Rachel Campbell on thu 23 mar 06
Hi all...
I gave myself an interesting exercise this month...not quite the 100 mugs,
but instead 90 little bottles, each a little different although there were
some variations on couple of themes. Wanna
see?
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/krc3camp/album?.dir=/e7be&.src=ph&.tok=phILMmEBA_zHeOmD
Reason: I'm giving a "workshop/demo" presentation this weekend for 110 (ok,
80 or so women and 30 kids) at a Mother/Daughter brunch, and I'm giving
away (yes, giving away, not selling) a pot to every attendee...
My mom and I have done this "tag-team" talk 5 times this year for various
women's groups at our churches and a women's retreat... We call it "A Visit
to the Potter's House" (from a verse in Jeremiah in the Bible). I demo and
talk about the process that a pot goes through (throwing a pot,
trimming/adding handles to leather pots, dropping/destroying a greenware
pot to demonstrate the necessity of the kiln), and my mom speaks about how
everything that happens in life is used to shape us into the person we're
meant to be. I always give away half a dozen mugs (each one different,
showing different styles and glaze effects); this one is the first time I
actually tried to do a pot for everyone (in this case, every adult--the
little ones are getting crayons ;-).
Now I realize this is something a "professional" potter wouldn't be able to
do (at least in terms of cost-effectiveness). I'm just an obsessive
midnight potter...during the day I'm a mom of 4 and with a patient husband
and a p/t IT job to help fund my obsessions. And besides, I'm at the place
in my potting life where I'm growing and making lots of stuff, but I
haven't quite figured out a "business plan" or whatever to find homes for
all the stuff I'm making. So giving away a bunch of pots doesn't "cost" me
anything, it just frees up space :-). And I'm certainly no Tony Clennel or
Linda Christianson (I pay to go to the real workshops, people don't
generally pay to watch me throw ;-), I'm just competent enough to be able
to demo and provide a free program (and my mom provides the wisdom).
But, in terms of educating the public, an occasional community/freebee of
this kind has a lot to recommend it. This weekend, (aside from any
personal a-ha moments) 80 potential future pottery lovers/buyers will
hopefully gain an appreciation of the difference between what we do and
what they can buy at WalMart.
Thoughts anyone?
Rachel in Odenton, MD
Elizabeth Priddy on thu 23 mar 06
It is an excellent promotional project. Just make sure
you work it. Inside each of these little bottles, there
ahould be a little sheet with your name and other info
including when you have a studio sale coming up and
directions to find you.
Something like:
"My name is x and I am a local potter. You can find my work at
x, y and z. I have a studio sale on the first saturday in may
every year. You can find me at x. I hope you enjoy this piece
of handmade clay pottery as much as I enjoyed making it."
Something easy to remember, short and to the point, and
sincere. Don't include it if you would not feel natural saying
it out loud.
and a business card. People like being able to keep track of
you without a flimsy sheet of paper to keep up with. A business
card is easy to keep. 1500 for $15, give them all away, they
don't work in your pocket.
Make a small sign for the table in front of the demo area that
has your name printed clearly so that they will remember your name,
not just "some potter" .
and take lots of pictures, have a friend photograph you during
the demo, can be close up of your hands if you don't like to
be photographed. Try to include the crowd. psychology indicates
that they will be left with the impression that a lot of other people
like you and are interested in what you do, and people tend to
respond to peer pressure at many levels. When it is over, send the
pictures and a brief paragraph or two describing what happened,
just like you did to here, and offer to answer any questions they
might have. Follow up with a phone call to the "lifestyles" editor.
The pics you put up would be great. The little pots all lined up
with each one just a little different is great.
And it would be an additional expense, but I used to make bottles
and always offered either a cork or a pump dispenser top with
them to indicate that they are not just for sitting around. These
you might have available for a dollar or so if you have any on hand.
I think your assumption that pros would not find this cost effective
is incorrect. Pros can turn out those bottles in one afternoon,
glaze and finish them in a morning. So it would be much cheaper
in terms of time and the materials amount to about $.50.
I hope some of this helps. Your bottles are charming. People will
love them.
Elizabeth
Rachel Campbell wrote:
Hi all...
I gave myself an interesting exercise this month...not quite the 100 mugs,
but instead 90 little bottles, each a little different although there were
some variations on couple of themes. Wanna
see?
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/krc3camp/album?.dir=/e7be&.src=ph&.tok=phILMmEBA_zHeOmD
Elizabeth Priddy
Beaufort, NC - USA
http://www.elizabethpriddy.com
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.
