2) How was it invented? How long
has it been in business? I found this wonderful community of folks with Google and fell instantly into the comfortable and relaxed vibe of the site. So many folks came to me within hours of my opening to offer help, advise and a lending hand in setting up...It's the first time I've come across this in an online shop setting..Next month, I'll celebrate my 1 year anniversary there :)
3) Where did the name come from? Other then than the obvious? LOL..Well, I had intended on keeping it all canvas art, but just can not contain my desire to offer all sort of art. As handmade items of any kind and medium are considered "art", I added Gallery to my name..In the Bonanza community I'm know also as "Brish"...LOL..I'll explain that one day :)
4) Are all of the items handmade and
what all do you carry? I would say 75% of my item are handmade. I no longer make Jewelry..I am now leaving that to the wonderful artists out there that have that wonderful knack down to a fine science. My jewelry pieces are from a wholesaler, but they are high quality and always NIP (New in Package) unless I find a wonderful Vintage piece I must share :)
5) Where all do you sell online and tell
us a bot about each site and why you
choose it as a place to sell you items. I am currently only selling on Bonanza and a small inventory at Etsy..I think my answer in question one, explains why I'm hooked
6) What is your favorite item to make
and your least favorite. I love a fresh canvas and a fresh batch of oils...I can get lost for hours in a painting, it's wonderful theropy for me..Though I've been sewing for years, I have to work myself into my sewing projects...I thinks it's because just as your vibe gets going, the bobbin runs out!!!
7) Do you do special orders and if so
and if someone does not like what they
order how do you handle this? I do offer custom orders yes..Over the years, I"ve found a both positive and negative offering this service...I have decided that the best way to make it a positive settlement for myself and for my customers, is to be up front and honest before they purchase and let them know my custom order policies..I do 1/2 refund on custom orders, so that the materials I've special purchased for them, are not going to be my loss..as we all know, we arent in business to lose money, but we also are not in the business to do bad business...I keep open end communications with my clients along the way with lots of notes, emails and pictures.
8) For someone just starting in a craft
business what type of information would
you offer them? First...LOVE the craft you choose to offer and sell...Know that as times have changed, crafting is not the time honored item it used to be..If your in it to simply make your fortune, you better pick another line of work..Not often will you make what your "time" is worth...Cross Stichers would have to charge a small fortune for their work, as dozens and dozens of hours go into that..Keep your crafts reasonably priced, fair to your own pocketbook, and LOVE it so much, you just want to share the beauty for a great price...
9) More and more bloggers are contacting
small businesses to work with them can you
tell us how you feel about this?
10) Can you share one item we do not
know about you and why you choose
to share it with us? I think if the communication between the two is left open and up front, and neither party is out to exploit the other in a negative manner, it could be a valuable highway for both parties...
11) What is 1 thing you would change about
your business and why? I guess that would have to be the hours I allow myself to invest in my booth...Some days I spend up to 12 hours, promoting and working and contributing to others..I need to realize, we have a home business to give us "more" time, not work ourselves into the ground, and let other areas of our lives suffer...I need to set up a time limit and stick with it :)
12) Is there anything new you are working on
and can share with us? I've recently come up with postcards for the Truckers of our Roads.."Thru a Truckers Windshield" is a series of digital art collectors cards..I spent some time of the road with my husband, seeing the world thru that masive windshield and learned to appreciate what these brave drivers must endure each and every day and the sacrafices they make to make ends meet..I've listed a few in my Etsy shop as trial run :)
BIO:
My name is Debra Wysocki, not related to the great Charles, a vigorous and recently departed fellow artisan..I've been married to my High School Sweetheart for 32 years..We have one son, who is an EMT and soon to be Police Officer..I have only my Mom left, who is also a best friend and confidant..I was born and raised in Southern California, but moved to Southern Utah in 1996. I moved my Son from the problems of the public schools in So.Cal, brought him here and home schooled him.
I started painting as a 7 year old, painting rocks from the garden and selling them at a little homemade stand as paper weights..My mom taught me to crochet as a young girl, and I've been "hooked" ever since :) I have 2 cats, Turkey Butt and Doozerdoo, who are now my only kids...
My Sites:
http://www.bonanza.com/brushstrokesgallery
http://www.strokesofart.etsy.com
