Dasken Designs

Making Progress.

2012-01-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

I don’t really have much to say about art-related stuff other than I’m spending a lot of time in my studio. And there’s not much “creating” going on, just a lot of cleaning, painting (walls and floors), organizing, chatting, dreaming, and thinking. The high production mode of 2011 came to a screeching halt and I’m still in vacation mode I suppose. But I’ve been filling my time with other important activities like getting to know the other artists in my building and dare I say it, having a little fun.

For example, this past weekend I went dancing at the Good Life and ALMOST lost my keys. And I don't know about you, but for me that's always a fun time. Fortunately, I found them on the floor at 2am and don't recall being that deliriously joyful in my entire life. ever. Thus the weekend was salvaged so I could put the finishing touches on an order of mermaids headed to a shop in St. Thomas (too bad I can’t hand deliver that one), spend some quality time in my neighbor George Ford’s woodshop studio,

and visit Boston's Sowa Winter Market (485 Harrison Avenue) and the Sowa Vintage Market (460C Harrison Avenue) where I picked up yet another lovely metal chair to add to my growing collection of beat up, well made, industrial furniture. LOVE.

So if you’re looking for a unique place to do some shopping over the next few months, both of these markets run every Sunday through April. The winter market features art, craft, local produce and baked goods and I’ll be there a bunch of dates in Feb, March and April..

Happy NEW Year.

2011-12-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

new jewelry design inspired by Diana

It’s been a strange, emotional, powerful and wonderful year and I’ve learned a lot. Mostly that I have so much to be thankful for. And that I have the most amazing friends and family. I’m so very grateful for all the love, guidance and support.

Moving my studio from Plymouth to Abington was the best decision I’ve made in a long time as I now have one large space to accommodate several different mediums (painting, stained glass and woodworking) and I’m in a building with other artists and small businesses. And being around other like-minded folks and creating art in that old building, formerly a textile factory, with its exposed brick and wood beams fulfills a long-time desire of mine… and it just feels right.

the studio space in May 2011

Since I moved there in May and the craft show season was just beginning, I had to hit the ground running and didn’t have time to really fix it up. So until now, it's been bare bones and utilitarian.. which I’m beginning to think is a good thing. Because I’ve found that living in a space for a while before you fill it up with all your shit actually allows you to “be” in the space and figure out what you really want to do there before it gets all cluttered up with crap. So eight months later, I needed to make a decision. To stay or not... and after taking some time to figure things out both personally and professionally, I'm staying put. And so this raw, open space will be transformed into a clean, fresh studio and showroom for the new year. Here’s a little taste of what’s to come.. (and yes, that is a WHITE floor. I know, what the f*ck am I thinking...)

I have some pretty lofty goals for next year and I'm ready to take on whatever challenges are ahead. Thank you for reading this and supporting me and my artful journey. Wishing you a peaceful, happy, healthy new year.

Buca - the super, wonder kitty

One final note… I had to say goodbye today to Buca, my devoted, gentle companion of seven years. He was the best kitty.. so sweet, affectionate and loving. And he will be missed. xoxo

How is it already December 6th?

2011-12-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

The last few months have been a blur. I'm behind on just about everything, my 'to do' list grows by the minute, my house is a mess, my studio is a disaster, and even my cats are speaking in full sentences to express their frustration (and by that I mean, they're pooping on the floor..). Alas, I have three more shows scheduled for this month including a two-person artisan boutique on Saturday, December 10th which I know will be lots of fun because I’ll be set up alongside Marla from Back Porch Soap Company at her home-based studio at 779 Union Street in Duxbury, MA from 10am to 3pm. Between the two of us, there’ll be a great selection of wonderful gifts to choose from for everyone on your shopping list..

Then I’m off to hang out with 50 of my closest artsy pals in Pawtucket, RI for CRAFTOPIA on Sunday December 11th from 10am to 4pm.

Then the final show of the season is in Jamaica Plain, MA at the Footlight Club on Saturday, December 17th from 11am to 5pm. Weehah!, AG Ambroult, Hilary and Rocklen Designs will also be there... so you know it'll be fun, festive and full of great goods.

p.s. wishing Emily and Keith a fabulous wedding weekend in Michigan..so sorry to miss it but I'll be with you in spirit! Love you guys.. have a blast!

Local Artist Spotlight: Amy Ambroult

2011-11-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

I encounter a lot of interesting, talented people and since I’ve always found it fascinating to see where artists work and hear their stories, I thought you might too. So let's meet Amy Ambroult from AG Ambroult, Elemental Handcrafted Designs.

She and I met several years ago at an art show in Cambridge, MA and for me, it was love at first sight. I distinctly recall her warm smile, the inviting colors of her booth and being drawn to ‘the remembery capsule’ (below) a copper container she custom creates and personalizes to hold memory tokens. I thought it was brilliant and beautiful. And so very clever...

Remembery Capsule - A little cylinder of memories

Like most artists, Amy has a lot on her plate and from what I can see, she manages the delicate juggling act with grace and humor. Her home 20 miles south of Boston is swirling with music, woodworking projects, fine art, knitting, kids, homemade meals and baked goods, books and creativity, and while she's mastered many artistic mediums, her creative focus at the moment is traditional metalsmithing. So let’s focus on that... and the elegant simplicity of her designs. And her modern, unpretentious style. And her awesomeness.

The Cabin Fever Show in Boston - February 2011

Oh! And did I mention that her work was recently featured in Boston Magazine and Yankee Magazine? And that there are more exciting things on the horizon?? Well, I can’t wait to hear about that and see what she comes up with next, but in the meantime, I asked her some questions about her work, studio space and life. Enjoy..

Between you and your husband, there’s a lot of talent in your household. What’s up with that?
Amy: well, that's part of the foundation of our relationship, I guess -- fostering each other's creativity, skills, talents... If it weren't for him, I might not be in this business. One day, I simply expressed how much I was enjoying my metals classes and bang! the next day he had built me a workbench and was encouraging me to invest in the necessary tools. And so I did.

I caught a glimpse of some of your paintings in your living room. Please talk about painting.
Amy: Painting was a love of mine long ago, but I never really spent enough time develop the necessary skills, or a "voice" in that medium. I would like to return to painting some day. Some day.

Amy's studio

You work in a tiny space. I’m curious why you selected pink as your color choice for the wall.
Amy: This "tiny space" is tucked in my basement between the stairs and the furnace. It is dark and... gray. I'm not particularly a pink-ish type person, but I had a can of that color sitting around (leftover from a child's easel makeover) and it was just the thing that room needed to give it some life.

Do you think your designs would be any different if you worked in a larger space?
Amy: Now THAT is an interesting question. I suppose they might be. When I think of how my mind is affected by open spaces and sunshine, I can only imagine that everything else might take on a new light, too. My dream studio is all planned out in my head and believe me, it includes high ceilings and lots of windows.

I know you’ve been asked this a million times. But I really want to know. what inspires you?
Amy: It's hard to say. For me, it's not limited to one set thing or idea, like "nature" or "light." I get inspired by random things that catch my eye, or the conversion of a few unrelated ideas, spurred by something my kids said, or a quote from a book, a memory of something from my past (even a feeling), or yes, an object from the natural world.

AG Ambroult's Moss Ring Display

How do you juggle marriage, motherhood and making things?
Amy: Easy. My house is always a mess. Something's gotta give, right? Everything else just kind of takes care of itself. In the summer, when the kids are home, I slow down in my studio to be with them. During the holidays, I don't see my family much on the weekends. It's a constant give-and-take, but it all evens out in the end. Huge pile of laundry in the living room and all.

What is your favorite tool and why?
Amy: My jeweler's saw, because I finally conquered it. For a long time it tortured me, those tiny, delicate blades snapping every few minutes. But over the years I have learned the nuances of working with it, and I actually find it somewhat meditative now. These days I only need to change a blade when it is worn out. Victory!

Oxidized Orbit Earrings

When working on new things, do you keep everything neat and organized in a design book or are you a disorganized disaster with scraps of paper all over the place (like me)?

Amy: Nooooo. Disaster area. Completely. Things in the sketch book, doodles on the board, notes on the backs of envelopes...

What's your favorite ‘word’?

Amy: Circuitous. (though I don't know that I have ever even used it. I just like the combination of sounds. Somebody said it the other day and I totally lost the conversation because I was pondering that word, and its curious sound.)

What’s next for AG Ambroult?
Amy: Looking forward to expanding my wholesale business, which is currently languishing. I am also dreaming up a new line of high-end pieces that will combine illustration with my silver wire work.

Copper Jewel Cocktail Ring

You can purchase Amy’s jewelry and other handcrafted goods online at her Etsy shop or in person at a Boston area art festival. And if you’re looking to avoid the malls this holiday season (we encourage that...) and shop handmade (that too...), be sure to mark your calendars!! She and I will be neighbors at the Hingham Holiday Market on November 26 + 27. Both days 10am to 6pm.

Missing Painting...

2011-10-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

The painting (above) called “Footsteps” was a piece I completed earlier this year as part of an invitational group exhibit in Jamaica Plain's UForge Gallery called Defined By Light. Over the weekend, I went to pick up the paintings from the mother/daughter show on display at the Hanover library only to discover that this piece was missing. Apparently stolen... FROM A LIBRARY. (?????) Frankly, I’m not sure what else to say about this. Sigh...

Rekindle the Light Within

2011-10-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

I had a dazzling summer of discovery and was fortunate to visit many spots I’d never been to before including Watch Hill, RI and Mystic, CT. And before summer slipped away, I took inspiration from those cherished moments and trips to create a new earring design, something to reflect the awakening of spirit, the joy of movement, harmony and sound, and the love in the air. And even though the summer has sadly ended and the crisp fall season has unveiled a new sense of reality, there remains something lasting and tangible to celebrate this special time of revelation and happiness in my life... and this is the story behind Love Loops, the newest item to join my jewelry collection.

Shifting topics slightly... or A LOT, I spent this past weekend in Wellfleet, MA surrounded by many familiar faces including Twigs + Heather, Heart at Work, Len Shartle, Kimberley Deane Jewelry, Look at Me Designs, Bill Chisolm, Bumble Belly Designs, and Two Son Jewelry. I felt right at home at this incredible festival… and being by the ocean, well that didn’t hurt either. Plus my new EZUP tent managed to stay intact and in place even with the overnight rain and heavy winds. And I think my last minute decision to pick up an extra 80lbs (in the form of four 20 lbs containers of cat litter) to hold that tent in place certainly did the trick...

After setting up the tent in the rain and encroaching darkness on Friday night, I found a warm and inviting spot at Mac's Shack on Commercial Street to sip wine, regroup and try some tempura fried pickles with Ponzu dipping sauce. Oh yeah... highly recommend...

October delivers goodness

2011-10-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Letting go to start again has been my mantra this last week. And sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and let it go. Right? So here’s to starting off this new season with some apples and honey, some sweetness and hope, and some gratitude and thanks… oh, and if you’re looking for a movie to add to your viewing list, might I suggest HappyTHANKyouMorePLEASE.

I'll start with a huge thank you to South Shore Living Magazine for spotlighting me and my jewelry in October’s Living Arts Section.

Also, thank you to the John Curtis Free Library in Hanover, MA for providing the Abelson gals with a colorful space to exhibit our mother/daughter show.

Please feel free to attend the opening reception on October 5th from 6-8pm. Or check out the paintings during normal library hours through the end of the month.

Thank you to the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce for putting on a fun Octoberfest. And thank you to papa for coming to keep me company, bring me wine and snap this photo.

It's great running into friends from the old hood and, of course, it's bound to happen when exhibiting somewhere on the south shore... so what a fun surprise to find Andy and SpitDUDES with their locally inspired t-shirts and beach accessories at the show. Grab your outerwear with local flair...