Maxwell, Deborah on thu 23 mar 06
Rachel,
Outstanding! Your approach to educate people about pottery is a very
unique. It will pay off many times later. I think you are on to
something.
My own experience includes giving away the first piece free to family
and friends. And yes, it does work, they come back for more and have
been very supportive. They tell their friends and so on.
Good luck. Your bottles look great.
Deborah J. Bassett-Maxwell
Kimball, Michigan
www.redmuddcreations.com
=20
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Rachel
Campbell
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 12:57 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: 90 Bottles/workshop sales
Hi all...
I gave myself an interesting exercise this month...not quite the 100
mugs,
but instead 90 little bottles, each a little different although there
were
some variations on couple of themes. Wanna
see?
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/krc3camp/album?.dir=3D/e7be&.src=3Dph&.tok=3D=
phI
LMmEBA_zHeOmD
Reason: I'm giving a "workshop/demo" presentation this weekend for 110
(ok,
80 or so women and 30 kids) at a Mother/Daughter brunch, and I'm giving
away (yes, giving away, not selling) a pot to every attendee...
My mom and I have done this "tag-team" talk 5 times this year for
various
women's groups at our churches and a women's retreat... We call it "A
Visit
to the Potter's House" (from a verse in Jeremiah in the Bible). I demo
and
talk about the process that a pot goes through (throwing a pot,
trimming/adding handles to leather pots, dropping/destroying a greenware
pot to demonstrate the necessity of the kiln), and my mom speaks about
how
everything that happens in life is used to shape us into the person
we're
meant to be. I always give away half a dozen mugs (each one different,
showing different styles and glaze effects); this one is the first time
I
actually tried to do a pot for everyone (in this case, every adult--the
little ones are getting crayons ;-).
Now I realize this is something a "professional" potter wouldn't be able
to
do (at least in terms of cost-effectiveness). I'm just an obsessive
midnight potter...during the day I'm a mom of 4 and with a patient
husband
and a p/t IT job to help fund my obsessions. And besides, I'm at the
place
in my potting life where I'm growing and making lots of stuff, but I
haven't quite figured out a "business plan" or whatever to find homes
for
all the stuff I'm making. So giving away a bunch of pots doesn't "cost"
me
anything, it just frees up space :-). And I'm certainly no Tony Clennel
or
Linda Christianson (I pay to go to the real workshops, people don't
generally pay to watch me throw ;-), I'm just competent enough to be
able
to demo and provide a free program (and my mom provides the wisdom).
But, in terms of educating the public, an occasional community/freebee
of
this kind has a lot to recommend it. This weekend, (aside from any
personal a-ha moments) 80 potential future pottery lovers/buyers will
hopefully gain an appreciation of the difference between what we do and
what they can buy at WalMart.
Thoughts anyone?
Rachel in Odenton, MD
________________________________________________________________________
______
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.
Noel Jensen on thu 23 mar 06
Good job, Rachel! This is an excellent way of getting your name out there.
Noel
P.S. I may be biased. As her partner in the recent stay-at-home
exchange, I'm the proud owner of a Rachel mug .
Rachel Campbell wrote:
> Hi all...
>
> I gave myself an interesting exercise this month...not quite the 100
> mugs,
> but instead 90 little bottles, each a little different although there
> were
> some variations on couple of themes. Wanna
> see?
> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/krc3camp/album?.dir=/e7be&.src=ph&.tok=phILMmEBA_zHeOmD
>
>
>
> Reason: I'm giving a "workshop/demo" presentation this weekend for 110
> (ok,
> 80 or so women and 30 kids) at a Mother/Daughter brunch, and I'm giving
> away (yes, giving away, not selling) a pot to every attendee...
>
> My mom and I have done this "tag-team" talk 5 times this year for various
> women's groups at our churches and a women's retreat... We call it "A
> Visit
> to the Potter's House" (from a verse in Jeremiah in the Bible). I
> demo and
> talk about the process that a pot goes through (throwing a pot,
> trimming/adding handles to leather pots, dropping/destroying a greenware
> pot to demonstrate the necessity of the kiln), and my mom speaks about
> how
> everything that happens in life is used to shape us into the person we're
> meant to be. I always give away half a dozen mugs (each one different,
> showing different styles and glaze effects); this one is the first time I
> actually tried to do a pot for everyone (in this case, every adult--the
> little ones are getting crayons ;-).
