2.29.2008
1.17.2008
Explexia
I finally opened my art shop at explexia.etsy.com to house my ACEOs and other art. I still consider my stained glass my primary work - but in the winter it is SO hard to convince myself to go freeze in my workshop, that I don't get much done.
My art cards used to sell quite well, specifically my signature rabbit (see here), so it was kind of interesting to see if they would continue to do well. I also have included my other art ACEOs, such as watercolor and other subjects in various mediums.
Surprisingly, the first rabbit I put up sold within hours and so did the next. Lots of views for the others, but no sales as of yet.
It's gratifying, yet somehow intimidating. We'll see how it goes!12.12.2007
New Creation! Spirally Goodness ...
In my effort to find fun and chilly garage-avoiding items to make, I came up with this cool sphere:
I already have ideas for other ones with a bit of a different twist to them. I can picture an entire basket full of these happy spheres sitting on my table, all different sizes. *happy sigh* Hard work ahead though - and I don't even know if people will like them! But I do, and that's what matters, eh?
It was quite the undertaking, considering every piece of wire was individually formed and shaped, placed together, new spirals made to fit and then finding the nuggets for placement. Considering it was my first one - I got pretty frustrated, but then figured some things out along the way. Like usual, I expect the next one to be easier.
I find I like it more just place randomly on a shelf or end table, rather than hanging. The tactile quality makes it hard not to pick up - and even harder to put down. And, like the pendants, it lends itself SO well to photographs that I took maybe 40 photos of it (then had to wade through the best ones, but there were so many that turned out well).
I already have ideas for other ones with a bit of a different twist to them. I can picture an entire basket full of these happy spheres sitting on my table, all different sizes. *happy sigh* Hard work ahead though - and I don't even know if people will like them! But I do, and that's what matters, eh?
12.09.2007
Catsicle
This cat found me today:
It was about 2 degrees above zero and this little guy was wandering around outside. His fur had snowballs stuck in it and his lip was injured. I brought him in and fed him some milk and tuna, and let him warm up. He's Very Friendly.
We put some "Found Cat" signs around with our phone number on them, hopefully he belongs somewhere. He seems too pretty to be a stray. We'll see what happens.
Until something does - looks like we have unexpected company for the holidays!
12.07.2007
Snow, Pomegranate & Secret Santa
I was standing outside thinking how beautiful the snow is today - all sparkly and beautiful, when the idea hit me to grab a pomegranate I had bought and play with it in the snow! The ruby red of the fruit and the sparkly white snow turned out COOL:
My gift came from one of our administrators (and internet superstar among Etsyians), Lis Kidder! She totally made it personalized and looks like she put a ton of work into it. THANK YOU, LIS! How very cool. It's soup season for me, and I was just getting annoyed that I don't have a spoon rest for all my soup pot stirring spoons. And voila - one in the mail! How cool. My kids were all impressed, too. Happy dance!
It made me wish I was a photographer, and could just snap photos like this all day. Well - I guess I can, but for no purpose other than to please myself. Which is okay!
I also received a gift from a Secret Santa exchange we were doing within our EGA group:
My gift came from one of our administrators (and internet superstar among Etsyians), Lis Kidder! She totally made it personalized and looks like she put a ton of work into it. THANK YOU, LIS! How very cool. It's soup season for me, and I was just getting annoyed that I don't have a spoon rest for all my soup pot stirring spoons. And voila - one in the mail! How cool. My kids were all impressed, too. Happy dance!It happened to come with 5 other packages of Etsy purchases I made recently, so it was a super happy mail day. I can't wait to show all the things I bought, but it will have to wait until after Christmas!
12.01.2007
Horrible to Happy
This week has been hell. So many things went awry, that I was almost scared to wake up by Friday - and had been going to bed super early, just to be done with each day sooner.
But - through all the poo, I actually accomplished some things! YAY!!
But - through all the poo, I actually accomplished some things! YAY!!
