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Fine Art & Crafts Online: Tips for Great Gift Ideas

Always trying to find the perfect gift? Want to use the Internet to expose yourself to new products? Try surfing the web for original art and fine crafts. "Art is a great gift because it really lets the recipient know that you put some thought into it," says Celestine Nguyen, co-creator of Artists' Heaven, an online art emarketplace.

Since retail e-commerce sales are up 27% from 2002, according to the U.S Census Bureau (U.S. Census Bureau, Nov. 21, 2003. United States Department of Commerce News http://www.census.gov/mrts/www/current.html Retrieved Dec. 18, 2003 from source.), artists and fine craftspersons are more actively promoting their work online in conjunction with their art fair and gallery exhibits. Since e-commerce websites can require high up-front and monthly fees, many artists opt out of developing their own site, instead joining online galleries and emarketplaces. This is great for the consumer because it allows art websites to exhibit a variety of different products in one place and make it faster and easier to make a purchase. Online galleries now offer everything from sculptures to paintings to wearable art and jewelry.

Here are tips to help you purchase the gift of art:

• Don't worry about whether or not it will match their décor. Art is supposed to stand out and grab your attention. You probably know your recipients taste. If you see a piece of pottery and think, "That looks like something Jane would like." then she probably will!
  
• If you're not ready to jump into large watercolors or brass sculptures, remember that art comes in many shapes and forms. Wearable art such as hand woven scarves and hats make a great winter holiday gift. Handcrafted wood toys or jewelry items give that unique touch.
  
• Do they collect anything? Figurines, ornaments and miniatures are among collectors' favorites. People cherish their collections and are always trying to add unique pieces. Do you have a friend who collects watermelons? Lindsey Cadeau, an Artists' Heaven craftsperson, recently offered a wood stool featuring the inside of a watermelon hand painted on the seat. Perfect!
  
• Think art is too pricey? Think again. Art can vary greatly in price. If your budget is limited, shop around for a unique handcrafted item such as a candle or sterling silver earrings. If you have your heart set on buying mom that beautiful brass garden sculpture, then ask other family members to pitch in and help get her something she will love! If you want to shop around and compare prices of similar items, try Froogle, Google's new product search service.
  
• Here's another cost-saving tip. If you fell in love with an expensive pastel but can't afford it, find out if there are prints available. Artists often times have a limited number of signed prints available at a much lower cost. To save even more, ask for the print unframed and then shop around for a less expensive frame at a local discount store.

Lastly, don't forget that buying art shouldn't be difficult. If you are struggling with the decision to buy or not to buy, then surf away. Come back again in an hour and if it still grabs your attention, then click the Shopping Cart button and enjoy your safe and easy purchase!

Shannon is the Director of Strategic Relations and Quality Assurance at E-Integration, Inc (EI). She is responsible for streamlining the business processes and customer relations guidelines of EI to ensure that quality and cost-effective products are continually provided. Email Shannon at shannon@e-integration.net or visit www.e-integration.net for more information about the company.