Artist Feature - PATRICIA VENER

Patricia Vener (aka Silver Dragon Designs), in my opinion, is a beadweaver extraordinaire! The details and precision in her work is beyond words. I can only imagine the time and patience she must have to accomplish these wonderful miniature works of art.

A resident of Handen, CT, Patricia originally hails from New York state. It was while in NY at the tender age of four, she visited a local museum. Mesmerized by the textile and beadwork of Native Americans, she knew art was in her future.

Patricia's path as an artist, however, was a combination of both fine arts and performing arts. She is a retired ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, “Papa Cardinal Finds Breakfast” by Sandra Wellborn. If dancing, drawing, painting and beadweaving weren't enough, Patricia also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY and has worked as an astronomer and still teaches astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College!

The piece featured above, "Red Sky at Night" incorporates a Russian variation of the Peyote stitch. The earrings can be purchased in her Etsy shop (http://silverdragon.etsy.com/) for $80 USD. To learn more about Patricia, read her Blog at http://vener-art.com/

Artist Feature - REN ADAMS

A traditional Chinese brush painter, Ren Adams (aka PlasticPumpkin) calls Albuquerque, New Mexico home. Ren works in a variety of mediums: mixed media assemblages, pencil, marker, acrylic, Chinese brush painting, watercolor, oil pastel, pen & ink, and just about any material that isn't nailed down.

Having limited exposure in graphic arts, I found this statement to be particularly insightful, "While some artists shun people who work 'across the board,' I embrace and explore the inherent differences between artistic mediums. Each speaks its own language, offers its own native terrain, and awakens the senses in enjoyable ways." Well said!

To learn more about the artist, visit Ren's Etsy shop (http://plasticpumpkin.etsy.com/). The painting, "Trio of Sea Nettles" featured above can be purchased for $40 USD.

Artist Feature - ANNE DUNDAS

Being a jeweler myself, I can truly appreciate the work of a fellow jeweler. Anne Dundas does a superb job of creating colorful and chic works of adornment!

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Anne has been creating jewelry since 2004. However, her talents do not stop at jewelry, Anne also is a lampworker; creating colorful and whimsical art in molten glass. Believe it or not, her talents do not stop there either. Anne also does graphic design! You can see examples of her design work here: http://www.annedundas.com/graphics/

The piece, "Moon Glow", pictured above, features dyed purple moonstone and a handmade Byzantine chain in sterling silver. The necklace can be purchased in her Etsy shop (http://annedundas.etsy.com/) for $215 USD. Simply gorgeous!

You can learn more about Anne and her many talents here: www.annedundas.com/blog

90 Artists in 90 Days

I hope I have piqued your interest over the past week with my Artist Features. But, are you scratching your head wondering what all the Artist Features are about? Well, let me take a moment to explain.....

As many of you know, I have a virtual shop on Etsy.com where I currently market my jewelry. Etsy has grown substantially over the past two years and continues to grow everyday. In the spirit of community, a number of Etsy members joined in the 90 Artists in 90 Days Challenge. The goal is to have 90 participants feature one of the other 90 participants in his or her Blog each day. It’s kind of like a “meet you neighbor” activity. Not only are the 90 participants getting to know each other better, but the readers of each of the 90 Blogs are also getting to know the Etsy crafters on a more personal level.

So, I hope you will stay tuned and get to know the remaining 90 artists and crafters just a little better!

Artist Feature - EARMARK INVITATIONS

Headed up by Bridgette and Mike, Earmark Invitations aims to "Create Happiness" in paper. And I must admit, many of their designs did put a smile on my face!

But don't be fooled by their name, invitations are not their only product. Greeting cards, personalized journals, and even pencils can be found in their Etsy Shop, Http://earmark.etsy.com/

In fact, the adorable Apple Pencils (pictured above) can be purchased for only $1.00 USD. Wouldn't that make a teacher's day?

If you ever need personalized greeting card, birthday cards or note card sets, they will be more than happy to accommodate your needs. Oh, and those birthday cards....for $7.50 they will use the names, text, colors and/or images that you would like! How special would your recipient feel?

You can learn more about Earmark Invitations at: http://eigreetings.blogspot.com/

Artist Feature - GINNY HEADLEY MASERANG

Texas resident and jewelry designer, Ginny Maserang, strives to create unique and original works of art jewelry. Rarely making the same piece twice, Ginny prides herself in creating beautiful jewelry by using semiprecious gemstones, wire, and glass. She carefully chooses the colors, textures, and materials to create balance and richness in her designs.