>
> Now I realize this is something a "professional" potter wouldn't be
> able to
> do (at least in terms of cost-effectiveness). I'm just an obsessive
> midnight potter...during the day I'm a mom of 4 and with a patient
> husband
> and a p/t IT job to help fund my obsessions. And besides, I'm at the
> place
> in my potting life where I'm growing and making lots of stuff, but I
> haven't quite figured out a "business plan" or whatever to find homes for
> all the stuff I'm making. So giving away a bunch of pots doesn't
> "cost" me
> anything, it just frees up space :-). And I'm certainly no Tony
> Clennel or
> Linda Christianson (I pay to go to the real workshops, people don't
> generally pay to watch me throw ;-), I'm just competent enough to be able
> to demo and provide a free program (and my mom provides the wisdom).
>
> But, in terms of educating the public, an occasional community/freebee of
> this kind has a lot to recommend it. This weekend, (aside from any
> personal a-ha moments) 80 potential future pottery lovers/buyers will
> hopefully gain an appreciation of the difference between what we do and
> what they can buy at WalMart.
>
> Thoughts anyone?
>
> Rachel in Odenton, MD
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
>
> 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.
>
Gayle Bair on thu 23 mar 06
Rachel,
I noticed that you were giving crayons to the children.
I must tell you that I never miss an opportunity to give a piece to a child.
Whenever I notice a child studying, admiring or helping the adult pick out a
piece at my booth that child is gifted one of my small pieces. I cannot tell
you how many times I'll have them back in my booth reminding me what a
wonderful experience it was for the child.
Last Dec. a mother and child spent over 30 minutes picking out pieces. They
did not seem to have a lot of funds. When I had wrapped all the gifts I said
to the child "Which one did you like best?" When she pointed it out I
wrapped it gave it to the child who looked at her mom
for an ok then clutched it to her chest.. The mother was in tears... I gave
her a hug. It was the sweetest moment of the show for me.
Now stepping outside of the warm fuzzies there are side benefits....
Rewarding a child's appreciation for pottery makes a lasting impression.
When that child becomes an adult I expect there will be an affinity and
desire to buy handcrafted pottery. A small token from me may inspire and
appreciation that could turn this person into a potter, collector or at
the very least someone who has a fond memory.
I would suggest at your next event you also make pieces for the children.
My 2 sense
Gayle Bair
Bainbridge Island, WA
Tucson, AZ
www.claybair.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Campbell
Hi all...
I gave myself an interesting exercise this month...not quite the 100 mugs,
but instead 90 little bottles, each a little different although there were
some variations on couple of themes. Wanna
see?
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/krc3camp/album?.dir=/e7be&.src=ph&.tok=phILMmE
BA_zHeOmD
Reason: I'm giving a "workshop/demo" presentation this weekend for 110 (ok,
80 or so women and 30 kids) at a Mother/Daughter brunch, and I'm giving
away (yes, giving away, not selling) a pot to every attendee...
Snip<.
Thoughts anyone?
Rachel in Odenton, MD
Bonnie Staffel on fri 24 mar 06
What a great project, Rachel. I think that you will reap many more =
benefits
from this operation than you can believe. When I opened my shop in
Charlevoix I hired apprentices who needed to be taught how to throw off =
the
hump. So I designed these little bottles, first to teach the girls the
technique, second to offer my new public an inexpensive memento of their
visit to my shop, and third, as a glaze testing form. One of my hobbies =
at
that time was to cut and dry meadow blooms of various types so would =
fill
the little bottles with dried arrangements while the shoppers looked =
over my
pottery offerings. Another purpose I found for these little dried =
flower
filled bottles was to give them to the nurses at the hospital where I =
had an
operation in thanks for their care. I think it is a great way to start =
out
in your community to let people know about your work. Every once in a =
while
I find one of my little bottles on ebay. While these little pots made =
great
kiln fillers as well as an inexpensive sale used as an exit* sale it was =
the
beginning of our success in our new town. =20
*for those of you who may not know what an exit sale is, sometimes =
visitors
would come into my shop ( I was out in the country) and feel duty bound =
to
buy something, so we had these inexpensive bottles ($5.00 in those days) =
as
well as packaged serigraph printed gift tags that my husband designed
available near the door. They also started a dialog with the visitor so
that one could give them the story of your pots, with many times the =
visitor
would come back again and purchase something more expensive. We felt it =
was
just good PR. =20
Our sales gave us about 20 years of a successful business in this area =
as
well as many long time friends and collectors.
