racks. Free waste clay, almost no glaze, minimal space in
the glaze firing - then she strings them on silk cord & sells the necklaces
at boutiques for $40 & $50 each, no kidding. I'd love that money, but I just
am not a bead-maker.
I CAN tell you this: making things that seem practical to fill the space
never seems to work out. I used to make coffee mugs and set around in the
kiln, inside bowls, etc - and I now have a cabinet full of mugs.
Go with something kooky, fun, & free - I suspect you'll surprise yourself &
it will inspire your other work.
:) Andie Plamondon
Handful of Earth Pottery
www.handfulofearth.com <- there are some minis up here
----- Original Message -----
>I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
> cheapest thing they will make. I know small is not always cheap is in the
> great tea pots of late but in looking to fill space in our kiln around
> larger pots I have make a number of small things that we sell very cheap
> ($5), so the question became is it worth it or should we just make things
> that could sell for a higher price? As we are new to selling pots it seems
> to be good to have something for someone who may like to spend a buck on a
> toothpick holder but would not what to pay more for a mug. It also gets
> some
> of our work out and maybe some one will like it and come but more of the
> stuff that could pay the bills. So the question to those who started long
> ago, in a far a way place.... is did you do this sort of thing and looking
> back on it was it worth the time?
>
>
> Dan & Laurel in Elkmont Al
> Potters Council Members
Dale Neese on wed 20 jul 05
I did once make extruded business card holders. Could extrude plenty in a
day's time. They were individually altered with stamps or found textures.
They sold rather well for $7 during good business times. I haven't made them
in a couple of years so I don't know how well they would do now with all the
announcements of big layoffs going on.
Filled up the spaces in the kiln too. My young daughter and I glazed them
all different ways and colors. Some people would buy several for business
partners as gifts. I put many out on the shelves at one time and customers
pondered their choices. Don't ever let a customer see that you have an extra
box full behind the display. They have to look at everyone of them to find
the one holder they want. I think it was worth the effort and money. But now
I am moving away from producing those type items.
Dale Tex
"across the alley from the Alamo"
San Antonio, Texas USA
Elizabeth Priddy on wed 20 jul 05
Around here, they sell pocket angels.
They are various sizes up to about a quarter, with
a raised bas relief angel. They look like a coin.
They are stained different colors.
I have seen them other places as well.
It is about a nickels worth of work that sells for a dollar.
Keep it easy. Small bit of clay, irregular edges,
just dipped after bisque in various batches of colors of
stain and then high fired.
I would improve the design and make them by pressing two
dowel ends together over a ball of clay with different patterns
on each end of dowel. It will make a coin.
Think piles of them around other work or filling bowls, not
each one placed carefully.
If you uses an assortment of designs randomly, always using
one angel and the other something else, like a word or another
small image, or chinese character, etc. The little basket they
sell from will get lots of attention as people pick through to find
just the right one.
Pick, make, and use images that are regionally significant for
you. Like here, I might make a pirate skull and crossbones
or a pony, or a tall ship, or a dophin. All things found in our
local waters.
If you can't draw, use clipart and emboss into clay to make the
first "die" that you will use to stamp the clay.
(this is also how you make a clay chop)
The packaging is what sells it. A little note telling how
they can be mailed to friends and carried along with change
as a surprise in your change pocket to remind you that
someone loves you and cares. Keep away from religious remarks
and let the people do the imagining about what they mean.
Make a couple dozen and put them near the cash register in
a sales venue and track which kind sell best for a little while,
then start cranking them out.
If you make them just a little larger with a hole and a riboon,
souvenir ornaments.
And I strongly suggest you have a child or unskilled pottery
label make these for you. Your time and expertise should be
in the image selection and creation, not the manufacture of these.
And firing all that good will might rehab a bad-firing kiln!
Happy potting
E
"Pfeiffer, Dan R (Dan)" wrote:
I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
cheapest thing they will make. I know small is not always cheap is in the
great tea pots of late but in looking to fill space in our kiln around
larger pots I have make a number of small things that we sell very cheap
($5), so the question became is it worth it or should we just make things
that could sell for a higher price? As we are new to selling pots it seems
to be good to have something for someone who may like to spend a buck on a
toothpick holder but would not what to pay more for a mug. It also gets some
of our work out and maybe some one will like it and come but more of the
stuff that could pay the bills. So the question to those who started long
ago, in a far a way place.... is did you do this sort of thing and looking
back on it was it worth the time?
