ex-trav-a-gan-za (noun)
1. lavish entertainment: a lavish and spectacular entertainment
2. spectacular display: any spectacular or elaborate display
The Holiday Craft Extravaganza took place this weekend at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, OH and considering the definition of the word extravaganza, it fell quite short of one's expectation. Now, I don't consider my expectations too terribly high...at a craft show I expect to make sales...and at the very least: have shoppers who are exposed to me and my work.
However, we (Kerri, my craft show warrior and myself) were not afforded such a luxury this weekend.
Honestly, this show was a joke...and I think it was because of inept management (Darroch Events), ineffective and/or nonexistent marketing and a total lack of knowledge concerning craft shows and the artists who participate.
And while I feel much better about getting that frustration out, I don't need to go into the bitter details of the misery that was this weekend...there were a few bright spots and I believe a Top 5 list of the best things about the Extravaganza is in order right now....
...in no particular order...
1. Trades I was able to trade for almost everything I really, really wanted at the show! I traded for a beautiful sterling silver and resin pendant with a tree on a dark background from Allie of Allie M. Designs....check her out at http://alliem1.etsy.com
I also acquired a pair of super-cool lampworked earrings from Dan Rushin of Creative Glasswork...check him out at http://creativeglasswork.etsy.com
Last but not least, I scored a stunning clutch purse with a cute little handle and a delicate vine pattern in the perfect shades for fall. This amazing bag was created by Michelle R. Hudson of Sprinkle Totes.
2. Lorrie Kerri and I were lucky to be booth neighbors with a wonderful woman by the name of Lorrie Powell. She is the owner and creative vision of Lorrie Powell Studios and she's been evolving in the craft world for many years. She was quite possibly, the best booth buddy that a gal could ask for. She was funny, even in the style of my own humor....she was interesting, she's been supporting herself as a productive artist all over the country....and she was willing to share her knowledge with us! I loved her handpainted, personalized signs so much that I even did a bit of Christmas shopping done for a lucky little girl named Cameron. Check her eBay store at: http://stores.ebay.com/crafters-studio-outlet-and-signs
3. Raffle Items At the upcoming Open House for Fusion Studios we are holding a raffle for original Cleveland art and we secured one raffle item from Lutz Greenhouse. It is a holiday floral wall hanging. It will bring a beautiful holiday to one lucky winner. Check it out at: www.lutzgreenhouse.com
And we had interest in donating from a number of other artists...yah!
4. Other Artists who Rock! There were a ton of other artists who were amazing this weekend. I really enjoyed the time that I spent with all of them. It was the amazing vendors that were the bright spot this weekend....
Mary Juhasz of Burnin Beads.....absolutely amazing lampworked beads and jewelry!
Samara Peddle...Photography & Art for social change....thought provoking and conscious-stirring images. See her work at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samarapeddle
Letha of Pursenality....Super-cute, handcrafted purses and bags!
Jack Nething of Strands of Color...Beautiful jewelry and clay art.
Adriel, Eric (and Ryken) Meyer of AEMCrafts...Stunning metal work and playful felt art! Oh...and their son, Ryken, is the most adorable and well-behaved boy that you will ever meet! Check out their online gallery at: http://www.yessy.com/aemcrafts
Gretchen Gaede of Sable Studios...Gorgeous color photography! Check her out at: www.travelart4u.com and search for her name under Featured Artists.
Celeste Martin of Creations by Celeste...Beautiful jewelry using pearls, gemstones, vintage treasures and sterling silver. Check her out at: http://www.creationsbyceleste.com
Nicole Dietz, The Artist Nomad....Painting and Murals, I love her tree paintings. Check her out at: http://www.nicoledietz.com
Olivia Gamboa of Oly's Jewelry...Fashion Jewelry for all occassions and styles! Check her out at: http://www.olysjewelry.com
Francis Whited of bebop beads...Stunning beaded jewelry created by freeform stiching with seed beads...absolutely beautiful and meticulous, you have to check it out at: http://www.bebopbeads.etsy.com
Naomi Lucas of Nome de Plume...Hand turned pens, pencils and bottle stoppers
Cassandra Steiger of Cassandra's Eggs by Design...Amazingly beautiful and detailed Fabrege style eggs.