Thank you to my sweet neighbors from Emmett's Edibles who add a little spice to every dog's life with their organic, gourmet treats.

Next stop... and final outdoor show of the season... October 15 + 16 at the WELLFLEET OYSTERFEST! Happy... Thank you... More PLEASE!

Hard River to Row

2011-09-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

It's been another strange week of mixed emotions, but once again, putting my thoughts down on paper has proven to be a helpful practice. So the writing continues and when I stumble onto good things like new artists and places to visit, then documenting these discoveries and sharing them is hopefully worthwhile. Especially since this past week, I made some great new discoveries.

Going to the Red Sox game with Louisa is fun even when they lose and we're surrounded by joyless, rowdy drunks.

Looking up from bumper to bumper traffic to see this scene is, well, peaceful and inspiring... so ya, put a bird on it.

I like Newport, RI. I like the sound of the cars rumbling by on the cobblestone streets. I like walking around and visiting the shops and galleries. I like being by the water. I'm glad I came back solo though it was bittersweet. And I will return again. Someday.

Taking a moment to chat with the girls and enjoy the peaceful view before the start of the Newport Arts Festival.

Bonding with my neighbors in Jessica Pisano's (right) fine art booth with her nature inspired paintings. Oh, and not surprisingly, she received the "Best in Show" award.

NatanyaElka's eco-friendly, one of a kind enamel jewelry...

And Nautical Boards handcrafted locally in Pembroke, MA.

And being captivated by the bluesy, soulful, funk/rock sounds of the Delta Generators. I can't wait to hear more of Craig Rawding's rich, velvety voice live.

And hello... beautiful sunset.

And twinkling, ambient atmosphere at Diegos.

And my good fortune to wake up to this Pisano painting with its gold glimmering in the sunlight. Coming Home.

Fall is upon us...

2011-09-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a weekend filled with good weather, wonderful crafty friends, supportive art enthusiasts and a brand new EZ UP tent to make your spirit soar. I spent a beautiful Saturday in Hopkinton at the Polyarts Festival with some familiar faces including My Urban Kitchen, iDazz, Little Man and Lucky Bird Studio.. and some new friends including Tiffany and Melanie from Look at Me Designs. They have a fabulous collection of clothing and accessories that make a statement and are truly unique. And as an added bonus, all pieces are made with recycled felted wool sweaters. You can find them at the SoWa Open Market or the upcoming Wellfleet Oysterfest (I'll be there too!) on October 15 + 16:

After a long day, it was nice to stumble into the cozy Zio’s Bistro in Hopkinton Center for a quick bite and glass of wine before heading home. And then before I knew it, I was up bright and early on Sunday morning to meet Heather and Kerry from Twigs & Heather to get ready for Worcester’s StART on the Street.

It was a great event with several hundred exhibitors and I always love being part of such a festive day. I ran into some fellow crafters including Red Staggerwing Designs, Ansel Blue Design and Guilday Glass... and I’d like to thank the gentleman who stopped by my booth near the end of the day to let me know that the sign hanging on my tablecloth was backwards, yet again, (oops). And most importantly, to all the wonderful customers who expressed interest in my work and made purchases, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Up next, I'm returning to Newport, RI (September 24 + 25) for the rescheduled dates of the Newport Art Festival. I'll be in section 10, booth C - it's the second tent on the pier. Wish me luck... it shall be an adventure.

Mid-September already!!

2011-09-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

So I promised myself I would keep up this blog, even if I encounter some bumps in the road. And needless to say, this particular week has been very bumpy. So I’m trying to stay focused and positive and continue my creative routine and ritual of documenting what’s gone on. So here goes:

My booth partially set up in Cotuit, MA on Aug. 20

The Newport Arts Festival was postponed due to Hurricane Irene.

As a treat, I decided to go anyway and spend the day in Newport… and it was a great day.

Nothing beats a $5 martini. Or good company.

Or a beautiful sunset when you need it.

Or a crafty friend smiling at you - thanks Heather (Codman Estate Show in Lincoln, MA).

I'm looking forward to a busy fall season starting with shows in Hopkinton, Worcester and Newport. Click here for the show schedule. Also, Save the Date: Wednesday, October 5th from 6-8pm in Hanover, MA. My mom and I will have paintings on display at the John Curtis Free Library for the month of October.

August 2011

2011-08-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

It’s been far too long since my last post and so much has happened since early June. Lots of excitement and adventure... so here are a few photos from shows or places I’ve visited over the past 2 months before another minute goes by and I forget what’s happened..

In my tent with Stefanie of KINDSPIN DESIGNS at Celebrate! West Hartford on June 11 + 12

My adorable, helpful assistants at the South Shore Art Festival on June 19-21

Behind the scenes at ARTBEAT on July 16th with my gal pals Heather and Kerry from Twigs + Heather. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos from my weekend in Old Saybrook, CT on July 23 + 24 because I was too busy trying not to pass out from the heat. Good thing I was able to recuperate and regain my strength by sipping cocktails and dining at Livs's Oyster Bar, Penny Lane Pub and Aspen.

This is what happens to tents without weights..

My booth at the Society of Cape Cod Craftsmen show on August 9-11. A terrific show!

**In other news, there are some new shops that now carry my art glass goods including Sueb.do in New Seabury, Mermaids on Main in Chatham, and HomeGrown Arts and Crafts in Duxbury, MA. Please stop by and let them know I sent you.

It was a little sad parting ways with the “fish” (above) auctioned off at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod on August 14^th, but I’m happy to hear it’s headed to a lovely home in Long Island, NY. ok, that's all for now. Back to the studio... see ya.

2011-06-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry I’ve been out of touch. I’ve missed you too. So here are the highlights of recent happenings. I'll start with this photo of a shopper checking out my booth at the Providence Art Festival on June 4^th. Hey, even big eyed creatures need some art glass. Right?

My awesome and talented neighbor James Polisky at the Providence show.

To purchase his hand printed silkscreen art, visit here (samples below).

Exhibitors from the North River Arts Festival on May 28 + 29:

Sisteria Designs - colorful pendants created from repurposed materials.

Len Shartle and his beautiful, earthy sculptures

Ron Wilson Photography - if you're in Plymouth Center, be sure to check out the Wilson & Heywood Gallery at 17 Main Street.

Brooke Stanton’s hand dyed scarf collection. Check out at all that color and her long locks!

Hard to believe that just a week earlier, Twigs & Heather and I were huddled together wearing gloves, hats and winter gear in Worcester at Start on the Street.

Several friends have art exhibits this month in Boston and I was fortunate to attend the openings. May 27: Lot F Gallery featuring paintings by Percy Fortini-Wright and...

and Jamie O’Neill.

May 12: South End Realty Group – Solo Show for Sean Flood

My next stop is Connecticut for Celebrate! West Hartford on June 11 & 12. Can’t wait!

Studio Move Update

2011-05-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

So far this month I moved to my new studio in Abington, MA, shipped an order to a store in North Carolina, painted the walls of the new space (see pic below), and exhibited at the first outdoor show of the season. I’m a little banged up from all the activity and lifting but everything's gone smoothly and I’m settling into the new place and work routine.

This studio is a dream come true and I'll post more photos of the space as it comes together.

My set up in Andover at Crafts in the Park. We were so fortunate that the rain held off all day. Thank you to all who came out in support of this great event.

My wonderful neighbors and friends, Twigs & Heather, and their beautiful sterling silver creations.

In case you've never seen this, here’s what happens to tents that are not properly secured. Those folks are so lucky that no one was hurt and that the huge tree behind them stopped the tent in its tracks.

Next stop is StART on the Street in Worcester, MA on Sunday, May 22. There are 140 plus exhibitors at this street fair which takes place on North Main Street, between Belmont Street and MLK Boulevard. Hope to see you there!

April Update

2011-04-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

I’m getting ready to move my studio but before I forget, here’s a recap of recent events:

Stopped by my friend Catalina Viejo Lopez de Roda’s opening reception at Lord Hobo, 92 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA. Her painting "Three Sisters" (below) is amazing so pop in for a bite, a drink and lots of beautiful art.

Opening reception at North River Art Society’s juried Focus on Figures Show.

My painting “Ruth and Eva” that received honorable mention.

Sipping vino and talking art with one of my fav ladies, Ros Farbush. Her work will be on display at Art on the Avenue Gallery in Hull, MA all summer long so stop in and say hello to owners Lenore and Bill. And for you painters out there, the gallery is a great spot to do some of your own plein air painting.

Officially became a juried member of the Society of Cape Cod Craftsmen. The 59th annual show is on August 9-11 at Drummer Boy Park in Brewster, MA and I'm honored to be included.

Oh, and I mentioned the moving thing, right? So much fun to pack up an entire studio.

Buca, super kitty to the rescue, surveying the obscene amount of stuff and being helpful as usual, shedding, chewing, barfing and don't forget sleeping, all while keeping good company. He's the best.

April News...

2011-04-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy month gearing up for the craft show season, filling store orders and trying to squeeze in some time to paint. The juggling act continues not so flawlessly but it helps to know that there are exciting things on the horizon. First, a recap of the weekend:

UFORGE Gallery on Centre Street in Jamaica Plan. The opening reception was so packed, there was a line to get in. Good times.

(that's my "Mermaid Girl" painting above, part of the Art Deco exhibit)

CRAFTOPIA: Another great show at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI. The turnout was fantastic and while I was surrounded by many talented artists and designers, here are just a few I haven’t mentioned before/recently (for the full list of talent, click here):

Hockman Photography

Bumble Belly Designs

Amy Casher Jewelry

Bill Chisolm Fine Art

Some Exciting News. For those who can’t make it to a show or aren’t close to one of the shops carrying my work, I’ve added an online shop to my website that features a small selection of items including seasonal, one of a kind goods and the stuff I make all year round. And it’ll be a whole lot easier to do and create all of this... IN MY NEW STUDIO!

I’m so freaking excited (!!!!!)… details to come but here’s a small taste.

UForge Gallery + CRAFTOPIA

2011-03-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

After a long break from painting, I’ve been working, more like struggling, on 2 paintings for an April exhibit at UForge Gallery in Jamaica Plain (767 Centre Street). It’s a new gallery with an admirable mission to foster creativity and art accessibility to both artists and the community in general. The opening reception is on Saturday, April 9^th from 6-8pm and I’m looking forward to seeing what Rob Festa, photographer and UForge’s co-owner has done with the space. While you're there, be sure to stop by Salmagundi, a most fabulous hat and accessories boutique right next door.

Also mark your calendars for the CRAFTOPIA in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Sunday, April 10^th from 10am to 4pm. There’s a fantastic lineup of 75 local designers and artists along with delish food and offerings from yummy area restaurants. Definitely a worthwhile trip to find something handmade and unique for yourself or a loved one!

Lastly, I leave you with some evidence from today's walk along Commonwealth Avenue that SPRING is officially upon us. yay.

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like working in a well-organized, neat space and this weekend was the perfect opportunity to squeeze in some much needed cleaning. But I also made sure to get out of the studio and take a quick walk for some fresh air and gorgeous ocean views. I'm so lucky to have this as my late afternoon reward after a long weekend in the studio.

Plymouth in March

Mark you calendar: Thursday, March 31^st from 6 to 9pm (an evening event) at The Neighborhood Club in Quincy, 27 Glendale Road. Spring Fling Shopping Event with over 30 vendors. Admission is $5- and proceeds benefit the enrichment fund for children in foster care.