Dan & Laurel in Elkmont Al
Potters Council Members
______________________________________________________________________________
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
Elizabeth Priddy
252-504-2622
1273 Hwy 101
Beaufort, NC 28516
http://www.elizabethpriddy.com
*If you are an extra-sensitive
or easily-offended type:
Remember that what I say is obviously
just my opinion based on my experiences
and that I, like most people, don't go around
intending to step on toes and make folks cry.
Take it with a grain of salt.
__________________________________________________
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Laurie on wed 20 jul 05
On Jul 20, 2005, at 7:19 AM, Pfeiffer, Dan R (Dan) wrote:
> I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
> cheapest thing they will make......... is did you do this sort of
> thing and looking
> back on it was it worth the time?
>
>
> Dan & Laurel in Elkmont Al
> Potters Council Members
>
Hi Dan and Laurel,
Since most art/craft fairs are family events, I try to always have
something "for the kids". One thing that is very popular are cookie
cutter refrigerator magnets. Get some shapes like dinosaurs, hearts,
moons, stars, cats, guitars, angels, almost any interesting shape. They
are quick and simple to make, I usually just glaze them in bright
colors, sometimes they are only single-fired, glue on a magnet and put
them in a big basket for a buck. Not an especially huge markup, but the
kids love to rummage through the basket looking for that perfect
"treasure" that mom or dad will let them spend a buck on. And it
usually takes the kids a few minutes to look at all of them, meanwhile
mom or dad will usually take a longer look at your regular wares, and
talk to you, sometimes they even buy something where they might have
just walked right past you without looking.
It's become a marketing thing, but I really do like to have things that
kids feel that they can buy for themselves. This goes back to the first
show I ever did. I had some small raku bowls for $5 and $10 each. A
little girl, probably about 10 or 11, came up with her friend and
really studied those bowls for a long time. Finally she picked out one
of the $5 bowls and as I wrapped it up for her she was just so happy!
And happy that it was something she picked out and bought for herself.
The afternoon went on and I sold most of the little raku bowls and only
had one $10 bowl left. At the very end of the day one of the little
girls came back. The second girl wanted to buy a bowl just like her
friend had. She was sad to see all I had was one $10 bowl left since
her mom had given her $5 to buy a bowl. Well, of course I "made her a
deal", and I also made a little girl very happy, which made me happy!
Beads are also another small thing you can make lots of and put in a
basket for a buck. Bead people LOVE to pick through those! Later on I
discovered how much comparable beads sell for - no WONDER they always
loved my one buck beads!
Or little animals and things pinched out quickly from scraps, but with
a nice-looking glaze. If you price them right and they don't look too
much like something someone's kid made in 1st grade, people will buy
those, too. Some days, when everyone else is complaining about sales,
my little under-$20 odds and ends sell out. And it's funny, people will
buy a little cat or dog for $15 but they won't buy a similarly-priced
really nice mug.
I have found that I get many repeat customers from year to year and
show to show, usually from the little cats! They come to see what new
cats I have and what new colors I might be playing with for them. They
either collect them or they love to buy them for gifts. So yes, those
little kiln filler type things do bring in repeat customers!
You will probably get all kinds of suggestions with this thread! Have
fun with it!
Laurie
Sacramento, CA
http://rockyraku.com
Potters Council, charter member
Sacramento Potters Group, Secretary
Susan Nebeker on wed 20 jul 05
I would answer that question, yes, yes yes! I fill every space that I can between my bigger pieces on those kiln shelves. This pays for the gas, and then some.
Little birds, frogs, soap dishes, tiny tiles for magnets and bubble wands.
I set piles of the wands out on a table at my spring studio sale. Also a bowl of bubble solution. The wands are extruded, the handles stamped with random, funky images.
Sell em for 2.00. Hundreds of 'em.
Kids love them, parents buy handfuls of them.
My 17 year old is going to be taking over the production of some of this now. She'll be earning a chunk of change- good for her, good for me.
By all means, making small inexpensive little pieces of work makes so much sense. I can't stand to have wasted space in the kiln- and because the pieces are tiny/flat, they don't impact the air flow during the firing.
