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View Full Version : Lampworking at Michael's Art's and Crafts!?!?!?

Lenda
08-13-2002, 07:47 PM
O.K. I went to Michael's today to get some paint for my buoys. Went to the bead section and what do I find???? These lampworked beads made in Czech. These are the beads that the average American crafter, beader, whatever has access to, everyday. This is one reason why they don't understand why we beadmakers charge what we do. These strands each cost $3.99- Just thought I'd post it, it was kinda shocking.......


Lenda::confused: :(
llis
08-13-2002, 09:01 PM
What a shame!

The same thing happens to painters. There are paint mills that do the same scene over and over and sell them as original fine art. Next time you are in an antique store...take a look at some of the Paint Mill work that they are selling. Lots of cute bunnies in cabbage leaves and roosters in farm scenes. Lots of Hunt scenes too. Also the antique market has taken a hit with so many reproduction companies coming from all kinds of places using all kinds of woods.

The only thing that saves us all is that our work is original and we have the scars to prove it. :D
FiredDesires
08-14-2002, 11:45 AM
I agree with you Lenda...people can't understand why we charge what we do when they see things such as these. They are very pretty though...wonder if they have been annealed? And I might have a problem sporting a creation that was probably made by some 10yr old, shoved in a corner, making 1.00 a day:mad:
b2beads
08-14-2002, 12:47 PM
Well, I don't really actively sell my beads at this point, so this is just my opinion. Different target market. I think beadmakers sell their beads for the prices they do because there IS a market for the more unique "artist" beads. When I was making jewelry, I did find a store in Lincoln that carried similar beads - by the tons (Michaels only had a scant selection). They had TONS of wedding cake beads, etc. They were OK. But they weren't what I was looking for. They weren't the "focal" quality I wanted in my pieces. There is nothing wrong with those beads, and MANY people are thrilled with them, I'm sure. I wasn't, tho'.

Just my opinion.

b2