Time. Treasure It. By Karen McGovern

I don't know how to start this post. As I sit here I am fraught with anxiety because I am late.  I'm late to begin this post, I'm late to go grocery shopping, I'm late to feed my bajillion critters, I'm late FOR EVERYTHING because I don't have enough time.

Time.  TIME.  That elusive, ephemeral, intangible thing WE ALL STRUGGLE TO FIND. Sometimes I HATE time. I hate how fast it passes and how little of it I seem to have. I sometimes hate what my time is often filled with. Minutia, stress, RIDICULOUS PEOPLE. 

I also fear what time can represent. Age....UGH...mortality....UGH AGAIN. I think a lot about time these days--when I have the time to think.

There are upsides to the passage of time as well--don't get me wrong.  Wisdom (hopefully), focus, acceptance, tolerance, love, embracing ADULTHOOD (can I get another UGH here??).

I would like to think I am on the track to finding focus.  For me that means taking time, even when I don't think I have any, to be conscious of  what I do in my life. I try to remain aware as much as possible. WHAT THE HELL IS SHE BABBLING ABOUT, you ask? Well, it's hard to describe.  My close friends of a certain age (WE'RE ALL PAST 50, OKAY?) get what I'm talking about.  Self awareness. True self awareness. I'm working on it. I think it's reflected in my artistic life as well. I'm focusing on work that feels right to me, speaks in my voice. I'm not 1000% there yet, but I'm on the path. 

When I turned 50 I wrote this poem. Maya Angelou influenced, but how I felt in that moment, how I still feel. The words fit perfectly with a necklace I created for a photographer friend of mine. It features photographs of vintage nudes wrapped in steel. That's what we are as women--curves and beauty wrapped in steel. Some of us may feel caged, but we're strong...so strong. Central is a pendant with a crowned mirror, vials of affirmations feature throughout.

I'm almost on the verge of liking myself right now, and time, that elusive BITCH, is precious to me. NEVER feel the time you take to create is stolen or wasted. IT'S VITAL, it's the time that makes the rest of our lives fuller, makes us fuller as individuals. Take time. MAKE time. Appreciate time and EMBRACE time. You are worth ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD.

I mean, seriously, it's not like we can dodge time....so I'm trying to befriend it. 

What age am I you ask?

I'm the age where I answer to no one but myself

I'm the age where the opinion that matters most is my own

I'm the age where my hair, my clothes and my body are configured, adorned and displayed to please only me

I'm the age where a great sense of humor and a strong sense of self

are a thousand times sexier than any muscle a man can flex

I'm the age where the people I love and choose to spend time with understand what that time is--

A GIFT

I'm the age where time has meaning and if you waste mine you have stolen from me and I will have none left for you

I'm the age where the brand, make and model mean nothing, but quality and craftsmanship mean everything

I'm the age where art is like breathing and I choose to breath deeply

I'm the age where I can weep for the world--and I do

I'm the age where I could choose to look away--but I don't

My age is a wave that carries me across time, and I'm riding the swell as long and as fast as I can

My age, in a word, is ENVIABLE.

Now, go make something AMAZING!

Holida....SHUT UP! By Karen McGovern

I shudder to write this.  I am freaked out that I am even thinking about this.  It's the end of September.  You all know what that means.  HalloThankChrismicus is coming...sneaking up like toxic fog.  Wait, did I say that out loud?

Every year at this time, those of us in the Artsy biz turn our attention to designing for the season.   Seasons.  Holidaze?  WHATEVER.  We all start thinking about production, even tho that word makes my skin crawl from an artistic standpoint.  Every year I struggle with the idea of producing "holiday" work.  For those lucky, talented artists with large followings, this insn't so much of an issue.  But for smaller, lesser known artists trying to make a living creating art, this seasonal madness is sometimes a make-or-break time of year, filled with pressure and a healthy dose of TERROR.  How to create irrisistable art without selling your soul artistically.  I know many artists that are becoming busy little elves about now, disappearing into their studios and craft rooms, emerging sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving hollow-eyed and hunch-backed, but STOCKED FOR THE SEASON, BY GOD!  

