Forever Friends
Aug. 31 09
Shop of the Day: Gosh, there were so many pieces in the Oh, Hello Friend shop to choose from, I could have just kept going and going. Danni really knows what can make a girl feel special and oh, so pretty.
Fashion Finds: Mad About Plaid
Aug. 31 09
Plaid was all the rage last fall, and it’s making a comeback for 2009! Look for sophisticated shapes and jewel tones mixed with black and white for a look that’s classic-meets-modern. Stay away from shapeless garments, flannel, and red plaid to avoid the lumberjack look.
1. The drapey shape and black and white color scheme of this chiffon blouse make it oh-so-chic. Wear it with skinny black pants and flats for a sophisticated casual look. Plaid chiffon blouse by lamixx, $34.
2. A great plaid scarf will always be in style – pick one up in your favorite color and it will instantly become a wardrobe staple. Scarf by Kenneth Cole, $48.
3. A bright pink plaid cocktail ring is unexpected and funky. Ring from Torrid, $10.
4. These plaid bow flats are perfect paired with jeans or leggings for comfy, casual weekends. Buffalo plaid flats from Charlotte Russe, $22.99.
5. I love “two-for” dresses, and this one is just adorable. It works on its own for the end of summer, and it would look equally cute with thick tights and a chunky scarf come fall. Fab plaid dress from Forever 21, $13.50.
6. Stay cute (and warm) in this purple plaid peacoat. A nice departure from the standard black or navy version… this one is classic-meets-cool. Plaid wool coat by Guess, $138.
7. These pink plaid leggings add a fun pop of color and pattern to a simple black dress or skirt. Leggings by Fleurish, $19 from Dillard’s.
This will be my last Fashion Finds post for a while… my husband and I are travelling to Paris for two weeks! I’ll be back with another post on September 21st – see you then!
xoxo,
Lesley of 315thomas
Craft Venture: accounting for direct costs, part II
Aug. 31 09
We’ve been talking about calculating your expenses as part of your product cost. Last week, we started talking about direct costs. In theory, your direct expenses – the materials and supplies used to make your produce or perform your service – are straightforward and easily identified.
Or are they?
Don’t forget “hidden” costs, easily overlooked, like fees charged by your particular venue(s) and Paypal or other online payment and banking systems. Are there sales taxes that you’re not charging your customer outright, but that you’re still liable for?
You might be using vintage or heirloom supplies handed down to you, such as your mother’s button stash or beads from your grandmother’s jewelry. Consider assessing each a “price” based on current value or using another methodology, which will help your prices remain fair, consistent, and (most importantly) ensure some level of profit for you.
How do you account for the cost of a major component when the price varies depending on when and where purchased? Do you use an average expense for that component, to keep your prices for those items consistent, or do you vary the price of each item as it’s made, by the actual component use and cost?
How do you handle an unexpected increase in supply expense? Do you raise your own prices accordingly? Or decrease your profit margin in order to maintain your current prices?
The answers to these questions aren’t very straightforward, and vary from artist to artist. I can make a valid argument in either direction for each case! I encourage you to think through all of these and how each affects your business and artform. Many of us are in business for some form of financial gain: to make a living or cover the cost of your materials and supplies or to give to charity or to have a little pocket money.
In order to realize financial gain, your prices have to cover your direct and indirect costs and then some (e.g., “profit margin”). It is perfectly alright – truly it is – for you to both want to make and achieve a profit!
Share with us what you learned by examining your own hidden direct expenses? Do you have additional questions about direct costs?
Image credit: 1. Encaustic sampler set of 5 handmade paints, by Jamie Ribisi-Braley; 2. Vintage sequins, metallic dark emerald, by narceine
One to Follow
Aug. 31 09
1. Light Locations 2. Florals 3. Five Forty Five 4. Harpy {all images found via Follow Studio}
What a breath of fresh air on an early Monday morning: Follow Studio is this week’s blog of the week. I love finding blogs and sites from different parts of the world, and it was only after I discovered the blog that I found Follow Studio the site (a paper goods and graphic design company) hailing from Sydney, Australia.
Visit Follow Studio the blog for more inspiration.
Dress Up for the Picnic
Aug. 30 09
Shop of the Day (weekend edition): This weekend is perfect for a picnic. And if you’re missing the necessities for an end of summer barbeque or get-together, you can pick up everything you might need at at Vintage Picnic. Love the cooler and yellow Melitta mugs.
Visit Vintage Picnic for more.
Can’t find something to wear to said get-together? Glam up a simple outfit with these pretty baubles from Blossom. These tangerine earrings are beautiful.
Visit Blossom for more jewelry.
Wooden Treasures
Aug. 28 09
Shop of the Day: Little Z designs and creates handmade stamps, paper goods, printables & some DIY items. I especially love the stamps…they’re like little wooden treasures. And would be great for cards, gift tags, children’s parties…
Visit Little Z for more products and info.