5. Kerri Frech Last but not least, my fearless, partner in crime, fellow craft warrior...the amazing, the talented, the awesome....Kerri Frech! I enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time (alot of time actually) with her. She's fun, intelligent, sweet and very patient....I know soon she will be the artist formerly known as starving! Make sure you check out all of her beautiful stained glass and bead cabochon necklaces online at: http://frechstudio.etsy.com . Go look now....and start your holiday shopping early! Her work is amazing and would be a much appreciated gift!
All in all the weekend was not a total loss but a gain in so many fabulous ways! Hey, there's that silver lining everyone keeps telling me about! :)
Keep posted for a Fusion Studios update....lots of exciting things happening. Don't forget the Open House is Friday, November 30th from 4:00pm-8:00pm....it's gonna be awesome! Be there or be square!
Until then....
Jenn
http://firetamerglass.etsy.com
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Busy weekend
What a busy weekend it's been....Friday was spent at the restaurant, a productive shift but a long day. However, I did manage to get some beautiful pictures taken of my work during my break between shifts. I have posted those pics on my Etsy site at http://firetamerglass.etsy.com ....make sure to check out all the new stuff! I have even sold something that I posted last night...yah!! See, hard work does pay off...well, sometimes atleast!
On Saturday, Kerri and I ventured to the Farmer's Market....it was a brisk day but the sun was out and it
turned out to be a beautiful day. I did well and met some great new customers!
One couple was preparing for a trip to Russia to visit their daughter who is studying abroad. They were searching for a thank-you gift to bring for the host family....they finally decided on a beautiful red-orange speckled hand-blown glass ornament. Very soon my glass will be traveling across the globe...I will be an internationally exhibited artist!! Yah!
Kerri also made her first market sale...YAH!....it was a stained glass
OSU-inspired suncatcher that will have a new home in a baby nursery...what a lucky baby!
Get your own at her Etsy site at http://frechstudio.etsy.com . Perfect for your favorite buckeye! Go Bucks!
Sunday was devoted to working on Fusion Studios. The Open House is now less than a month away....yikes! Kerri and myself, accompanied by the Master Craftsman Dad, constructe
d the frames for the studio work tables. My dad designed and spent a boat-load of his free time cutting and assembling the table parts and we helped him put them all together. We were very helpful gluers and wood holders, but we would have been no where without his expertise and skills! Thanks Dad! 
It is certainly exciting to see things coming together in the studio....I know we will be ready to go soon! First the tables and soon the supplies and before long we will be filled with students and beautiful artwork! We even got our first donation for the local artwork raffle that will be held during our Open House (November 30th)! Kelly from Scarlett O creations has donated a fabulous, handmade belt for the raffle! Thanks Kelly! Keep posted for more information about Fusion Studios and the upcoming events! Great things are happening!
On Saturday, Kerri and I ventured to the Farmer's Market....it was a brisk day but the sun was out and it
turned out to be a beautiful day. I did well and met some great new customers!One couple was preparing for a trip to Russia to visit their daughter who is studying abroad. They were searching for a thank-you gift to bring for the host family....they finally decided on a beautiful red-orange speckled hand-blown glass ornament. Very soon my glass will be traveling across the globe...I will be an internationally exhibited artist!! Yah!
Kerri also made her first market sale...YAH!....it was a stained glass
OSU-inspired suncatcher that will have a new home in a baby nursery...what a lucky baby!Get your own at her Etsy site at http://frechstudio.etsy.com . Perfect for your favorite buckeye! Go Bucks!
Sunday was devoted to working on Fusion Studios. The Open House is now less than a month away....yikes! Kerri and myself, accompanied by the Master Craftsman Dad, constructe
d the frames for the studio work tables. My dad designed and spent a boat-load of his free time cutting and assembling the table parts and we helped him put them all together. We were very helpful gluers and wood holders, but we would have been no where without his expertise and skills! Thanks Dad! 
