Too Busy

.

I stopped by the craft show on my way home from work - quite a few people were there I thought, especially for a Thursday around 5:30. I think I sold some Sticky Notes. The rack looked a bit emptier and I could tell a bunch had been moved and touched. One of the framed pieces was on the table like someone took it down but couldn't reach to put it back. I could tell that some cards had been touched because they were askew. All but a couple of my stitched business cards were taken so I'm very glad I made more. I'm going to get busy Friday night and Saturday morning before I go work there and get more cards stitched.

I'm on vacation next week so I'm kind of in panic mode at work, trying to get everything caught up and organized. I got up at 4:10 this morning, stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and got one of those Crackberry Smoothies and was at my desk at 6:00. After work, I went to the aforementioned craft show for a few minutes, stopped at Wegmans for groceries, you know, stuff like broccoli and cheese perhaps. (Hi Dad!) Steve and I ate a quickie dinner then I drove Paul to boxing for Gretchen. I came home, mixed up Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies for a work birthday tomorrow and made a birthday card to go with them. I gave Paul a ride home from boxing and baked the cookies. Whew!

I know I've talked about this many times, how it feels like if you didn't have this vacation scheduled, you'd surely die. Whereas if you had no vacation scheduled, you'd just keep going day to day. I definitely feel that way. If I can just keep all the plates spinning for One More Day, I'll be okay. As I was bustling around fixing dinner tonight, I said to Steve, my voice starting to quiver, "Just so you know, I'm really stressed and I'll probably have a good releasing cry soon but I don't have time for that just yet." Steve said, "But you have time for a hug, don't you?" That almost brought me to tears. I love that guy.

I'm feeling much better about the UPS situation after I slept on it last night. I wrote a nice note and left it taped to the door with the UPS notice explaining that I'm using the damaged piece right now but I'll have it here available for inspection on Monday. The note is gone and there's no new UPS note in it's place so I think it will be fine. I started remembering that I'm the customer and UPS wants to keep me happy.

After I wrote last night's entry I emailed Steve's brother, a UPS driver. He replied that UPS has a policy of generally trusting the customer when it comes to claims. He says they know that breakages happen. He told me I could call the 800 number on the ticket and get a message to my driver about Monday, but since I left the note, I'll leave it at that.

The place that made the display piece for me, Mister Plexi, (I know!) is located in Ithaca, NY, just a few hours from here. Assuming this UPS claim works out and they make me another one, I'm considering driving there to pick it up. Steve and I could take Reggi and go for a nice drive. Might be a nice Spring Saturday excursion.

Thanks for all your nice words on yesterday's entry. I'm feeling much better about things, as I always do. Time to go to bed - and do it again tomorrow, One More Day.
.

Powers Farm Market Spring Show

.

Powers Farm Market Craft Show
161 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY
March 29, 30, 31 - 10:00-6:00
April 1 - 10:00-4:00

Big surprise, I have whiplash again. Whiplash from my emotions that change multiple times within an hour. I'm either excited because my art work is so fantastic or I'm in bummer mode because I don't have nearly enough stuff for this 4-day show, no one is going to buy anything anyway, why is it I do this again?

Oy.

I took Tuesday afternoon off from work which turned out to be exactly the right thing to do. The promoter was working in the building so a few of us set up early. I took over the big display pieces and hung my framed pieces. That alone made me feel better.
This is the first time I've done this show though I attended it a few years ago so I sort of knew what to expect. There aren't specifically marked off booth spaces like most shows. The rent is $55 for the 4 days plus 10% of one's sales with a cap of $100. Anyway, this is the space I was assigned so I set my table up right next to my black screen. That worked out kind of well because I didn't have to use the feet for the screen which stick out about 10" on both sides of the screen. I was sort of sorry I had to block the window but oh well.

(Looks like I forgot to push one of my boxes under the table back under far enough. Witness the tablecloth hanging funny.)