I did some nifty pendants - but the above was great to finish. It is inspired by this awesome painting my mother has by E. Newman (that we know little about, except she was a friend of my aunt's in Oakland, CA). I have a similar woodcut I did of the same theme, so it was fun to get it into glass. YAY! I love it, it's bright and happy! The opposite of my week.
Perhaps I put all my happiness in the panel, making my life devoid of it for a period of time. Ah well, hopefully it's behind me. Happy December 1st!!
11.03.2007
Big vocabulary? Feed people with your knowledge!
Check it out: FreeRice
For every word you correctly guess the meaning of, a sponsor donates 10 grains of rice. It sounds piddily, but it's fun. With folks like me, who are into words/definitions - it's a fun little game with serious results. Learn vocabulary for free while you are at it!!!
I donated 600 grains of rice before I finished. (Level 40)
What's your score??
For every word you correctly guess the meaning of, a sponsor donates 10 grains of rice. It sounds piddily, but it's fun. With folks like me, who are into words/definitions - it's a fun little game with serious results. Learn vocabulary for free while you are at it!!!
I donated 600 grains of rice before I finished. (Level 40)
What's your score??
11.02.2007
Photo quandary
I recently made this candle holder, which is easy to take good pictures of when it's light out and the sun is streaming into the house. (And lots of white paper laying about for a "light box".)But I figure people will want to know what the holder looks like when there is a lit candle in it! Try taking pictures of THAT.
The glass is dark, the candle flame very weak for photos, but a flash completely ruins the picture. It's been a problem of mine for a long time.
Here is one of the pictures I ended up using, with no flash, lots of light behind me but not directly shining at me or my dark corner and me balancing my camera on a broom handle for a tripod (since for some stupid reason, if you turn off the flash the anti-shake thing won't work).If there is ANYONE out there with an idea or tips on how to take photos in these conditions, this would be a grand time to speak up! I figure I have about 4 or 5 candleholders sitting in boxes because I cannot, for the life of me, get a good picture, since the glass is just too dark to pick up in a picture. In person, they are beautiful. So sad.
Ah well, that's my dilemma of the day. :D
(WHY do I always think "dilemma" is spelled dil-e-m-N-a?)
10.31.2007
Marvelous Maggie on Halloween!
This was first actual Halloween that the Magster got to go trick-or-treating out on the town, so I thought I'd share some pictures. I went for the standard easy costume for her first time. Ears and a tail, black clothes - easy mouse! She always plays pretend with "mousey" being her two fingers walking around on Legos or my arm and whatnot, so it was pretty easy to decide. It was that or a paper bag of groceries with arms and legs... which would have been funnier but no one liked it but me. Ah well, she liked the mouse costume.
This is before going out - lookin' a little worried, but ready to get some candy:
This is on the road with Dad:
Here's one that her oldest sister got of her once it got dark out - which is just a totally cool picture:
This is before going out - lookin' a little worried, but ready to get some candy:
This is on the road with Dad:
Here's one that her oldest sister got of her once it got dark out - which is just a totally cool picture:
And here's the last one, home again with the horde. She mostly opened the candy, took a bite, then said "yucky" and handed it over to a sibling.
Maggie did pretty well, but was very tired when it was all over. Now she'll just be happy that she gets to play with her ears and tail whenever she wants.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
(and I am going back to watching Ghost Hunters)
9.24.2007
Iridescent Pink Box
This actually was an old plain box I had done, and had forgotten about. I found it getting ready for the show, and thought it just needed a little something. So happy wire whirls and designs made it a bit more art deco. Yay!
9.23.2007
First Art Show Lessons
*whew*
My show is over. I made it! My first art show and I survived intact, had fun, made sales and met cool people. Happily, the event was made even better by the fact that my brother (cbpottery) was there with me. I definitely learned a few things for next time, so in no particular order:
1. Do NOT forget calculator
~ Imperative for the math-challenged artist. Although everyone was kind and understanding, I still felt like an idiot taking so long trying to do simple math for change. And you can just forget about sales tax. Holy crap.