This kind of says it all...the endless list, frantic work, and a GIANT CLOCK ticking away...

Well, to quote my all-time favorite Christmas elf, "I want to be a Dentist!"

By that I mean I choose not to get all worked up about holiday stuff.  I tune it out as much as I possibly can and go about my business as usual--even when weaving my way thru seamless displays of pumpkins, turkeys and trees EVERYWHERE.  I say we dress a turkey as Santa, perch it on a jack-o-lantern pumpkin and call it a day.  Litterally.

Anyway, to those that go into creative overdrive, I wish you the best.  Stay hydrated.  Go outside every once and a while--I'm sure you'll be vitamin D deficient before it's over.  Remember to eat.  Remember to occasionally visit your family so that they will remember who you are when you actually come up for air.  Install a UV light near your bench so you don't morph into Gollum (not a good look, people, seriously).
 

Bottom line--don't give in to the pressure.  Trends.  WHAT'S HOT THIS SEASON?  ETSY MADNESS.  Blarf.  Stay true to who you are as an artist from the get-go.  Your clients come to you for a reason, THEY LIKE YOUR WORK--PERIOD.  If you are typically a mixed media artist who creates stunning raw stone jewelry, your clients aren't coming to you looking for candy cane earrings or adorable ghostie pendants.  So...DON'T TRY TO MAKE ANY.  If your clients come to you because you make candy cane earrings and adorable ghostie pendants APPLAUSE TO YOU and keep up the good work!  I have a dear friend that makes cupcake pendants and earrings.  Exquisitely detailed glass cupcakes that look entirely edible and ARE SO FREAKING ADORABLE IT KILLS ME.  When I see her work, I always think, "I should try to work small..."  Then I punch myself in the face and move on. 

 

I make weird stuff.  If I were to try to make anything else it would frustrate me and I would waste TIME AND ENERGY, two things YOU NEVER GET BACK, and, I would end up feeling like a failure and that sort of SUCKS THE LIFE OUT OF YOU ARTISTICALLY.  This time of year is full of stress for so many reasons--don't let that bleed into your art and your ability to create art.  Creating art is therapy, and should be joyous and an escape from all the madness.  If it is anything less than that you are doing it wrong....for reals.  This time of year brings one holiday to the forefront that is my favorite.  Day of the Dead.  I love making sugar skull themed art.  So I do.  But I make that any time of year, it just so happens that October really supports this expression.  And yes, I am aware that sugar skulls are quite popular right now, so the market will be flooded with them.  But, I'll make mine anyway, becuase I truly love the meaning behind the art and the art itself.  I will NOT make 50 sugar skull themed designs.  I will NOT try to reach some sales goal with the work.  I will make what I feel, when I feel it.  I hope you all will at least try to do something similar and not set yourself up for frantic production.....it ain't healthy I tell ya!

 

A few of my sugar skull designs...more to come!

AND, harkening back to my earlier post about custom work--I advise artists to not accept much of it during the holidays.  One more thing to add to the pressure???  No thanks. Do what makes you happy.  The end. 

So, I wish you all a productive and creative season.  Enjoy the changing scenery.  Watch the leaves change if you can.  Hell, jump in a pile of leaves the first opportunity you can.  Celebrate the changes and the beauty given to us by the Earth.  Be peaceful.  Close your eyes and just BREATHE.  Time is FLYING and we must capture the moments we can and hold them close--create something beautiful, unique and in our own voices.  Look at your hands and marvel at what you can make with them.  Don't waste time or effort on anything less than joyously YOURS.  Can't wait to see what you create......

What Makes a Succesful Show?

by Staci Louise Smith

I am sure there are a million posts out there on this topic.  If you wonder why, its because there are a million answers to that question.  And all of us who do shows, learn something new each time we do one. 

Today I will touch on one or two things that I think go into a successful show.

I happened to be at a show over the weekend.  I have been doing this show for 9 years- its simply one of my favorites.  I am always working on my display- every year I change it up a bit...though I really have it quite how I like it now.  So the last few years it hasn't varied very much.  

