So.. What's up? ✨
I've spent this past month working to improve my processes and finding ways to offer a wider range of price points and everyday functional items.
As for this update, I added a few Cauldron-inspired newbies to the lineup -- similar vibes, but with wider use cases. Plus, new glaze combinations have also hit the shelves! 🥰
My experiments and product ideas for simpler pieces continues on. While there still aren't many pieces below the $50 mark, I will have more to show you soon!
But let's focus on the present. In terms of upgrading my workflows, glazing is in the hot seat. 👀🔥
Dipping vs. Brushing Glazes 🔮
Almost every piece of pottery I've made has been manually glazed via paintbrush, rather than dipping the piece in a bucket of glaze. That means 3-4 coats per glaze (with drying in between), and many of my pieces have 3-4+ glazes each! Yikes. (I'll admit, my pricing does not work out well for me if I track all of that time accurately.)
Transitioning from brushing to dipping is an inevitable step, and it's an important one.
Dip glazing should ultimately mean more consistency, quicker processes, and reducing costs (both for me, and for you!)
However, as with any major workflow shift, the short term effects are quite the opposite. 😂 Current status: Inconsistencies (both in glaze finish and coverage), longer time spent, a semi-ruined 2 gallon batch of glaze later, with certainly no studio efficiencies worked out.. YET.
But it isn't all bad. There are quite a few "seconds" in this batch that are discounted due to glazing issues, and I hope that the discounts can make those imperfections worth it to those of you who don't care (or simply don't even notice).
(BTW, to those of you in that crowd -- 1. Thank you, 2. Please, share your zen ways with the rest of us? 🙏🖤😂)
What's Next? 💫
I'm thrilled announce that Whims & Wiles has been accepted into a couple of local markets, including the AJ Vagabonds Market in the Bishop Arts District (YAY) and the Boho Market (the location rotates around the DFW area). I am VERY excited and SO pleased! I will announce more once I have official dates.
While I've already been focused on offering a wider variety of price tiers, this further solidifies that as a top priority. Keep an eye on my insta stories for little previews, and I think it's about time for some polls. I'd love to know what you're looking to buy/gift, & what price points do you find irresistable? Let me know? You can reply to this email directly, if you like-- or instagram DM, facebook, you know the drill 🥰🖤
Thank you again for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for my work. I still need to pinch myself sometimes, just to make sure this is all real! You all are seriously the best.
Until next time!
From my magickal heart to yours,
Whitney of Whims & Wiles
+ Rosko and Kuma, Shiba Inu shop assistants 🐾