In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes >Time spent at craft shows, while illuminating for the public, is >not going to result in as large a pay off, unless they are very high end >craft shows.
The bottom line here is whether we plan to keep lacemaking alive, by attracting more lacemakers, or whether we are in it as a commercial venture. I have, in the past, both made lace to commission (a piece of lace jewellery, for which I could charge a realistic price) and swapped a piece (which was certain to be appreciated by its intended recipient - the brother of one of our local potters) for a piece of pottery that my daughter really wanted. But, my feelings now, are that lace is beneficial in terms of stress relief, and companionship, and building self confidence. This is achieved in class, and members of a class are more likely to be found wandering round the local craft fair than occupying the classes rich enough to buy the produce. I feel much more pleasure is gained by someone who knows enough to appreciate a gift, than one who has more than enough money to acquire another piece. I make my living by other means, passing on the skills I do for free. (And I know most people won't agree with this, but it means that only the room has to be paid for, and lacemaking is accessible to more learners). This week, one of my class gave another member a birthday present of a Christmas tree ornament she had made, and a bobbin. From the look on G's face, the ornament was the greater treasure. If everyone stopped demonstrating at craft fairs, we would probably stop attracting new lacemakers, and if that happens, when we go, the skill of lace goes. It may be years before the interested party takes up the craft (my new-to-lace-this-year 85 year old student first expressed an interest in learning when her son was 16 - he remembered, and bought her equipment this year - she is enjoying every minute of learning - and her son is way past 16 now!). For some, lacemaking is a livelihood, but we must work to keep a balance between demonstrating for the rich buyers, and for the not so rich would-be lacemakers. -- Jane Partridge - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
