Monday, March 31, 2008

Charm Bracelet Give-Away

I am thinking about putting together a few charm bracelets and selling them on etsy.com. Still working on that. Anyway, I was so stoked to get my copper colored ball chain bracelets, I had to create a charm bracelet right away. You can tell that I have a lot of stuff that I can use for charm bracelets becuase it took me less than a half hour to do this one.


I would appreciate your comments about this bracelet. How much would you be willing to pay for something like this? I have an idea but would like to know what the market thinks. So, to solicit comments, I will pick one person randomly to win this bracelet. You have until this Saturday to leave a comment to this post. I will use the random generator and pick a winner at random. Does not matter if you are a domestic or international artist, you can play by just leaving a comment. Am I a comment whore or what? I am feeling good cause I got my ball chain bracelets, had yummy pizza, and cranked out a charm bracelet in nothing flat.


BTW, the bracelet is 8" long. You can use flush cutters (cutting pliers) and cut it to length if it is too long. It looks great on! I got the thumbs up from my very critical kids. So, leave as many comments as you want by this Saturday. I will count up the comments

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

gorgeous Charm Braclet .. ove visiting your blog :)

J said...

I really like your bracelet. I'm not good at prices and I'm probably a bit of a tightwad, but depending upon my mood, I'd probably be willing to pay between $30-$50.00

the glitzy gypsy said...

Hey Belinda!
The bracelet looks awesome! I especially like how you used the two chains...looks great! Such depth! I am not great with pricing things--but around the 40 mark??? Where did you find the ball chains in copper?
keep creaing..
brenda bliss

ceevee said...

I LOVE your charm bracelets. I have never tried to make one. I don't have that kind of small dexterity, i guess. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

ceevee

It's just Raven said...

Hi! It's Raven... from Assemblage Artists... I'm ashamed to say that this is the first time I've visited your blog. You have a new fan in me! I regret that I have never visited sooner. I've spent the last half hour reading your recent entries. I really love so many of the things you are doing. I had to smile when you were talking about adding some shocking color to your hair too. I also have black hair and for many years I kept a big bleached swath on the side that I always dyed in bright fire engine red or fuschia. A few years ago a new company bought the business I work for and they made me get rid of it. That was a real sad time. It was kinda my "signature" even though I'm an "old broad" and probably looked ridiculous. LOL!!! Now I'm just letting the gray come in and stopped fighting it. I wonder what would happen if I just tinted the gray with purple or something... LOL!
Copper ball chain!!! AWESOME!!! Love the bracelet and I'll keep my fingers crossed that I win! (I would have commented even without the extra incentive, by the way. I really am charmed by all you are writing and showing here!)

Raven

Angie in AZ said...

This is way cool and I wouldn't get so lucky as for that number generator to pick #1! I'll cross my fingers and toes...

Anonymous said...

Belinda, your bracelet is great. Where on earth did you find such huge ball chain? I love the look...very cool!

fexley said...

That bracelet is pretty dam cool. And it's a funny coincidence. My wife bought a "Lucky" brand charm bracelet at Macy's yesterday. I was pretty dubious about anything bought at Macy's, but it is kind of cool. But your's is the real deal! I don't know if you're local to Hollywood, but you would clean up with those at the Fairfax high School Flea Market that happens every Sunday. I'd love to be the bracelet winner so I could give it to my wife for her birthday in a few weeks.

Kat said...

I can't turn down trying for this. You are a great artist Belinda and I always enjoy your blog.

Kat
kturnquist@cox.net

Nina Castaldi Fickett said...

This is a beautiful charm bracelet. I think they would sell like hot cakes at $15 each but I'd probably list them at $20 to see how they did first.

Nina Perrin
purplefaeriepc@yahoo.com
www.purplefaeriepc.blogspot.com

Arlene Mobley said...

Great charm bracelet Belinda. I can see why your excited. I love that cool ball & chain bracelet.

