Acc Charlotte- Huge Success

I am just getting back into the swing of things since my trip to Charlotte, NC for the ACC show. I went with an optimistic attitude (well, cause that's my style) but in all honesty I was a bit apprehensive. With all the talk of the economy I wasn't sure what to expect and this was my first time attending this show as an artist- wow- lots of variables! Well the show was an absolute success!!! I had great sale volume even though the crowds were a little thin. The buyers were educated and seemed to know what they were looking for. I feel confident that I have picked up some lifetime supporters, WHEW- I needed this!

The show was beautiful, the artists as always were kind and generous folks!

Thanks to all who came out (especially Kim, Sherry and Rachel- who traveled from Fayetteville)

Geting Ready for the Show

My studio is absolute chaos right now! It got to the point this weekend that I had about a six inch square of clean counter space on which I could work-WOW! I kinda like it when it gets this way- it's like my mind is moving so quickly from design to design that I can't take the time to re-adjust before I move to the next piece. This is a whole lot better than those days where the creative juices are all dried up.

I have really enjoyed working on some of my production work in the last several weeks. Doing production really amps up my technical skills- reminds me to do things the right way- it really bites to ruin 15 pieces just because you thought that really lame shortcut was going to work. I was reading a time management article the other day and it said that we often create more work by trying to take shortcuts- I have done that one too many times- and then spent hours un-doing the "short-cut". Funny thing about that article is that i can't seem to find the time to finish reading is- as is life!

I am heading out to ACC Charlotte in the morning- can't wait!

Producing for shows

I am in super production mode trying to get ready for ACC Charlotte and Piedmont Craftsmen. I absolutely love this time- working in the studio everyday, creating new work, constantly rethinking my booth (probably not the most productive thing I do), and planning my marketing strategies.

The hardest thing for me is creating my production pieces because I really want to just keep making new work. I have my bench set up so that some of my production earrings are surrounding me and the rule is that I have to work on them beteen each new piece. It is working pretty well so far.

I cannot wait to debut my new work at ACC Charlotte- it is such a great feeling to get new pieces into the public eye.

ACC Shows

I found out this week that I will be attending the ACC Charlotte retail show in late October 2008 and the ACC Baltimore Wholesale Show in February 2009- WOW!! This is great.

American Craft Council Shows are truly high quality shows and I am so excited to participating in some of their events.

This is just the motivation I needed to amp up my productivity!!! Time in the studio is more valuable than ever!

New Jewelry Fabrication Beginning class at FTCC

Due to the overflow from the Jewelry Fabrication Beginning Part I class at FTCC last Monday we are creating a new section. The class will begin Wednesday, September 17, 4:00-7:00. If you are interested please come to class the first day to register.

Champleve Workshop

The Champleve Workshop at the Fayetteville Museum of Art went really well on Saturday. The group was enthusiastic and willing to work hard to get the entire process completed in one day. We did torch-fired champleve enamels, they were beautiful. The line quality that can be achieved using the champleve technique is truly inspiring. I hope to have some photos from the workshop posted soon.

Jewelry fabrication classes at FTCC also stared last week- the classes are full and I am eager to start demonstrating.