It is certainly exciting to see things coming together in the studio....I know we will be ready to go soon! First the tables and soon the supplies and before long we will be filled with students and beautiful artwork! We even got our first donation for the local artwork raffle that will be held during our Open House (November 30th)! Kelly from Scarlett O creations has donated a fabulous, handmade belt for the raffle! Thanks Kelly! Keep posted for more information about Fusion Studios and the upcoming events! Great things are happening!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Fall, Glorious Fall!
After a productive day, I thought I would reward myself and my pup, Akyra, with a
relaxing walk in the park. One of our favorite places is Tinker's Creek in the Bedford Metroparks.
The colors in the park are absolutely beautiful this time of year! Reds & oranges & yellows...ohh my!!
Akyra loves to wade in the creek...even if the water is freezing...she just loves the water. She had some water fun-time while I searched for rocks to photograph my fused glass jewelry on. I found lots of great rocks, I am excited to use them tomorrow when I take some new pics for Etsy.
After I lugged all my heavy rocks to the car, Akyra and I headed to Bridal Veil Falls, a picturesque spot deeper in the park. It's a secluded, hilly hike that really gets the heart going and Akyra loves it cuz she doesn't have to be on her leash. We hiked for a while and finally ended up at the overlook, with a breathtaking view of the colorful valley. It's was a perfect photo opp! I wish it could be fall all-year long! Soak it up while you still can, before long it'll be gone and you know what will be here!
relaxing walk in the park. One of our favorite places is Tinker's Creek in the Bedford Metroparks.The colors in the park are absolutely beautiful this time of year! Reds & oranges & yellows...ohh my!!
Akyra loves to wade in the creek...even if the water is freezing...she just loves the water. She had some water fun-time while I searched for rocks to photograph my fused glass jewelry on. I found lots of great rocks, I am excited to use them tomorrow when I take some new pics for Etsy.
After I lugged all my heavy rocks to the car, Akyra and I headed to Bridal Veil Falls, a picturesque spot deeper in the park. It's a secluded, hilly hike that really gets the heart going and Akyra loves it cuz she doesn't have to be on her leash. We hiked for a while and finally ended up at the overlook, with a breathtaking view of the colorful valley. It's was a perfect photo opp! I wish it could be fall all-year long! Soak it up while you still can, before long it'll be gone and you know what will be here!
What a day!
I have had quite the day today....lots of great things are happening! I had my interview for the Executive Director position for the Art House
Check out the website at: http://arthouseinc.org
It was a very positive experience and I think I made a great impression. I may not be t
he most experienced candidate for the position but I know that I would do a fabulous job at the task at hand. I hope that they can see past my lack of experience and see the hard-working, high-energy, creatively gifted and determined individual that I am. All I need is a chance and I will prove to be the best Executive Director ever!
Can you imagine what an awesome experience that would be? The Art House is an amazing organization that helps bring art into the lives of children and adults in the Northeastern Ohio area. The outreach programs that they provide are a key investment into the future of Cleveland's art community and the city as a whole. I hope I can be a part of that!
Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Until Then,
Jenn
Check out the website at: http://arthouseinc.org
It was a very positive experience and I think I made a great impression. I may not be t
he most experienced candidate for the position but I know that I would do a fabulous job at the task at hand. I hope that they can see past my lack of experience and see the hard-working, high-energy, creatively gifted and determined individual that I am. All I need is a chance and I will prove to be the best Executive Director ever!Can you imagine what an awesome experience that would be? The Art House is an amazing organization that helps bring art into the lives of children and adults in the Northeastern Ohio area. The outreach programs that they provide are a key investment into the future of Cleveland's art community and the city as a whole. I hope I can be a part of that!
Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Until Then,
Jenn
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
I have press!
I am proud to announce that I have been featured as an artist in a fellow blogspotter's blog....Katherine Robbins is a Cleveland based artist who creates beautiful paintings, drawings and prints. Check out her stuff at: http://stuffbuykwr.etsy.com
So Katherine keeps a blog about all the great things, places and people that Cleveland has to offer...and I'm one of them! Check it out at: http://katherinerobbins.blogspot.com
So Katherine keeps a blog about all the great things, places and people that Cleveland has to offer...and I'm one of them! Check it out at: http://katherinerobbins.blogspot.com
Top 5 List of Lists
bad blogger...very bad blogger...
