To Make or To Buy

[@rntypical]

I love this. I have a few more years until retirement. I am thinking of becoming a content creator. You and 49Dragonflies are my role models. You both seem to be genuine and caring of your audience. Thanks so much for your wisdom.

[@robinsutton4952]

I retired several years ago. When I started watching videos, I was hesitant to watch Ceri and Barbara, as I thought they were so far above my abilities. Then I realized, why wouldn’t I want to learn from the best! Happy crafting, happy crafters.

[@YooperGranny]

Great cup of coffee with you Ceri! I agree with your analysis of purchasing some items rather than struggling to make it yourself. Time is precious and best spent on what project or creative endeavor gives you the most reward.

[@CeriGriffiths]

So true

[@kimshepherd6911]

Wonderful Coffee with Ceri topic.

[@robinsutton4952]

For years I sewed my work clothes (I worked as a service representative in the field). I was asked over and over if I would make dresses, skirts, kids clothes. Nope, material, patterns, my time. I realized sewing was relaxing for me, not something that would have time frames on completion. Since I make cards and journals now, I get asked if I’ll make some for special occasions. Ok, but at a price and a good lead time. Thanks Ceri for sharing your thoughts and experience. Take care.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Wonderful Robin.

[@michelel3372]

I always enjoy coffee with Ceri. Great subject today. Pricing is difficult. I've never been good at it. I started doing craft shows at age 13 (babysitting for .50 cents an hour wasn't my cup of tea). My Dad was very good at helping my price. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@MarylynBroomhall]

Thanks Ceri for all the dedicated work you go into in creating these videos. You are a Sweetie. It’s always time well spent watching you and your creativity. Cheers, Marylyn.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you so much Marylyn, I will add your gift to the fund for future video content.

[@MarylynBroomhall]

@@CeriGriffiths It’s such a little token gift 🐝 happy

[@tammydayfl]

Love Coffee with Cari.😊 great content and always interesting. 😊

[@teresazuehls783]

I always look forward to Coffee with Ceri talks. They are always thought provoking and interesting.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@alisonmartin6101]

Outstanding video Ceri! I like supporting other creators. 😀💜🇨🇦

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you so much Alison, I’ll add your gift to the fund for future video content and supplies.

[@BlackDogDesigns]

Great video Ceri, thank you for sharing.

[@EllieDeklerk]

Thank you for this honest info. I’ve often wondered about pricing my journals and your evaluation is spot on. Lots of work and love goes into every art work.

[@wendygunderson]

Excellent job equating cake ingredients with purchased elements. It’s the creativity of the final product that is what matters.

[@elizabethyoung1678]

Hi Ceri, totally agree with what you said. I have never managed to make a journal and am quite happy to buy one if I have seen it being made and know how beautiful it is. X

[@JudiH-ig6uu]

Hi Ceri. I think your examples of cake making and journal making are excellent. My hubby of almost 55 years passed away on June 21st...my brain is so numb and scattered that my playing with my journals has been non-existent. I hope this part at least, passes quickly. I love journal making. In the meantime, I sit and watch my favorites like you, Gayle, Julie, etc.

[@CeriGriffiths]

My heart goes out to you, give yourself time…….it requires it.

[@daisyfieldparrks9320]

Amen! Good information.

[@nicolinavincelli9369]

Ceri, agree with you 150%, this is a very amazing talk, thank you so much for sharing.

[@InHappinessandDistress]

That table is an idea I took and used. I just have a small desk and shelf in my bedroom and for instance gelprinting I do on the kitchen table. But before i got ill I did a lot of hiking and camping and also sold things on flea markets so i have a foldable camping table. That has been in storage a few years and now it is perfect when I do things and need space. So thank you ❤for mentioning this otherwise I would never have thought of it. My only downside is, I can't leave the table with prints out overnight drying or all my prints would have a million paw prints and hairs on them... I have three very curious cats 😄🐾🐾 As I am severally ill, I have time, but I don´t have energy to do some things so I have to take some short cuts. I prefer to do the things I love than putting the very little painfree-ish energy on to much prep. I do though do some small clean preps in bed, like some small fussy cutting but I have just like 30 min a day if I am lucky to craft, so then I need that time to do what I love. I have a friend that sends my lovely happy mail at times to help me out with ephemera ❤I think your reasoning is very healthy. Rachels paper bundles on Etsy are amazing, just bought italian papers ❤ I always thank the people inspiring me too or have had a hand in the things I do or made something I have used. Well..this was a coffe with Camilla..I will shut up now 😎🤣 I wish to contribute a little, because you give me so much so "Thanks"🤗❤

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you do much, I hope your illness will ease over time and allow you more time for creativity.