The necklace featured above is entitled, "Olive Branch, Tree of Peace" can be purchased for $93 USD in Ginny's Etsy shop (http://thatsheadley.etsy.com/). This exquisite necklace features freshwater pearls, citrine, serpentine, and apatite gemstones. A true work of art!

To learn more about Ginny and That's Headley, visit her blog at http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com

Artist Feature - TIFFANY TESKE

Tiffany Teske has loved photography since she was 7 years old, though it would be many years before the shutter bug’s bite would truly take hold.

Tiffany studied ballet, creative writing, and art in high school but did not take photography classes. Instead, she was in the “after school photography club" and was taught by a science teacher how to use the darkroom. Some the chemicals got into her blood and after roaming the US for 5 years (Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, & New York) she settled in the small town of Carrabassett Valley, Maine. While there, Tiffany decided to go to the University for.... nursing? Well, she did start the pre-requisite courses, but luckily fate stepped in! After one summer color printing course and some credit mishaps on the University’s part, she switched her major to photography. Tiffany graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with both an Associate of Arts in Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2000 and a Bachelor of Arts Joint BA in Art and Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2002.

During this time she met her future husband, who was from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Tiffany now resides in Banff, Alberta, Canada, with their toddler, Quinlyn.

The photo above is entitled "NYC Tulips" and can be purchased for $30 USD on Tiffany's Etsy shop (http://tiffanyteske.etsy.com/).

She explains the process used to create this amazing photograph here: "To begin this unique photographic art I capture an image on slide film. The slide is then projected onto Polaroid pack film which is peeled prematurely. The “waste” side of the film pack, which contains processing chemicals, is then placed face down onto wet watercolour paper and brayed (rolled over with a print making brayer). The result is a one-of-a-kind hand-pulled photographic transfer of the original slide image. The original image can be transferred an unlimited number of times but the resulting transfer will always vary from the last. Each transfer is approximately 3 ½” by 4” in size and is hand signed (both on the image and the mat). This transfer comes with a hand cut, acid free, museum quality archival mat, which has outer dimensions of 8x10."

Artist Feature - STUDIO MARCY

Marcy Lamberson is a glass artist from Atlanta, Georgia. She loves making people smile through her whimsical beads and sculptures. Even her pieces have funny and whimsical names. Take for example the bead in the photo above. It is entitled: "Do Not Get KOI With Me." Oh, that puts a smile on my face!

Marcy uses a 2000 degree (yikes, that's HOT) torch and most of her glass comes from Murano, Italy. Every one of her pieces is kiln annealed for durability.

Marcy teaches and enjoys taking on custom commissions. She works out of her sun room studio overlooking a garden and wildlife. Marcy adds new beads almost daily to her Etsy Shop, so stop by often. The Koi Bead, pictured above, is for sale in her Etsy shop for $16 USD. You can see more fantastic beads at: http://studiomarcy.etsy.com/

Artist Feature - GIFTBEARER

Pippit Carlington has been creating art ever since she was old enough to pick up a paintbrush. At age 5 she was composing songs on the piano; teaching herself to play by ear. She often found herself re-designing things she saw around her. In 6th grade she constructed the class mascot; a 4 foot-tall owl sculpted out of paper mache. In junior high she began selling various art items she had made. Over the years Pippit went on to receive formal art training at Callenwolde Center for the Arts, The Atlanta College of Art, and Atlanta Jeweler's School and Studios. Pippit works in several mediums: acrylics, watercolor, drawing, clay sculpture, and jewelry. A multicultural influence is evident in her work reflecting a diverse heritage of Iroquois Indian, Hawaiian, Russian, Jewish, and French Canadian. Pippit is strongly influenced by nature, political and social issues, and uses her art to educate the public.

Pippit has become involved in a number of volunteer efforts; including providing online support and treatment information to people with autoimmune diseases, and has donated art items to benefit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

"Fall Finery", a Carnelian and Serpentine Necklace (pictured above), is accented with Vermeil beads and a lovely Carved Carnelian Leaf, typifies Pippit's love of nature. The colors chosen compliment the season and the gemstones have been carefully chosen for their luster and overall quality.

The necklace measures 18" in length and can be purchased from her Etsy shop (http://giftbearer.etsy.com/) for $130 USD.