So it's been about a week since my last post, its amazing how fast time goes when you're working like a mad-woman! Unfortunately, most of my work has been at the restaurant and not on what really matters, the Craft Empire! After all, empires can't be expected to build themselves.
However, I have been making lists...
lots and lots of lists...
so I thought it might be fun to make a top 5 list of my top 5 lists, at least then you can get an idea of what I would be working on if I wasn't a Chinese Food Hustla!
Top 5 List of Lists
1. Fusion Glass Studios To-Do's: Kerri and I are starting the arduous task of converting the back space of the Lake Erie Artists Group Gallery into a glass studio for class instruction and our own personal work areas. The Lake Erie Artists is a co-op for local artists, with a Gallery and Shop located in Tower City Center. The wonderful group of artists display their work for sale in the shop and work together to exhibit at regional craft shows. Check them out at
www.lakeerieartists.com
I am super excited about having a place to create my own art and be able to share my knowledge with others! Recently, I have been working in a small space on a small table in the garage....but watch out, cuz I'm movin on up!
So we have a ton of work to do, starting with the elbow grease to clean it up...but I think we can accomplish most everything on the list in the next two weeks! Yah!
2. Class Ideas: In the creation of Fusion Glass Studios, we are creating the opportunity to teach classes in glass techniques. I am psyched because I love to teach and work in an artistic studio environment where creativity can actively flow!
I am putting ideas together for the fusing classes (and hopefully soon, glass beadmaking classes!) and Kerri will be in charge of the stained glass and mosaics classes. Some of the projects that will be offered are: fused pendants & jewelry, magnet sets, windchimes, glass ornaments and tiles!
3. Open House to celebrate the (soon to be) brand new Fusion Glass Studios: So after all the hard work to set up the new studio I, of course, wanna share the excitement with everyone I know! I am putting plans together for an Open House to help introduce and promote the new studio. The educational facilities will be highlighted with demonstrations and discounts on class tuition. Add some munchies, wine and great conversation....and you have got one fabulous evening!
4. Galleries for Display: I've been seeking out local art galleries and shops for exhibiting (and hopefully, selling!) my work. I am hoping to target every artistic neighborhood in the greater Cleveland area, and some old haunts....like Kent and Hudson. Keep posted for updates on where you can find my work in an area near you!
5. Christmas Wish List: I know it's just October but it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas wishes!....I've been such a good girl this year, no really!...and Santa has to appreciate all my hard work and patience!
What is tops on my wish list?...a digital SLR camera to create beautiful images of my artwork...so I guess its really a business expense when you think about it....
Do you think Santa would be interested in the tax write off, hahaha?!
So as you can see, I have lots of tasks to accomplish...I best get to it!
Until next time,
Jenn
So it's been about a week since my last post, its amazing how fast time goes when you're working like a mad-woman! Unfortunately, most of my work has been at the restaurant and not on what really matters, the Craft Empire! After all, empires can't be expected to build themselves.
However, I have been making lists...
lots and lots of lists...
so I thought it might be fun to make a top 5 list of my top 5 lists, at least then you can get an idea of what I would be working on if I wasn't a Chinese Food Hustla!
Top 5 List of Lists
1. Fusion Glass Studios To-Do's: Kerri and I are starting the arduous task of converting the back space of the Lake Erie Artists Group Gallery into a glass studio for class instruction and our own personal work areas. The Lake Erie Artists is a co-op for local artists, with a Gallery and Shop located in Tower City Center. The wonderful group of artists display their work for sale in the shop and work together to exhibit at regional craft shows. Check them out at
www.lakeerieartists.comI am super excited about having a place to create my own art and be able to share my knowledge with others! Recently, I have been working in a small space on a small table in the garage....but watch out, cuz I'm movin on up!
So we have a ton of work to do, starting with the elbow grease to clean it up...but I think we can accomplish most everything on the list in the next two weeks! Yah!
2. Class Ideas: In the creation of Fusion Glass Studios, we are creating the opportunity to teach classes in glass techniques. I am psyched because I love to teach and work in an artistic studio environment where creativity can actively flow!
