HONESDALE, PA — Alex Reed of Honesdale-based Orphic Intentions creates beauty from metal and stones. She sells her work on depop.com and at craft shows and sales.

Being a maker isn’t about working on your craft for endless uninterrupted hours, surrounded by hazy, dream-like lighting.

“Usually I start my days working part-time at a local food place,” Reed said. So she doesn’t get to work on jewelry projects until she gets home. 

But the regular job is important. It “helps pay for my craft and the other bills while my business continues to grow,” she said. 

And even when she’s turned to her artisan side, part of that work is business-related. 

Start with marketing; small makers (and probably some with bigger businesses) handle their own marketing.  (Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok)

“Taking pictures, running a multitude of social media accounts, connecting with consumers, and constantly thinking of interesting ways to promote my business takes more time than the craft itself,” Reed said.

There’s business development and economics: You have to find your audience, and you have to work out a price that’s fair to people and to you, the maker. “Most of my work takes a couple of hours and uses yards of wire and various crystals,” she said. “Prices need to reflect my time and effort, but also need to be affordable.” So Reed, like many makers, offers sales: if there’s something you’ve been eyeing but couldn’t afford, many makers (including Orphic Intentions) are running Valentine’s Day sales.

When work is a joy

What's wonderful about the maker life?

“Definitely the feeling of someone enjoying your work as much as you do,” Reed said. “From the compliment of a passerby to the recurring customer asking for custom pieces—any compliment reassures me I'm crafting for a reason. I love making unique pieces all age groups can enjoy.”

"I believe consumers should take some more time thinking about the value of the art before they settle with lesser quality, machine-made products.

"As a consumer, I care about where I source my products, and I hope others do as well. Sourcing from artisans instead of big corporations ensures a long-lasting product, promotes a more sustainable economy, and initiates creativity.”

That’s creativity all up and down the supply chain.