Round # 7, ART vs. CRAFT

I made the cut. So, if you are in the Milwaukee area on December 8th, stop by the new venue and do a little holiday shopping! It promises to be an awesome event!

http://www.artvscraft.com/

Enjoying some Peace and Quiet

On a personal note: The kids are back in school now, I just graduated Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelors in Business Administration a few weeks ago; now I am enjoying some much needed down time before the holidays have everything kicking it up in high gear!

Tomorrow I will find out if I have been accepted into this winter's Artvs.Craft show in downtown Milwaukee. The event is going to be held on December 8th. I thoroughly enjoyed this summer's event and would be delighted to participate again! This time the promoters will be having a mini-fashion show! That promises to be fun and interesting. You can read more about it here: http://www.artvscraft.com/

I will be adding another installment of my personal interviews soon, so be on the look-out for the new addition!

HERE I am!

Let's see...we've covered topics such as preparing for entrepreneurship, logos, colors, fonts, photography, business cards, quality workmanship, materials, pricing, and a few more. What are we missing? Publicity. Now that your business is coming together, how will you let other people know you exist?

There are a number of outlets that can be used to "get the word out" about your business. I will list a few:

• Website
• Social networking forums/websites
• Press release
• Blogs
• Friends and relatives
• Newsletters

I can't count the number of times I have been asked, "Do you have a website?" Today, the Internet has become a vital tool in so many household across the globe. Even as a consumer, I shop and compare products online. I will even look for restaurant menus online before choosing a location to dine. I check store hours, weather conditions, current events, etc, etc, etc! Not investing in at least a simple brochure-type website is a costly mistake.

Social networking may or may not bring direct sales, but could give you sales leads and referrals. I have purchased many gifts from independent business I would not have otherwise known about because of these networking groups. http://www.indiepublic.com is a relatively new site, but is quickly growing everyday.

The mysterious press release. In all honesty, I can devote an entire post to this subject, so I will leave it for another day.

Blogs are fun and a purely personal choice for many business owners. Some feel blogs may give out too much personal or proprietary information. Others use them for keeping in touch with friends or family. And, myself, share little tid-bits that I think and hope other new business owners may find of use or can help them become a little more successful.

Friends and family are a great (and free) source for spreading the word about your business. Ask them to post flyers at their places of business, Church bulletin boards or wherever they have access to. Again, the point is to get your name out there and build your brand identity.

Newsletters are also a great resource. If you are vending at a craft show, ask customers and non-customers alike to sign up for your newsletter. There are several free and low cost newsletter dispersing firms that can help you in this area. Again, the point is to have a constant reminder of your business. (But don't be too pushy or every newsletter will end up in the "junk" folder)

Coming SOON

Soon you will find Elements by Dawn at http://www.circlecircledotdot.com along with other talented independent designers. So, if you are looking for a unique handmade gift, check it out!

The GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY

Networking. It's about meeting other people. Some may be like you, some may be completely different, but more than likely you have something in common with each other.

Why do we network? It may be as simple as camaraderie. Finding a like-minded soul to share a cup of coffee with. Perhaps you are seeking a PR rep, or photographer, or what retail and craft shows are "a sure bet." Networking allows you to find what you might be looking for without having to spend hours researching, making phone calls, and doing some footwork. Basically, it makes your business life a little easier. That's the GOOD.

However, as an artist, the truth is there are folks out there who will want to rip you off. Some will give you false leads just to get you to part with your limited supply of cash. Others will hook-up their friends. (Of course there is nothing wrong with referring friends, as long as the intention is to help a fellow crafter.) Others will copy your designs and present them as their own. Some will try to to blacklist you to up their careers. Unfortunately, the list goes on. That's the BAD.

In life and in business, there are risks. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everyone successful. But I cannot. We all live and learn. Perhaps the best advice I can give about networking is this:

Don't be lazy! Take advice. But never take someone else's advice as golden. After all, what might have been a success for them, might not work out well for you. That's life. Now go do a little research on your own and couple that with what you have learned from networking to form the best possible advice/leads/scenario. Understand that all risks should be calculated risks! That's the UGLY.

Just a CLICK away

Or maybe a snap.

Great photography. But why is photography important? The obvious reason is that because most crafters either participate in an online gallery of sorts of have their own ecommerce site. Customers cannot touch your product, so you must be able to provide an exceptional visual representation of your product coupled with a wonderful (and accurate) product description.

