Monday, November 19, 2007

Knoxville TN, Here I Come!!!

I am happy to announce that I have just sent my FIRST trunk show down to Knoxville TN!! Just in time for the holidays, you can find all new work at DoubleCross! If you are in the Knoxville area, stop in and have a look!
Doublcross is located at: 4028 Papermill Drive, #9. Knoxville TN 37909
Thursday, November 15, 2007

What Gives...!

I just found out that I was included in the holiday ("What Gives...") gift guide of the City Paper! There is a special section on giving local jewelers work as a gift, and I just happen to be there!!!Such unexpected, exciting news to hear. I had no idea....

So far, i have only been able to find one copy of the newspaper that came out yesterday, so I'm hoping lots of people are reading!!!
Sunday, November 11, 2007

A Boutique Industry

Through The Blissful blog, I discovered that shop owner Abby Kerr also maintains a blog called A Boutique Industry.

"A Boutique Industry is designed to speak to other women who have chosen a lifestyle of entrepreneurship, or who dream of doing so. With honesty and humor, Abby discusses the ups and downs, highs and lows, decisions and moments of destiny, that go into starting and running a creative business."

AWESOME! You just have to read it and you will see what I mean. There is such a wide variety of topics addressed, which speak to such a wide range of entrepreneurs. I suggest starting back at the beginning of the blog, as I am doing. How to approach galleries, finding funding, branding yourself, creating your nitch are just SOME of the topics that are covered in the first month of blog entries.

Whirlwind Weekend

So what is a decor-loving, Paris-obsessed shopaholic supposed to do when she sees pictures like these from a store called The Blissful in Canton Ohio???...



The logical, responsible, and reasonable answer is to look longingly at the photos and wait until the store begins selling online in January (yes, mark your calenders now!). Yes, that would be the smart thing to do...

But its not what I did. Instead, I got my mom excited about the store too, and convinced her that we needed to take a spur-of-the-moment road trip five and a half hours away to do a little Christmas shopping. I love my mom...she's the only person I know as crazy as me! We had the best time, and I cant begin to tell you how wonderful The Blissful was!


I had been in touch with the owner, Abby Kerr before we arrived on Saturday morning, and she couldn't have been more helpful or friendly! When we got there, we found The Blissful had been transformed for their French-Inspired Noel Celebration, and was filled to the brim with the most gorgeous items I could ever imagine for the holiday season. Every nook and cranny had wonderful items for my mom and I to pour over, and we had to walk around several times just to make sure we saw everything. I LOVE shops like that. I highly recommend that anyone who is even remotely close to Canton Ohio makes the trip as soon as possible! (and by close, i do mean within a six hour drive ; ) ) A visit to The Blissful is a truly great way to get into the holiday spirit!
PS- The Blissful has a blog too!





Thursday, November 8, 2007

New Petite Pendants











These are hot off the bench! Im calling them Petite Pendants, and as you can see, they are pretty tiny, and really sweet. They will be available on my shop sometime today!






Monday, November 5, 2007

Its begining to look a lot like Christmas...


I just signed up for the 2nd Annual Holiday Ornament swap! The swap is coordinated by Freshly Blended and Cake & Pie. You can sign up to participate in the swap through either of their blogs.

All you have to do is make 8-10 fun ornaments to mail to other participants, then sit back and wait to receive 8-10 exciting new ornaments in the mail! A perfect way to incorporate a handmade holiday in to your home! You can choose to swap nationally, or internationally. I chose internationally, and cant wait to see where I will be getting work from.

Sign ups end Friday, so dont delay!

Here I Am!

Poppytalk Handmade Market launched today! Here is a link to my page!
Sunday, November 4, 2007

12 Linden

You def want to stop by this new etsy shop!
12 Linden is owned and operated by my very good friend Eliza Mundy!
Her shop already has a nice, unified feeling of nature, which is SO Eliza. I know that 12 Linden will soon have even more fabulous pieces in shop, so keep checking back.

NOVEMBER

How did it get to be November already, YIKES!

Poppytalk's Handmade Market opens tomorrow!!! Im so excited for more people to see my work! Im really looking forward to seeing the response. It was such a needed vote of confidence to be selected for the market, and it came at a time i really needed it. Thanks Poppytalk!

I spent Friday night in the studio with some of my old towson buddies Annie and Beth. We were there til 2 am, just like the good old days. and nothing i tried to do that night worked out, that was just like the good old days too! Oh well, the company was great, and i loved getting the chance to work next to other people, just bouncing ideas off one another and sharing tips. That communication is invaluable, and im lucky to have such talented, knowledgeable people in my immediate community.

For all the work i did from 7pm to 2am, this is all i have to show you....ughhh. But at least you get an idea of work that is coming soon!

I was busy adding new stuff to my etsy shop this weekend as well. Check it out!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Wither

Here are two necklaces from the new "Wither" line. Picture these with patterned metal and enamel..hint hint!
Friday, October 26, 2007

Weekend Away

I am going away this weekend for MUCH needed escape from Baltimore. This is what Jess said to me when i inquired about intenet:

"nope no internet. which will be good for you. you can take a break from it for 48 hours."