Anonymous said...

Belinda, first I have to comment on the length - I think it's fantastic that you are making these 8" long. So many store-bought bracelets are 7" and they just don't fit. So thank you for recognizing we are not all "one size fits all"!

If I was going to buy this bracelet, I would probably pay in the $20-$25 range - not sure if that's the 'right' price (I hope it's not waaay too low!).

Best of luck with your new venture.

Cindy :)

AlteredAddict said...

Belinda this is a beautiful charm bracelett:-)

Denise said...

Belinda, what a nice combination of elements for the charm bracelet. I too, love the copper ball chain - not something you see everyday! I'm not sure what you've got in mind for price on Etsy, but I would think in the $20 range would make it affordable and in the neighborhood of other mixed element charm bracelets. ~Denise

Jan Scholl said...

At craft bazaars, maybe 15 on the low end. in my horribly depressed city, I think the craft shows have dried up. This is so cute. I should take all the superman stuff I got and make something, but then I would lose it. a nice smile this is at 2 AM!

Beth said...

I think that bracelet is awesome! So inspiring! Where did you order your copper ballchain bracelets? The charms are neat and I Love your post that told how you made them. I would love to win one but even if I don't I just wanted to tell you how cool they are!
Beth

Karen said...

Looks great Belinda! It's so hard for me to place a price on my own things let alone someone else's! But if I had no prior knowledge of any of it, I'd probably be willing to pay around $20 or so. Hope this helps!

Karen

Unknown said...

Beautiful bracelet! I love the copper ball chain - and that cut-off key is really cute! I must ask for a Dremel for my birthday...
Jean

Lucia said...

This is lovely! I wear a lot of bracelets, so one of my questions that I don't think is answered by looking at the photo is the thickness of the charms. You know how bracelets can make it hard to write if they keep your hand elevated over the writing surface? I'm also wondering about what looks like a horizontal (in the photo) measuring tape. Is this rigid? I'm not sure about this direction.

I work in the craft industry. My gut price reaction for Etsy (as opposed to a boutique) is in the $25-30 range. They'd be easily twice that or more in a boutique or gallery, but I don't think the Etsy market bears higher prices easily.

I'm a huge fan of assemblage, and popped over here from the assemblage list. I've visited your blog before. You're so wonderfully productive!

Anonymous said...

Hello, Belinda! Oh, this charm bracelet is AWESOME!! I'm just excited to be the first to comment, let alone hope I win :) I don't sell artwork and am in no way an expert, but I would pay at the least $40. It is so very cool and I love vintage, so the sky is the limit!!! Great job, hugs,
Tami R.

Gwen said...

This is a fabulous bracelet. I would pay $35.00 for a bracelet like this. I have NO IDEA how to price things, so I hope this isn't too low, no insult intended if it is. I LOVE this bracelet, especially the ball chain!

Gwen

Peggy said...

Love that bracelet!

I've sold a lot of jewelry, and I've been at it for about 20 years. I've NEVER figured out how to price stuff. If I use a standard formula [cost of materials X 3] it doesn't work because found objects are free or nearly so. If I go by how much time it takes to make it, then it's outrageously expensive! (You gotta count the time spent collecting and selling, not just assembly time.)

Wish I could be more help.
Peg

Peggy said...

P.S. You get a thumbs up from me too.

Peg

Babsarella said...

What a wonderful bracelet!!! I am thinking that you could probably charge $30 for it. Have you checked to see if there are similar things on Etsy? That may be a good way to judge. Good luck!!

Diana said...

Hi Belinda! I love the large copper ball chain. Can you post where it can be purchased? I'll understand though if you don't want to share that info since you're considering selling them. I think the charm bracelet is really cool. Don't know if I'm a good judge on pricing, but I'd probably buy one if it were in the $10 range. But then, I can make that sort of thing, so don't like to pay more for something I can make myself. Guess it would depend on who the market is...someone with no desire to create themselves would likely pay for more for such a fun and funky bracelet. Good luck!