Therefore, photography is another subject and art form that, besides photogs themselves, crafters need to develop (no pun intended). I'm sure most of us can spot a great photograph right away. It is crisp, clear, bright, in focus, and interesting. More than likely the subject of the photo is quickly identified. These type of photographs are what draw people in. They want to see more, know more, and get their hands on whatever is in the photo. Obviously, this is the type of photography we want to use for our products.

A not-so-great photo is muddy, dull, uninteresting, maybe even distracting. It's a real ho-hum, boring, don't-even-glance-at-it-twice kind of photo. Again, obviously, this is not the kind of photos we want to represent our work.

In my opinion, this is one of the most difficult topics an artist will tackle. How does one get "great photos?" Some folks will tell you it's all about your camera, some will say it's the photo editing software, some will say lighting, and still others will say something entirely different. I have found the truth lies in all of these factors. Some more than others, I must add.

Normally I would just tell you what has worked for me in the past and what learning curves I have had to overcome. However, when it comes to photography the variables are just too great. I don't know what type of camera you have, what your studio set-up is, what type of photo editing software you have access to, what type of spending budget you have, etc.

At this point I am going to make a suggestion that some readers may dislike, and other may love, but....GO READ! Search the bookstore for books on photography, read forums, get a copy of Consumer Reports that discusses cameras, find a few copies of various craft and art magazines that have articles on photography, scour the library, ask friends and fellow crafters for opinions. In a huge nutshell....do some homework. You will save yourself some pain and agony and maybe even some cash by doing some very pointed research.

Where should you start? I love the library. More than likely many of the magazines I have suggested are available (for free) at the library. Ask friends and coworkers. (Some may think photography is a highly guarded secret, so don't be put off if they zip their lips on the subject.)

Of course...take a few shots and choose the ones that YOU think are best and ask for outside opinions. Listen to what they say and ponder it. It is always difficult to separate yourself from your art, and as a human, criticism is hard to swallow. But, hey, when you are able to look at your art or photography with neutral eyes, good things are sure to follow.

Now go do your homework!

Interview with Linda Hartman

Name: Linda Hartman

Company: PaperNClay

Years in Business: About 2 1/2 years. I started selling polymer clay canes and a few beads on eBay first then I started selling on Etsy a year and a half ago. I prefer to think of it as just playing and sharing the results to help cover the cost of my addiction.

Location: Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Where can we find your work?: http://www.papernclay.etsy.com/

EbD: Everyone asks this question, but what is your first memory of creating art or crafting?
Linda: When I was 7 or 8 years old my mother/Santa got me a kit to make a pink crocheted potholder. It was basically a round piece in a single crochet. My mother didn't know how to crochet but my grandmother showed me how and sent me home to finish. I returned to her a few times to fix my bunched up potholder because it wasn't laying flat like it was supposed to. I was very proud and my mother used the potholder for years to come even though I know it was ..........rough.

EbD: What do you feel is the most important lesson you've learned about being in the crafting business?
Linda: One has to firstly enjoy what they're doing or it just won't go well. That's most important.

EbD: What do you wish you would have known before opening your business?
Linda: Organizational skills are what I'd like to fine tune. My work station is a horror.
Most of the time I find what I'm looking for, I guess that's what matters most?

EbD: Do you have any techniques or skills you're interested in learning or would like to learn in the future?
Linda: I will always be looking into new and different areas of the arts and crafts world. I've done a lot of things but there's so many more out there and I'd like to go where ever my path takes me.

Ebd: What is you favorite medium to work in, and why?
Linda: I honestly don't have one favorite but many right now. I'm thoroughly enjoying the art of fusing glass and right along with that I love playing with polymer clay, then there's origami. I don't think I can choose one favorite.
I also volunteer at my church providing the children with crafts at their functions. A task that involves a constant search for items that lend themselves well for a child attention span and skill level. A rewarding effort but very time consuming effort that encourages me to keep doors always open to new ideas.

Ebd: How do you feel the craft industry has changed since you first began crafting?
Linda: It has definitely become more popular again to create. The trend seems to be making a full circle.We went through a stage where it wasn't quite as cool to craft but we're back to the way it should be. :)

EbD: Do you feel this is a positive change, negative change, or maybe a little of both?
Linda: Definitely positive for me. I enjoy creating. I work as a floral designer as my full-time occupation and I am best when I'm making something at work and at home.