2. Do invest in a REALLY good tent
~ while I opted for el cheapo tent because it was the only show I'm doing til next year, I really understand now why a well-made tent is a must. I spent so much time putzing with it in the minimal wind (tent reacted as if it was a gale), reinforcing it, and taking the damn thing down again (un-reinforcing took forever) when I was tired from the day - that I almost started throwing pieces of it around. Forget THAT trash. E-Z Up, reserve one for me!!
3. Make firm lunch plans OR get more reliable husband
~ My brother and I waited around, albeit with snacks and water, from 8:30am to 3:00pm waiting for my husband to show up with the lunch we asked for before he left ... Meanwhile, he was taking a day-long nap at home thinking we'd call when we were ready or had figured it out ourselves. By the time we got a hold of him, my brother decided since the show was over in a few hours - we would just eat afterwards. Heh - who knew between our evil tents, and repacking glass and earthenware inventory (and various lengthy convos with other folks), it took us almost two hours to leave. There was a happily-ever-after though, as my mom took us for a celebratory "first sibling show" dinner at a swanky restaurant (read prices that were high enough that I thought they were the meal "numbers" for ordering) because we were famished.
4. Do NOT (even if there are conflicting end times) try to get out the minute it's "over"
~ People showed up late - looking to spend, and spent it mostly on the one guy who hadn't gotten around to packing his stuff up yet because he was gabbing. Meanwhile, my inventory was mostly in boxes - which I did take out to show a few pieces but got no sales. Not that it would have been a "for sure" thing - but I do regret being hasty, and can understand why my brother was for holding off packing up for a bit.
5. Do NOT expect people to watch their children around your breakable valuables
~ I was reminded heavily of my lifeguarding days when some parents assumed that since you would save their children from drowning, you were also their babysitter for the day. *grrr* I learned that perhaps my glass boxes with the fun hinged lids should go a BIT out of reach of the 6 and under crowd - because some parents are perpetually oblivious to what their little ones are doing at any given moment.
*slam slam slam "this is fun, Mommy! I want one!" slam, slam*
6. Do STRESS LESS about fingerprints on glass - people just have to TOUCH everything
~ I've never really paid much attention to people's need to touch what they are looking at - there were fingerprints and smudges all over every piece of glass! I finally just gave up trying to buff them out, and started joking with folks about it. Because, y'know, *chuckle* it is always the other people that do it, not us.
So - what did I do right??? Here's a tiny list:
1. Invite your FRIENDS to visit! Do the show with FAMILY!
~ Having my wonderful big brother there was ... wonderful! It made the whole experience just all around better and more fun. We even started using it to our advantage when hobnobbing with the people, like a little comedy team. It was super nifty having my first show be along with him, because HE is super nifty.
~ What bright points in the day to have people I knew coming through here and there! It's hard to be "on" all day with strangers, it's nice to get a hug and a moment to nudge and wink with some bosom buddies (who know enough to fade politely away when necessary).
2. Coupons, cool business cards, group sale announcements, t-shirt with familiar arty place!
~ I made up some 20% off coupons good for one item at my online store. My mother advised to only give them out to people who bought something, but this show turned out to be more promotion than sales, so I handed them out to the serious browsers. I figure if they wanted my business card - an added incentive to actually look up my online store was a happy coupon!
~I also gave away EGA sale announcements and info to serious browsers AND to people I noticed wearing pretty jewelry or arty clothes (yea yea - snap judgements, but those I deemed would be interested in EGA goods - why not hand out a 1/2 sheet flyer??) Those flyers and coupons were sitting there for anyone to grab if they wanted, but only a few took them - so I did a lot of handing of my own accord.
~My brother and my MOO cards were a big hit! Definitely more so than a regular business card.
~ I happened to be wearing a t-shirt with a bright logo of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and got quite a few comments on it, even a few conversations. Which might have possibly sparked a sale or two. Who knows? But, I do so love the MIA, so who cares?
There is probably more things I did right or wrong, but my well of thought has run dry. Needless to say, I had fun, sold enough to more than cover my expenses to be in the show - and hopefully drummed up some traffic to my Etsy store. (Which, of course, I'll be able to track through my ingenious coupon codes!) Oh, and everything I didn't sell - is happy extra inventory! WOO
My show is over. I made it! My first art show and I survived intact, had fun, made sales and met cool people. Happily, the event was made even better by the fact that my brother (cbpottery) was there with me. I definitely learned a few things for next time, so in no particular order:
1. Do NOT forget calculator
~ Imperative for the math-challenged artist. Although everyone was kind and understanding, I still felt like an idiot taking so long trying to do simple math for change. And you can just forget about sales tax. Holy crap.
2. Do invest in a REALLY good tent
~ while I opted for el cheapo tent because it was the only show I'm doing til next year, I really understand now why a well-made tent is a must. I spent so much time putzing with it in the minimal wind (tent reacted as if it was a gale), reinforcing it, and taking the damn thing down again (un-reinforcing took forever) when I was tired from the day - that I almost started throwing pieces of it around. Forget THAT trash. E-Z Up, reserve one for me!!
3. Make firm lunch plans OR get more reliable husband
~ My brother and I waited around, albeit with snacks and water, from 8:30am to 3:00pm waiting for my husband to show up with the lunch we asked for before he left ... Meanwhile, he was taking a day-long nap at home thinking we'd call when we were ready or had figured it out ourselves. By the time we got a hold of him, my brother decided since the show was over in a few hours - we would just eat afterwards. Heh - who knew between our evil tents, and repacking glass and earthenware inventory (and various lengthy convos with other folks), it took us almost two hours to leave. There was a happily-ever-after though, as my mom took us for a celebratory "first sibling show" dinner at a swanky restaurant (read prices that were high enough that I thought they were the meal "numbers" for ordering) because we were famished.
4. Do NOT (even if there are conflicting end times) try to get out the minute it's "over"
~ People showed up late - looking to spend, and spent it mostly on the one guy who hadn't gotten around to packing his stuff up yet because he was gabbing. Meanwhile, my inventory was mostly in boxes - which I did take out to show a few pieces but got no sales. Not that it would have been a "for sure" thing - but I do regret being hasty, and can understand why my brother was for holding off packing up for a bit.
5. Do NOT expect people to watch their children around your breakable valuables
~ I was reminded heavily of my lifeguarding days when some parents assumed that since you would save their children from drowning, you were also their babysitter for the day. *grrr* I learned that perhaps my glass boxes with the fun hinged lids should go a BIT out of reach of the 6 and under crowd - because some parents are perpetually oblivious to what their little ones are doing at any given moment.
*slam slam slam "this is fun, Mommy! I want one!" slam, slam*
6. Do STRESS LESS about fingerprints on glass - people just have to TOUCH everything
~ I've never really paid much attention to people's need to touch what they are looking at - there were fingerprints and smudges all over every piece of glass! I finally just gave up trying to buff them out, and started joking with folks about it. Because, y'know, *chuckle* it is always the other people that do it, not us.
So - what did I do right??? Here's a tiny list:
1. Invite your FRIENDS to visit! Do the show with FAMILY!
~ Having my wonderful big brother there was ... wonderful! It made the whole experience just all around better and more fun. We even started using it to our advantage when hobnobbing with the people, like a little comedy team. It was super nifty having my first show be along with him, because HE is super nifty.
~ What bright points in the day to have people I knew coming through here and there! It's hard to be "on" all day with strangers, it's nice to get a hug and a moment to nudge and wink with some bosom buddies (who know enough to fade politely away when necessary).
