What is SRAJD?

Enchanted Pathways is member #0554

What is SRAJD?


SRAJD stands for Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer.

An SRAJD member sells the jewelry that they designed and created.

When you purchase from an SRAJD member, you are buying directly from and supporting the artist.

If you want to see the membership list and check out some of the websites where these artists can be found, click on the ROSTER icon in the menu to the left.

If you design, create, and sell your own jewelry, you are eligible for SRAJD status.


To apply you must (see application process below): Sell jewelry (or similarly related items like keychains, bookmarks, etc) that you or someone in your immediate family designed and made. Yes, you may sell other things as well, but the SRAJD designation will be used to identify the jewelry items as made by you.


Cost: There is no membership fee. However, since I donate my time and website to the project, I am now accepting small donations to assist with the weekly maintenance of the group (PayPal to srajd@brackendesigns.com). Your membership is not affected in ANY way whether you donate or not.


Member Benefits: You don’t receive anything tangible from the SRAJD organization, but you benefit from being part of a growing grassroots effort raise customer awareness of the difference between artists trying to sell their own creation versus middlemen trying to make a buck off of slave labor and/or assembly-line craftsmanship. But connecting with others and being part of a team that strives improve conditions for the artist can be a reward and/or benefit. Go to the Message Board and touch base with your peers!



Upcoming News: Once in a very great while, we will send out an email. It is not an option to be on the SRAJD mailing list. The list is to inform you of any changes and/or upcoming events in the group.



APPLICATION PROCESS
(the application process is short, so please read the questions carefully… it doesn’t take much time and it helps me greatly in processing your application):
If you want to apply for membership, please email your answers to the following questions:
Email to: Application@BrackenDesigns.com
How do you want your name (your name, not the name of your business) listed on the public roster?
Do you want your email address on the public roster?
What website address (only one!) do you want listed on the public roster?
(If you don't have a website, please include at least 2 photos of your jewelry)
If you sell in eBay, Etsy, JustBeads, or any other online market and want that listed on the roster, please state the place you sell and the ID you sell under

(Sample application)
1. Laura Bracken
2. Yes, email@BrackenDesigns.com
3. http://www.brackendesigns.com/
4. eBay=BrackenDesigns, RubyLane=Bracken Designs, Etsy=BrackenDesigns



Upon acceptance of membership:
You are eligible to use the SRAJD logo on jewelry items for sale that you or someone in your immediate family designed and made.
You may only use the SRAJD logo assigned to you (it will include your member #).
You may not sell mass-produced or otherwise not produced-by-you jewelry in conjunction with the logo.

What Does SRA Stand For?

SRA FAQ'S


What does SRA stand for?
Self Representing Artist

What is a Self Representing Artist?
A self representing artist is someone who creates and sells their or their immediate families work. A self representing artist does not sell mass produced beads under the SRA logo.

Why buy from Self Representing Artist?
A self representing artist has spent a great deal of time perfecting their work. They love their work and want their clients to love it to. The love of the art is what keeps the self representing artist creating. Most self representing artists have quality guarantees. If you have a problem with an item purchased, most artists will work with you to make it right. A self representing artist's reputation for creating and selling quality items is very important to them.

What should I know about mass produced glass items?
In many circumstances the glass items may not have been cleaned properly. In the case of lampwork beads, the holes are not cleaned of the bead release. The jewelry designer must clean the bead release which can cause an inhalation hazard from the bead release dust. Many times the items are not annealed or you have no guarantee that they have been annealed properly. Many times the bead holes are rough and can cut the stringing material.

What is annealing?
Annealing is a process of holding and cooling the glass at the proper temperatures. Different types of glass have different temperature requirements. If the glass is cooled too quickly, the glass has stress. This stress can cause the glass item to break immediately, months or years later.

What does the SRA logo mean?
When you see this logo, you will be assured that the seller is selling only their or their immediate families work. They have been approved by a committee to display the logo. Some sellers will eventually link this logo to a master list of SRA artists. Anyone using the logo without permission will be guilty of copyright infringement and will be reported. SRA artists come from all around the world. When you buy from an SRA artist you are supporting the artist directly, not the middle man.

What if I like someones items and they do not display the logo?
There are many SRA artists who may sell without the logo. This is where you as a buyer are going to have to do a bit of sleuthing. Check this sellers other auctions. In general, if they have hundreds of items selling at a time, you can guess that they probably did not make all those items. In the case of lampwork beads, look at the bead holes, they should be cleaned of release.