FuZing the Creative with the Consumer
Featured Artisan Cyndie Smith Designs

By Handmade FuZion on 1:00 PM

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Where are you located? Florida

How long have you been creating handmade items? I was always dabbling, mostly pottery, but have been doing metal for 5 years.

What type of products do you offer? Wearable art, made of metal, mostly in the form of jewelry.

How did you decide on your company's name? I couldn't think of anything really catchy that hadn't already been used, so I went with my own name. Not much imagination there, I guess!

What is your motivation? The metal itself. I see infinite possibilities in a piece of metal or wire, mostly in an organic sense. When I apply a torch, the metal moves and forms in unexpected ways. I take that piece and build on it.

What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? My biggest joy is seeing someone wearing it! It's personal for me, and when they buy and wear it, it becomes personal to them. Like giving one of my children a good home.

Which items are your best sellers? My life cuff in particular. Last year I made it to honor the death of a dear friend. The story resonated with many people and I made over 40 custom orders of that cuff, in silver, copper or brass, in less than 6 months after I introduced it. My folded cuffs, in general, have done very well.

How do you market your products? On line with social and professional networks, some printed advertising, through the galleries, and by wearing the designs. I've had people buy pieces right off my arm!

What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion?
What new features would you like to see? I like the summary in our shops, and the ability to have a store newsletter, though I haven't gotten started on that yet. Would love to see more stats for the site, overall, and more subcategories when listing.

Do you have any advice for other artisans? Do what you love. Create what gives you pleasure. And market, market, market. I'm new to HF, so I haven't done much of that here yet. But I learned from experience on another venue, that it works when you have a business plan to follow and marketing must be an integral part of that plan.


2 comments for this post

I am one of Cyndie's many fans. I love her work and wear it all the time!

Posted on January 16, 2009 at 5:44 PM  

Cyndie's jewelry are true pieces of art..each unique and eye catching...great work

Posted on January 16, 2009 at 5:52 PM