Diana

Anonymous said...

I love, love, love it : ) I love all things copper and this charm bracelet is NO EXCEPTION : ) I think a "good" price would be $25. I love the mixed media art world and make my own books, play with clay, beading, etc. so I am not an expert on pricing but I do love wire and bead stufff alot (hope that makes sense). I will loook for your bracelets on your etsy shop everyday : )
Love & blessings, Sandra in AZ

Anonymous said...

That is gorgeous!! I'm not sure how much I would pay for something like this, but please be sure to let us know if you do end up making some for etsy!

Stacy

eclectic works said...

I would pay anywhere from $18-$20 not including shipping, this is my truthful opinion. This bracelet looks fabulous! I really like how you used the string of copper beads with it and with that extra piece of chain you added to it...it's so cool!
Esmeralda

Anonymous said...

Oh, gee, do I REALLY get to be the first comment?! I love this bracelet. The more I expand my creative self, the less I like the standard run of the mill jewelry. I think this is truly unique and I would buy it. As for price, I am awful at figuring that stuff out.

Joyce
http://dooflinkydolls.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

The charm bracelet is lovely and I do I like the look of the ball chain!
hmmmmm I would say selling price should be at least $55. Am I in the ballpark you were thinking?
Have a great day, thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I love your bracelet and the ball chain gives it a great look. I would say to charge at least $55 for a charm bracelet with handmade charms is appropriate. Am I in the ballpark of what you thought to charge?
Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

The bracelet is great looking and I love the look of the ball chain on the bracelet. I would think a price of about $55 is appropriate with handmade charms. Am I in the ballpark? Thanks for sharing, have a good day!

Patricia J. Mosca said...

This bracelet looks great...great fun to wear...lots of danglies!!
How about $47.00...I am a firm believer of odd numbers myself!! LOL
Throw my name into the hat to win this priceless beauty!!
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Anonymous said...

hi there, I've been lurking for a few weeks now and enjoy your work.

I'd be willing to pay $15 to $20 for a bracelet like this.

Anonymous said...

What a cool bracelet. I have been wanting to make a charm bracelet. Maybe this will do it for me. thanks for the ideas.
debbi g

debbi g said...

What a cool bracelet. I have been wanting to make a charm bracelet. Maybe this will do it for me. Thanks
debbi g

JeanM said...

Hi,
Love the charm bracelet!I hope you will be posting to your blog when you put this on etsy. I would think $25-$35 would be a good price depening one what you add to the charm bracelets. Thank you for sharing your blog I love to pour over it and even my hubby will check out what you have made!
angel2cook@aol.com

Judy H said...

I think I would be willing to pay about $25 for such a bracelet....but then I'm operating on a single mom's budget. $30 would not be out of line.

Altered Route said...

WAY cool bracelet!! For price?? I have seen the mm ones going in a range from 19.00 to 55.00
Love the copper!
Connie

Pamela Martin said...

Belinda, the bracelet is really great. Love the copper ball chain! Haven't seen anything like that with a charm bracelet. Let us know the name of your etsy site.
Thanks for including me in your giveaway.
Pam

Judy said...

I think it's a great charm bracelet..I really like how you used the beads and the links together.I live in the land of the lost where people don't like to pay much for art....But I would probably be willing to pay...now thats hard to say.. I don't want to insult you.. but probably 30-45 dollars ??

elena mary siff said...

I really enjoy your handmade charms. I make unique charms as well. Please enter me in the competition for your bracelet give away.

Elizabeth in NM said...

Hey Belinda! I think the charm bracelet is awesome. You should definitely try to sell it. As for pricing, I am horrible at that, but just make sure that you are getting enough for your time and artistry so that you aren't selling yourself short. Good luck!

Anne, Bulles dorées said...

fantastic bracelet, I love the differents colors of metal.

