Pricing of handmade goods is a serious issue for many, many people. Artists, crafters and customers alike often struggle with this. I know I do find it hard to price my goods to reflect the cost not only of materials, but also to factor in my time, overheads, profit and my skill – not to mention the development and product testing that came before a bag was ready for sale. I came across this fantastic article today and it should be required reading for everyone who makes, sells or buys handmade goods. Please read through the post and the comments that follow. I would be interested to hear what you think.

I am adding two new products to the range. The first is a messenger-style bag which is the perfect size for your daily needs and will keep you organized in style. Well, at least your handbag contents will be organized, even if your life isn’t! The finished size is approximately 9″ across, 10″ high and 3″ wide. The bag features a full flap with a parachute clip closure, multiple pockets under the flap, as well as inside the bag, a rear pocket, a key clip and a sturdy adjustable strap. I use a combination of fleece and interfacing for structure and durability. Prices start at $75 Cdn, and will vary depending on the materials used.

Under flap of messenger style bag

The second bag is similar, but is 11.5″ across, 9.5″ high and 3.5″ deep. The rear pocket is designed to hold a magazine, plus there are pockets galore for cell phone, pens, notepads etc. There is also a key clip to save you scrabbling around and an adjustable strap so it can be worn on one shoulder or across the body. These will start at $85 Cdn and pockets can be customized to suit your needs.

Under flap of bag, multiple pockets

This particular bag is made in designer fabric by Amy Butler, along with three coordinating cotton prints.

The new Pip ‘n’ Milly website is now live! There are a couple of issues to resolve, but my tech-savvy husband is looking into it. The site will evolve over time to include online ordering, inventory, testimonials and the like, but for now it will serve to show my work and give a background to the company. Please stop by to check it out.

A lady approached me at the Market I participated in at the end of November and mentioned that she liked the idea of  something similar to an advent calendar for her children for Hanukkah. After various emails back and forth, lots of planning on paper and “take a deep breath and cut”, here is what I designed and made for her. She is really happy with the outcome and pleased that her children will have a fun tradition that is special for their family.

Hanukkah calendar

Hanukkah calendar with candles in the menorah

The lower section is a pocket for a gift for each day of Hanukkah. Each day the child will take one of the candles and place it in the menorah as appropriate.

These are some of the products I have been working on lately. I also made an adorable purple and white tutu with a ribbon waistband and embellished with flowers, but forgot to take a picture before it left. Hopefully I will get one after Christmas, once the little girl has received it – if her Mommy can wait that long!

Mummy and me apron set

Mid-size 'holds just about everything' bag

This one was for my lovely neighbour, who needed something light and pretty to take away on a trip to warmer climes. The interior is a lilac cotton and there are multiple lined pockets, a key clip and magnetic closure.

Hockey-themed Grab 'n' Go placemat

This is made in a cotton hockey print with a coordinating flannel and is interlined with Armo fleece for structure and durability. The pocket has 3 sections for cutlery and secure with hook and loop tape so nothing falls out. There is a pocket for a cloth napkin. The placemat rolls up and ties with the 2 straps and is perfect for taking to school, picnics, fast food lunches and more. Keeps food off the table and reduces use of disposable products.

3-pocket, lined Christmas apron

Umm….this one was for me!

Super twirly gold skirt for 6 year old

Mummy and me apron set

Custom messenger bag

Pockets under the flap of messenger bag

I love this bag and it was really hard to give it up! Messenger style bag in five coordinating fabrics, with applique embellishment on the flap, multiple lined pockets inside and out, a key clip, swish metal clip and an adjustable strap.

These are just a few of the things I have been working on lately, so you can see why I haven’t been posting much! I have one more interesting project to work on, then I have a few ideas for Christmas gifts for my own children. Little M. loves to bake, so I am going to try to make a chef’s hat for her. Not sure about P. yet……

Apologies, again, for not writing more often. I have been very focused on sewing lately and not had much opportunity to use the computer. I have also been in substantial pain with my back and leg, so have had to limit sitting time. I have new medication to help, but it makes me feel nauseous and very fuzzy in the head, so not a good combination!

Anyway, the market went well. It was good to be doing it on a relatively small scale with a select group of people. We had a really great turnout and saw lots of new faces, as well as some very good friends who came along to support us.

First market set up

I worked really hard to make enough stock to fill the table and offer a variety of items, from aprons, deluxe baby bibs, handbags, crayon rolls, colouring sets (lined book bag and coordinating crayon roll), reversible coffee cozies, tutus, zippered pouches, Grab ‘n’ Go placemats and felt crowns. If we do any markets in the future, we will definitely work on some better display structures!

Just one more sleep until the big day – the EllaBella Designs’ 1st Annual Christmas Market. This will be my first market and I have been sewing every night to make enough to fill a table. Normally I make items to order, so I don’t usually have much stock on hand. Well, now I do! I will have aprons for children and women, tutus, one of a kind handbags, reversible coffee cup cozies, cosmetic pouches, Grab ‘n’ Go placemats and crayon rolls. I will also be taking orders for custom pieces for Christmas.

If you are in the Nanimo area and are interested in locally made, handmade, high quality pieces, please stop by. Here’s a link to the map. Hope to see you there!

Aprons

Getting ready for Market

I am delighted to report that some of my work will soon be available at Side Street Studio in Victoria, BC! They have a location in Oak Bay and one on Humboldt Street in downtown Victoria. This is a tremendously exciting opportunity. Side Street Studio features the work of many talented artists and artisans and every piece is handmade right here in Canada.

I mentioned a little while ago that I had an exciting retail opportunity coming up. I met with one of the owners of Side Street Studio yesterday and am exceedingly happy to report that some of my work will soon be available at their boutiques in Oak Bay and on Humboldt Street in downtown Victoria.

I have to go sew now!

As you may know, I have decided to put my sewing work on a more official, business footing. As part of that transition, I have decided to separate my family and general home-related posts from my work-related posts. I will soon be moving all of the latter to the Pip ‘n’ Milly Creations website (www.pipnmilly.com) and the former will shift to http://thewinkingfrog.wordpress.com (family/home stuff).

The new Winking Frog blog is active now and that is where all new crafty, domestic, family, scenery, cookery posts will be. I might even do a giveaway in a few days…..

We are working on the move now and hope to have it all completed very soon. Please feel free to visit either or both. I would be grateful if you could leave a comment so I know you have found me!

Don’t forget to change your bookmarks and links!