Last years booth with last years banner

One of my more recent additions was a larger banner that went across the front of my table.  A lot of vendors had them at Bead Fest last year, and Karen Totten's of Starry Road Studio caught my eye.  It showed a very clear sample of her work and really stood out.  I liked how she had individual pictures of her beads on it.

Karen with her banner at set up- note the ones also hanging in the back
www.starryroadstudio.com

Her daughter Nellie also had one in a rainbow of wooly wire

So this year I made a new banner for my jewelry shows, and thought I'd do something similar.  Rather then just show one piece on it (like I had the other year), I could give a better idea of my scope of work with a few pictures.  

Now, if you have done art and craft shows you know that there are always a lot of jewelry vendors.  I mean, a lot.  You really have to stand out, to ensure that the jewelry fans come to check out your booth.  

Well, I had a customer tell me that my banner drew her in from across the way.  She loved that she could see exactly what my style was (which was right up her alley) and it made her come to see what I had.  Otherwise, she wouldn't have stopped in.  She went on to buy some great pieces too.  I really loved that she took time to share that with me.  So I thought I would share it with all of you.  

Another tip is to make sure your business cards have a picture of what you do.  Your customers may pick up 10 or more at a show.  You want them to remember yours at a glance, and why they picked it up.  They should be able to look at it and know exactly what you do.  Below is my jewelry show card.

After all, artists, people who love art, we are visual folks.  Pictures are important.  

I had planned to write about the next tip because it came up with a fellow artist at the show.  When  it came up on Facebook in a bead and jewelry group again, I thought I would definitely write about it. It pertains to allowing customers take pictures at a show.  The question was whether you allow it, and why or why not...and, if you'd consider signage to discourage pictures.  I think it wound up being a great discussion.  It is a very hard thing as an artist, to know that someone may be out to try to make what you made.  Whether it is for themselves (rather then buying it from you) or the to make it sell, and be your competition. 

This is Cori Krewson-Catlow's mom running her booth- she had such a great way with people!  Look at that crowd!
http://www.elasticbangles.com/

Here is my take on it, and I have been doing shows a long time.  

If someone plans to copy you, they will do it, whether you allow them to take a picture or not.  If you are selling online, you already gave them pictures of your work.  

Though it does happen that some people copy, and then go on to sell at the same venue as you (and I am not discounting how much this sucks- believe me, I am sure that it is a horrible thing to have happen!)....but this post is not about copying, its about selling.

Here is Barb Bechtel at a show, look how enthusiastic she is!  I love her energy.

At the end of the day, you cannot practice defensive sales techniques.  As a customer, if I walked into a booth that had a sign saying "no pictures please" I'd walk right out.  Let's face it, it comes across as closed off.  Instead, I encourage you to talk about your pieces.  Talk about how you make them.  Engage the person to talk about what they like about the piece.  You may find yourself in a delightful conversation about color, or texture, or gemstones.  You may find they want to show it to their mom.  I have even had women shop for friends this way, and come back and buy things after their friends texted back that they wanted them. 

Mary-Lynne Moffat with some customers in her booth.  Mary-Lynne is so wonderful at talking about her art.  Her passion comes shining through when she speaks of her creations!
https://www.facebook.com/MaryLynneMoffattArt


 If you are afraid that every customer that comes into your booth is going to rip you off somehow, it will show through in your attitude.  No one wants to spend time and money on someone who is closed off.  What makes us different then chain stores and factory made goods, is that what we make is part of who we are, and our customers get the opportunity to meet us and hear about what makes us tick, and why we did what we did on the piece.....ect.....  

Chris Kaitlyn helping a customer find what they are looking for
http://chriskaitlynjewelry.indiemade.com/gallery/image/img1490edited-1jpg

So my advice- talk!!!!  Talk about why they like the piece they photographed.  Talk about your process, the materials, how you make it. It will draw people in.  They will appreciate your pieces more when they know what went into them, and even more, when they see YOU in them.  I have gotten crowds in my booth explaining how to use bronze clay, or do etching with electricity.  I have had men stay for 20 minutes talking about fossils, and made friends over sea glass discussions.  Will every conversation result in a sale?  NO.  But it may bring them back in.  Or, someone who IS interested in buying but may be shy, may hear about your pieces and buy one because they learned something new.

