red ribbon day

I love initiative! A few weeks ago, a parcel arrived at the store for me from a very young artist, who wondered if we would like her ideas. She had enclosed some of the things she had made, and to sweeten us up, some jellybeans in a wee box. An hour or so later, the phone rang, and it was this same young artist on the phone, checking that we had received her parcel, and what did we think? She was keen! I persuaded her that I needed just a little more time to look at her goodies, and that I would call or email her the next day.
By the time we next spoke, Kate & I had considered her ideas. We didn't like everything, but we did really like her shabby rosette brooches, and we felt that with a little modification, these could really work. The french fabrics were co-ordinated nicely, we loved her petal & leaf shapes, we didn't want any bling, the buttons needed to be covered, better brooch backs, no glue, presentation, little labels etc - typical picky retailers that we are! Poor girl! Anyway, to her credit she took our ideas on board, went away, and created these gorgeous rosette pins for us.
I so remember the first time I showed a retailer some of the things I was at that time, making. I was so nervous! So I really appreciate that it isn't easy to put yourself out there for rejection! I never like having to say to an artist that their creations 'aren't really our style'. In fact I dread it. But sometimes you strike a treasure.
And here we are a few weeks later, and the rosettes have arrived instore. Kate arranged them on my old mannequin, which really suits the aesthetic. And, if Charlotte hadn't had the courage to send me her box of goodies, we would both be missing out. Thanks Charlotte!
Amanda xx Pin It