So why is it Art?

[cortsmommy]

The fuzbaby stuff is what I'm asking about. She calls them chilipeppers but they seriously just look like green dipes to me? I dont get it. Is there something that I'm missing here?

[pb_and_j]

Well, art is subjective... you see green dipes, I see green peppers w/ seeds. kwim???

[cortsmommy]

Yes I understand that art is subjective But I really think that the woman who owns Fuzbaby.com is one really good salesperson! I wish I would have thought of that! $100 for a green diaper because I say that its a chili pepper! Thats soooooooo awesome! :LOL

[MissSugarKane]

The fuzbaby stuff is what I'm asking about. She calls them chilipeppers but they seriously just look like green dipes to me? I dont get it. Is there something that I'm missing here?

Good point. Now I don't feel so bad about not being able to afford to bid. Because nobody else would even be able to tell it's a chilli pepper diaper. I mean I could just get another dipe that color and tell myself it's a cilli pepper diaper. Of course if I could afford one well then it'd be art.lol.

[cortsmommy]

Of course if I could afford one well then it'd be art.lol.

:LOL You're totally right. I wouldnt be questioning it at all if I had the cash! :LOL

[HeatherSanders]

I too have to say that art is subjective - and I do consider Lori's creation a form of art. I have said more than once - and heck, she's even quoted me . . . in my opinion, they are by far the most beautiful diapers on the world wide web.

Here's an analogy. I love Paul Klee - the artist. I have several of his prints throughout the house. His and Kandinsky. Now, some would say, "My child could do that - I should just frame my child's artwork" And to be honest, we have done that - framed it in an 'art' frame and proudly display it next to the Klee's in our home. However, we still LOVE the Klee. I often wonder where they get the names for their creations (especially since they are in German and only my mother can decipher it for me :LOL ), but we come up with our own names.

So, yea . . . maybe another 'like colored' cover or diaper could be named the same thing, but there are certain things I know I am getting when I order from Lori.

I am getting quality. I am getting organic or hemp. I am getting a woman that supports local industry. I am getting an activist's approach to cloth diapering. And I am getting a custom hand-dyed creation that is unlike anything else I've purchased on the web. I am getting a momma that is as willing to encourage a momma to make her own diapers as she is willing to sell one of her creations to that same woman.

Each WAHM has her 'thing' - her 'niche.' I do believe that Lori is a good salesperson, but if she had a product that was crappy . . . well, the talk wouldn't last long and the fever wouldn't have been 'catching!'

Some can take it or leave it. I am one that has chosen to 'bite' and am glad that I have.

[AndreaBash]

I really do see your point. It's like the For Eyes commercial where the glasses are exactly the same, but the salesperson says their glasses speak French and that's why they're so much more expensive.

I get the point about the diapers being well-made and functional... but the gimmick of the cute names and the way she chooses to market them create quite the buzz. There are a LOT of well-made and functional diapers out there -- I have never had one of hers, but I have often wondered just how far superior any one diaper can be to another when they are both well-made and functional.

[JodiM]

I totally agree...

But then again, I think it is totally ridiculous that someone charges soo much for something that cost so little to make.

I also feel bad for all the Fuzified Mama's that now have to go pay more, because they are now listed on ebay to get yet more money per diaper.

(Oh, and BTW... before I get nasty PM's... I am entitled to my opinion as well )

(And yes, I have owned Fuz)

[Cassandra M.]

well...i could never afford that much for a diaper....
but i can appreciate the WAHM making that much for it.
i am sure she pours hours into those diapers.
how much is she really making an hour?
think about how much an OB makes for showing up for the last 5 minutes of pushing?
she is a very talented seamstress who seems to have mastered the craft of diaper making....she should make a good income from it.

[HeatherSanders]

Ah, no one is going to get bashed for their opinions here . . . everyone has a right to their thoughts and expression - of course, as long as it is done tactfully and respectfully.

I do believe that Lori does not utilize the same manufacturers that many do in their materials. Her 'smallering' business approach suggests otherwise, so her mark-up most probably is less than one would anticipate if compared to the much lesser pricing behind mass manufactured fabric that we see across the WAHM stores and in our local large-chain fabric shops. She utilizes organic material, hand-dyes and supports local industry.

Not AT ALL making a judgment call on other WAHMs - I have purchased many a pretty/creative/curious/fun diaper fro other WAHMs. I just think the business approach and commitment is different according to the individual's 'cause' y'know?

Just a thought to throw out to the wind!

[Marco Esquandolas]

You know what I like? I like to go outside and look up the sky and see a big bright blue stretching across the horizon with puffy, fluffy cumulonimbus clouds in white against the blue. Then I like to look at my son's bum and see an exact replica of that. It makes me smile. For me, the smile is a big part of it.

The exclusivity is another piece....these are in limited quantities and you have something that not everyone else has or can get. That's not so much snobby as...I don't even know what word I'm looking for here. It's like when I buy a pollock print (this phish artist)...he hand paints and numbers each of his works. There are tons of knockoff's but for the more discerning eye, one can tell if it is a true pollock or not. They (the art and the diaper art) resell very well too.