Customer can easily become friends- Laura Blanck (center) posing with some great customers at a show
http://www.laurablanck.blogspot.com/

Why do you think galleries have a "meet the artist" night?  People want to meet the person who creates the art.  They want to know what makes them tick.  It becomes part of the pieces themselves.

These are just some things I have learned.  I admit, I am a people person- I know not everyone is, but I was shy at first too.  It was hard to find that comfort zone to talk about my work.  When I started to relax, and just think of it as an opportunity to meet creative people, and thought of these people as potential friends with common interests, it came more naturally.  In the end, I have made lot of friends at shows.  I have found customers whom I LOVE seeing. I love to catch up on what is new with them, learn what they have been up to, see what other artists they are into, and on and on.   

I have found such joy sharing my craft, not just the actual pieces, but the passion I have for it as well.  

I hope that you can too.  Don't worry about what could happen, just enjoy what you are doing.  That will shine through, and your customers will get to see you.....really see the honest you....and it will only help you make connections. 

Everyone has their thoughts on allowing pictures, and these are just mine.  I was an art show customer for many years before I sold there, and I know how I'd like to be treated, and what drew me to certain artists, and what turned me off.  This is all just some food for thought.

Surrounding Myself

by Staci L. Smith

I was scanning in old pictures for Throw Back Thursdays on Facebook (a fun little tradition where you put up old photos- a fun, and sometimes funny way to get to know your online friends better).  Anyhow, I came upon this one of me and my good friend Micah in my room- I think we were seniors.  

Micah and I in my room- high school- with all my art

Yes, he was a goofball, I adored him for that.  But what caught my eye, was my room.  I had my high school art all over my walls.  I surrounded myself with my art.  I had almost forgotten about that, and about the art that I was so proud of!

Growing up, my mom was all about decorating.  Though I loved hanging up my artwork and posters as a teen / young adult, once I owned my own home, it was quite boring.  I went right into mommy mode and never really gave decorating a thought.  I was / am certainly not a decorator at heart.

However, this last year, since I painted my studio floor, I have suddenly had the strong desire to put art everywhere.  

my handpainted studio floor, a year later, holding up well

The first place I decorated was my studio.  I hung art on the walls that I had purchased or traded for, or that was gifts from other artists.  

 folk art moon painting by me

 sugar skull calendar from my best friend

art by Ward Van Haute, Batikwalla, Sioux Wright, Genea Crivello-Knable, me a couple of etsy artists that are totally escaping me right now

I loved walking into my studio.  It made me feel inspired every time I walked in.

So I collected more great stuff, and just had nowhere to put it, or never felt like re-arranging to make it work.  Once I made the decision though, it rolled right along and now I can't seem to stop.

First I did my living room wall, and bought an accent rug.  

Art by Elise Mahan, Civilian Art, Jude Harzer, Sioux Wright, Collin Smith, Linda Hanes, me, and some other artists as well

That heart is by my 7 year old son, Collin, the others are by Elise Mahan on etsy, LOVE her prints.

Then I added art to my hallway, some by me, some by my kids.  I loved that they all had pieces of art in the art show this year.  So I framed them!

 The three on the far right bottom are the kids art from the show

 Aiden Smith Watercolor age 12

Collin Smith- Winter Tree- Age 7

Julia Smith- Pop Art- Age 9

Then, a gallery closed that I had my jewelry in, and I now had my display cabinet at home.  So I was thrilled to have a place to showcase the polymer art of Mary-Lynne Moffat.  A local artist whose work really speaks to me.

 Monsters by Mary-Lynne Moffat

 Gourd from art show, recycled wine bottle topper by my brother- Rich Klinger

 Mermaid by Mary-Lynne with shells and box by me

Votive holders by my kids

I put art everywhere I could.  Over the TV, at the end of the hallway.....

 painting by me

 sign was a surprise gift from a sweet friend!!!