I am putting ideas together for the fusing classes (and hopefully soon, glass beadmaking classes!) and Kerri will be in charge of the stained glass and mosaics classes. Some of the projects that will be offered are: fused pendants & jewelry, magnet sets, windchimes, glass ornaments and tiles!
3. Open House to celebrate the (soon to be) brand new Fusion Glass Studios: So after all the hard work to set up the new studio I, of course, wanna share the excitement with everyone I know! I am putting plans together for an Open House to help introduce and promote the new studio. The educational facilities will be highlighted with demonstrations and discounts on class tuition. Add some munchies, wine and great conversation....and you have got one fabulous evening!
4. Galleries for Display: I've been seeking out local art galleries and shops for exhibiting (and hopefully, selling!) my work. I am hoping to target every artistic neighborhood in the greater Cleveland area, and some old haunts....like Kent and Hudson. Keep posted for updates on where you can find my work in an area near you!
5. Christmas Wish List: I know it's just October but it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas wishes!....I've been such a good girl this year, no really!...and Santa has to appreciate all my hard work and patience!
What is tops on my wish list?...a digital SLR camera to create beautiful images of my artwork...so I guess its really a business expense when you think about it....
Do you think Santa would be interested in the tax write off, hahaha?!
So as you can see, I have lots of tasks to accomplish...I best get to it!
Until next time,
Jenn
Monday, October 1, 2007
building an empire is hard work...
So it's been a tough weekend....
Kerri and I did a craft show this weekend that was fairly disappointing, I don't think it was for lack of anything to do since there was lots of fun things to do....picture sheep searing, alpacas & llamas, a corn maze for exploring, a pumpkin cannon and a winery with tastings for the adults. I really believe that the problem lies in the lack of advertising.
But nothing ventured, nothing gained.
At least we were outside, where all the action was. I could only imagine being in the barn, where even less was going on. There was literally a point where I thought we weren't going to sell a single thing all day. It was a quite deflating feeling, but things turned round (only slightly) at around 3pm, when I sold a $1 corded necklace, no pendant, just the necklace.
Just bear in mind that we were sitting there since 10am....it took 5 hours to sell a single, stupid cord.
There rest of the day was just as painful, but I am happy to report that I made enough to just barely cover the table!
On the bright side, it was a simply beautiful day to be outside and I had great company and fun friends who stopped by later in the day.
AND!!...
I got to feed a donkey fruitloops! It was awesome...the icing on the cake for sure!
There was also an amazing hot air balloon lift off with over a dozen balloons. It was amazing to watch them grow from a flat bag to a massive, colorful balloon! I got some great pics and I will post them soon....just as soon as I figure out how! :)
All in all, the day was disappointing for sales but rich in experiences and memories of other fun activities! There's that silver-lining that everyone keeps telling me about...I just thought it was an old wives tale!
Till next time,
Jenn
Kerri and I did a craft show this weekend that was fairly disappointing, I don't think it was for lack of anything to do since there was lots of fun things to do....picture sheep searing, alpacas & llamas, a corn maze for exploring, a pumpkin cannon and a winery with tastings for the adults. I really believe that the problem lies in the lack of advertising.
But nothing ventured, nothing gained.
At least we were outside, where all the action was. I could only imagine being in the barn, where even less was going on. There was literally a point where I thought we weren't going to sell a single thing all day. It was a quite deflating feeling, but things turned round (only slightly) at around 3pm, when I sold a $1 corded necklace, no pendant, just the necklace.
Just bear in mind that we were sitting there since 10am....it took 5 hours to sell a single, stupid cord.
There rest of the day was just as painful, but I am happy to report that I made enough to just barely cover the table!
On the bright side, it was a simply beautiful day to be outside and I had great company and fun friends who stopped by later in the day.
AND!!...
I got to feed a donkey fruitloops! It was awesome...the icing on the cake for sure!There was also an amazing hot air balloon lift off with over a dozen balloons. It was amazing to watch them grow from a flat bag to a massive, colorful balloon! I got some great pics and I will post them soon....just as soon as I figure out how! :)
All in all, the day was disappointing for sales but rich in experiences and memories of other fun activities! There's that silver-lining that everyone keeps telling me about...I just thought it was an old wives tale!
Till next time,
Jenn
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