ARTWORKS PURCHASE (or scam)

2011-03-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

Since I receive "art scam" emails pretty frequently and I heard a while back about an artist in Maine getting her bank account cleaned out, I thought I'd share the most recent scam email from my inbox. You know, just in case a similar message finds its way to yours and you're wondering, "what's this?". They typically follow a pattern of ridiculous, open-ended inquiry, questions and proposals. And then if you reply, they want to send you a check for WAY over the amount of the price of your artwork. I'm not 100% sure what they do, but their mission is to get your moolah. So while we know your art is awesome, they're not interested in it. So my best advice: DELETE the email.

Good day to you.

I am so excited that I came across of your work on internet search, I am interested in purchasing these creative artworks from you.

Paintings

Let me know their various prices. and how much discounts are you going to give? I will be happy to have these selected artworks hung in our new home in South Africa. As well, I want you to take out the shipping cost. I have been in touch with a shipping firm that will be shipping other house decoratives.

We are traveling from our Seattle home to our new apartment as soon as possible. On Paying for the artworks, I will be glad to pay you with a Money Order or Cashier`s check in US funds that can be easily cashed at your local bank, please let me know on how to proceed for the payment of the creative artworks.

I will await your advise on how to proceed. Have a wonderful day.

Take care,

Fish for the Arts

2011-02-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

I was recently invited to participate in an event called Fish for the Arts sponsored by the Cultural Center of Cape Cod. If you're familiar with the outdoor exhibit from a few years back involving Cows that were painted/decorated by various artists and then auctioned off for charity, this is a similar concept. With Fish For the Arts, my challenge is to take a 3 foot fish and transform it using the medium of my choice.

After weeks of tripping over the enormous box containing the fish, I finally broke down and opened it. It was shocking to discover that inside the box was, in fact, not just a wooden cutout of a fish but a highly detailed, 3-D, painted replica, glass eye included, of a fish (forgive me for not knowing the exact kind). So I rested fishie on the countertop and let him reside there for a few days while I tried to figure out what the hell to do with him. The possibilities being endless (and overwhelming) coupled with my need to do something other than cut glass and solder, my brain was in overdrive and totally inspired. It was the perfect time to take on the "fish" challenge and since he's not officially due until June, for once, I'm not procrastinating.

My goal: To do something different and transformational but also connected to my style and work as a painter and stained glass artist. I'm not exactly sure when the idea hit me, but I decided to take inspiration from my stained glass projects and go from there. So without over thinking things, I chose a simple palette of blue and green (and copper for the fins).. and I just attacked that fish! As a finishing touch, I replaced the awful glass eye with one of my aqua pendants. Et voila! Here is the new Fishie ready for Fish For the Arts!

(click on image to see larger view)

The FISH will be on display at various locations throughout the Cape.. details to follow.

February Finds

2011-02-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

After the last few snow-filled weeks, it was fantastic to get out and spend the day with 80 of my closest crafty pals at the Cabin Fever Craft show in Boston. My immediate neighbors were fabulous and multi-talented:

New Moon Studio - Colorful, modern ceramics

BG2770design - Husband and wife team designing up a storm

Surrounded by all these lovely things, overwhelmed by the creative energy in the room and not be able to sit still (think shpilkes), I lost complete control and went home with some very awesome things.

A HEART bookmark by AG Ambroult now nestled comfortably in my current read “Something Red” by the talented and beautiful Jennifer Gilmore. And, ok, I admit it, I may have also purchased a pair of AG Ambroult Circus Circle earrings.

This pottery created by Hijacked Ceramics somehow found its way onto my desk (what the??)... and I won't even mention the gorgeous wooden wall plaque that's now hanging in my living room.

Anyhoo, on a somewhat unrelated note, I came across this foldable, wooden shelf (which also has wheels!!) on recent trip to my local antique shop. So yesterday, I finally got to use this super duper, functional, easily transportable creation. Now I just need to work on keeping it tidy.

There were many other fabulous exhibitors at Cabin Fever and you can find them all here. Happy Valentine's Day to you! Hugs xoxo

If you're interested in any of the heart creations above, just holler.

Custom Work – To Do or Not To Do?

2011-01-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

While most of my custom work experiences have been positive, there have been a few bumps in the road. As a result, I've learned a thing or two and here are some tips that you might find helpful when considering this as an option:

1. DO WHAT YOU DO BEST: If you specialize in small, pet portraits and someone asks you to do a large, abstract sculpture, you might want to pass. The customer may love your style and think you totally rock but your style may not translate well into a different subject matter, medium or format.

2. EXPERIMENTATION: Like many artists, I’ve had some amazing experiences when faced with a new challenge. And experimentation is an integral part of an artist's creative development and growth. That said, I've learned the hard way to reserve that process for non-commission projects. See point #1.

3. I DON’T LIKE IT: There's a possibility you'll hear that indelible phrase and then have to fix/adjust/start over/call it quits. In one instance, I re-worked a portrait four times before the customer accepted it and even then, I didn’t get the feeling that she was thrilled. My vision (of beautiful) was not shared by my customer and it was frustrating. But as a result of this experience, I learned a few things. First, that I might need to invest more time into a custom piece than I'd spend on a comparable non-custom piece and second, that I should factor this into my work plan and fee. And for those eternal optimists who don't enjoy my 'worst case scenario' concerns, there’s also a good chance you’ll make an awesome piece that your customer loves instantly.

4. CONTRACT: Simply put, do it. It eliminates confusion.

a. Your name, business name and contact information
b. Customer’s name and contact information

c. Project’s scope – outline what you intend to make/do

d. Materials

e. Dimensions

f. Price

g. Timeframe

h. What’s included and what’s extra (site visits, photo shoot, sketches, framing, samples, proofs, delivery, installation, etc.)

i. Return Policy (yes or no)

j. Deposit (refundable or not)

k. Shipping/Delivery/Pick-up

5. GREEN LIGHT: Ok, so you’re totally excited to get started. But wait, did you get the official go ahead? In the scheme of things, it’s not a big deal if you don’t and you create the piece. But what happens if the customer doesn’t want it? What if it’s something you'd have difficulty selling to someone else (think portrait of Nana and grandkids). Unless you want to add that new piece to your own collection, keep this in mind.

6. DEPOSIT: You could require a non-refundable fee in the event the customer doesn’t end up buying the piece. This ensures that you receive some compensation for your time. Or you could request a deposit (partial payment) to confirm the project or cover material expenses, etc. Or do neither, it's your call.

7. RETURN/REFUND POLICY: This can range from “NO returns on custom work” to “a flat fee/restocking fee within 30/60/90 days” to “100% money back guarantee”. It all depends on your comfort level, your medium, your price range, and how you want to run your business. Whatever you decide, it’s helpful to think this through prior to a situation arising. Hint, hint.

8. NO, THANK YOU: Cut yourself some slack. If you’re not 100% comfortable with the project, for ANY reason, trust your instincts. Just. Say. No.

9. SPREAD THE WORD: If you have good experiences, positive customer feedback and want to increase this aspect of your business, let people know that you do custom work! Highlight it as an option on your website, business cards, postcards, emails, social networks or wherever you’re exhibiting your work. Referrals from satisfied customers and photos of completed projects have a big impact too!

Early December Update

2010-12-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

Another fantastic weekend spent in Norwell and Newton. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Wow, I’m a little overwhelmed. As usual I get such great ideas when talking to people at shows and I just can’t wait to get back to the studio and create new designs. But first, I’ll take a deep breath and reflect on this weekend’s wonderfulness.

For the record, I'm totally in LOVE with this building.

and I LOVE showing in this room at the James Library.

Heading back to Norwell where I grew up and exhibiting in the James Library is pretty darn neat. Especially since I was next to Marla from Back Porch Soap Company (formerly in Plymouth, my current hometown) now in Duxbury. On a rare occasion you encounter someone and can finish each other’s sentences within about 30 seconds of meeting. Luckily she is one of those special few... so in addition to a great day with lots of visitors (including some old friends I haven’t seen in years!!), I met a new crafty friend and enjoyed the wafting scents of her yummy soaps and cosmetics! Oh, one more thing, if you're interested in learning how to make your own soap, Marla teaches classes!

A customer enjoying the offerings of Back Porch Soap Company

Then onto Newton where I had the pleasure of being adjacent to yet another window (natural light is awesome) and Sherit from Tiresh. As a graduate of RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), she puts her painting skills to work and brings them to life on wearable fabrics including scarves, hats, capes, skirts, and newest to her line, pins and barrettes!

I got to top off the weekend by celebrating a friend’s birthday at the Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown. I was LOVING the décor as well as the menu (huge) and couldn’t get over the fact that the birthday girl enjoyed mac n cheese with a side of bacon while I was eating tofu + quinoa as not many places offer such a wide variety of options! Highly recommend! A great way to end a fabulous weekend in December.

Diners rule (this photo does not).

Happy Birthday to a very awesome lady!

Next and FINAL stop on the 2010 show train, ready or not, here I come!

December 11 + 12

Show Hours:
Saturday 10-5 / Sunday 10-4

11th Annual New England
Holiday Craft Festival

Rockingham Park Racetrack
79 Rockingham Park Blvd
Salem, NH

hingham + holiday = hooray!

2010-11-29T12:38:00.000-08:00

Although I was a wee bit cold, I had a fantastic weekend at the holiday shipyard show and became aware of a whole new development in Hingham that I didn't even know existed! Wow. The area is just full of potential for shopping, relaxing and dining. Tons of free parking, beautiful water views and numerous restaurants including Alma Nove, Hingham Beer Works and Typhoon Asian Bistro to name a few. And for some cool design and artsy stuff, there’s BG Galleries, a humongous showroom of antique, vintage and modern design, and across the street, the newly opened satellite location for the South Shore Art Center. Both were closed by the time I was done packing up for the weekend so I’ll have to make a trip over there soon to do some more exploring.

Ok, so back to the actual SHOW. Thank you to everyone who came out in droves to attend and make purchases at this first time event, especially my local pals from the south shore. It was great to see you all and I appreciate the support! Once again I lucked out with neighbors. I’ve seen Big Skinny the Cambridge-based creators of the world’s thinnest wallets at several shows but this was the first time I was next to them. And my other talented neighbor Rachel of Malagueta traveled all the way from Philadelphia to bring her beautiful clothing and handbags to the Boston area. I think she should come back to Boston often!

Um, so I kinda splurged a bit and did some shopping of my own.....

Some fabulous frames from Mean & Wroughten (I can’t resist a pair of old red scissors with chipped paint welded to a frame.. I just can’t), a set of gorgeous pillows from Red Staggerwing Designs (hello yummy color combos and beautiful craftsmanship!) and lastly, a most awesome cabinet by John Warren Designs (as soon as I saw it, I stopped in my tracks and was like.. omg, I have to have that!). But I had to stop myself there for the tent was brimming with so many amazing temptations…

Mean & Wroughten frame (without a photo)

Red Staggerwing pillows, my bed never looked so good.

Oh, and a final shout out to Cindy from Letter C Design for also making the trip to Hingham from Connecticut. The designs and paper goods from her studio are just awesome!

Display Ideas, etc.

2010-11-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

Just finished a show at the Duxbury high school and it was pretty sweet. I have to say I was a little surprised at the condition of the girl's bathrooms (ew...gross), but aside from that, the show was great. A huge thank you to organizer Brooke Stanton and her beautiful hand-dyed silk scarf collection. Yay Brooke!

My immediate neighbors and I became quick friends which is always an added bonus when you're planted in one spot for 2 days. And since the booth spaces were 10x10, I'm always curious to see how others will set up. I saw some pretty creative displays and here are a few:

First up.. T. Breeze Verdant's marquetry and inlay work. On each side of his set up, there are 2 hinged doors painted black to display hanging work, leaving the center open for him to interact with customers... there's also a horizontal pole overhead to hold the lighting panel. A clean, crisp look, and a great way to display tabletop and hanging pieces.

Another gorgeous set up by Catherine & Rob from By the Sea Driftwood! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I just want to curl up with a blanket and hang out in this space all day. It's inviting, warm, full of charm and brimming with lots of beautiful old stuff that's been repurposed and given new life... they utilize every inch of space on their walls, top to bottom, and leave the middle open...it's very welcoming. Oh, if you're heading to the Cape, be sure to stop by their studio in Orleans... that's pretty dreamy too..

It's challenging when you have an enormous body of photographic work and you only have so many square feet of wall space. So in addition to display walls and racks, photographer David Grossman brought (the most enormous monitor I've ever seen) to display his work. It drew people in and was an effective way to quickly display the range and depth of his subject matter.

Deirdre's Heart at Work Jewelry is designed to inspire your soul and it's definitely done so to mine. Her unique wood and painted display cases have had a long show history and you can always spot Deirdre and her delicately displayed pieces as her display stands out from the crowd. And their compact design is fantastic when it's time to break down and head home, a most important feature for those of us traveling from show to show...to show..

Here is a room shot taken by me standing on a wobbly chair behind my table. yes, ladies and gents, I really do live on the edge. As you can see if you look closely, some exhibitors used their outdoor tents (without the top) to create their set up. A little fabric, banner, grid walls, etc. and voila, you have a natural divider and backdrop. I really wish someone (like the event organizer) had mentioned the tent idea as an option for shows I've done in the past. It would have been so much easier if I'd known that was an option. Of course, it seems so obvious NOW but it wasn't the first thing I thought of.. ad I'm someone who definitely thinks outside the box. lesson learned.

So the next stop on the holiday show train is Hingham!! It's bizarre and wonderful to be exhibiting so close to home/where I grew up and running into people I haven't seen in years (!!!)...and hopefully I'll see a few more familiar faces, so much fun. So forget those malls (yawn) and head to fun craft shows to buy locally, handmade stuff from really awesome people!

Hingham Shipyard Holiday Market

November 27 + 28

I Shipyard Drive - Hingham, MA

10am to 6pm both days

FREE Parking and entry

I'm in BOOTH 70

Ahhhh... Monday

2010-11-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Organizing my week's "To Do" list and it seems overwhelming but somehow it'll all get done. So before I get to it, here are some photos from TWIST in Northampton, MA. I was one of the first to arrive for set up (cuz I'm an early bird... and a nerd) so I snapped photos over the 4 hours prior to the opening. It's amazing to watch a room transform from an empty shell into a magical, energetic place:

11:30am

12:30-ish

1:30pm

2:30pm

3:30pm

And at 4pm.. it's lights, music, shoppers...showtime!

I spent Sunday in Pawtucket, RI at CRAFTOPIA and was so fortunate to be surrounded by fabulous, talented friends including Idazz, Weehah!, AG Ambroult, Hilary, Joy in My Studio and Twigs & Heather. The day went by so quickly and before I knew it, it was time to pack up and head home.

Amy from AG Ambroult & Louisa from Weehah! (above)

Next shows are a bit closer to home:

November 20 + 21

Saturday, November 20, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, November 21, 11:00am – 4:00pm
at
Duxbury High School
130 St. George St., Duxbury MA

I'm in BOOTH 6

($5 general admission)

AND

November 27 + 28

1 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA

I'm in BOOTH 70

10am to 6pm both days

FREE admission and parking!!

Mark Your Calendars for these fabulous upcoming shows!

2010-10-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

The leaves are falling, the air is crisp and I'm craving some hot cider and tofu pot pie! From this point forward, my tent and weights will collect dust while I seek the warmth and shelter of permanent walls and a roof, preferably a non-leaking one. The rest of this year's shows are INSIDE and that means no WIND, no RAIN, no LIGHTNING, no dropping things on parking lot cement (I really dislike the crunch of broken glass on cement), no proximity to inflatable jumpers full of screaming children and then when the fun ends (for them) crying children... you get the picture.

Thank you to everyone who has come out to the recent shows in Walpole, Hanover and Newton. Your energy and enthusiasm motivates me to keep pushing myself in new directions! October has been fantastic and I look forward to visiting Newburyport, Northampton, Pawtucket and Duxbury in the next few weeks:

Newburyport Fall Festival 62 Boardman Street

October 23 – 9:30am to 3:30pm

Twist - Northampton, MA 17 New South St, November 12 + 13

Craftopia - Pawtucket, RI 1005 Main Street, November 14

DAA Craft Show - Duxbury, MA 130 St. George Street, November 20 + 21

And just in case you didn't believe me about the jumper thingy, here's the photographic evidence.

Oh JP, how I love thee...

2010-09-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who attended this fun-filled weekend! Many, many thanks to my immediate neighbors, the fabulous & exquisite Amy, AG Ambroult (her metalwork is pictured below) and Louisa, Weehah! for making JP Open Studios a most memorable event. Also high fives to pals Hilary, Hilary and Helene, Urban Kitchen (sorry, no pics).

Some other wonderful artists showing in JP:

April Clay Mixed Media Art

Fat Spaniel Ceramics

Requiem Fine Art

Rocklen Designs

Here's hoping the ENORMOUS bee fascinated with the Weehah! wedding invitation portfolio made it home safely.

Most entertaining and interestingly dressed individual award goes to the smiling gentleman with a feather in his purple cap.

BELOW is what happens to a tent without weights in the wind. Click here for info on tent weights if you need them.

Lastly, one must check out Bella Luna Restaurant and Lounge at The Brewery, 284 Amory Street for beverages, delish food and great atmosphere. I was there Saturday AND Sunday for cocktails and din din... super yum!

Also, if you're in the Brewery area and looking for that morning caffeine, fresh baked goods or lunch fix, head to Ula Cafe...

Another sunny day in Worcester...

2010-09-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

With 300 exhibitors, there's a lot to take in at Start on the Street... and the crowds were out on Park Avenue! I didn't get a chance to mix and mingle with other artists except for my fantabulous neighbors Twigs & Heather. (that's Miss Heather in red...)

The day flew by so quickly... lots of great people and interesting questions including my favorite question of the day: "How do you make the candleholder stand on six legs?" After going through a somewhat lengthy, technical explanation, the young lady still had a puzzled look on her face so I asked if she needed more info.. to which she responded "but WHY do you make a candleholder with six legs?" Ahhh my dear, that question requires a shorter and less technical explanation. It goes something like this... "Because I'm a little odd".

Next stop on the outdoor show train for Dasken Designs is Jamaica Plain! See you at JP Open Studios, 284 Amory Street on Sept 25 +26 (11am to 6pm both days). If you're looking for something to do after visiting the many talented artists and you're craving an adult beverage (along with discovering how it's made), you can tour the nearby Sam Adams Brewery... or head to Bella Luna / Milky Way Lounge..

Boston Ahts Festival!

2010-09-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Surrounded by lots of talented artists in the beautiful Christopher Columbus Park in Boston, I was grateful for three days of dry weather and a steady, enthusiastic crowd (plus an adjacent Starbucks, Marriott bathroom and the company of awesome neighbors Kim, Jess and Tami). A huge THANK YOU to everyone who organized and attended the show! Check out photos (and links to websites) of fellow artists who are super!

My folks stopped by on Friday...

Jess Barnett

Lucky Bird Studio

Happy Art Studio

Tami and Kim chatting in their winter apparel..

And YES, it was that cold on Sunday!!

Amy Casher Designs

view of the beautiful walkway through the park

GALVINized Headware

Jenn Sherr Designs

Stonehouse Studio

Hilary

Catalina Viejo Lopez De Roda

WANT that painting (behind the table)!!!!

Monique Rancourt

Sean Flood

the main stage for performing artists

To the best parents ever!! Married 45 years! Mazel Tov!!

We celebrated at Antico Forno in the North End.

Highly recommend - so good!

September is HERE!!

2010-09-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

I'll be showing my creations at the Boston Ahts Festival on Sept 9, 10 + 11, and then a couple of weeks later at the JP Open Studios on Sept 25 + 26. Oh, and also in Worcester, MA on Park Avenue on the 19th... Here are a few pics of new stuff:

sunburst mirror

mezuzot

mermaid mirror

August flew by... yikes! Had a beautiful weekend in Cotuit and an even more gorgeous weekend in Newport, RI.

Cotuit, MA

my tent under the big tent in Newport,RI

a peaceful moment with 3 shots of espresso before the show...

surprise visitors who absolutely made my day on Sunday!!

Scituate in August

2010-08-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

While getting up at 4:30am stinks (especially if you go to bed at 1:00am), scenes like this make it worthwhile. This was the view as I walked out my front door and stumbled onto my porch - it literally took my breath away... I immediately grabbed my camera to capture the moment before it disappeared.

And as I approached Scituate harbor, the scenery was so beautiful I was compelled to stop and take it all in. Simply stunning!

Surrounded by a few familiar faces (Trish from Idazz and Kathleen from KEM Designs), I set up shop on Front Street in Scituate directly across from Dunkin Donuts. Hello! Honestly, that is by far the BEST spot a girl could ask for... coffee and a bathroom within 10 feet. Seriously. Awesome.

I was fortunate to have papa on hand both Saturday & Sunday. He's the best!

And after packing up for the day on Saturday, I ventured a few blocks to a new restaurant called Oro. A relaxing, calming atmosphere (with amazing light fixtures and neato sink in the restroom...), the service was fantastic and everyone enjoyed their meals... I went for the beet salad which was yum and quite fancy!)

Rounding out this exciting weekend, I was thrilled to celebrate getting another year older with two of my favorite people in the whole world!! They are super helpers - thanks Eva & Ruthie!

Painting Storage Solutions

2010-08-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Lately it's been tough to find time to paint and one thing I've always struggled with is working within a cluttered area (though I seem to have NO problem creating the clutter...) and it's kind of a problem when you're avoiding a space because of a mess. So it was time to finally do something about the mess and I started by taking measurements and doing online research (it's amazing what you can find on this computer thingy). After considering the options, I decided to go with wire shelving versus building a traditional wooden unit. For ideas, here are some images I came across online:

http://www.art-boards.com/ - awesome but expensive

this would be perfect if I had a gigantic studio...

Alas, I was most inspired by the idea below and decided to run with it:

In the photo above, the painter works on a smaller scale than I do so he can get away with using just one 24" deep x 36" wide rack with 4 shelves. He cleverly used peg board on each shelf and perfectly lined up dowels to create individual slots, especially helpful for oil painters who need to let their paint dry (I also saw other similar versions where the artists used wire or rope affixed from shelf to shelf ). Anyway he also added wheels to make it mobile - great idea!

For my storage solution, I needed a space for larger work (approx 24"x30") and decided that the perfect spot would be a 36" wide x 48" deep unused nook in the corner of the room. I purchased ONE 5-shelf unit and ordered 4 legs separately from another store for a total cost of $90 and in less than an hour (!!), I put together 2 shelf units back to back and had the entire space organized. I'm thrilled that I was able to turn the room around so quickly, maximize the storage space AND house all of the paintings in one tidy area. Ahhhhh... now I can finally see what I have and paint in a clutter-free space!! Ya, I know... it's weird where some people find happiness...

Below is the newly organized area!!

OMG, you can see the floor!!

Is that a clean table top I see?

Not for long.... ;)

Farewell to July...

2010-07-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's the end of July!! Ah! So before it disappears into the humid sunset or I simply forget, I just wanted to post 2 pics from ArtBeat in Somerville. It was a great show and I hope to return there in the future... such a good crowd!

After a glorious (and wicked HOT day), I filled up on water and yummy treats at The Friendly Toast in Kendall Square with the fabulous ladies of Twigs & Heather. Perfect ending to a great day!

Ooh... so I just came across Roxio Photoshow maker and thought I'd give it a whirl.... it's easy as pie, fun and free! Create your own slideshow and go bananas...