Anonymous said...

I've seen prices of $40 to $80 on this type of bracelet. I think part of the pricing variation is whether you are using up things that are hard to replace.

Peggy said...

Love that bracelet, B! I wonder if we shouldn't do some "stuff swaps". Probably every mixed-media artist has extras of something nobody else has...
Peg

rscoach said...

I love, love, love your charm bracelet - and it's great that it is 8" long - I have very big wrists and most bracelets are only 7" so this is great because it will accomodate us "big boned gals" -
The charms you have added are adorable and almost tell a story and the fact that it's on the copper ball chain makes it unique and appealing -

As far as price goes - I wouldn't go lower than $15 or higher than $30 - to sell quickly - however I have seen some bracelets for $40 - $50 online - hope that helps some - hope I win! xo Reva (Los Angeles)

Jamie said...

I LOVE the charm bracelet. Count me in for the giveaway! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

You should definetly make them for sale. I love the way you attached the curb chain to the ball and chain. I'm hopeless with pricing...and I live in NZ so the exchange rate doesn't help matters, I think there is a formula to help work out pricing art like this. I think I saw it in Sommerset. Have you researched what other people sell bracelets for?

fexley said...

Hey, just wanted to throw in another comment. Partially to increase my chances at winning(!), but also because I'm interested in getting some of the chain. I'll email you directly for the details.
And I also wanted to mention that not only would these sell well at the Fairfax High swapmeet, the same organizers have a new swap meet in Downtown on every Sunday.

Anonymous said...

I'm having so much trouble posting a comment. I don't know if any have got through, but I don't think so.

mavis

Anonymous said...

I think that was the first one that got through Yay!

Belinda I really liked this charm
bracelet.

Mavis

Artgirl said...

I love your charm bracelet.I think found object jewelry is so fun. I bet you could probably sell it for maybe around $30.00. Hope I win! Kate

Anonymous said...

You might do better on ebay than etsy? I would say the minimum price for such an item is $50, but probably closer to $100. Work wise that is still probably too low!
Beautiful work. Love that copper chain!

Crzy Boss said...

Heeeey Crazy Art Girl, Absolutely love the art you make. I am not really into beads and such, but these are great. That ball chain is the bomb*Grin* WOW!! I just recently wandered into a bead store and had a look. I bought some small charms to add to my journal. Very cool. Thanx for all you do. Sharon Bennett

Suzanne said...

It's beautiful! I would pay about $40.00 for one if I were to buy it, but I've seen them as high as $75.00. Your work is so fine, you could probably up the price some. I would love to own this bracelet! suzanne

Jan C. said...

The bracelet is super - love the copper ball chain. Hard to name a price but guess around $24. Good luck on Etsy.

LuniLadi said...

I don't know why there aren't any other comments...maybe i'm in the wrong place.lol I think it's GORGEOUS. I love the chain...so unique...also the charms are unique. That's what makes it SO artsy and unique. Price? Tough question cause I always underprice. I want to say $50. And that's a FAIR price.
LuniLadi@yahoo.com

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

Belinda - this is cool! I just couldn't jump in on the last charm swap, too much to do... but this is great and making me wish I had! Marva

Sandi said...

Hi,
Love the bracelet! I am not a good judge at all of price, because I am really frugally cheap when it comes to buying things for myself!!!Seems like a lot on Etsy go for $50.plus. I don't have a better answer, but hope I'm in the drawing.
VictorianGypsy

Unknown said...

I like how you used the ball chain AND the regular chain together--it makes it more unique. You might want to consider selling just the double-chain bracelet so people can put their own charms on it as well as with your charms. Charms are really fun!
I would pay $5-6 for just the bracelet with no charms on it, $20-25 with charms, depending on how many.

Anonymous said...

i hope i win this awesome bracelet belinda!!
tami r.

Anonymous said...

Terrific bracelet...I'd love receiving it!