Open Studio – Half Way Review… — Anna Fine Jewellery

I did a little video over on my socials earlier on today, but I thought I’d immortalise my “half way through open studios” thoughts on my blog too…

If I’m completely honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this years FarOpen studio trail. Last year, when I was at “that other place”, I did get loads of visitors, but most of them had just come for coffee and cake in the cafe, and thought they’d have a little wander around the shops too. I did a tally of the week and it was around about half of my visitors that had come because of the FarOpen.

I never expect to sell to people in this way. My work isn’t really an impulse buy, so as expected, I didn’t sell much, or even really have many conversations about potential commissions. Most people were just coming to the next studio along whichever way they were travelling along the A48. Some didn’t even want to see my work, but they politely had a little browse before asking where the stained glass artist was (who was in a studio in the farm next door)!!

This year though has been a totally different story…

I’ve had less visitors so far compared to last year, but its always quality over quantity, and virtually everyone that’s come this year has done so because they want to talk about a potential commission, or to actually buy my work there and then! There’s only been a couple of sets of “casual browsers”, everyone else had specifically chosen to come and see little old me! It’s only the half way point and I’m having a REALLY good week!!

Perhaps where I was last year just wasn’t the right place for me or for my customers. It was difficult trying to be a high(ish!) end goldsmith working in a place where all the proper artists were being pushed out in favour of gift shops selling essentially cheap imported tat. Leaving though is even harder, so actually, looking at things now, being kicked out was probably the best thing that could have happened.

My Eco-Studio isn’t quite finished, but everyone I’ve spoken too has been really interested to hear about how we’ve created it, my business ethos and how I’ve now been able to become a “properly” ethical business by tackling the big stuff and running my studio from the power of the sun!

(Some of the pieces I’ve sold/had ordered so far this week!)