Triple Hare tile by Jenny Davies-Reazor

The result:  I am inspired.  Everyday.  I love being surrounded by beautiful things.  I love the variety, I love that people I admire and love made a lot of it.  Being surrounded by art just plain makes me happy.  

Do you find that what you surround yourself with inspires you?

Wow--You Have Such a Nice Package! By Karen McGovern

So I have the sense of humor of a 12-year old boy.

In writing the past few posts this month, I have found myself thinking of the many things we all do as artists, especially artists trying to make a living MAKING ART, to give our clients a truly wonderful experience when buying our work.  We pour so much of ourselves into our designs. Mary Jane Dodd exemplifies this like no other artist I have come across in a long time.  Her works are filled to overflowing with intent, each piece a tiny universe of meaning and consciousness that she fearlessly shares in her soulful writings that accompany each piece. Oh, and the work is GORGEOUS as well.  I secretly may hate her.  Each of us strives to create from the heart, our works a sometimes intimate, personal glimpse into our hearts and minds.  

Sigh....Mary, you KILL ME.

Then we wrap it in newspaper and Scotch tape, stuff it in a padded envelope and off it goes to its new home.

Wait, what???

Packaging.  The Achilles heel of many a working artist.  For me, this is a HUGE PROBLEM.  I really do pour a lot of myself into my designs, especially the mixed media designs that include an original short story or poem.  Days--sometimes weeks--go into the creative process, and the end results are a multi-dimensional representations of a dream, a fantasy, an idea that just couldn't wait to be born. AFTER ALL THAT YOU WANT ME TO COME UP WITH SOME STUPENDOUS WAY TO PACKAGE IT?  I'm exhausted just thinking about it. 

Yet, I know how important this is and I HATE KNOWING HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS.  I have never had the privilege of purchasing one of Mary's designs.  I imagine if I did, it would arrive in a vessel created from spiders silk, organically dyed with fairy tears and tied together with thread hand-spun from the hair of a unicorn's mane.  AND I WOULD WEEP FROM THE BEAUTY OF IT.  You may think I am making fun of her or any artist that takes the time to create packaging as artful as the designs they carry, but I am not.  I am simply SOAKED IN JEALOUSY that they are able to do this.

For me, packaging is simply a means to an end.  It's just not high on my priority list.  I tell myself it's because I'm all about recycling and not creating waste, but we all know it's because I'm somewhat lazy and my brain just doesn't pump out ideas when it comes to this.  I am forever digging through my stash of recycled boxes and bags, all of which have had long, hard lives prior to me slapping a label on them and sending them off.  For a while I tried, I really did, to create thoughtful packaging.  I have a dear friend who gave me some spectacular heavy handmade paper infused with flower petals and leaves.  I created envelopes from the paper to fit whatever design I was shipping and yes, each was lovely and each NEARLY KILLED ME TO MAKE BECAUSE I HATED EVERY SINGLE SECOND IT TOOK TO MAKE THEM.  That's when it hit me.  Here I was, sending off a design I created with joy and intent, now soaked in anger because I was forcing myself to make something to accompany it that I simply didn't have the creative energy for and resented deeply.  KARMA MUCH?  So, I embrace that I am not good at fancy packaging and have moved on.

You don't have to stress over packaging, and you SHOULDN'T.  Find a simple packaging technique and stick with it.  Here's what I do.  I buy basic, solid color Kraft boxes whenever I see them in a variety of sizes.  I also splurge on Bali cloth bags whenever they are on sale.  I buy cool stickers and pretty yarns.  I have a stash of this at all times.  I also have a variety of stamps because I etch a lot.  So--plain Kraft boxes get a stamp or a sticker, and are tied with pretty yarn.  The bags are good to go as is. GENIUS!  AND, you can buy beautiful hand crafted gift boxes online, you know.  ETSY THAT STUFF.  Now, the actual shipping box may be a tattered mess, but I will tape it up like a little box mummy and it will arrive safely, and I hope that the quality of the works inside more than make up for the less than Martha Stewart exterior.

Simple.....I like it!