I wasn't happy with where I had to put my card racks but I think it will be okay. For this show, one can sell purchased product so I was excited for the opportunity to sell some of the purchased cards I had left over from when I rented space at Village Gifts and Celebration Gifts in Fairport a few years ago. Turns out I had enough Stefani Cards to fill both racks so the purchased cards are my back-up if I sell lots of my cards. Don't want to have empty racks, for sure.The good news is that while this configuration only allows me to use the top half of my black screen, I have enough art to fill it up nicely. That's due in part to all the pieces I brought back from Creative Presence a couple of weeks ago. I put up my best work and have about 4 pieces leftover, stored under the table for back-up. I plan on stopping by Thursday and Friday nights on my way home from work to restock. I work Saturday afternoon so I can restock then too. The promoter has promised to restock our booths for us as necessary so I'm not worried about it.

Since we vendors only have to work 4 hours of the 4-day show, it's kind of weird to see fellow vendors' booths, but not get to hang out with them. My friend Rachel, who makes exquisite candles, is right next to me. I know I'll at least see her Sunday, when we tear down.Sorry this photo is a little dark. This is my new set up for my paper jewelry - my pins. I used to just set them on the table and have been thinking I needed a little something. Something a little neater and more serious. Whatever. I've been passively looking online for baskets, trays, display pieces, something. I stopped at Pier 1 a few weeks ago and bought these two dark wood trays. I have them propped up so they are tilted. I'm not loving it but I'm liking it. I think it will grow on me or maybe I'll figure a slightly different way to use them. Dunno.And don't I always save the best for last? Check out my two new custom pieces! I had that sign made because it dawned on me that not everyone knows my pieces were handstitched. Yeah, it took me a year to come to that conclusion. But even though, during craft shows, I sit there stitching pieces, I always get the question, "You stitched these by hand?" It never occurred to me that someone wouldn't realize this. I mean I guess they know it, they say it like they can't believe it. But still, I think it's a good thing to draw people's attention. I had Millstone Graphics scan the design I stitch on my business cards for that design on the sign. I had intended to mount it on top of my black screen but for this show anyway, I decided to use like this. I'm diggin' it.

The other custom piece is that 5-tier acrylic shelf unit I had made to display these Sticky Notes - my best selling product. It totally presents the look I wanted. And the fact that the sign fits in the top shelf is 100% coincidental. I love those shelves.

But.

UPS damaged it during transit. The top left has a piece the size of my palm completely broken out. (Another reason the sign works well like this.) And there are at least 3 hairline cracks on various places. It's like it was dropped on that corner and the other stress cracks resulted from that.

I filed a claim and am hoping like hell it works out. This thing was wrapped, outside going in: plastic wrap, heavy duty cardboard, corrugated cardboard and bubble wrap. The thing is I decided to be totally efficient and cut up the cardboard into recyclable sized pieces as I unwrapped it, only to find it damaged when I got down to the piece itself. Then I read, when filing the claim with UPS online, I'm to save all the packaging. So I had Steve not put that blue box out by the curb this week, but even so, it's all cut up and won't prove jack.

I got home today, after setting up the shelves at the show, to find a sticky note on the door from UPS, asking me to leave the damaged piece in the garage. Crap. I need it for the show! I'm worried they will say I damaged it when using it. I'm worried because I didn't save the miles of cardboard intact. I did take photographs of the damage as soon as I opened it on Sunday but I'm not sure that will prove anything. Wait - are they date stamped? Surely yes, when downloaded from my camera - I'll have to check. Anyway, I'm going to act as if this will all work out fine. It's only $147 including tax and shipping. I can't imagine UPS wanting to spend a lot of time disputing this claim. I almost called Steve's brother tonight, he's a UPS driver, to find out what to expect. Think I will actually.

I wish I had more 5" square cards made. I'll make more tomorrow night. I have a bunch of designs stitched, just need to assemble and embellish. The other thing I'm bummed about is I don't have enough business cards stitched. I used a bunch in freshening up the framed pieces I brought back from Creative Presence. And I haven't stitched any new ones in a while, been concentrating on product. I left just 14 at the show today, along with a stack of unstitched ones because I figured better to leave unfinished cards there than none. I stitched up a bunch more at lunch today and tonight.

I'm a little surprised at myself, feeling as anxious about this show as I am. All week I decided to focus on these thoughts:

1. It is what it is. I've done the best I could. It will be enough.

2. I can't wait to see how much money I make and what new opportunities pop up from this show.

Good, positive thinking, right? Maybe the not being present at the show is what is making me anxious. I do feel this way before every show, then immediately start feeling better when customers start showing up. My stuff is always well received and my ego enjoys that, for sure. Even during and after "slow" shows, I feel pretty good about things.

Enough. Enough thinking already.

.

Again with the Green & the Copper

.

Framed in a 8" square black metal frame, this mandala is handstitched with copper metallic thread on cardstock, embellished with beads and crystals. Available for $36.00 at Pine Tree Designs.

This was ordered by my friend Pam to give to her massage therapist. I'm meeting her for breakfast this morning.

Stephanie - the one you wanted for your massage therapist - I sold it out from under you to my massage therapist. So I'll be making yours today - I'll email you to see which one you like best, now that you've seen this new one. The one above or the one below. I have the stitching done, just need to finish it off so it will definitely be done today and shipped Sunday or Monday.

Framed in a 8" square black metal frame, this mandala is handstitched with copper metallic thread on cardstock, embellished with beads, crystals and a button. Available for $36.00 at Pine Tree Designs.

I have two new custom made elements for my show display booth that I can't wait to show you! I'm very excited. One arrived yesterday, still boxed up in the garage. I'll have to get them set up before I photograph them, to give you the full effect. They are way cool. Go big or go home, right?

.

Chicks

.


.

Button, Button

.

It's official. I'm powerless over my new button addiction.

Please note I've used 3 different buttons. You know how identical and symmetrical I usually am.

My favorite! That leaf is actually a paisley. I know, I'm a genius. Thank you. Thank you very much.



I can nearly always find a way to work hearts into a piece.


Available at Pine Tree Designs.

.

Books

.

I took Friday afternoon off but I had a bit of time to kill between leaving work at noon and my 1:30 massage appointment so I wandered around Border's for a while, where I found Crafting for Dollars. (Books about selling on eBay almost deserve their own section, there are so many now!)

I've read a number of books on selling crafts. This one was written in 1996 but still offers lots of good advice. One of the reviews I read said it doesn't mention Internet selling but otherwise offers good solid advice that still holds up today. As a result, I deep cleaned my desk yesterday and organized things a bit better.

One of the things the book talks about is left brain vs right brain. It's a topic that comes up fairly regularly in stuff I read about artists running a business. I've come to the conclusion that I must use both sides somewhat equally. My professional life has always revolved around small business office organization and accounting in particular so I've got that stuff down pretty good. The big thing seems to be that I don't dread it. I find it pretty hard to find the time to keep up on the business side of things along with the creative side. I can only imagine how hard that must be if you don't like the business side.

That wasn't at all what I intended to do this weekend, given my next show is 2 weeks away but I feel great about what I accomplished and the inspiration I've gotten from this book.

For those interested, Barbara Brabec is a well-known author in the home-based crafts business. I've just read one of her books so far but I have subscribed to her monthly newsletter for a few years. I also recommend Wendy Rosen's Crafting as a Business.

Just seeing all the related links on Amazon and Googling these authors names, I see I have lots more reading to do! One more thing to make time for.

.

Copper Button

.

Framed in an 8" square black metal frame, this piece is copper metallic thread handstitched on cardstock, embellished with beads and a button.
$36 at Pine Tree Designs.

Yep, it's my recurring theme of copper & green. Check out that copper sun center piece. That's a button I cut the shank off. I just love unusual buttons. I have looked around online and on eBay but haven't had much luck. I've bought some 'cute' buttons at Shelly's Buttons & More. So I've been buying most of my 'artistic' buttons at JoAnn's. At one time I thought I'd make my own out of Polymer Clay but I just don't have time to perfect it. Again, I have to tell myself, I'm a paper artist. Go with your strengths.

.

Teeny Tiny

.

Like everyone else I'm sure, I track way more blogs and journals than I could ever keep up with. Every time I start to thin the herd, I remember why I subscribed in the first place.

About a hundred years ago Mom taught Gretchen and me to knit, but overall, it's not on my radar screen. Until I saw these fabulous miniatures! I think I first ran into Knit One, Purr...too on Flickr. Here's the link to her blog. Not only is her knitting outstanding but her photography perfectly captures her work.

(Gretchen stuck with knitting by the way. She's knitted some fabulous sweaters. She's not one of these Joanna-Come-Latelys who only knits scarves. I say knitting is not my thing, but I admit I do love some of the amazing yarns and fibers available now.)

.

Rejection

.

(Graphic courtesy WireFire.com.)

Yes, my beloved Craft Company No. 6 rejected me via a form email.

The materials that you submitted have been reviewed by our buying staff. Due to space, budget and market limitations, we are unable to accept all of the wonderful work that is presented to us for consideration.

Know what's weird? I don't feel bad at all. I told Jen I'd probably have some delayed reaction and cry myself to sleep or something. Just wasn't the right place and/or the right time. Not to say I won't try there again in the future. I have so many other irons in the fire, ideas aplenty, I'm not worried. It's my first rejection but it won't be my last. It's a Badge of Courage, Gretchen says. All day I've been thinking about what Mary said in the comment she left the other day, "A pal of mine once told me never to be afraid to ask, because if you don't, they can't say yes!"

Never be afraid to ask, because if you don't, they can't say no, we hate your work, you talentless hack.

Kidding! I'm absolutely fine. Kind of surprised myself actually because I wanted it pretty badly.

Onward & upward, my friends!
.

I Love Copper

.

5" square card, made with cardstock, thread and beads.

.

Flower Border Mandala

.

8" square, made with cardstock, thread, beads and Swarovski crystals.
$36, available at Pine Tree Designs.

This is a new border for me - I like it. I've also made it in smaller versions. I cut punched black daisies in half. I love the way the crystal in the center brightens it up.

~ ~ ~

I decided to pull my framed pieces out of Creative Presence on Saturday, then came home to find a letter from the promoter of the Casa Larga shows that she's canceling the May show due to lack of interest. Lots (most?) vendors want to only do fall shows, not spring. I'm disappointed but absolutely respect her choice to cancel the show rather than admit lesser quality vendors or "purchased" product. As much as I was looking forward to it, I'd rather not do the show than be associated with a less than great show.

So I think those are the two things that had me feeling a little meloncholy yesterday - nothing to do with my birthday. (Be sure to read my dad's comment on Sunday's entry about birthdays!)

So I took these two negatives as a sign to kick it into high gear. I updated the Mandalas page on my website, as well as the art and the show schedule on the front page.

I called a co-ordinator for another multi-day show I want to get into (Gro-Moore Farms, Mom!), emailed another about the School 46 show - and drumroll, I finally emailed Craft Company No 6. I want to get in there so badly, I think my work would be a perfect fit. But I've been too scared to contact them - the ol' fear of failure/fear of success conundrum. But I did it and we'll see what happens. If you have a minute to check out their website, please do - and also click on the Bus Conversion link. This shows the bus shell the store owners are converting into an RV. Check out the pictures at the bottom of the page of the tiling and wood details. Very cool.

And I looked at the calendar to see that I have two full weekends left to produce inventory like crazy before the Powers Market 4-day show.(And fill existing orders first!) And part of March 17th is devoted to going to Geva Theatre and dinner with my friends.

There's no time for negativity - time to get busy!

.

Sundance Mandala

.

8" x 8 " made with cardstock, thread and beads. $36

Yesterday's Meet the Artist at Creative Presence was moderately successful, I guess I'd say. I sold some cards and sticky notes. Made a new contact for framing. The highlight was definitely that Steve's sister-in-law came out, with her mom and her daughter. They bought some stuff and we had a nice visit. I was glad they got to see my work. They've seen some of my cards over the years, but not the framed pieces and the newer work.

So today's my 51st birthday and I feel funny if I don't mention it. But here's what's really weird to me. I love birthdays. I love my birthday, your birthday, everyone's birthday. A birthday is one's little personal holiday. This year? Nada, just another day. Is this what the other side of 50 is like?? Is this year an aberration and next year I'll be me again? I'm not sad, I'm not happy, I'm really just neutral - just another day. I sure didn't see this coming!

Steve's going to pick up our breakfast pizza shortly and we're going to my parents for cake and presents this afternoon. Steve's mom is taking us out to dinner sometime this week and I'm sure my friends at work will do a little something tomorrow. Do you see a food theme here??

Steve and I are going to Las Vegas in April. You may recall that last year Steve couldn't think of anything to give me for my birthday so he said we should take a trip. He was working on a stressful project at work and really needed it so it was a good thing for both of us. We went to Tampa, FL you might remember.

It was a blast - we had so much fun. We decided we really wanted to travel more so this year it's sort of coinciding with my birthday again, partly because this is the best time of year for us to go away. Craft shows keep me busy in the fall and hopefully in the summer this year too. Besides if we keep picking warm spots, it's nice to go while it's still potentially cold here. April in Fairport, NY probably doesn't qualify as cold, but at least chilly. So I'm wondering if this upcoming trip feels more like my birthday, than today.

But today makes me happy for another reason too. It's the anniversary that Steve and I celebrate because my birthday is the first time we sort of got together. A mutual friend has the same birthday as me and a bunch of us went out that night and she invited Steve. Steve and I knew each other in high school, our parents live in the same neighborhood. We were acquaintances, I'd say, though he claims to have had a crush on my back then. Whatever. But we hadn't seen each other in 15 years or whatever so it was kinda weird. But it turned out great, obviously.

Here's to 14 happy years together!

(I can't believe I don't have a picture of us to post! I'll try to rectify that soon.)

.

Gummy Bear Art

.

Gummy Bear Art!


.

Southwest Mandala

.

8" x 8", made with cardstock, thread and Swarovski crystals. $36. (Coming to Pine Tree Designs soon. Email me for details if interested.)

A little more shameless self-promotion!

.

Meet & Greet

.

Creative Presence is the store that sells my framed pieces. They are featuring a different artist each Saturday. It's really a beautiful store - very nice product, very nicely displayed. I always want to spend money when I go there - and I have sometimes.

On Saturday I'll have my Post-It-Note pads and pins in addition to the framed pieces. I'm still thinking about the greeting cards. I didn't list them on the above postcard I mailed out this week but now I'm rethinking that. And I'll be there for 4 hours this Saturday, working on Paper Embroidery pieces.

You might have to click on the image to see the address - it's 3900 Buffalo Road. It's quite a haul from where I live - which is great because I'll get exposure to new customers. I'm looking forward to it.

Stop by and see this beautiful store!
.

Animals from the Closet

.

Geoffrey Cottenceau's work can be seen on Supernaturale.com, a pretty interesting craft site.

.

.

Moss Graffiti

.

Moss Graffiti

.

Copper Mandala

.

8" square with paper, copper metallic thread, beads and Swarovski Crystals. Puts me in an East Indian kind of mind. I just finished it this morning. I foolishly thought I could have all four framed pieces done before my massage appointment after work. My massage therapist ordered 2, my friend Pam ordered 1 for her massage therapist friend (I think I've found an untapped niche market!) and I'm making a spare. I'll finish the others this weekend (the stitching is done, just need assembling).

.