2. Coupons, cool business cards, group sale announcements, t-shirt with familiar arty place!
~ I made up some 20% off coupons good for one item at my online store. My mother advised to only give them out to people who bought something, but this show turned out to be more promotion than sales, so I handed them out to the serious browsers. I figure if they wanted my business card - an added incentive to actually look up my online store was a happy coupon!
~I also gave away EGA sale announcements and info to serious browsers AND to people I noticed wearing pretty jewelry or arty clothes (yea yea - snap judgements, but those I deemed would be interested in EGA goods - why not hand out a 1/2 sheet flyer??) Those flyers and coupons were sitting there for anyone to grab if they wanted, but only a few took them - so I did a lot of handing of my own accord.
~My brother and my MOO cards were a big hit! Definitely more so than a regular business card.
~ I happened to be wearing a t-shirt with a bright logo of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and got quite a few comments on it, even a few conversations. Which might have possibly sparked a sale or two. Who knows? But, I do so love the MIA, so who cares?
There is probably more things I did right or wrong, but my well of thought has run dry. Needless to say, I had fun, sold enough to more than cover my expenses to be in the show - and hopefully drummed up some traffic to my Etsy store. (Which, of course, I'll be able to track through my ingenious coupon codes!) Oh, and everything I didn't sell - is happy extra inventory! WOO
9.12.2007
Bold! Bright! Wonderful Treasury
Thanks to Clairigami for including my glasswork in her great treasury! Her shop is pretty darn nifty - I used to do quite a bit of origami, so it's always interesting to see others' work.
Alright, alright - I'm getting back to work.
9.11.2007
THE wedding & industrial efforts
Putting a spit-shine on my best pair of Chucks for a 3-day event! People potentially coming from Italy and Budapest!
I am *not* the grand wedding lover, but even I'm anxious to see how my cousin's wedding will turn out. I'm so thankful my kids and brother will be there to hide behind. I loathe mingling and all that heavy-duty social stuff, but she's worth it - to me and my kids. Heh, here's me acting as if it's tomorrow, no no - not til the 6th of Oct. I'm just THAT stressy over it. Did I mention I am mingle-challenged? Small talk ... eep.
And I'm not just going because she has chosen my glasswork for some presents she will be giving out to some key people. I am pretty damn flattered ... kind of overwhelmed by it all, to be honest. (Hence the half-empty Etsy shop.) Delivery date: the 16th. This weekend. Oy.
Lots to doublecheck, polish up and package.
No, I'm going because she's the cousin I giggled with the most as a kid. And everytime I see her, I remember that. She's infectiously enthusiastic and also miraculously accepting, honest and open. I really don't ever remember her being any different. I suppose there are precious few people like that - so to me and my kids - she's worth getting swanky for and celebrating alongside. (As if we'll see more than a glimpse of her here and there.) And no again, I'm not kissing arse - she'll never read this because she's got more to do than I could ever even imagine (and voluntarily!!!) I just needed to say it somewhere.
Between getting her stuff out the door, and furiously working to get my inventory up for a brand new local apple orchard/art show/studio tour I'm involved in next weekend, there will be little time for worrying about what's happening online. If you see me online, I'm either taking a break or (more likely) procrastinating ... and you should shoo me back to my glass cave.
I am *not* the grand wedding lover, but even I'm anxious to see how my cousin's wedding will turn out. I'm so thankful my kids and brother will be there to hide behind. I loathe mingling and all that heavy-duty social stuff, but she's worth it - to me and my kids. Heh, here's me acting as if it's tomorrow, no no - not til the 6th of Oct. I'm just THAT stressy over it. Did I mention I am mingle-challenged? Small talk ... eep.
And I'm not just going because she has chosen my glasswork for some presents she will be giving out to some key people. I am pretty damn flattered ... kind of overwhelmed by it all, to be honest. (Hence the half-empty Etsy shop.) Delivery date: the 16th. This weekend. Oy.
Lots to doublecheck, polish up and package.