Regards,
Bonnie Staffel
http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
DVD Throwing with Coils and Slabs
DVD Beginning Processes
Charter Member Potters Council
Rachel Campbell on fri 24 mar 06
Hi Gayle,
I totally agree with you about giving pots to the kids... I finally got
around to doing mugs for my 4 kids for Christmas this year, personalized
with their names, and those mugs rarely stay long on their hooks (I have all
our favorite mugs displayed on S-hooks hanging on towel bars on the wall of
the kitchen)...Even the 3-yr-old knows which one is hers and they all love
them. And the 3 yr old and 6 yr old sit with me when my CM, CT and PMI come
and point out their "favorite pots" on each page.
Actually, this is a case of a combination of bad planning and bad timing on
my part. I waited until just 4 weeks before the event to start making the
bottles (I wasn't sure they'd want/use them, and I'm having real problems
with figuring out what to do with the stuff that comes out of my kiln!)...
And I was planning for 120 bottles initially. But would you believe two
weeks ago, only 25 people (total, incl. kids) were signed up to come to this
thing? They had a table between services at church for 3 weeks, for people
to sign up/buy tickets, and as of week 2, only 25 people had signed up.
Meanwhile, I came down with the flu and was flat out for a week and behind
on my personal schedule for making the pots. And so I figured I'd do what I
could, but what were the chances that more than say, 50 more would sign up
in the last week?
That'll teach me to underestimate the procrastination tendencies of the
women in my church :-)... Literally 95 more tickets (that I know of) were
bought in the past week... As of Sunday we were up to 80 total (I had 90
finished bottles), and I was debating whether to try to rush some more
through the process, but let people talk me out of it.
SOOO, now I'm just hoping it stays under 90 adults (we're up to 120 as of
yesterday, but at least 30 of those are kids) and trying to decide whether I
should print up "IOUs", or maybe bring all the extra "seconds" that are
cluttering up my basement and let people choose, or just let those
organizing the event make it "first come, first served," so that those who
actually paid for tickets by the "deadline" (deadlines are obviously not
very important around here) get to take home pots first. (I'm just grateful
the girl organizing things thought to get additional "stuff" for the kids!)
I'm pretty psyched to be doing the program for this big a crowd, but I
clearly didn't expect it to get this big. (The other times we've done it
it's been for groups of around 25-30.
We shall see... I'll send an update tomorrow night and let you all know how
it went!
:-) --Rachel in Odenton, MD
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2006 12:01:20 -0700
> From: Gayle Bair
> Subject: Re: 90 Bottles/workshop sales
>
> Rachel,
> I noticed that you were giving crayons to the children.
> I must tell you that I never miss an opportunity to give a piece to a
> child.
> Whenever I notice a child studying, admiring or helping the adult pick out
> a
> piece at my booth that child is gifted one of my small pieces. I cannot
> tell
> you how many times I'll have them back in my booth reminding me what a
> wonderful experience it was for the child.
> Last Dec. a mother and child spent over 30 minutes picking out pieces.
> They
> did not seem to have a lot of funds. When I had wrapped all the gifts I
> said
> to the child "Which one did you like best?" When she pointed it out I
> wrapped it gave it to the child who looked at her mom
> for an ok then clutched it to her chest.. The mother was in tears... I
> gave
> her a hug. It was the sweetest moment of the show for me.
> Now stepping outside of the warm fuzzies there are side benefits....
> Rewarding a child's appreciation for pottery makes a lasting impression.
> When that child becomes an adult I expect there will be an affinity and
> desire to buy handcrafted pottery. A small token from me may inspire and
> appreciation that could turn this person into a potter, collector or at
> the very least someone who has a fond memory.
> I would suggest at your next event you also make pieces for the children.
>
> My 2 sense
>
> Gayle Bair
> Bainbridge Island, WA
> Tucson, AZ
> www.claybair.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Campbell
>
> Hi all...
>
> I gave myself an interesting exercise this month...not quite the 100 mugs,
> but instead 90 little bottles, each a little different although there were
> some variations on couple of themes. Wanna
> see?
> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/krc3camp/album?.dir=/e7be&.src=ph&.tok=phILM
> mE
> BA_zHeOmD
>
>
> Reason: I'm giving a "workshop/demo" presentation this weekend for 110
> (ok,
> 80 or so women and 30 kids) at a Mother/Daughter brunch, and I'm giving
> away (yes, giving away, not selling) a pot to every attendee...
> Snip<.
>
> Thoughts anyone?
>
> Rachel in Odenton, MD
>
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