Dear Jeri -- I don't know how the question of pricing exactly got
into the <e-Gallery of Contemporary Lace> discussion, although I
guess sooner or later it would have, reality dictating that value is
ultimately linked with saleability.
Look: value is in the mind of the beholder. Your friend Elaine
<"tattedwebs.com"> is not doing lacemakers any favor by seriously
underpricing her work. Will you tell me why a bride is happy to walk
down the aisle wearing a $5,000 wedding dress, but will carry a
handkerchief for which she paid $28? It's because she has been taught
to look at a wedding dress with awe. She hasn't been taught to look
at lace at all, except maybe off-hand as a trimming.
Do have a look at some of those Binche-trimmed hankies that are
currently being produced, that represent hours and hours and hours of
work, and incredible skill and experience. An art-loving public will
go to a museum and admire a framed canvas that has had a bucket of
paint cleverly spilled on it, because those paintings have been shown
and shown, and written about again and again, and the public has
gradually been educated to look at that paint with respect. But how
many museum-goers would know to look at a handkerchief with respect?
It's not enough that a magazine devoted to textiles will occasionally
feature lace, for us to read about it. It's not enough for us to talk
to each other about the intricacies and marvels of workmanship that
amaze us. We are all preaching to the choir. We need to catch the eye
and the imagination of a thus-far ignorant public.
And how did the question of size get into the discussion? But I will
save this issue for a future rant!
Aurelia
Catonsville, Maryland
Some of you are wondering about pricing your handmade lace for sale. We have
a member of Lacemakers of Maine who is a very experienced tatter. Tess,
Lori the Lacefairy, and I turn to her with many tatting questions.. She
participates in juried shows, is active on tatting web sites, and
takes orders for
tatted items. You can see some of her work, and prices at:
http://tattedwebs.com/
Jeri Ames in Maine USA
Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
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