EbD: What are three words that describe you or your craft?
Linda: unique- my kids will tell you I'm very unique,
creative-I don't give up till I can figure out a way of achieving my goal. I can be very creative on how I do that!
enjoyable- I find what I do most enjoyable!

If you would like to see more examples of Linda's work and read about her crafting adventures, look here: http://www.papernclay.blogspot.com/

It must be ANNIVERSARY time

Because I just renewed my web hosting, domain name and WhoIs guard. My Etsy anniversary is also fast approaching. Exciting? Yes!

I'm wondering if I should celebrate somehow. I have so much work to do...but maybe a bowl of ice cream would be OK. Perhaps I will reward my inner tool nerd with a new tumbler or a nice shiny dapping set? Hmmm..... Well, I'm off to ponder the possibilities of nice new shiny and oh-so-beautiful tools.

Tips I LEARNED at the Show

These tips aren't really show specific; they can apply to any craft show.

• Know your product well. Customers are bound to ask questions about your craft. A good craftsperson understands and knows their materials, processes and completed product like the back of their hand. Knowing your product well shows understanding, confidence, and competence.
• It's a good idea to have something to give your customers and potential customers. Most shoppers only spend seconds at each booth. How will you let them know about your craft and about you, the artist, in only a few seconds? I developed a tri-fold brochure that introduces me and informs my customers about how I make my craft and why. I also included information on the materials I use. In addition, I added contact information and some of my store policies. If a brochure isn't your cup of tea....how about a postcard or other promotional item?
• Make your customer the center of your attention. If you have a booth-mate, make sure your partner understands that customers come first. Too many times I have heard customers complain that when there are two or more vendors at a booth they will seem more interested in chatting than assisting their customers. Remember why you are at the craft show! To meet, greet, sell, educate, and have fun. You can always chat with your booth-mate after the show over pizza and a bowl of pasta.

If you're just starting out doing shows, I found it incredibly helpful to keep a small notepad handy. Make note of what worked and what didn't. What pieces were people drawn to? Which pieces didn't receive any attention? What comments did you overhear? Don't forget to write down specifics about the show too. What was the average customer like? Is this average customer your target market? Did it seem well promoted? Was there a good mix of various types of art and craft? Is this a show you would like to participate in again?

If you have a chance, walk around and meet other vendors during a slow time. This is usually right after lunch (2pm-ish). It's always nice to meet other artists. I have found that 99.8% of artists and crafters are friendly. This will also give you an overall feel of the type of customers the show is targeting. Oh, and a very, very important factor....ask how many vendors are repeat vendors. If most or all of the vendors are new to the show (assuming the show isn't new itself) it should send up a huge red flag! Vendors will not waste their time, energy, and money on an unsuccessful show.

Next: An interview with Linda from Paper n' Clay...

When it's all said and DONE

It's Monday, July 9th, 8:00am. I'm just rolling out of bed after a wonderfully long weekend in Milwaukee.

ART vs. CRAFT is one of the best shows I have ever participated in. The promoters did an outstanding job of organizing and advertising the show.

Unloading and setting up was painless, and tearing down at night was easy too. The crowds were plentiful and very diverse.

My booth was situated between MaryInk and a "newbie" clothing designer. I think her name was Emily. Next to "Emily" was RelishDress. MaryInk is from Tennessee and travels with her boyfriend to many of the Eastern and Midwestern indie shows selling their handmade silk-screened T-shirts. "Emily" is a newlywed and was there with her husband, Pat. She also made silk-screened tank tops and wonderful oil-cloth aprons and capes. "Emily" and Pat were locals from the Milwaukee area. RelishDress was also there with her husband and sold hand crocheted earrings and necklaces. RelishDress is from Flint, Michigan.

And then there was me. I did the show by myself and was selling my Argentium, fine silver, and copper jewelry.

As you can see, the vendors were quite a diverse bunch too.

I also met many wonderful shoppers, many of whom either had taken a jewelry making class or were currently enrolled in a class. As an artist it always makes my heart flutter when I here "I tried making jewelry and it's hard work" or "your pieces are so elegant" and my favorite comment of the weekend came from a gentleman who simply referred to himself as a Visual Artist, said, "your work is elegant, simplistic, with great lines." I just about melted. Nothing makes me happier than to have customers recognize the thought and intention behind my work!

Next: Tips I learned at the show...

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday!