Modern Organic Metals

I am loving all the beautiful sculptural jewelry pieces showing up on Etsy lately that are inspired by nature. Among my favorites are this Grass Blade Pin and Francie Flower Ring by MFJDesigns:Experimetal recently sold this beautiful tulip ring but has many other gorgeous designs in her shop.I am a shell collector of sorts so I was immediately drawn to this stunning addition by Nonpareil.I had been watching this piece by BrightonMoon for a while because I loved the simple elegance she captured in her Poppy Field Necklace which also recently has been sold.No list would be complete without Nanopod, who is one of my all time favorite designers (Sculptors really) on Etsy, such an incredible collection of wildly unique pieces!

Only on Etsy!

I feel honored to be a part of Etsy, especially when we have modern artists among us like JenMaestre. She recently made her fantastic pencil urchin's available only on Etsy. (I know what I am going to be asking for on my birthday!) I thought they were fantastic even before I saw the undersides...and WOW are they amazing. Don't miss the detail shots! I really believe you'll find her work among the MOMA's collection one day.

Neo Dada Etsy

I've had this piece in my back pocket and thought this would be the perfect time to add it to the blog since Tina and I were just talking about Neo-Dadaism yesterday. Originally created for Etsy's upcycling contest by fieltro, this 8 foot hanging curtain was made out of credit cards! So subversive!

Concrete Sculpture

I had a mini panic attack when I went to look at one of my favorite pieces by ScenicArtisans and it was no longer there! (I convo'd Sean to see if it is sold or still available)...the piece with red on it below is still available in his shop. Definitely pay him a visit, lots of great modern sculptural pieces in his shop at reasonable prices.

Form + Function

*Sigh* Every time I see this 5 piece Tapas Set by Suuskeramiek I can imagine myself on the sun-drenched beaches of Ibiza...perhaps I am even wearing a speedo like the locals and have brown skin leathered from my years in the sun. Thanks for the dream Suus!I've been watching this tea for 2 set by Camplus for a long time, it is such amazing work and incredible craftsmanship. This piece sold out recently but take a look at Michael's other work that is still available!One of my latest finds, these fantastic plates by KristinPavelka remind me so much of the work by Ayumi Horie ...but different of course. Don't miss the other pieces available in her shop!

Break Even Analysis For Etsy Sellers

This is a little off my usual track and something I would rather avoid as an artisan but if we want to be successful must take a look at so I did a bit of searching for an easy way to calculate my break even point. Here is what you need to know to figure it out and how to do it, I am going to use my round cast resin frame as an example which I sell for $16/ea:

The Formula:
Break-Even Point Q = Fixed Cost / (Unit Price - Variable Unit Cost)

The Elements:
1. Selling Price Per Unit = $16
2. Total Fixed Costs (all of the fixed costs to produce your first item) =
$48 (full bottle of resin) + $6 (glass for frame) = $54
3. Variable Unit Cost (amount that it will cost to produce a 2nd item) = $6 (I just need glass now that I still have resin)

The Results:
So if I put my results in the formula 54/(16-6)=5.4...which if I round up would mean I need to sell 6 round cast resin frames before I break even. (please note, to be more exact I could add in the cost of creating the silicone mold (expensive), cardboard and hanging supplies but I just wanted to get an idea).

Yes, this kind of depresses me but we all know it's not entirely all about the sales. We get a lot out of the art/learning process however, if we are going to be serious about our art, it is worth taking a hard look at your pieces in this way to be fair to yourself as a seller and your clients. If you don't want to do the math by hand you can use this Break-Even Analysis Calculator online. Good luck and I wish you all great success and sales! ...So am I going to keep selling the frames? I haven't decided yet, but sometimes when you are in to a certain point I feel like you should go all the way...plus, they look really nice and modern. :)

Modern Plastics

This may seem strange, but I am fascinated with plastics (as you can tell by my resin picture frames in my shop), ever since their development our society has had an insatiable appetite for it...why should jewelry be any different?! I love everything about this white "dendrite brooch" by nervoussystem and can see this as THE modern trend in fashion accessories.

Fiber Artists Take Note!

I stumbled across these little bird pin cushions by loosestring today while checking out Etsy's Showcase and had to post it to the BOE blog for my cousin...so she can get one for her mom, who sews but hasn't in a while. Maybe receiving a token of love like one of these will inspire her?!

Polaroid Prints

There is just something about Polaroid shots that capture that certain moment and spirit. Maditi is an expert at making the best come out of a shot with these stunning (and oh-so-affordable) prints. They make me long for spring and summer! I love the set up of this first Polaroid against the actual coffee and creamer I would be happy having a print of that!

Pencil Pusher

Aren't these amazing? I don't know how she does it but sculptor jenmaestre creates some beautiful modern pieces out of gorgeously colored pencils. I am going to have to start saving my pennies for one of these beauties!

My Modern Valentine

I've loved all of the designs by paperedtogether but when I saw this special valentine I just had to get it. There are so many talented card artisans on Etsy, I am slowly building a truckload of them! ...but my friends and family are loving them, I guarantee you WILL get positive comments when you send out these wonderful cards.

Aquatic Inspired Vases

It's rare to run into a new design idea that you haven't seen translated into one form or another but I think I've found one! Ldub's (Lindsay W) aquatic inspired vases blow me away with the symbiotic mix of modern, abstract, yet organic lines...so beautiful! I'll bet they just glow with a candle in them too...hm...a set of tea lights perhaps?