Friday, June 19, 2009
Buyers Market
The Buyers Market of American Craft announced today that they will be moving their summer show to Baltimore in 2010. Great news for me, since I live in B-more! Im not sure how helpful it will be to all of the out of town artists, but Im excited to possibly be able to continue to do the show in the future. The hotel cost is HUGE!
Yay :)
Speaking of market...im just about finished my "beaded" line, which will debut in Aug at the market in Philly. Im so happy to have this line done before I head to CA tomorrow. Time is moving so fast, and this will be one less thing to worry about as I sip my wine in Napa!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Confession
I have a confession. Its not really a secret, but rather something I just never mention that Ive done. It could explain my hiatus a bit...
10 years ago exactly I started and ran a needlework design business. It only lasted about 4 years, and then i stopped for two reasons; 1- i was totally embarrassed that i cross stitch (gasp!), and #2- i thought i didnt have time for it anymore, and lost interest.
I should also mention that my mom is a needlework designer and business extraordinaire, so I was merely following in her footsteps. She taught me how to stitch when i was really little, and encouraged me to start the business.
Anyway, after I quit designing, going to trade shows, having trunk shows etc., I retired all of my designs, and most of them were no longer available. But now I've opened an etsy shop that has all of my 27 previously published designs. They have been selling like hot cakes, and its been fun dealing with textile stuff again. I forgot how much I like this kind of work.
So Ive been designing again.
Im not sure where this will lead, or if it will just pass. I cant even believe im doing it to be honest! I do know that my new designs will have a very different look from my designs, and hopefully target a new market. No more samplers! YAY!
Ive been seeing embroidery pop up in a lot of new, expected places these days, so im hoping that needlework might actually become a little more hip than its been in the past. There is something so alluring about threads, linen, handwork, textiles... clearly Im not alone on this.
Anyway, I will be sure to keep you posted. If youd like more info on the needlework market just shoot me an email. Im off to stitch :)
10 years ago exactly I started and ran a needlework design business. It only lasted about 4 years, and then i stopped for two reasons; 1- i was totally embarrassed that i cross stitch (gasp!), and #2- i thought i didnt have time for it anymore, and lost interest.
I should also mention that my mom is a needlework designer and business extraordinaire, so I was merely following in her footsteps. She taught me how to stitch when i was really little, and encouraged me to start the business.
Anyway, after I quit designing, going to trade shows, having trunk shows etc., I retired all of my designs, and most of them were no longer available. But now I've opened an etsy shop that has all of my 27 previously published designs. They have been selling like hot cakes, and its been fun dealing with textile stuff again. I forgot how much I like this kind of work.
So Ive been designing again.
Im not sure where this will lead, or if it will just pass. I cant even believe im doing it to be honest! I do know that my new designs will have a very different look from my designs, and hopefully target a new market. No more samplers! YAY!
Ive been seeing embroidery pop up in a lot of new, expected places these days, so im hoping that needlework might actually become a little more hip than its been in the past. There is something so alluring about threads, linen, handwork, textiles... clearly Im not alone on this.
Anyway, I will be sure to keep you posted. If youd like more info on the needlework market just shoot me an email. Im off to stitch :)
Vintage Swarovski
I stumbled across this vintage swarovski crystal chain while browsing through all of my moms antique jewelry treasures, and have been in love ever since. Its hard to find, and the piece she got comes from French flea market, which i think makes it even better!
It is truly stunning! Ive been working on earrings, and so far have completed one simple pair. Now...to sell, or not to sell... Im not sure i can part with these yet!
I forgot to mention..
Happy Mothers Day KBD! I love you truly!!!!!
ps- meet Bella! My mom's newest baby ;) This photo was taken just after she fell in the pool yesterday, and was getting warmed up. Dont worry, we were all standing right next to her when it happened, and she surprised us all and started the doggie paddle towards the stairs.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Inital Sets
Initial pendant sets are now available now in my shop! Currently, all sets listed are initials with beads (customizable to match dresses), and include sets of 3, 4, 5, or 6. Pendants without beads are coming soon.
They make fabulous bridesmaids gifts :)
Whewh!
