On custom orders, do you email your customer beads to choose from or do you find a few things you'll put together & show them that?  I have a customer that asked for a necklace set. At 1st I was emailing her some bead chooses, but the last response I got from her was......"like that, but would like more black than brown, lol, i don't know, you  just be creative."

Too much freedom makes me crazy! I want her to LOVE the pieces! Advice please!!

Trish  =)

Trish, I agree with you that some guidance from the customer helps but sometimes you may know better than the customer about what works together and what doesn't. I had one big custom order a few years ago where the customer had a strand of amber that she wanted me to add pieces to and make several unique necklace and earring sets for Christmas gifts for her younger sisters. She told me her budget allotment and asked if I could do it. She just wanted me to pick other coordinating beads and make four different designs. I accepted the assignment but I was intimidated at first by all of the decisions to make. I worked with her (a friend of my daughter's) entirely by email and phone by sending her photos of each project in the works. It took more time that way but I felt assured that she knew what direction I was going in with her amber. She loved the completed sets and so did her sisters.

Just give yourself room to be creative and find what works for you. It sounds like she has seen your work and feels comfortable about giving you creative freedom.

Linda

I am currently working on several stones for a customer.  Her only direction was, I trust you, make them for me.  So far, I'm batting one for one.  Cut number two today, it should be pretty well accepted.

Also made the pearl necklace several weeks ago, where the only direction I had was "black pearls."  Be creative, make it for her.

John

Thanks Linda! I guess I still feel so "green" in my work & add with a custom order really puts the pressure on. It just feels strange to me that someone would TRUST my vision! LOL

Your advice really helps!

Trish    =) 

Ahhhh!! But I don't have the expertise you do!! I know, I know, just hush & do it right!?! LOL!

Thanks for the push!

Trish   =)