Lets hope shes right!
Monday, October 22, 2007

The Pay Off!









More new work, Enjoy!
Sunday, October 21, 2007

Busy Weekend

I cant believe the weekend is almost over...sigh...

Congratulations to Chandra and Jon, who tied the knot on Saturday! It was a beautiful wedding, and i was happy to be part of their day.

I was doing some early shopping at IKEA this morning for the studio (pictures to come later), and over the speaker i heard an announcement for a business workshop they will be offering in November. YEAH, Ikea offers business workshops. And even better, its free!! It looks like these workshops are monthly events, and on November 13th, the workshop series (entitled "SmartStart your business") is going to cover "Finding money and building your business plan".

Here is the link. January 8th the topic is: Marketing your Business, and February 12 is Tax strategies and financials. Sounds like these might be a really smart events to attend.

Need another reason to attend... if your pre-register (remember its free!), you get a $10 Ikea coupon.

Ikea, I love you!

Here is a look at what Ive been working on. Something for the upcoming holiday season!
Thursday, October 18, 2007

Dogwood Dangle Earrings


New, and in the shop!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007

EXCITED!



I just received at email letting me know i was accepted for November Poppytalk Handmade Market! Im so excited! Its such a wonderful opportunity for someone just starting out to gain so much exposure from such a well established name.



You can check out the current handmade market here. Check back after November 5th to see my page. But dont worry...i will remind you!


I had a few days off work this week, so I got my studio totally re-organized, and a lot of work done! Some of the pieces from my new line; Dogwood will be available on etsy today!










Friday, October 12, 2007

Frederick Gallery Walk

I've recently been reminded of this great event that takes place in Frederick Maryland, and i wanted to share it with you! Im hoping to make it home the first weekend in November to do the walk myself.

First Saturday Gallery Walk is a self-guided gallery tour through the streets of downtown Frederick complete with guest artists and live entertainment. The galleries (and many shops) stay open late so customers can come in and browse, see many artists studios, as well as exhibitions. Stacy Krantz is one of the artist who is opening her (new!) studio up for the gallery tour, as well as Zaruba & Zaruba.

Downtown Frederick is always a wonderful place to visit, but i cant think of a better reason, or time of year to go. Enjoy the people, shops, art and the food! If you do plan on going, these are two of my favorite restaurants: The Orchard, and Brewers Alley!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Work In Progress


This week has really been a blur... last weekend i was in VA teaching a charm bracelet class, monday i had a dinner date with ms. imogene, and last night i taught an intro class.

so FINALLY, tonight i got to get some of my own work done. It felt soooo good to be productive. I was a little concerned about having enough work for Holiday Heap, but after a day of designing and an evening of making, I am feeling much better. This necklace is not formed yet (it will be slightly domed), but you get the idea. I have plans for many styles of necklaces, some earrings, a ring.... They will be available in silver, oxidized siver, and also patterned metal.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Holiday Heap


I JUST got the e-mail saying i was accepted to the Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap show!

I am beyond excited, and have a feeling that I will be in the company of some very talented artists. Guess i need to really get making!!!

The show takes place December 1 2007, from 10-5 @ 2640 St. Paul Street in Baltimore. Stop by!
Thank you CCCM!
Sunday, October 7, 2007

Quick project


Why do "quick projects" never move quickly?

I was finally able to finish this color board for all the colors i use in coloring my lucite. I think im colored out for the night, but i do like the final result!
Don't ask me why i thought it needed a ribbon!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Tord Boontje

I had some time to kill yesterday, so i decided to stop into La Terra, in Hampden. Its something i had been meaning to do for a while after hearing good things about the shop from friends. And as soon as i walked in it was quite obvious why! It was such a cute store with tons of things that would have looked great in my apartment. Vintage inspired metalwork, beautiful glassware, soaps, candles, cards, purses, jewelry.... I picked up a few Christmas presents, and there was no way i could pass up a Tord Boontje paper "midsummer light". Its something I have wanted for soooo long, so when i saw that they were 50% percent off, i knew now was the time to buy one. Unfortunately, they didn't have any plain white ones left, but i love what i got!




If your not familiar with Tords work, i highly recommend you take a look at his website. He is very talented, and does work that is right up my ally. Target had him do several pieces for them over the last holiday season. I love that such a talented artist and designers work is accessible to the mass' through a store like target. The majority of his work is based on organic images, from flowers to raindeer (at christmas), and much of it is done using positive/negative space to enhance his designs. Its ALL beautiful.


Also, check this out on Amazon!





Monday, October 1, 2007

So Sweet


I am a big fan of the Post Secret books, and I recently heard about a new book being published with a similar theme. Other Peoples Love Letters is a compilation of 150 REAL loves notes that were given to real people. The book will be in stores October 30th, and im looking forward to flipping through the pages! It would probably make a fabulous coffee table book for a hopeless romantic like me!
Really, does it get any more romantic than this: "I can't believe you're real, and I think about you constantly in some way or the other all day. I haven't given the finger to anyone driving since I met you."

Meet Hank


I have a new image I will start using in production work! Im calling him Hank. Available on Etsy today!

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