[@InHappinessandDistress]

@@CeriGriffiths Thank you, I do hope that so much too... My brain is going a thousand miles a second and my body is a snail, so it is frustrating, there are soo many things I would love to do, not just crafting, but..well life. I try to see the happy times I craft and not the times I can´t.

[@jennifermott5651]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@donnaswisher8408]

Agree totally Ceri. Time spent verses buying. My budget means I have to make my own stuff wherever possible but if I had the craft budget to allow buying, I most certainly would. Years ago I did craft fairs and yes to putting a value on your time spent making it. And yes to pricing wisely. Anyway, TFS. I enjoy "Coffee with Ceri" and hope you never get to busy to make them. Hope you have a great day. 🌞

[@CeriGriffiths]

I plan to continue them.

[@jacquiebrummett6143]

Thank you so much for this topic! I have been making journals for a couple of years. I have felt like I MUST make all aspects of my journals. This gives me permission to purchase the items that I do not enjoy making and spend my time on the items that I do enjoy. This is so freeing!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Wonderful!

[@vanessabroad4051]

Very good advise. Having cake decorated myself, I appreciated the cake decorating comparison. People forget how much "time" being creative in any genre takes. Good one Ceri.

[@CeriGriffiths]

So true, thank you

[@tommyeross7006]

I just recently found you and really enjoy watching and listening to you! You make it look easy! I’ve been making junk journals for about a year and I love it. All the stuff has taken over my living room! I don’t journal myself but love making them. I’ve given most of them away so far, no outlet to sell. I don’t want to do Etsy or eBay. I make my own coffee dyed paper, I love that crinkly sound! I just love making them! I follow Gayle and Rachel, too. Some of my favorites!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Wonderful

[@ItsaJournalingThang]

Ceri! This is awesome. Thank you for sharing this info, you’re such an inspiration ❤ oh and give Biscuit hugs 🐾

[@robinwebb2160]

Great info, Ceri. Not a content creator, I love making art and journals. (retired art instructor) So far I've made them for me and as gifts. I live in a small tourist historic artist community. I'm building a collection of journals to hopefully sell. I use a lot of recycled materials to create from. I have small collage and journal cards from a couple of other artists. I have let they're signatures stay. It's only right. In my personal gluebooks and journals, whenever I should use one of these cards, I write in a corner who created that little piece 😊

[@CeriGriffiths]

As long as you’re enjoying your creativity.

[@annetteb8963]

I am so addicted to watching your artistic videos (incl. coffee with Ceri :)), even the same ones already seen.. even listening to them in the background while doing chores...out of all the artists I've seen & watched in KZbin over the last few years, I always go looking for yours...you are by far my favorite even if on repeat...I've learned so much from you! I follow you on Facebook also as well. I am so inspired by you Ceri...As long as you will be here, then so will I. !!!

[@annetteb8963]

Edit: All I can say is that you are so awesome and you've inspired me to get back in my craft room after years of not even waking in there!!! You are my inspiration and go to for KZbin! :)

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you Anne both for your comment and your loyalty, have a wonderful day.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Perfect.

[@brant8642]

Hi Dear man! Just popping in for coffee. 🎉 Hope you're enjoying summer.❤

[@CeriGriffiths]

I am, thank you

[@sharbean]

The concept you mentioned near the end about underpricing your work and then people assume it must not be valuable is called ‘Perceived Value’. It’s a tricky balance to not under or over price your art.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you I’d forgotten that wording.

