Our Art History
 

In 1990, we found our "fifteen minutes of fame" in the Santa Fe art world when we were recognized for sculpture in a prominent New Mexico art publication, "The Collector's Art Guide".  The work recognized was for mixed media, clay sculpture of historically accurate representations of the history of Santa Claus throughout Europe and the ages.  Angela Catiirna was the youngest artist at the time to have ever been featured in the publication.  The pieces were signed Catirina Bonet, for Angela Catiirna & her mother, Bonnie, both of whom were co-creators and artists.  The pieces were later picked up by art galleries throughout the United States and featured in the Panhandle Plains Museum of Natural History for their historic significance.  Later works of various mediums can be found in museums across the United States, including the Uncle Remus Musem in Eatonton, GA.  Following that immediate success, we developed a home decor line that was marketed through retail gift stores throughout the United States.  In 2000 we launched the Catirina Bonet Designs publishing company with over 200 original, copyrighted  hand-knitting and crochet patterns that are sold online through Ravelry at 

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/angela-catirina-of-catirina-bonet-designs
 

and

 http://www.ravelry.com/designers/bonnie-bonet-of-catirina-bonet-designs .

Our Marketing History

In addition to our art background, we both have a history in wholesale/retail marketing, business, accounting, insurance, real estate, and not-for-profit accounting and fundraising.  Bonnie spent many years as a buyer for a chain of dress shops and has had extensive experience with the Dallas Apparel Mart, the Javot Center in NYC, and the Los Angeles Fashion Mart.  She helped launch a wholesale clothing line in NYC, and together we designed and marketed a successful wholesale, home decor line during the 1990's.  As independent artists and entrepreneurs  jewelry was a natural progression of our joint creative and entrepreneurial talents.

Fair Trade, Made in China  vs. American Made

We hear the term "Fair Trade" quite a lot.  Ironically, outside of low end tourist traps and college campuses, it doesn't seem to have the retail following going out the door as it does coming in.  That it is inexpensive makes it appealing, especially to shop owners new in business or those trying to build jewelry stock - big quantity / small price.  As with all things that come in large quantity fora  low price, low quality is part of the bargain.  Poor quality stones and beads strung on cheap cotton thread, and secured with square knots and glue.  Often we hear from store owners that these orders arrive broken and in bits.  If not, they inevitably are returned by unwitting retail purchasers who found them broken after just a wearing or two.  

The appeal in purchasing these items for stock to begin with was either the promise of larger than normal profits - "it's so cheap!  You can mark it up ten times and make ten times the money!"................Of course you can, until your customers start wanting refunds for purchases that didn't last, and quit shopping with these stores because they've developed a reputation for poor quality and rip off prices.  Or, in turn, the appeal is "I'm only selling Fair Trade jewelry because it helps women in third world countries start their own businesses.​

We specifically look for stores to carry our designs that are quality focused.  Our retail prices begin at around $5 and go upwards of $300.  Whether or least expensive, or most expensive designs, each piece is granted the same attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. We have NO MINIMUM ORDER.  Try one item or buy a grouping.  We have never believed in high-pressure sales or telling merchants what they can and can't sell.  We know that you know your customers, and what is right for your business.  We do also offer lots of helpful and informative information to help you in communicating what sets our designs and our jewelry apart - friend us on FaceBook for our regular FaceBook updates and also check our About Tabs on this site for detailed information on design elements used in our designs.  Feel free to print the information for display in your stores, or commit interesting tidbits to memory to make more interesting conversation with your customers.  We add new designs weekly and constantly strive to grow our business by growing your business.  Our dedication to quality craftsmanship, outstanding design, and teamwork with our retail vendors is the recipe for our success!  Join us!  We invite you!