Looking at the definition of "reasonable" and "fair," it would be hard to make a distinction between the two. Reasonable is defined as having sound judgment; fair and sensible. Fair is defined as in accordance with the rules or standards; legitimate. However, when used as adverbs to describe pricing points of Mexican Pottery and Metal Artwork, it becomes a marketing trick that creates a very distinct difference that can alter how you view these specific products.
Recently, I read a story from a business owner, not of Hispanic heritage, who talked about carrying products that are similar to mine (they absolutely are not). What struck me was a comment he made, describing his Mexican pottery and metal artwork By describing handcrafted art work as "reasonably priced," I read it as degrading an artist's hard work and creativity as insignificant and cheapens the product as a mass produced product you would throwaway and re-buy seasonally. Lastly, it's not specifically mentioned, but as a person of Hispanic heritage, I read it as an affront to a creatively rich Mexican culture.
This is unacceptable. I will NEVER advertise my pottery and garden decor as "reasonably priced." Rather, I advertise my products as fairly priced. Fairly priced places importance in the artist who sweats and toils to create something unique with a creative intelligence coupled with their physical capability. It places significance in a quality product, one that is meant to last longer than a season. A product that you share experiences with. A product that is not seen as a mass produced product, but as something truly unique. Additionally, as it is important to me, it teaches my clientele about a culture they may have little knowledge of.
I want to believe he did not mean to disparage my heritage; however, I do believe that he has a lack of respect for the products he buys, because he buys low quality products and believes that is indicative of my heritage. I show an appreciation for the products and respect for the artist, because I have seen what they do to make these beautiful pieces of art. It's this knowledge coupled with quality products that has set my business apart. Ultimately, that respect proceeds towards my clientele, for whom I would not be in this position to run a business that is unique as mine.
Sincerely,
Saul Ramos
Owner
Old World Pottery of Wichita Falls
Reasonable Price vs. Fair Price
Home & Garden Show 2012
Spring Cleaning
As the weather becomes warmer, I, like many others, began the ritual of accessing our homes with ideas of change. In this case, inspecting your patio/backyard for future changes begins with what you already have as of now. Inspecting pottery/furniture/stonework for wear and tear might lead to frustration, but bear in mind it might be that extra push for a change of scenery.
Have fun with the decoration aspect of your patio/backyard. Most importantly, make it a place that YOU would want to spend time in and invite guest to see.
What To Expect This Year...
With the weather feeling more like spring than winter recently, it has got me thinking about what I will be doing for the upcoming spring.
This year I plan to continue searching and importing unique, handcrafted pottery and metal artwork. I plan on finding more daring designs, colorful patterns, and antique styles. There will be pottery that is small enough to sit on a coffee table and pottery large enough to look like an addition to your home. There will be walls full of newly design metal flowers, so bright and large that they will capture any and everyone's attention. I plan on finding distinct statues that look as if they were plucked from a English garden, and fountains that feel as if they belong in a French manor.
These are a few of the things I plan on having at Old World Pottery.
Until then, expect for me to have a Grand Sale in February to coincide with the Home & Garden Show to make room for all the new pottery and garden decor. Keep checking in here for updates and also check out my Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/OldWorldPotteryofWichitaFalls for additional updates and photo albums.
Hope to see you soon,
Saul Ramos
Owner/Operator
2306 Jacksboro HWY
Wichita Falls TX 76302
(940) 264-7687
Happy New Years!
As a small business owner, I completely understand my business relies on the relationships established by me and my clientele. Let me offer a sincere thank you to all of you who have seen me grow from a hundred handcrafted pots to providing a couple thousand unique pottery and garden decor in such a short time. I would never had made it this far without y'all!
I would also like to thank all the business connections established since opening Old World Pottery. Thank you ladies at Coyote Ranch RV Resort, Meloni Cox and the rest of the staff at the Times Record News, the staff at KFDX Channel 3 and the staff at KAUZ Channel 6, the staff at the Kemp Center of the Arts, the women of the Wichita Falls Garden Club, Mr. & Mrs. Maskill of the Bill Maskill Family Foundation along with Midwestern State University, Adam of Home Sweet Home, Lynn and the staff at DesignWorksGroup, the Wichita County Heritage Society, and everyone else that I've had the honor to work with these past 2 1/2 years.
May our new year be blessed with good fortune and an abundance of time spent with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Saul Ramos
Owner/Operator
Chimeneas and How They Work
Chimeneas were made by Native Americans of the Southwest region to central Mexico to provide warmth for their family as well as baking and cooking. During the Native Americans' migrations, rain would play a role in the creation of Chimeneas. Easy to build and relatively small to carry (compared to a kiln/chimney,) the body of the Chimenea kept out rain while trapping heat to provide warmth. Today, Chimeaneas are used for warmth as well as decoration.
Tips for using a Chimenea:
Keep Chimeneas in open air spaces (never use on inside a home)
Use PiƱon wood for best results (Do not use Oak or Mesquite)
Place 4-5 inches of dirt, gravel, or sand inside Chimenea before use (it elevates fire pit)
Always cover when not in use (never use a Chimenea if its soaking wet inside, as it might cause damage)
Jack-O-Lanterns
Halloween is full of traditions, such as "trick or treating", dressing up and living out fantasies, celebrating with friends and family, and decorating your home. Walking through a neighborhood, trick or treaters are welcomed by festively dressed homes. One of the most common decortions are illuminated Jack O lanterns. The origin of Jack O lanterns begins in Ireland and spread to the United States, making pumpkins a common Halloween and Fall decoration. Jack O lanterns have carvings of faces or unique designs that light a pathway, welcoming trick or treaters to receive treats.The atmosphere of that day wouldn't be the same without Jack O lanterns, regardless of whether it's an actual pumpkin used or designed out of metal/clay. Stop by Old World Pottery and view my pumpkin patch of unique metal and clay Jack O Lanterns. They are perfect for dressing up your home this holiday!