No, I'm going because she's the cousin I giggled with the most as a kid. And everytime I see her, I remember that. She's infectiously enthusiastic and also miraculously accepting, honest and open. I really don't ever remember her being any different. I suppose there are precious few people like that - so to me and my kids - she's worth getting swanky for and celebrating alongside. (As if we'll see more than a glimpse of her here and there.) And no again, I'm not kissing arse - she'll never read this because she's got more to do than I could ever even imagine (and voluntarily!!!) I just needed to say it somewhere.
Between getting her stuff out the door, and furiously working to get my inventory up for a brand new local apple orchard/art show/studio tour I'm involved in next weekend, there will be little time for worrying about what's happening online. If you see me online, I'm either taking a break or (more likely) procrastinating ... and you should shoo me back to my glass cave.
9.04.2007
baubles
My newest creation: Baubles!
I get to combine my love of working with wire and my enjoyment of glasswork. Although, in a way, these are my "easy" item to stock up on for shows and whatnot. The glass nuggets are easier to prepare than glass, so it cuts the time down quite a bit.
But, I'm quite pleased with them - they can even be worn as pendants!
WEEE!
8.29.2007
Nifty Treasury
Thanks to ShiningDesigns for including me in her nifty "Bamboozled" treasury :DI'm actually in two other treasuries at the moment, but I like this one a lot!
8.27.2007
My brother's shop is finally open!
After spending two gruelling days teaching my brother and his wife their way around the computer and digital camera so they could maintain his shop (she's the official photographer), it's finally up and running!! YAYAY!
I never realized just how much about computers becomes second nature, having used them for a long time. The questions they asked were really surprising, but happily - they caught on quickly and were excited the whole time. My brother is a great potter, (his wife should really sell her photos, but is content with having photo duty for his shop) and I think this will be great for them both. It was tough going, but lovely to spend time with them - and be excited with them.
They learned how to manipulate their photos (she even got a pro Flickr account, yay!), list in their shop, and a few bonus tutorials on filing, GIMP, instant messaging, email, Paypal, Flickr, Outlook Express, photo editing, and general Etsy community guidelines. My broke-legged daughter came up with me (3 hr. drive) and helped watch their kidlets while we pounded away at our daunting task. We even got scrumptious chili and lovely bisquit and gravy breakfast. Hehe, the biscuits even made it into one of their item photos. :D
Next week? More of the same, plus blogging, Flickr, widgets, organization, net etiquette, and anything else that may come up. I expect quite a bit will.
I wish him and her ALL the best and hope they don't get too overwhelmed with all the things they had to learn in such a short amount of time.
I never realized just how much about computers becomes second nature, having used them for a long time. The questions they asked were really surprising, but happily - they caught on quickly and were excited the whole time. My brother is a great potter, (his wife should really sell her photos, but is content with having photo duty for his shop) and I think this will be great for them both. It was tough going, but lovely to spend time with them - and be excited with them.
They learned how to manipulate their photos (she even got a pro Flickr account, yay!), list in their shop, and a few bonus tutorials on filing, GIMP, instant messaging, email, Paypal, Flickr, Outlook Express, photo editing, and general Etsy community guidelines. My broke-legged daughter came up with me (3 hr. drive) and helped watch their kidlets while we pounded away at our daunting task. We even got scrumptious chili and lovely bisquit and gravy breakfast. Hehe, the biscuits even made it into one of their item photos. :D
Next week? More of the same, plus blogging, Flickr, widgets, organization, net etiquette, and anything else that may come up. I expect quite a bit will.
I wish him and her ALL the best and hope they don't get too overwhelmed with all the things they had to learn in such a short amount of time.
8.25.2007
The Big One
I loooooove this, it's my newest creation. I could not resist doing a large one, even though I will have to get a special box to ship it.
8.24.2007
8.16.2007
whirligig
Yes. Another one, but this one is in silver (never done before) AND has a nifty kind of pear-shape thing going on with it. Woo!!
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