. . . thoughts on selling needlepoint:

At the recent exhibition of my work, 'Needlepoint Art' was eagerly enjoyed and accepted as an art form. Many people enquired about the work, the technique, how long did it take to create and what are the prices. I hadn't planned to sell anything, just to share what I do.

When thinking "Why not sell Needlepoint Art?" . . . we are aware that we would probably have trouble trying to sell the piece for its true value!
I can tell you that there is great interest in what we create . . . however, I do realize that most people don't know of or have any real appreciation of the many many hours spent, or the value of the materials that we use in our art.

Someone wanted to buy The Mandala and he 'just had to have this piece'. I was asked if I would sell it and if so, establish a price.

We calculated that The Mandala took 450 hours to stitch. Now what could I do with that data? How could I calculate a price? I had to take the selling price out of the decision to sell or not to sell. I felt that this buyer really wanted the piece even more than I did! It hadn't yet hung in my home so that could make it easier for me to part with it.

Other inquiries to purchase pieces continued causing me to shift my previous thinking to keep my collection intact. I have 45 pieces and the count continues. I don't expect that my family will want all of these pieces eventually and they are not everyone's decorating taste. Many of these pieces are personally important to my life story. My daughters and grandchildren are creating their own stories.

I began to realize the benefits of selling some pieces. I've asked my family to select their favorite pieces and I'll keep those.

Although it would be gratifying and motivating to sell some pieces, it hasn't happened yet.

I created the prices as I learned to assess value while in fashion retail. I asked myself how much I would expect to pay for this piece if I were a knowledgeable buyer.

Motivation has already kicked in. Knowing that I might part with The Mandala, I quickly decided to create a second different Mandala!

The important part for me is that I am comfortable with deciding to sell certain pieces and even look forward to knowing that they would be enjoyed by someone who really wants the work. I also feel that when the time comes for Needlepoint Art to sell, our work will be recognized as an art form beyond being a gratifying hobby.

Rosalyn - January 2007

Till next time . . . happy creating!


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