Cohasset, Barnstable, Newport.. Oh My!

2010-07-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm FINALLY taking a deep breath and catching up on all sorts of exciting things like laundry, paperwork, sleep and dusting. And what an awesome time to do so... 90 degree weather with no a/c is perfect!

So the last few weeks have been a blur, but I'm pretty sure that I did a 3-day show in Cohasset, MA, then trucked on down to Barnstable, MA for 2 days and lastly spent a beautiful day in Newport, RI on July 3rd. The excitement ranged from lighting striking the utility pole behind my tent in Cohasset to wonderful surprise visits from fellow artists Mary of Mary Draper Murray Jewelry in Barnstable and Joanna from Joy in My Studio in Newport! Thanks to everyone who attended as well as made purchases at any of these shows.

I know I took my camera to Cohasset and Barnstable but the pics are eluding me at the moment so here are some pics from Indie Art by the Sea in Newport, RI:

Dasken Designs - my white tent with the beach-inspired, beige tablecloth

Heather Wang Jewelry

Hilary

explosion of cuteness.. seriously!!

Nancy's art photography (and husband's paintings)

Riker Art Glass

Trish from iDazz

Andrea from Thomas Park Gifts

one of my neighbors - Doug Hockman Photography

love his set up!

my other neighbor - Emily from E.Scott Originals

Look for her shop opening in August - 199b Highland Ave in Somerville!

Helene from My Urban Kitchen

always smells so yum!

Heather Jeany

Bowchies - cute stuff for your pups!

Beth from Wilton Artisans

Lisa's Crooked Moon Mosaics

cool doorbells - Mike's Originals

gorgeous view from Fort Adams... as I was driving away

Next up.. July 17th - see you in Somerville at ArtBeat!

I LUV West Hartford!

2010-06-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend at the Celebrate!West Hartford Festival in Connecticut. Despite the rain on Saturday, some devoted fans of the show still made their way in the wet mess... it was comin down!

But we lucked out on Sunday.. just had a cooler, overcast day, actually perfect weather for an outdoor show in June. And my neighbor, Stefanie of Kindspin Design, brought the needed sunshine with her colorful, beautiful designs and artwork. Looking at her booth all day along with our lively conversations was quite a treat. She's pretty awesome! (hey Boston peeps, keep an eye out for her work to be featured in the 'soon to open' Barracuda Tavern, 15 Bosworth Street)

My redesigned Mezuzah Display was a big hit in West Hartford!

Also, I'm diggin my newly improved glass cube display...

Couldn't resist taking a pic of the view from my hotel room in Hartford. Gorgeous!

a FABULOUS customer wearing her new pendant!

Now.. getting ready for the next adventure in Cohasset - June 18-20. Eh, who needs sleep?

Director's Chairs on Sale at Pier 1!!

2010-05-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I decided to splurge and invest in a real chair to bring to craft shows, one where people can actually see me sitting behind my display. After researching online, I went to my local Mill Store to purchase a director's chair and they told me they're no longer carrying them. Apparently, not a big seller (kind of an odd thing to say to a customer looking to purchase one...) Anyhoo, if you're looking for a new director's chair/barstool, they're available AND on sale ($59.99) thru the end of May at Pier 1. Fabric is sold separately ($9.99).

Twist + SoWa Artwalk

2010-05-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

In the past 2 weeks, I visited Northampton for Twist IV (above) and stayed closer to home this past Saturday for the ever fabulous SOWA Artwalk. I had a great time in Northampton and hope to head back to that area again soon. My immediate neighbors at Twist IV were Scott from Bunny Butt Apothecary

and Sarah from Ansel Blue Design Studio (Sarah is sadly missing from the photo...)

They were fantastic company and I didn’t even notice that I was next to a speaker (AGAIN!). Though this time, the music was just right… ambient and pleasant. Thanks Lexie!

The past few years I’ve participated in a group art space for the Sowa Artwalk but this year, it was a little different and the group space was eliminated (boo hoo). Each year we moved locations from one vacant building to the another but I guess the vacant property is scarce these days and that’s good news for the property owners/developers and the area in general.. but sad news for many artists as the area becomes more developed and the real estate prices increase. Affordable space is much harder to find (yikes). BUT, now there’s a fabulous contemporary art destination in Boston's South End with lots of galleries and studios all clustered in one neighborhood called SoWa (stands for South of Washington).

I was a guest artist at 59 Wareham Street (above), home to 4 floors of working artists including Shoshana Ernst (painter) and Jenn of Jenn Sherr Designs who invited me to share their studio space on May 15th. Thank you ladies! We had lots of fun discussing art and making signs for the event, and it was a toss up whether my favorite part of the day was hanging the wet signs in the wind OR convincing Jenn that we should use the freight elevator (she’d been warned NOT to take it… ah, so what if we get trapped??). Turns out the freight elevator works like a charm and definitely made transporting my stuff to the 3rd floor MUCH easier!

super windy on Wareham Street! That sign was going wild!!

I think our colorful (awful) sign with blue tape was effective... right? Definitely attention grabbing!

Anyway, I ended the day on the Red Fez patio with good friends Jaime + Ken and a lovely glass of vino. Perfect ending to a great day of art. Then up early the next morning for a full day in the studio, working on orders to ship off to stores…

10 Tips for Outdoor Craft Shows

2010-05-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

In addition to creating amazing products, setting up an inviting display, and being pleasant and friendly, there’s a whole set of other issues to worry about when preparing for an outdoor craft show. Here are some tips based on my experiences. Feel free to accept this information, share with others or tell me that my suggestions stink:

1. Toolbox - I keep a toolbox in the car filled with things I might need including: duct tape, hammer, screw drivers, spring clamps, push pins, paper clips, scissors, string, sunscreen, bug spray, bandaids, Claritin, Advil, pens, safety pins, tissues/baby wipes, bungy cords/rope, female necessities (ladies, you know what I’m talking about…). While it sounds like I’m preparing for something nefarious, I’ve found it’s comforting to have these items on hand all in one place even if I never need them. However, when you need them, it’s so helpful! For example, duct tape is a perfect temporary fix when a support section of your tent (or your neighbor’s) snaps while setting up or you need a spring clamp to “button up” your tent for the night because the zipper for your side walls breaks. Oh, and I also have a couple of towels in the car too just in case it starts pouring…

2. Tents – there are a range of options when it comes to purchasing 10’ x 10’ tents. Price is obviously the main factor (and frankly, prepare to spend at least $200 for a good tent – otherwise, buyer beware!!); however, there are structural, weight and durability considerations as well. Deciding which tent is right for you will depend on your product line, how you plan to display your items and how many shows you will do. Questions to ponder:

How much do you want to spend?
Is your set up primarily table top, walls, or a combination?
How much protection from the elements do you and/or your items require?
How handy are you?
Assuming you have a vehicle, how much room do you have in your vehicle?
Do you plan on doing one-day shows only or 2 and 3-day shows as well?
Do you plan to use the tent just a few times or for many years to come?
Do you want a waterproof tent or one that just protects you from the sun?

Answering these questions will help you focus on the best tent for you. If you’re planning to do a lot of shows for years to come, want full protection from rain and the elements, and would like to use panels to display your work, you’re looking at a $500 pricetag and up. For those with a smaller budget, you can manage just fine with a basic, easy to install 10 x 10 tent ($150-300). And yes, there are cheaper tents out there, but they are lighter and more likely to fall apart...quickly.

Tent Interiors - have either an “open roof design” which is a tent that has no interior visible frame elements, kind of like a cathedral ceiling (e.g. Quick Shade, Trimline) OR a “cross truss frame design” which is a tent with exposed interior frame elements, kind of like a drop ceiling made of metal cross bars (e.g. EZ UP). If you want to be able to hang (lightweight) items inside your tent, then go with the cross truss design (EZ UP). The overhead space is lower than the open roof tents but you have the option to hang items. Generally speaking, a tent requires 2 people to set up but I’ve seen vendors set up the cross truss frane style tents themselves by opening the tent partly, going underneath the tent and pressing up from the middle.

Tent colors – Get a white tent. Why? Because it’s bright, airy, provides the best natural lighting and a clean back drop for your items. Also, some shows require a white tent.

Tent fabric – most of the tent canopies are NOT waterproof (errr…) so if you choose a tent that’s water resistant or a “sun blocker”, you’ll probably want to spray your canopy with a waterproof sealant. I’m not sure why the tent manufacturers can’t offer waterproofing as an option for an added fee (like when you buy a couch) because spraying a 10’ x 10’ section of fabric is not exactly easy especially if you live in a city… But it’s worth doing because there’s nothing worse than trying to protect your items in heavy rain as the canopy fabric becomes saturated and drops of water fall inside the tent.

Tent Options

Below are 5 brands of tents to consider. There are more companies out there but these are the brands I see most often at shows. The prices vary considerably and keep in mind that if you want something sturdy and well made that will last for more than one season, select a commercial grade tent. Also, search online for the best price and free shipping once you decide on the brand and model you want. The deals are out there!!!

EZ-UP

(canopy is a cross truss frame and water resistant, can hang lighter items inside on the cross beams, easy tent to set up)

Quick Shade Commercial 100

(canopy is an open roof design, vented and water resistant). Though the vented canopy does let trapped air escape and is super cute, the initial set up is a pain in the you know what. In comparison to other tents that have one giant piece of fabric, the canopy is composed of 3 separate pieces and the initial set up is a little tricky/award, especially the smallest piece on top - it helps if you're tall or have tall helpers with strong hands. Also while some people take their canopy off the frame after each use, I leave the canopy attached to the frame at all times.)

Looks like this tent is quite a deal at Walmart.

(Disclosure - I have this tent and it’s solid, sturdy and will definitely last. Just wish the top was waterproof… otherwise, I luv my tent.)

Ace Canopy

(canopy is an open roof design and 100% waterproof)

Caravan

(canopy is water resistant, can hang lighter items inside on the cross beams, easy tent to set up)

Flourish – Trimline Canopy

(canopy is an open roof dome design, very heavy duty, 100% waterproof, more time consuming to set up – need to be handy as components are screwed together. I suggest wearing gloves while setting up. This is NOT a pop-up. much higher priced than the pop-up tents but built to last) $845

Tent Components

Mesh Panels (pictured below in an EZ UP tent) - For painters, photographers, printmakers, etc., I highly recommend Flourish Company’s mesh panels. Yes, they’re expensive ($223 for one -$640 for three) but they’re compatible with the various brands of pop-up tents and not just the Flourish Trimline tents. (as an aside, Flourish actually has people who answer the phone and talk to you about your order. What a concept?) Anyway the mesh panels come with a cross bar which screws into place along the base of the tent and helps to stabilize the tent and makes the mesh wall rigid. Again, the mesh walls are expensive but they roll up and the fabric walls are easier to schlep around than metal grid walls.

Grid Walls (pictured below displaying Saya Studio’s handbags) Metal grid walls come in a variety of colors and sizes depending on how you want to set up your display. I’ve ordered from this company before and you can check out their site to get an idea on sizes, price, etc. But google grid walls and you’ll find a bunch of options.

Sidewalls – All of the tents mentioned above have the option of purchasing 1-4 sidewalls. Some tents come with and others you have to order the walls separately. Walls are essential if you want a crisp, white backdrop for your display, to protect your items when it’s raining or you plan to “button up” your tent and leave it up overnight for a 2 or 3-day event. By the way, I wouldn’t advise leaving your product in your tent overnight unless you don’t care if it gets stolen, damaged or blown away. I always pack up my stuff but many others don’t. Anyway I was trying to cut corners and I purchased tent walls separately on ebay (random brand) and I regret it. I did save a few bucks but if I could redo that purchase, I’d fork up the extra cash and buy the walls that are specifically designed for my tent. When it’s time for me to use all 4 walls, it’s kinda like squeezing into jeans that are WAY too tight if you catch my drift… not pretty like the pic below..

p.s. if the weather is questionable, attach your tent walls during set up and roll them up. (I use a bunch of spring clamps to accomplish this). Then they’re ready to unroll in a pinch if the weather changes.

3. Portable dolly or Hand Truck – Get one!! Your hands, back and product will appreciate this purchase especially if you have heavy or fragile items and your final destination is far from your vehicle. As with most things, you get what you pay for and I’d recommend paying a little extra for something heavy duty. p.s. bigger wheels are easier to navigate over bumpy terrain.

Oh, one more thing, make sure you have room in your vehicle/truck for this super clunky but oh so handy device. Even though it seems like a dream, if you don’t have room for this sucker, you’ll be miserable trying to make it fit. I know it’s a little backwards, but I’ve found that I have to pack my handtruck FIRST for a stress-free load-in and out. I LUV my handtruck!

4. Secure your tent!

You need weights to hold down your tent. Many shows require them so please don’t be the a**hole without weights with the tent that flies away and lands on someone’s car, knocks over another vendor’s tent or a crashes into a show attendee. I’ve seen it happen folks. NOT cool!

Option #1: set of 4 weight bags. (Pictured above: EZ-UP brand). There are several companies now selling these online (google ‘tent weights’) and for a set of 4, you can expect to pay between $40-70. For a good deal from King Canopy, click here. The good thing about these bags is they’re made out of fabric and are equipped with Velcro straps so you can easily attach a bag to each leg of your tent. The downside is you have to fill each bag with sand or rocks (not so much fun) and since the whole point is for them to be as heavy as possible (ideally 40 lbs each) you need to get your hands on a substantial amount of heavy filler. If anyone’s interested, I live near the beach (hint, hint)..

Option #2: make your own weights with PVC pipes and concrete. If you’re handy, these are a great alternative and personally, I think they look nicer than the weight bags. You’ll need:

• 4 PVC pipe (at least 3’ for each leg)

• 4 or 8 PVC matching end caps (purchase flat bottom caps so the final pieces sit flat - if you want the top to have a top cap as well, purchase 8 caps, not 4, and make sure to screw a hole for the eye hook – this is a cleaner look but a little more work)

• Glue/epoxy (anything that works for plastic)

• couple of bags of Quick Crete

• 4 large eye hooks

• Bucket (for mixing concrete)

• Garden trowel (to scoop the concrete into the PVC

• Drill (if you’re gonna screw a hole in 4 of the PVC caps)

To make: glue the end caps on one end of each pipe; mix up the quick crete with some water; fill the PVC pipes with the quick crete; insert a large eye hook into the center of each filled pipe and let dry for a couple of days. (getting crafty – if you decide NOT to use a top cap, you may want to add some flair to the visible concrete top surrounding the eye hook before it dries… think tumbled stones, glass beads, sea glass, tiles, googly eyes, etc…)

To attach to your tent: use 4 pieces of rope, chain or ratchet straps that are long enough to attach to the pipe at the eye hook and then go up and over the corner of your tent in each corner. You can also Velcro the weights to the leg posts.

Option #3: I’ve also seen vendors using round, stackable discs that fit onto each leg. Looks like Quickshade sells these "weight plates" (4 plastic coated discs weighing 5 lbs each for $44). And this ladies and gents appears to be the most expensive option. (Oh! Hold your hats. I just received the following helpful feedback regarding this product: "in the wind, the discs skid around on concrete... they are useless" - ok then. I guess this is NOT a good option)

Additional Stabilization: When you’re on grass and you plan to stay put for 1 super windy day or 2-3 days, another item to help secure the tent is this handy device (spiral stake). The tent companies sell these but you can also get them at pet shops or Ocean State Job Lot.

4” – 6” Spring Clamps – good to have on hand for a number of quick fixes. Can be found in hardware stores, Ocean State Job Lot, or online.

5. Mailing List and business cards: Have business cards on hand to pass out (or for little kids to collect from every vendor and leave on the ground...) as well as a small book or piece of paper to collect names for your mailing list. To send emails with photos, links, etc, for news and upcoming shows, you can use companies like:

MailChimp (free)

Constant Contact ($15/month and up)

iContact

Campaigner ($10/month and up)

They all offer free 15-30 day trial periods so take advantage of this option and see which one you like the best. Once you sign on with one of these companies, you can create a “join my mailing list” link to add to your website.

6. Event / Liability Insurance – just a suggestion… better safe than sorry. These are companies I'm aware of that offer insurance for artists/crafters:

ACT Insurance (I use them)

CSI

RLI

Shoff Darby

7. Body and Belly comfort: Pack a small cooler with water and some nibbles in case food and drink is not easily accessible… and this is especially important if you’re like me and don’t eat hamburgers and hotdogs like other normal people (ie. vegan, gluten free, etc). Handwipes or hand sanitizer is also nice to have since touching money and then eating is yucky. Also dress in layers in preparation for the ever-changing weather conditions.

8. Productivity: I abhor wasting time so I always try to bring things to do just in case there are slow parts of the day. So if you have prep work you can do while sitting in your tent, people can see you working on your craft which is interesting PLUS you’re getting things done. It’s win, win!

9. Travel: If you’re heading to an area and will be staying away from home, get in touch with the event organizer first to ask for referrals or advice on hotels, restaurants, etc. Sometimes this can be very helpful, other times… not so much. Oh, and I’d definitely recommend trying Priceline for booking travel arrangements. I just did a show and found out my neighbor paid $50 (versus my $120) for the same hotel! WTF?

10. Change/Cash box/Credit Cards: Make sure you have a bunch of small bills ($1, 5 and 10) to start off the day especially if you don’t accept credit cards. You don’t want to lose a sale because your first customer has a $100 bill to pay for a $15 item and you have no change. Hey, it happens… so be prepared.

If you’re thinking about accepting credit cards, there are many, many options and it can be sort of overwhelming to figure out the best plan for you. Aside from selecting a merchant account (that's the company that handles the financial transaction and charges you a fee for this service), you also have to decide whether you want an instant authorization system (aka swipy thing) or a virtual terminal (that's when you imprint the credit card with a knuckle buster (see below) or receive the credit card information by phone/email and then YOU key in/call in the entry after the sale):

Square UP ok, so I was hesitant at first; however, I'm now a believer and user of this device/service. Device fee: FREE, 2.75% flat rate, plus $.15 fee per transaction. Works with an iphone/ipad.

Propay
start up fee: $0, basic plan: $34.95/annual fee (3.5-2.6% - the percent you're charged decreases as your monthly total increases) plus a small transaction fee

Paypal
start up fee: $0, basic plan: $30/month (3.1-2.4% - the percent you're charged decreases as your monthly total increases) plus a small transaction fee

Merchant Warehouse
start up fee: $179; monthly fee & transaction fees are negotiated with customer service (the monthly fee is less than $30/month).

(If you decide to go with Merchant Warehouse, please tell them I referred you – thanks!)

Below are the fee structures for Propay and Paypal for a VIRTUAL TERMINAL.

The process of signing on with a credit card merchant can be overwhelming and finding out their fee structure can be similar to buying a car in some respects so be prepared for the maze of confusion. There are fees beyond the basics which are available on their respective websites if you look. Bottom line, whatever plan you choose, you are increasing your potential sales by offering the option to customers. Offering this payment option does chip away at your profit and you have to be careful but it's well worth it.

Imprinters: I use the ever trusty credit card imprinter (above) but many vendors use wireless machines nowadays. It takes a wee bit more time and effort, but I find the “knuckle buster” (around $14) is fine, cost effective and I actually prefer to have the imprint of the credit card as proof of the face to face transaction. Should you decide to go with this oh so high tech model, I’d also recommend ordering a truncated 2-part sales slip (below). With all the concern about privacy and protecting one’s information, do the right thing and provide your customer with a sales slip that does NOT have her credit card number on it. It’s a few bucks more but well worth it…

Lastly, I keep all my receipts and moolah in one place (shh.. it’s a secret), and I’m very aware of where that “place” is at all times. Other vendors like to keep their receipts and cash on them and a cute little apron is the perfect solution to hold such valuables. You may even find your neighboring vendor selling such an item...

Speaking of receipts, paperwork and credit cards... just something that exhibitors/sellers/small business owners don't necessarily know about until it happens to them is called a CHARGEBACK. This is when you sell an item to someone and at some point down the road, you're informed that the customer reported your transaction as fraudulent. Since this topic is worthy of its own post, click here for more information.

Well... I hope this information is helpful to newcomers and seasoned vendors alike. Again, feel free to add your comments and feedback and I will update this post as new information comes in.

Mid(ish)-April Update...

2010-04-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, first, I'd like to ask, "what happened to my kitchen?" I love the height of my kitchen counters for doing finish work (cleaning, waxing, polishing, etc). And sadly, it's sort of become the boxing/shipping area as well. I seem to recall using the stove nightly not too long ago but, unfortunately, my new finishing/shipping area has made cooking an impossibility... (but note how well the stovetop along with some foamcore accommodates the newly made items... um, ya, but that's not what it's for!!!)

So based on my very scientific research, I've discovered that many artists use a kitchen as their "studio". Case in point, I visited my mom a few days ago to talk art (blah, blah, blah) and there she was, working on a painting... in her kitchen! I think I'm onto something...

Moving from kitchens to galleries (hopefully), I stopped in last Friday night at the opening of the North River Arts Society's 'Focus on Figures' exhibit where two of my paintings were on display. I didn't stay for the festivities (wine) so I could hit the studio unimpaired, but based on Siobhan's Facebook photos, it's probably a good thing...

And then Sunday, after 2 days of rain with unpredictable weather on the way, I left Plymouth at 6am for my first outdoor show of the season, Art in the Garden at the Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton.

I have to say, for the record, there's nothing like having wet feet (socks, sneakers and pant bottoms) all day. Yes, it's my new favorite thing indeed... and throw in 40 degree weather and some wind and rain, and we've got a party! Hey, even though we didn't have a nice sunny day, at least I was surrounded by friends Trish from Idazz, Helene from Urban Kitchen, Andrea from Thomas Park Gifts and Christine from Little Man. And though we may not have looked as glamorous as usual with all those bulky layers and very flattering hats, we made the best of the day. And don't worry gals, I'm not posting any of the pics...

P.S. thank you to Buffy Cave for organizing the show.

Spring Fling & Craftopia!

2010-04-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Another busy weekend juggling studio time, artwork drop offs and two shows. Last Thursday from 7 to 10pm, I set up shop next to my friend Dina, Ducci Designs (below) at the Neighborhood Club in Quincy for a fundraising event for Friends of Foster Care.

In addition to Dina, I had the pleasure of running into 2 other artsy pals, Louisa from Weehah! (who was also serendipitously my neighbor at Craftopia a few days later) and Amy from AG Ambroult.

Three days later onto Pawtucket, RI for Craftopia where more than 65 vendors took over a beautifully renovated, old factory building and transformed the space into a lively, crafty extravaganza! After being cooped up in the studio for 2 long days, it was fantastic to get out, interact with shoppers and get inspiration from some of my favorite creative friends. I dragged out the camera to capture a few snapshots of the day but I missed getting photos of Jeff from Mean and Wroughten, Hilary of Hilary (who was just featured on Glamour.com by the way...) and Helene from Urban Kitchen. Also, though I had ever intention of saying hello to Joanna from Joy in My Studio and seeing her beautiful silk paintings up close, I missed the opportunity... hopefully our paths will cross again... anyway, here are a few pics from the fabulous Craftopia show:

Trish and her lovely jewels from iDazz

Louisa's colorful, beautiful greeting cards and invitations from Weehah!

JoAnne from JoJo Clothing and her fabulous designs

Karissa of Karissa Chase Ceramics with her irresistible goodies

and last but not least (and I confess, I cannot take credit for this photo), the unstoppable silversmiths, Kerry and Heather of Twigs and Heather who probably would never speak to me again if I posted the pic I took of them...

Thought I'd add a pic of my lil table (I absolutely LOVED this building!!!)

Ooh one last thing, exciting news for several local designer friends including Ducci Designs, Urban Kitchen and Genevieve Boston who will be featured in Local Collection in the South Market Building at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. I wish them lots of success in this new retail shop opening May 1st!

Show season has begun... and it's spring!

2010-04-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

I've already gotten behind in keeping track of events (uh oh). Hopefully this isn't an indicator of things to come.... so I'm armed with some coffee and before I head into the studio for a long day of making mermaid panels and such, I write and catch up.

Last weekend I started the season with an indoor show called SLAM (Saturday Local Artist Market) at The Burren, a pub in Davis Square, Somerville. Friends Kerry and Heather from Twigs & Heather were there, as well as JoAnne from JoJo Designs. A quick 4-hour event in a dimly lit, ambient space is definitely a good way to ease into the season. I was tempted to grab a glass of wine given the setting and circumstances but I've made that mistake before. And I learned... no vino at shows.

Last night, my destination was the South End in Boston, and while parking, I ran into an old friend from my hometown who recently opened a gallery in the SoWa District (south of Washington Street). Audra Rogers is the Director of Gallery Benoit at 450 Harrison Avenue , #63. There are so many great things happening in that neighborhood including First Fridays, a great opportunity to see a variety of art, visit artists and designers in their working studios and buy from them directly.

After checking out Audra's gallery, I ventured up two floors to studio #203 where I covered for Saya from Saya Studios who shares the space with Amy Casher (above left, me right), the talented lady behind Amy Casher Designs who makes gorgeous jewelry. LOVE her style... and if you look really carefully, you can see my new earrings (I need to work on taking the "one arm" photos with my iphone... my sister has perfected the art but I have not). I also had the pleasure of meeting Susan Krause, of Krause Art + Design, a watercolorist who had her colorful handpainted silk scarves on display in the studio as well.

Topping off the evening, two of my painter pals dropped by to say hello after visiting some other local galleries. Catalina Viejo Lopez de Roda, Percy Fortini-Wright and I posed in front of Saya's bags (and the picture isn't blurry...) and then it was time to call it a day. ok, now where's the vino??

Boston Gift Show 2010

2010-03-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic 4 days at the Boston Gift Show, met with some wonderful people and as a result, there are many exciting things ahead for Dasken Designs!! It was icing on the cake to see one of my candleholders on the show directory cover. Sweet!!

I was in the "handcrafted" aisle. And I'm pretty sure that I handcraft my items but I'm not so sure that other people actually understand what that term means. And I won't continue my rant on this topic, I'll just say, "Buy Handmade, Support Local Artists".

Trade Show - Mock Set Up

2010-03-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today's activities included creating a new window display from two old windows: frost the glass panes, hinge the windows together and lastly, paint the frames. Fresh paint can really transform an item that's seen better days, and since I had the paint on hand and was already a mess, I threw a fresh coat of paint on a few other display items too. Then onto some other tedious items like waxing and polishing some stained glass goods. Frankly, not my favorite thing in the world except that I know it's the last step and then the item is good to go after that.

The last few hours I spent finalizing my set up for next weekend's Boston Gift Show. Though I'd like to think my "new" set up is radically different than what I've done in the past, it's not. It looks exactly like my old set up, with a fresh coat of paint and new lighting :)

Anyway, I'm using an 8' table which will be front and center (applying the 2' rule - everything will be visible and accessible) and instead of arriving on site and playing it by ear like I normally do, I decided to scrap that plan and map it all out today... will make set up easier and I can use today's photos as a reference.

Aside from a huge empty space on the left side of the table that I didn't account for and haven't resolved yet (can you say enormous candy bowl??), the only snag I ran into was with the new clamp lights I purchased yesterday... thank you Target! They're kind of heavy duty which is great but I don't think they were designed to clamp onto a thin piece of glass shelving. So as with most design problems, I used something I already have just hanging around to "fix" the enormous gap... and voila, a small gift box does the trick!

Ok kids, this is called PROCRASTINATION!

2010-03-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

So it's a grucky (new word: gross + yucky) Sunday morning and I'm sipping my coffee with silk soy, and now I'm going to talk about my cats. I already know I'm going to regret this momentary lapse in judgment and one of the cats is even giving me "the look" (the wtf are you doing look) but here goes. And so I've quickly composed this list of 12 things I've learned from observing these feline creatures. Below is a photo of Buca and Cosmo NOT helping me fold laundry:

1. Do what you want, when you want, without compromise.
2. Sleep is essential. Do it often and everywhere.
3. Licking yourself is acceptable.
4. Leave some sort of trail (crumbs, litter, fur, puke, etc) so you can be located in an emergency.
5. Chase some tail even if it's your own.
6. Provide affection in small, unusually timed doses. It's disarming AND mysterious.
7. When excited, rubbing up against furniture is perfectly fine.
8. Be stealthy, but try not to freak out when a car backfires or your neighbor is testing his new rifle because fragile pottery tends to break when you dart unexpectedly from your post.
9. It's ok to eat your own vomit... oh wait, I meant DON'T eat your own vomit and try to avoid eating hair. It makes you vomit.
10. On recycling... sometimes a bottle cap is better than a fancy store bought toy.
11. Observe others. Seriously, stare at them until it's uncomfortably awkward.
12. Last but not least... if you want to get someone's attention, just unexpectedly LICK or SCRATCH them. It works every time, especially if they're asleep.

Nothing particularly new, I know. But I thought since our relationship is getting more involved, this would be a good way to let you know that I have cats. And now, you may run...

Preparing for the Boston Gift Show

2010-02-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

In one month (yikes!) I'll be exhibiting at the Boston Gift Show, my first official wholesale show, and over the past few months I've been figuring out my game plan so: A. my head doesn't explode, and B. the show goes smoothly... as well as the days and months following the show! To my delight, an item of mine was selected for inclusion in the 15-page brochure and I've already received a few calls as a result. yay!

I'm exhibiting in the handmade section (versus one of the other larger sections: Made in New England, Souvenirs, etc) and it'll be interesting to see what other exhibitors are defining as handmade product. I'm noticing that "handmade" is a term that's thrown around a lot. For the record, handmade is defined as something made by hand rather than by a machine, and in the context of Art/Craft, I believe the handmade label is even more specific and should be applied to an item only if an artist both designs and creates his/her items. In other words, the individual artist actually had his/her hand involved in the process from start to finish. Those with assistants or helpers, yes, you fall into this category too as long as the artist is present and involved. Where I have the problem is when a particular item is designed by an artist and then manufactured in bulk by someone else entirely, possibly in another country on the cheap. Handmade? Really? That's just a big bag of BS. (Oh, and I have nothing against the process I just mentioned... please just don't call it handmade by artist so and so.)

On a painterly note, I visited my friend and fellow artist Sean Flood in his awesome studio in Abington yesterday. He's working on several large scale, what I'll call 'urban landscape' paintings and I gave him some pointers...just kidding! Sean is super talented and needs no help from me! Anyway I hear that his building which is filling up quickly with a variety of talented artists will be having a group show in a few months. Go Abington! I'll keep you posted with the dates.

Sunshine Artist Magazine + West Side Lounge

2010-01-25T13:58:00.000-08:00

So I have 2 exciting things to report... first, I was interviewed for the February issue of Sunshine Artist Magazine and I just got my copy in the mail. Woohoo! The article called "It was Love at First Show" written by Art Ewards is about artists/crafters who participate in events all over the country. It was nice to be included and quoted throughout the 4 page article (with a photo too!!).

Second, for anyone interested in seeing my paintings in the flesh, there will be 11 paintings on display from January 26 through March 26 at West Side Lounge (1680 Mass Ave in Cambridge). At some point during that 2 month timeframe I hope to have a little gathering to celebrate and will post the date once it's determined. I hear they have fabulous cocktails and food...

That's all for now... back to the studio.

A good start to 2010

2010-01-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

In the whirlwind that December was, I neglected to mention a nice plug I received in Dovetales magazine’s Holiday issue so here it is:Over the holidays, I got to do something I haven’t done in many months… paint! Below is a painting I just started (of my nieces). About 6 months ago, I actually took the photograph I'm working from and something about this particular photo grabbed my attention and made me take a second and third look. That’s when I know an image is one I’d like to explore in a painterly manner. I thought the contrasting body language of the two figures was interesting and I love all the patterns on the couch and the dresses. Hopefully I’ll be able to continue painting with more consistency throughout the coming year. But in the meantime, I'm scheduled for a painting exhibit at the end of January so the fire is under my behind to make some new work. Another important item that I actually completed last month was setting up an office. I now have a desk (and yes, I'm aware that it’s just a table I use at craft shows) but that’s not the point. I’m just dizzy with excitement to say that I have a flat surface free of paint, glass, metal, junk or chemicals where I can sit and do paperwork. Of course, it’s not neat or organized or free of clutter but in good time that too will come… In assessing my space usage in other areas of the domicile, I decided to create an official painting studio. Now all of the paints, stretcher bars, canvas, completed work, and requisite accessories are all in one space. There's even room for another painter AND it’s only steps from the kitchen and a million other distractions (insert deep sigh)

Time for a glass of vino...

2009-12-21T13:31:00.000-08:00

The last 2 shows of the 2009 season are done. Yay! And these shows were ok... it's been a season of learning and experimentation and I'd summarize that if a show is in a 'hard to find' location or it's below 20 degrees out, it might have a negative impact on the number of people who show up... just a thought... Anyway, as usual, extensive hanging out with my artsy pals was the highlight of both shows, something that's not possible when a show is busy. It was a small group of vendors at the Chestnut Hill show including Trish from Idazz, Sue from SueBdo , Christine from Little Man, and my new bff, Hilary Crane-Stern of Hilary.
On Saturday, I did a show on Harrison Avenue in Boston and, fortunately, when I pulled into the parking lot I spotted my pal Nicole Deponte so I knew I was in the right place (btw, if you're a film scout looking for a totally sketchy building/parking lot for a murder scene, have I got a spot for you!). So we gave eachother a quick hug, moved our stuff into the building and hoped for a good day. Again, things were slow so I got to spend lots of quality time with my neighbors, twin sisters Heather and Kerry from Twigs + Heather: and Cadence of Cadence Innovative Designs.

Check out the inside of the venue/warehouse at BANG! (below) It's hard to see in this photo but there were animal crates stored above us... AND it smelled of cat + dog urine! Yum! The perfect scent for holiday shopping!All in all, a fantabulous year! Thank you to everyone for your support and I look forward to creating new and fresh things in 2010. Wishing all a happy, healthy holiday season!

First Two weeks of December...

2009-12-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

James Library + Art Center December 5th

Design Hive on December 6th

Transportation Building on December 9+10

Holly Fair in Cambridge on December 12+13

The last 2 weeks have been a blur… It started with a trunk show at the James Library + Center for the Arts in Norwell (my hometown) on December 5th followed by the Design Hive on December 6th in Cambridge. A few days later, I set up shop at 10 Park Plaza for the 22nd annual Transportation Building’s Holiday Festival on December 9 + 10, and then wrapped up at the Holly Fair in Cambridge on December 12 + 13. There are still two more shows before I finish the 2009 season and I’ve learned a lot about overloading one’s schedule as well as how to function (well) on less than 3 hours of sleep. Since it’s been a few weeks since my last update, I have lots of fabulous vendors to mention and my plan is to list everyone in an abbreviated fashion so this doesn’t go on and on…and on. Plus it’s a busy time of year for everyone and I’m finding everything is taking me longer to do than I’d like. So enough with the blah, blah… here are the fabulous folks: Mary Draper Murray, Outside the Box Jewelry Designs was my neighbor on December 5th at the James Library Trunk Show. Former model and dancer Dina Canducci, Ducci Designs displayed her one of a kind designs at Design Hive on December 5th!
Lisa DeMio, RedStaggerwing Designs also brought her fabulous goods to Design Hive… all the way from NH! (love this pillow! yum!) Fun and funny Liz Ballard of Crafty Lizzie was across the aisle with her handmade greeting cards for all occasions.
At the Holly Fair in Cambridge on December 12 + 13, I shared a teensy room at 42 Brattle Street with three lovelies including Sue Randall, Thistledown (hats, gloves, scarf, baby bibs - sorry folks, she doesn't have a website); Keyse Angelo, Flauxy ...colorful and fun jewels (happy birthday girl!); and Rob Charlton, Goosefish Press pictured above with his printing press in South Boston.
I probably left off a few people I'd like to mention but I'm rushing and will remedy with the next post! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season! I’m off to give hugs to my nieces and nephew and light the menorah!

Harvard Square - Nov. 28 + 29

2009-11-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

The Harvard Square Holiday Fair celebrated its 24th season and I was happy to be a part of it. Many of the vendors will continue on through the end of December in the same location on Church Street but I’ll be doing many other shows instead (the count is now officially 6 different shows!!) which I’m pretty sure will be lots of fun! Yay December! Ok, so there was an eclectic mix of vendors at the Harvard Square show including my neighbor Mary Risley, MR Jewelry. She brought her nature inspired and one of a kind, embossed sterling silver goodies all the way from Northampton to share with the Harvard Square crowd. And they loved it! It’s always nice meeting new, creative people but it’s especially nice to be situated next to someone at a show that’s genuinely sweet, engaging and fun to be around. I hope we'll be neighbors again soon! Lisa Kerr, Design Consultant (fabulous) was also present showing off Tuff Cookie’s playful, colorful hats for kids and ladies. My mom has a mild obsession with hats (oh, and other accessories) and it took about 30 seconds before she spotted Lisa’s table, selected a hat and completed a purchase. Anyway, the next 3 weeks will be INSANE. Between the full-time job, the evening studio hours, the online shop and the 6 shows in 3 weeks, I hope to keep my sh*t together. So far, so good and that's the plan… but I'll likely fall apart on December 20th which actually works out fine since I have a week off between Christmas and New Years.

p.s. thanks to Kenny, lead singer of Motherboar, (nominated 2 years in a row for Best Metal Band, Boston Music Awards - good luck on Wednesday!!), for keeping me company and helping with breakdown on Sunday :) You're the best!

Wellesley Marketplace - Nov. 21st

2009-11-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

On Saturday even though I was a last minute addition (hey, I'll take it!), I participated in the 33rd annual Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club Marketplace and it was fabulous. Very organized and many enthusiastic volunteers from a great organization. Plus there were many fantastic, talented vendors including Cathy Cahill, Sew Cuties (um, prepare yourself for an explosion of cuteness!!). If you need a gift for a baby shower or toddler or just something for the kid in you, check out Cathy's world of creatures and drawings. Her work is so fun (and so is she)!
Oh! and for those of you on Facebook AND Etsy, I just discovered a new application that lets you set up a "My Etsy" tab on your facebook profile. Click here for more info. pretty sweet!

Chestnut Hill Mall - November 14th

2009-11-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

I hadn’t been to the Chestnut Hill Mall in a long time and I was finally able to check it out, so to speak, this past Saturday thanks to the Jamaica Plain Arts Council. I was invited to participate in a holiday artisan showcase having participated in the JP Open Studios in September. So from 10am to 6pm, a sizeable group of JP affiliated artists took over the empty space adjacent to Bloomingdales & Brooks Brothers and though it was raining outside, the feeling inside was cozy and warm. Plus I got to see some friends and check out their newest creations including Cathryn Blackwell, Blackwell’s Stained and Leaded Glass. Yes, we’re both stained glass artists but we've got very different styles. She’s the lady you go to see to restore a lovely leaded window that needs some tlc! She's super and I loved her table set up with the glittering "snow" table! Anna Koon, painter, photographer and writer, was also at the show. She's involved in lots of creative ventures including film projects. yay! I enjoyed looking at her newest mixed media pieces, especially the ones depicting birds on wires. The images feel musical to me, probably because of the color combinations but mostly because birds on a wire remind me of sheet music!Lastly Rob Festa, Dog Devil Studio is an architect by trade but he's also a photographer so it makes perfect sense that he has a great eye for design, color and composition. His photographs have a painterly feel and warmth. I love the piano portraits... simply beautiful. I'd like to say thank you to my friend Nicole for stopping by, bringing me much needed caffeine in the form of coffee, and helping with the break-down session. But alas, it's not all work and no play... we were able to reward ourselves with some delish wine following the show at Aquitaine, I believe it was 14 Hands Merlot. Yum!
See you on Saturday in Wellesley... yes, I am a crazy person who has overscheduled herself! But I love it!!

Hello November!

2009-11-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

To begin - pictured above is my booth at the 23rd annual Christmas Festival at the Seaport World Trade Center since I still don’t have photos of my “clean” studio which honestly isn't really all that clean or organized… yet! Also, I missed an update last week (heavens no!) because I had limited computer access + many long hours in the studio so you’re in for a treat as this is a double update! Woohoo!

The Design Hive in Cambridge on November 1st was full of great exhibitors as usual including the lovely "Nicoles", that's Ms. Lyons of Lola’s Urban Vintage and Ms. Deponte of Lilian Asterfield. Some other fabulous designer pals I haven’t mentioned before who were also showing their goods at DH include Erica Walker, Walker Silverworks – beautiful, clean and simple, her silver designs are crafted by hand in a tiny house in New Hampshire. Each piece has been formed with skill and celebrates the beauty and natural qualities of silver (love these earrings!);Kim Gonzaga of Stella Marie Soap Company with the slogan “a good bath freaking rules” says it all - as if relaxing in warm water wasn’t awesome enough, you can enhance the experience by lathering up with a yummy smelling cupcake. Come on, it doesn’t get better than that!; and last but certainly not least, Sara Harding of Sara Danielle Designs, handcrafted precious and semi-precious gemstone jewelry - Sara is a ball of positive energy and her work is delicate, feminine and sparkles with joy (like Sara)! Plus we're both Leos, have curly hair, AND we have the same camera! Here's hoping we have a bigger group of attendees for the next Design Hive on December 6th -the room is full of talent that needs to be seen and experienced!
The last 2 weeks I was up pretty late every night in preparation for the 23rd annual Christmas festival at the Seaport World Trade Center on November 6-8. Lots of last minute details to attend to and then... move in! I arrived at the Seaport WTC at 6pm on Thursday Nov 5th and even though I was moving at a feverish pace, I still wasn't done at 9pm. That's 3 hours of non-stop setting up!??!! So I had to leave the building at 9pm (actually, they announced they were setting the alarm at 9pm and I had 2 minutes to get out! subtle!) and return the next morning to finish setting up. Hey! it's not so easy to create an inviting, spacious 10'x10' world that includes paintings, jewelry AND stained glass, but I think after more than 5 hours, I did ok. I give myself a B-. Next time, I'll set up with the tables out front. Because I felt like people were intimidated to approach my space and walk in. Front and center is key.

That's momma (sporting a white pendant on a 30" inch chain) keeping me company on Sunday...

Despite the unseasonably gorgeous weather, there was still lots of foot traffic at the show though the vast majority of passersby simply passed by, likely overwhelmed by the endless amount of things to see, or maybe they just didn’t like the look of me, my booth, my intimidating mermaids, or my portraits of scantily clad ladies… hey, it’s possible! Needless to say, it was very fun people watching! And I still managed to find my people amongst the masses... yes, you special ladies and gents with style and flair who appreciate the unique & handmade! Papa and I had a particularly fun time and lots of laughs (after AAA retrieved the keys from his locked car ;) on Saturday when we encountered a familial threesome from Poughkeepsie, NY; Danbury, CT; and Lincoln, RI (above). And on Sunday, it was a hoot to meet artist Rose Bryant from NH who'd been reading Artscope on the ride to the show and spotted me and my Artscope centerfold and stopped to say hello! I meet the greatest people!

Getting organized...

2009-10-23T07:15:00.001-07:00

For anyone who's seen my studio recently, disaster zone is a fitting description. I had a path from the door to my work table and everything else was essentially thrown on the floor. And don't even get me started on my "office" space... Anyway my wake up call came when a good friend and fellow artist was over a couple of weeks ago. We'd been talking about messy studios, as if it was someone else's problem...ha!, and the look on her face when she saw my space was priceless. Knowing me well, I don't think she expected to see such chaos which only reinforced how pathetic my situation had become.

So here's the deal, I have limited studio time since I work full-time during the week, and for numerous reasons, I'd been putting off the organizational activities in favor of just creating. But this only increased the mess, the clutter and my denial. In fact, the chaos was preventing me from finding materials, working in proper, safe conditions, and getting things done efficiently. For example, let's take cutting glass. It's best to work on a clean, clear surface with good lighting. Right? Or trash... let's talk about trash. It's sort of a well accepted concept that it should be thrown in a bin or bag and NOT on the floor. blah, blah, blah... so I guess what I'm saying is... "my name is Liza and I had a MESS of a studio + office". There, I said it... and I finally decided to do something about it:

Step 1: I cleared EVERYTHING out my studio, and I mean everything. p.s. not. fun.
Step 2: I selected what would go back into the space... or not. p.s. fun.

Step 3: Lastly every item was given a home, preferably labeled. To help with organization and increase work surface area, I purchased 2 new shelving units and a 4' table. p.s. if you're freakishly organized and enjoy this sort of thing, give me a call.

As an artist who works in multiple media, I tend to collect and accumulate a lot of different materials because you never know what you'll need or may come in handy. However, sometimes that pile gets a little overwhelming and grows untouched for months if not years and there's a point where it needs to be addressed. So anything I hadn't used in 4 years (and yes, it's been 4 glorious years in Plymouth!!), I put in a box, or let's face it, several boxes, and I plan to reassess each item: keep, donate or toss. It's still a work in progress and I have loads more to do but I've made a small dent and I see the light at the end of the tunnel. And now I look forward to working this weekend in a clean, organized space! Pictures of the newly spiffed up spaces to be posted shortly...

Drummer Boy Park in Brewster - Oct 9-11

2009-10-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Time to bundle up with a warm scarf and some hot cocoa!!

Even though it's a tad chilly, I participated in one of my last outdoor shows of the season... a 3-day show with 20 vendors in Brewster, MA this past weekend. The Cape is lovely this time of year but the weather was rainy/windy on Friday so I left a smidge early. Then Saturday was supposed to clear up but never really did. AND as the day progressed, it got super windy! We're talking 15-19 mile an hour winds! Not the greatest tent/display weather! So by the time I left on Saturday evening and buttoned up my tent for the night (yes, we leave the tents up overnight), I drove away hoping my tent would be there upon returning. Below is the scene at around 6pm on Saturday when I was leaving... biting my fingernails with worry... And fortunately, when I returned the next morning all was well, but I did notice that a few of the other tents looked like they had a really rough night. The photo below was from my drive home on Saturday night... (yes, I took the photo while driving.. oops... not nearly as bad as texting while driving, right?)On Columbus day, I played catch up in the studio. The christmas ornaments have been a hit thus far so I prepped, cut, foiled and soldered til my lil hands couldn't take it...