[@kayo2540]

I always have trouble pricing anything I might want to sell. Thanks for bringing up the point that it is hand made and a lot of work and time was put into it. I am grateful to the great makers on Etsy, so many options to pick from. Have a great day😊

[@christompkins7184]

Lots of food for thought there Ceri. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. ❤

[@christinekallaras5131]

Ceri so enjoyed this chat, I've been concerned about buying stuff for journals and ephemera feeling I was cheating. You have now eased my mind about this and after all it is the way these bought items are used to make something unique to yourself. Thanks again keep crafting xx

[@CeriGriffiths]

Absolutely

[@daphnewright5110]

Listening to your creative process, You have sparked a few ways for me to corral some of this modge-podge in my head. I get inspired by everything and i mean everything. And then I plan and reseach for that "perfect" result, which often times becomes an anchor around ones neck. I love your thoughts about marinating ideas and writing these thoughts down. It saves the delicious snippets of creativity for future use. Im a great organizer, but sometimes i wonder if i use it as an excuse to not just jump in an do it. Thanks for all you do to instill confidence and support in the world of art.

[@CeriGriffiths]

I completely understand and sometimes I’m procrastinate so long on which project to work on I don’t get anything created at all.

[@daphnewright5110]

@@CeriGriffiths so im not totally crazy. Lol

[@susanbilyeu22]

Great talk, TFS! A very widely relevant topic and your thoughts were informative and insightful! For me, too, besides just sometimes being a smart investment, I love supporting creators in their business ventures.

[@sueataylor8754]

Thanks Ceri. Fussy cutting is the bein(?)of my existence 😂❤

[@CeriGriffiths]

Yes

[@brendagoulette759]

So relaxing listening to you talk. I learn so much from you ❤

[@nancyludlum2646]

TFS

[@cathymoore1935]

Great points!

[@LAURAb4k]

Thank you so much Ceri! I enjoy your videos so much❤

[@MzDivasDen]

You are speaking the truth. As a photographer and crafter it gets a bit tedious. It's so much easier to buy someone's product especially if I don't have time to make it or simply don't how . Thank you for a good talk 🦋

[@artcuriousbymnw]

This is interesting Ceri❤ I love to hear you so relaxed😊

[@StanleyMorton-f3s]

Thanks!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you that will be a lovely addition to my fund for future video content.

[@blockedartist1962]

Thank you for this information.

[@karver3440]

Thanks so much for your interesting coffee chat🥰

[@CeriGriffiths]

My pleasure 😊

[@EvelynInanimate]

You really should receive an offer from all of the companies selling art products. I’ve purchased so many new paints etc since this post card challenge started 😂

[@retroqueenbeeart]

Editing videos and voice-overs takes a lot of time. I try to dye all my papers in the summertime. Cloth dyeing is new to me. My background is in teaching. Art is always a big part of my life. I like to share my knowledge. ❤ I mention others in my videos and write about them in my description. I know two artists who create journals without using digital tools. I love their work, and they are incredibly supportive and caring towards new creators. ❤ For me, art comes naturally, but dealing with tech issues has been a big learning curve due to my generation. I often have conversations with you in my head. I enjoy watching your videos where you talk. Since starting a daily postcard live, I've learned a lot about tech stuff and still learning. ❤ I feel like I've gotten to know you better over the past 2 or 3 years since I started following you. Anyway, I appreciate what you do for the artsy world. Keep up the great work! I have to go now. Sending you love, peace, kindness, and joy. Bye bye!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you so much, I totally get what you mean about tech, just when I think I’ve got a handle on it the programs get an update and I’m lost all over again. There were no computers when I was in school so this has definitely been a continual learning curve.

[@retroqueenbeeart]

Haha, about the tech- we are close in age, i am a little bit older. Today, I made a fun collage using a finger to keep myself sane. It was quite hilarious and really boosted my mood!

[@FullMoonLoonDesigns]

Great Coffee with Cari! I totally get this, make vs. buy. This is a dilemma sometimes in my glass work too. I don’t mind buying premade things like murini. Can I make my own? Yes, but it’s time consuming and I’d rather spend that time doing something else. For fussy cuts in paper projects, I’ve sometimes “cheated” and imported the images into Design Space and cut on my Cricut. Not all work well, depends on how easily the background removes. Thanks for another great thought provoking video!