Have fun,
Susan
www.pollywogpottery.com
"Pfeiffer, Dan R (Dan)" wrote:
I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
cheapest thing they will make. I know small is not always cheap is in the
great tea pots of late but in looking to fill space in our kiln around
larger pots I have make a number of small things that we sell very cheap
($5), so the question became is it worth it or should we just make things
that could sell for a higher price?
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
Jeanette Harris on wed 20 jul 05
I was making little Hampshire sheet from lump clay. Lumpy white
bodies, black faces, ears and legs. Depending on size, they went for
as much as $10. I have a few of the smaller ones left which I'm
getting rid of for $5.00. Great kiln stuffers, but I'm tired of
making them.
This Christmas I made whistle ornaments in the shape of sheep, nutty
looking bug-eyed fish, rabbits, birds and mice. They were priced at
$20.00 each. I'm taking the left-overs to a sale this weekend for
$10.00 each. I know that if I make these again, I'll make mice. They
were the best sellers.
I've made test tiles that are about 2" square to see how stamps
looked in celadon and other glazes. I've sold them for $3.50 and even
wrapped them in tissue, tied them with rafia, stuck my card inside
with "Thank you" to slip into purchase bags.
I guess I really don't like to sell anything for less than
$20.00-$25.00, though. Takes too much time, kiln space and slepping
around.
--
Jeanette Harris
Poulsbo WA
Potter's Council member
Fredrick Paget on wed 20 jul 05
A good little item these days should be a "Turn off your headlights " fob.
You can stamp these out with a cookie cutter and put a reminder
message on them. Make them big and clunky. Customer is told to hang
it on their car key when they are driving with their headlights on in
the daytime which is now required by law in many places. The older
cars that have manual control of the headlights are your customers,
especially if they have forgotten to turn off and needed a jump start.
--
From Fred Paget,
No Tengo Rancho,
Marin County,
California, USA
fredrick@well.com
Hank Murrow on wed 20 jul 05
On Jul 20, 2005, at 1:41 PM, Susan Nebeker wrote:
> I would answer that question, yes, yes yes! I fill every space that I
> can between my bigger pieces on those kiln shelves. This pays for the
> gas, and then some.
>
> Little birds, frogs, soap dishes, tiny tiles for magnets and bubble
> wands.
> Have fun,
> Susan
> www.pollywogpottery.com
I can te4stify here! Susan came down from Portland for a studio visit
and brought one of her frog soap dishes for me, though we use it to put
the used tea infusor on after the tea is brewed. Lovely little thing
sitting on our granite counter!
Cheers, Hank
www.murrow.biz/hank
MudPuppy on wed 20 jul 05
I make chopstick rests. I use them as glaze test tiles, glazing them in =
pairs, and then sell them for abour $5 a pair.
http://studio.box49.com/e107_plugins/custompages/Bargin%20Bin.php
Cathi Newlin
BoxerGirl@box49.com
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
FAYEvision! live, nude boxers
http://www.FAYEvision.com
____________________
My Art
http://c-newlin.deviantart.com/
My Alter Ego
http://www.myspace.com/MrsSlappy
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Pfeiffer, Dan R (Dan)=20
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=20
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 9:19 AM
Subject: minimum price
I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
cheapest thing they will make. I know small is not always cheap is in =
the
great tea pots of late but in looking to fill space in our kiln =
around
larger pots I have make a number of small things that we sell very =
cheap
($5), so the question became is it worth it or should we just make =
things
that could sell for a higher price? As we are new to selling pots it =
seems
to be good to have something for someone who may like to spend a buck =
on a
toothpick holder but would not what to pay more for a mug. It also =
gets some
of our work out and maybe some one will like it and come but more of =
the
stuff that could pay the bills. So the question to those who started =
long
ago, in a far a way place.... is did you do this sort of thing and =
looking
back on it was it worth the time?
Dan & Laurel in Elkmont Al
Potters Council Members
=
_________________________________________________________________________=
_____
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at =
melpots@pclink.com.
Kathi LeSueur on thu 21 jul 05
Pfeiffer, Dan R (Dan) wrote:
>I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
>cheapest thing they will make. I know small is not always cheap is in the
>great tea pots of late but in looking to fill space in our kiln around
>larger pots I have make a number of small things that we sell very cheap
>($5),
>
>
>
I make lots of small stuff for fillers. Nothing under $5. Extruded
business card holders, teabag holders, sweet n low holders, pencil
holders. The rule for me is that these items have to be easy and fast to
make. I view them as a kind of business card. for $5 someone goes home
with a piece of mine. They remember me and the other things in my booth
everytime they look at it. Eventually they will come back and buy
something substantial.
Kathi
Lee Love on thu 21 jul 05
"Pfeiffer, Dan R (Dan)" wrote:
> I would like some advice on what others consider to be the smallest or
> cheapest thing they will make.
Dan,
One thing I make is guinomi (sake/whiskey cups.) They sell
for the same price as yunomi. I also make little medallions that
have the kanji for Mashiko on the front and my pottery stamps on the
back that I hand out free (sometimes I put a Jizo on the back.) They
are oblong and have a hole at the top, so they can be strung on a
leather cord or put on a keychain. They are nice little souviners and
samples of my clay and wood firing.
I started making these for my first trip to Japan. I had
these medallions and guinomi in my pockets that I would hand out to
people I met (when I ran out, I would refresh my pockets from my back
pack.) Taxi drivers were really tickled to get them. You don't
tip in Japan, so the guinomi was a good way to say thank you. I also
put my medallions in wishing ponds, rivers and also in offering boxes
(with my coins) at temples and shrines as a sort of "KilRoy Was
here." Nice to think what the shrine care taker thought when he/she
found them. Also a chance to mess up the acheologists of the
future. ;-)
--
Lee Love
in Mashiko, Japan http://mashiko.org
http://seisokuro.blogspot.com/ My Photo Logs
"We are such stuff
As dreams are made on; and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep."
-- Prospero The Tempest
Shakespeare
Cindy Eve on thu 21 jul 05
Dan,
I have a basket filled with $4 pots. These are small bowls, toothpick
holders, shot glasses etc. These are pots that I throw of the hump and
trim. I often use them to test glazes. I don't put a lot of time into
decorating them but I do make sure they are nicely finished.
They have saved my bacon at more than one show. The money I make from them
usually pays my booth fee and then some.
The plus side is just about everyone can afford a $4 pot. I have customers
that come back to me year after year to tell of the latest use they have
found for them and to buy more.
At Christmas I also throw mini teapots, cups and saucers and use them as
Christmas ornaments. They run $12 and I usually sell out. I would make
more of them but after a while they make me crazy-all those little spouts
and handles!
The possiblities are endless...
Cindy
Eve Pottery in Great Falls, MT where the sun is shining and life is good!
Pfeiffer, Dan R (Dan) on thu 21 jul 05
As I would expect from this group we now have lot of ideas to work with
and some confidence that what we have been doing is the right thing. We do
make Toothpick holders and small bread warmers, Christmas ornaments and sell
small test bowls, if they look good.
Bubble wands looks like a great idea! Medallions look like a maybe, we will
need to work on just what we could make easily. We really need to take the
time and make a number of clay stamps but never seam to get the time. Always
other things to do that are more pressing.
House numbers and maybe some other cookie cutter type shapes are in the
works. Soap dishes for lots of other uses as well we will get working on.
Chopstick rests are a must and we already have a small extruder to make the
basic form... maybe a taller version and we have a spoon rest/test tile.
Bean pot for one bean... not so sure about that but a small bean pot shape
would be good.
Lots of nice things to make.. should keep us busy for a long while. What we
need is a kid willing to make stuff. unfortunately all we know are ether too
young or not interested or too far a way to come play in the mud.
Thanks to one and all.
Dan & Laurel in Elkmont Al
Potters Council Members
Gene Arnold on thu 21 jul 05
We make ring worms.. For holding rings when washing hands or making pots.
Great conversation starter with customer.
Take a 1/2 inch coil of clay. Form a small round head, poke two holes for
eyes and shape like a snake coiled up with the tail sticking up about 3/4
inch like a rattle snake about to strike. We sell a butt load at five bucks
each. Can be used for glaze tests and will fit in any nook or cranny in the
kiln.
Gene & Latonna
mudduck@mudduckpottery.com
www.mudduckpottery.com
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