Thursday, June 11, 2009

the return of ornaments?

 
With only about 2 months to go until New York Gift, I'm really thinking hard about what products I'm going to have in my booth.  I would really like to bring the ornaments into my wholesale line, but I've got a few decisions to make.  I think the ornaments will be a good addition because they sell at a lower price point, and since this is an August show, buyers will be looking for holiday items.

However, I'm concerned that in their current incarnation, they won't fit into the modern, graphic aesthetic I'm trying to convey in my booth and with my brand.  So here are my questions:
Do I just focus on imagery using my loop leaf shape so that it relates to my other work, and forgo the more obvious holiday imagery?
Do I limit the metals - just steel instead of copper?  And if I'm using steel, do I powder coat, paint, or leave them bare?
Should I use a different hanging method?  Something simpler and cleaner than the ribbon?  Or do they need a hanging method at all?  Is a hole enough, and then people can supply their own hook?

These are changes that I'm considering for a wholesale line of the ornaments - the original version could still be available in my Etsy shop.

So, what should I do?  Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your help!






7 comments:

Kathleen Stoltzfus said...

I like the first and the third of the bottom three shots. I'd try to keep to the graphic aesthetic of your booth. One look, one image. I'd also use a simpler hanger, maybe black oxidized wire. The ribbon doesn't really "go" with the rest of your work, and neither does the copper. Good luck!

andrea said...

I think stick with the loopy leaf patterns. Some steel and some powder coated with a wire hanger.

Margaux Lange said...

I agree, I think the 1st and 3rd really fit in nicely with your collections, but yeah, definitely in just the steel - (as lovely as the copper is) some with powder coating, some without. I don't mind the ribbon - I think it softens the look (and helps people to understand, yes these are ornaments) but maybe streamline to one color, like red - or maybe a color used on one of your cozy cuffs? Will the cozy cuffs be at the Gift show as well?

Skylark Studio said...

I agree with all of the above! I would opt for the powder coated and black - and as for the hanger I'd say either the black or another color from your booth (cozy cuff grey?) or an oxidized hanger ... good luck with the show, I'm anxious to hear how it goes for you! best of luck!

Lynette said...

I agree with Margaux about one color of ribbon (and keeping the ribbon for the hanger) but I disagree with not keeping the copper. The copper ones are really nice and I dont think everything in your line/booth needs to be monochromatic. There are still definite design characteristics that are yours. People like variety and the warmth of the copper is really nice. I think it would be a shame to not continue those.

tricia said...

Hmmm...I would say stay graphic with your design, use steel, and powder coat....as for a hanger probably not ribbon but i'm not sure what. Good luck:)

silvercocoon said...

I agree with Lynette that it is ok/good to have some variety - the copper and ribbon are subtle departures from a common theme/thread/aesthetic in your work -- and if there is one area to step out a little bit, it is with holiday items. the differences make them feel extra festive.