I used to laugh at fuz buyers and mumble under my breath things like they needed their heads examined for buying a "$100 diaper" and then I'd mumble along with "more money than brains". BUT, it made them happy, and they kept talking and talking and talking....so I got curious. My first buy was the blue skies set and I was hooked. I wish my digi cam wasn't broken (thanks, son!) b/c I could show you a fit that is like a glove on him...nice and trim and no leaks or wicking and the binding issues on the diapers (knock on wood) haven't occured yet on my diapers. Do I have other cheaper diapers that I like just as much? I surely do. Do I have other say cloud print diapers? As a matter of fact, I do-SOS and fmbg. Do I still LOVE my fuz blue skies more and think it is prettier? I honestly do. It's like I've said before about spending (wasting) my money...at least it ain't on the crack!

I guess this is different strokes for different folks. You don't *need* fuz, but it is NICE to have.

[abigailvr]

Originally posted by JodiM
But then again, I think it is totally ridiculous that someone charges soo much for something that cost so little to make.

I am surprised to hear this. In other threads about WAHMs you hear the other work they do listed out, and how if you count all the hours they work, not just sewing, they're making like $2 per hour. I wouldn't call that a fair wage. Lori spends a lot of time planning what the garden will be and making prototypes, testing dyes, etc. I think she deserves to be paid for that time.

I am disappointed that she's gone the auction route. I know it will make her life easier, and it will, of course, make her more money, but there's no way I will end up with a diaper garden from here on out. I just can't bring myelf to pay what some others are apparently willing to pay.

[cortsmommy]

Oh good point and thanks for that info. Heather. I have to admit that I did not know what "smallering" meant. Having that information does make a difference in my opinion.

[pb_and_j]

Originally posted by JodiM
I also feel bad for all the Fuzified Mama's that now have to go pay more, because they are now listed on ebay to get yet more money per diaper.

Why do you feel bad? No one *has* to pay for them. No one is making anyone buy them. : Many ppl will not be able to get them, but not everyone could get them before either.

Think what you want of diaper art... I love Lori's creations, you (general you here) may not. We each have our own opinions, you're right. I don't however, think her marketing tactics are "gimmicks" and a ploy to get us mamas to spend all our hard earned $. She has been making dipes for, what... 3 yrs now? In her gallery are many beautiful one-of-a-kind diapers that probably went for lots of $ on auction. And those were even harder to get than the Garden diapers now. Her dipes have always been pricey. She used to only do auctions too... it is just recently that her diapers have really begun to be "hot."

So please, have your opinion on her art, but do not think that she is an evil genius plotting to get rich off making diapers. :

[mom2kay]

I too think Lori is a savvy business woman. I also believe she makes beautiful diapers. Many of her diaper gardens have been truly spectacular. As for her going to auction only... I think its smart of her. She can now cut back on the number of specialty diapers/covers she makes and still probably take in the same or close to the same profit as she did while going crazy trying to churn out all those diapers. I think that she can make a HUGE profit and its not one that I am personally willing to pay, but if others will, more power to them.

As for feeling sorry for Moms that can't afford the auctions. They can still buy a regular cover. I don't feel sorry for anyone. I'd love some FUZ but its just not in the budget right now. I can't afford a lot of art that goes on auction, but that's life...

Jodi, Hope you're doing well and enjoying life with your family

[JodiM]

Yes, I agree... if it's a embroidered design

I don't think a color of a diaper is a design, YKWIM?

But then again, different strokes for different folks.

[mom2kay]

I definitely agree Jodi about this month's garden falling a bit short. Basically they're bold colors. I do like the seeds, but they'll get pooped on :
But man, they're sure getting the bids on ebay!

[JodiM]

Jodi, Hope you're doing well and enjoying life with your family

We're doing great, you should write sometime :
[e-mail]

[Jenny_adoptChina]

I don't disagree with anyone's opinion about art (I could vote either way), but I just thought I'd go see what everyone's talking about so I checked out the eBay auctions. After seeing what's being sold I don't think she's making much money. It would take a long time to make all those items and the organic fabrics are very expensive (grown without pesticides). With all the business taxes, social security taxes, health insurance, and everything else a small business owner gets stuck with, I bet she just does it because she believes in what she's doing and really enjoys it, just like all the other WAHMs. Unfortunately what we're comparing her to is the other WAHMs who are making far less than minimum wage. She may be up to minimum wage or a little above it, but I bet she'd make more (and have more benefits) at a regular job. I think we get used to paying very little for things since most clothes and things at the store are made by people in very poor countries who get paid only a few cents per hour. Sometimes I feel guilty buying diapers for only $15 each when I know the WAHM is making less than minimum wage to produce them. Then I remember it's because they love doing it, and click "buy it" anyway!

[pb_and_j]

Originally posted by JodiM
Yes, I agree... if it's a embroidered design

I don't think a color of a diaper is a design, YKWIM?

But then again, different strokes for different folks.

Why isn't color a design? She's got a gorgeous palatte this month... 8 colors put together in unique ways... is that not design? Is that not art???

I'm feeling a bit punchy tonight... need sleep, lol