Hi all
I meant to post this ages ago, but someone sent me this poem (see picture below) as they thought it might be useful for foot/handprint items. So we painted it on a picture frame, and picture frames are now selling like hotcakes! In the run-up to Father's day in the past, mugs have been the most popular item by far, but this year we're selling almost as many frames (at more than twice the price of a mug).

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I know that we all know that samples sell, but this has been a real reminder to me of how powerful a painted example can be, and what a great sales tool it is.

As an aside, the other thing that we are finding works really well is that this particular frame isn't actually on display as such. We find that people tend to look at the shelves of items waiting for collection for their inspiration - they are more interested in what 'other people' have done, rather than what we have done. I think this is because they don't think they will be able do copy something that 'an artist' (!!!) has done, but if Joe Bloggs has done it, then they can do it too. To this end, we always have a few bits and bobs of ours on the collection shelf (and this frame has a pretty permanent home there) and they often pick out our things as items to inspire them, without realising that they are in fact our samples. More people copy something when they have seen it on the collection shelf than when the same item is in the window or in a display of samples. Aren't people funny?!

Rebecca

Rebecca, that is too cute. I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this but I have a frame similar to this with a little footprint from my grandson when he was 5 months old.

I fired the footprint only so it wouldn't smear while I decided what to do with it. Wanted it to be special. Your adorable frame just reminded me that it's still waiting. Guess I'll get mine down and complete it....My grandson is now 61/2 years old.
Carol

Really cute frame!

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Helene Safford
Clay Cafe Studios and
The Studio Resource

That is so adorable!

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Lisa
Get Fired!

Very cute sample! Yep, we need more samples.

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Sandi

Rebecca,

I absoutely agree with the sample on the shelf - soooo simple but sneakily clever - well done you!

I think the sample is great and cute without being too cheesy.

Katy

PS Do you have a printed slip with the poem in the right size that painters can copy straight on with clay carbon paper?

I love it, and will be "borrowing" the poem. Thanks for sharing it Rebecca

Moira

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The Ceramic Mechanic

Hi
Yes - we do have the poem printed off in a couple of sizes and fonts, so that people can trace if they want to.
However, lots of people want the poem, and are quite happy to pay us to do it, so that works out even better. (Takes a minute or two, as we have it ready to trace!). Result!

I think the reason it works well is because it's not too cheesy, and I think it sums up the whole sentiment of catching hand/footprints while they're tiny.

On a similar topic, we have found that having hand/footprint things in the window with poems/writing on them is making people stop for longer (as they stop to read the poem), and then they are more likely to have a proper look through the window to see what's going on. Fewer people just glance at the window and walk past. We have 2 samples which are particularly good for this - one is a footprint with the "this little piggy went to market..." rhyme, and the other is a hand with "round and round the garden...". Lots of people stop for a proper look having seen these.

Rebecca

Hi Rebecca! Would you give us the full quote for round and round the garden?

I really like that idea about putting some of "our" pieces on the shelves with the pickups. There's nothing more intimidating than blank bisque for those of us who don't think we're creative!

Char,
apoyi

Rebecca

Do you know the origin of the footprint poem?

You're right - it's definitely copyable.

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Alison
ClayArt