[@4GraceCreations]

Ceri! How did you know i do art fairs and sell earrings?! Been doin that for years!!!! Only added journals and art in the last 2 years

[@CeriGriffiths]

Lol

[@PatWalden]

❤❤❤

[@4GraceCreations]

I just purchased a “naked” journal ready to use, by Darcy. I hope she signed it! Even though i make journals, it is so valuable and treasured to have other peoples work…and i find it easier for me to write in it/use it/love it. And i do need a few journals for personal writing.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Wonderful,

[@4GraceCreations]

Oooooo coffee with u would be fab in person too! Hang on, let me heat up my cup to come sit here with ya

[@joycemaureroriginal8563]

Absolute, I just spent $7 for 100 pieces of vintage book pages and maps on Etsy. All cut from books and ready to go! It'll take forever for me to use those all up but would have been more to buy vintage books and tear the pages out.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Perfect Joyce.

[@DarcysMixedMedia]

❤

[@candyclouston1412]

People who knit don't necessarily spin yarn, and not everyone who spins has sheep. Cooks might have gardens and livestock, but most of them go to the grocery store.. I sometimes create my own background papers, either with media or digitally (and I'm not writing the software that does it). Sometimes I use printed papers that are probably indistinguishable when I post a photo of my cards from some of the things I make myself. I worry about this less than someone who presents videos online or sells their artwork.

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I don't sell my finished handicrafts anymore. The last handicrafts I sold, didn't even cover the costs for the high end materials used. Now I either gift my handicrafts to special people, or I have people pay for all the materials needed and I tell them how long it will take me to handicraft the art piece and finally I ask them what they offer me for my time and skills. For example, if somebody wants me to make a certain sweater, I let them know what the material costs and they will have to pay for the materials before I start working on the piece. My work is then paid on delivery. I also don't accept orders with only a little time to work. The last handicraft I sold without going through this process was a huge king size bed cover made of Shetland wool, knitted twice. On the top cover it had Celtic motives, and the bottom cover was knitted plain. This was an heirloom piece. The price for the wool was about 2,000 € and I sold it for only 430 €. I just couldn't afford keeping the piece. People tend to compare hand made crafts to machine made articles from China. For example, they compare the price of hand croched, filigrane curtains to machine made curtains from TEMU or some discounter, which they may throw out after only 1 or 2 years of use. 😢

[@CeriGriffiths]

I don’t sell my creations either for the same reasons, I would rather gift an item to someone I know will appreciate it.

[@4GraceCreations]

Ko-fi is pronounced…coffee

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@4GraceCreations]

@@CeriGriffiths heck ya! I was drinkin coffee, you had some coffee and i thought…well, i may as well help, specially since it is coffee🤣🤣🤣

[@ChicagoDreamer5]

You are SO gracious at giving credit, and at recognizing someone's channel. I love that.

[@lisasternenkind6467]

Giving credit to other artists is actually the right thing to do. Is it not?

[@lisasternenkind6467]

I greatly dislike the toxic snowflake times we live in. Before stating anything, people now tend to excuse themselves for even speaking up. This also destroys creativity. For example, when watching a painting tutorial, artists say which paints, colors, brushes, etc are being used, and then immediately state, that they don't want to force anybody to use the same items and that they are of course free to use whatever they like, but this is what is used in the given tutorial. Some artists even don't want to call their video a tutorial, because people may think they want to force something explicit on others. And some artists just post a short speeded up video without any information at all, just to not offend anybody. Snowflake attitude is toxic! It kills creativity and also communication and social interaction. Let me tell you this: people, who feel offended by you expressing your thoughts, or you explaining your process of creativity, or your way of handling your creative materials, etc, are definitely *NOT* the creative people looking for more education on creative processes! Having said this, I would like to ask you to review especially the beginning of this video. Also, you might want to ask the community whether they are interested in you explaining how *you* handle creative activities, or need you to tell them multiple times that they are free to do whatever they like. I bet most creators actually *know* that they are free to do their art however they want. 😉

[@CeriGriffiths]

I think for me a lot of what you’ve mentioned are habits I’ve developed from watching other creators.

[@4GraceCreations]

Friends-please click like on videos you watch!🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵💜💜💜💜💜

[@CeriGriffiths]

True

[@robinsutton4952]

And watch the ads. I’ve heard that helps as well. I use that time to tidy, get something to drink, the restroom.