So, forgive me, and yourself, for not hand crafting all our packaging.  Simplicity is often best, keeps us sane, and is very effective.  Besides, it is a BITCH to find good quality unicorn hair these days.

spring beckons

mary jane dodd

mjd - 2014

spring beckons.

beneath the snow

tendrils of green

seek the warmth

of the sun

and the nourishment

of the earth.

mjd - 2014

like us, 

requiring the balance

of that which enlightens

and that which grounds.

revitalized by the stillness

and peace of winter,

we are reawakened

and ready to stretch.

are you sensing changes in your work

and in your life?

Happy Halloween

by Staci L. Smith

I have always loved Halloween.  The artist in me loves to dress up, and to see all the creativity put forth in peoples costumes.  I mean, making an awesome costume is an art all itself, right?

 

I also love to see what shows up seasonally on pinterest and etsy.  So I thought I'd share some of my favorites today.

 

Maybe these aren't totally Halloween, but they capture the spirit of the season, and I just adore them- Earrings by Two Trees Studio

https://www.etsy.com/listing/167078427/wherever-there-are-crows-ceramic-crows?ref=af_circ_favitem&atr_uid=10429765

 

This piece just spoke to me as the days get shorter, and the nights gets longer.  I reminds me of fall.  I just purchased a couple of her pieces, and I love them!

 

Elise Mahan Fine Art

https://www.etsy.com/listing/167410060/fine-art-print-aurora-borealis-and-the?ref=af_shop_listed_item

 

Marsha Neal has these adorable bat pendants, I bought a few last year and they were a hit!

 

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/167379227/ceramic-bead-halloween-bat-handmade?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=halloween+bead+handmade&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=halloween+bead+handmade

 

Diane Hawkey has some great ravens and this set in her shop!  Always nice to find another Poe fan.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/164867998/edgar-allen-poe-pendant-the-raven?ref=shop_home_feat

 

 

Also, more then Halloween- I love the tradition and artistry that goes along with the Day of the Dead.  Diana P of Suburban Girl Studio did a blog hop with art beads for Halloween / Day of the Dead themes.  You can check out the list, so you can hop and see all the fun creations everyone made here.

 

However, I loved this particular blog by Linda Landig- not only was the piece she made great, but she did a beautiful write up on the Day of the Dead celebration.
 

I really think that Linda's piece below captures the spirit of the Day of the Dead.  It is festive and fun, and she put a lot of tidbits in there that mimic the traditions.  Just love it!

 

I also found this amazing necklace below.......

 

necklace by Wink Artisans

 

 http://arteabla.ning.com/photo/day-of-the-dead-necklace

and

http://www.winkartisans.com/ (this link has a whole bunch of sugar skull related handmade)

 

And............. I'd also like to show off the Day of the Dead piece that I made for the blog hop. I am pretty excited about it- since it features a new 3-d bronze skull that I am working on.

 

you can read more about this piece here

http://www.stacilouiseoriginals.com/2013/10/halloween-day-of-dead-blog-hop.html

 

Have a great day- eat some candy, be nice to the little kids and enjoy the creativity!!!!

 

 



Polymer Art and Fun

by Staci L. Smith

 

While searching out sugar skulls on etsy, I ran into this lightswitch.  I just loved it.

(if you don't see a link please click the picture to go to the item on etsy)

 

 

I remember the days when polymer was new and we covered everything in it.  We, meaning my brother and me.  I used to embellish boxes, and use altoids containers, and jars and bottles and cover them in polymer canes.  Polymer has come so far, but somewhere along the way I lost that sense of play.  I have been so focused on jewelry and beads, I forgot the millions of things we can use this wonderful material for.  (well, maybe not forgot, but just didn't entertain the thought of it too long)  Imagine combining the techniques we have now that polymer has been around for awhile, with the play of the early days of polymer.

 

 So I searched out polymer art, to see what other people have done with it........and oh did some cool polymer art come up.

 

Here are some of my favorites.

2-d art 

 

 

 

Franken Owl Box

https://www.etsy.com/listing/165601212/frankenstein-owl-box?ref=related-3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Hopefully I will have some fun in the weeks to come with polymer.  I am feeling the pull for some playtime.  Did you dabble with polymer in the early days?  What did you make with it?