Its been a crazy week here- but that no excuse for not blogging. Sorry! Im back.The biggest news is on a personal note, and it's that I have been offered (and accepted!) a new job! The best part- its actually in my field!!! I am SO excited to say that I will be starting work with Lotus Jewelry Studio located here in the Baltimore area. I met the owners at the Philly show in February, and we have stayed in touch since. This opportunity will be amazing, and I cant wait to start!
I also got my first wedding order for initial pendants, that i hand delivered to the bride-to-be yesterday. I always love actually getting to meet my customers- it makes the whole art/buying/handmade experience so much more personal and meaningful. (Duh!) Above is the photo of her order. I love they way all of the pendants look grouped. I see a postcard in the future. This order also means new letters are available; G and H.
Im starting to think about the upcoming philly show in august. Im determined to be ready sooner than i was in February. It will help both stress and money wise. First objective- catalog planing so i know what i need to make. Its ALL new stuff. :)
Ive been listing stuff on etsy, both old and new, so be sure to check it out. Although the 40% off sale is now over, im going to be offering a daily sale item at a mind blowing discount. Thats right- mind blowing! Check everyday to see what the piece du jour is!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
New! New! New!
Hey, Diane, Dana, Danielle, Destiny, and Dave :). This ones for you. My latest initial is D. It can be purchased with beads, or without. Your choice!
And here are the earrings i finished up last night. They could quite possibly be the hardest thing ive ever tried to photograph. EVER. Im still not happy with the shots i got, but i couldn't wait to share them. They look really lovely hanging as well. These will be part of the ornamental line with includes the pieces from the previous posts. All designs are based on historical images.Monday, April 20, 2009
Flashback
Remember these, from last year?? you'r about to start seeing them again.... :)
Something Blue
I just listed my latest inital pendants in the shop. Im thinking of running a sale for brides-to-be, so that they can gift all of their lovely bridesmaids their own inital pendants, as well as get one for themselves to wear on their big day. Obvoiusly, the beads and colors can be customized to match the colors of the wedding. Or the brides inital pendant can use blue beads to be her "something blue". What do you think?Friday, April 17, 2009
Gemstones
If you ever read my listing on etsy, you'll see that there are several times i use the phrase "semi-precious light green stone"(or blue, or purple, whatever). And its not because im trying to be sneaky, or not tell you the name of the stone, its simply because i have NO IDEA what the stone is. I go to huge gem shows to pick out my stones, and then come home with no clue what they are. Some are obvious, others not so much. So in an effort to remedy that, when i got to my next show in a few weeks i plan on asking what each and every stone i buy is called, and make a point to write it down. And for those stones in my stash that remain a mystery, i just ordered the book shown here. Cant wait to get it in the mail!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
works in progress
These pieces still need to be polished and cleaned up a bit, but they will be ready soon.The new letters are R and T.
Monday, April 13, 2009
cut and paste!
To me, things like this are pointless, over analyzed, and SO MUCH FUN!! Care too copy, past and post? :)
Yourself: scattered
Your partner: my compliment
Your hair: Shorter than Id like
Your Mother: soul mate
Your Father: strong
Your Favorite Item: beads
Your dream last night: travel
Your Favorite Drink: mojitos
Your Dream Car: Volvo SUV
Your Dream Home: comfortable
The Room You Are In: living room at work
Your fear: loneliness
Where you Want to be in Ten Years? northwest coast
Who you hung out with last night: Casey
What You're Not: patient, and a good speller
Muffins: banana nut
One of Your Wish List Items: new jeans
The Last Thing You Did: took a walk with a baby
What You Are Wearing: jeans/sweater- comfy
Your favorite weather: warm days, cool nights
Your Favorite Book: twilight
Last thing you ate: breakfast
Your Life: slowly getting to be what id like it to be
Your mood: excited
Your Best Friend: all of my friends are the best
What are you thinking about right now: new jewelry/weddings
Your car: needs a wash
What are you doing at the moment: Blogging
Your summer: exciting changes
Relationship status: in love
What is on your tv: Nothing
What is the weather like: a little cool for me
When is the last time you laughed: Today
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