Charmed Elements-new ideas

Ya know I am always think'n.

So here it goes, I maybe bitting off more than I can chew but I am sure I'll learn something along the way. In the many years I have made jewelry I have noticed ladies/customers like to have a little input or a connection with their jewelry, it feels more personal to them if they can customized it in some way. I guess everyone like to be creative hey? I have thought about this a long time and tried to figure out a way to let them get that kind of interaction with what I make, without always doing custom orders and always falling flat because of course I like to be the creator LOL.
So here is what I am going to try...I will make a series of inexpensive chains with loops, small charm/bead parts then you can add the glass tiles of your choice. The first in this Series will be initial tile charm elements, you get to choose the color glass initial tile and you get to choose the chain charm to add it to. Sound confusing? Let me know if I can explain it better? I need help with this part of it, so I am thinking out loud in my blog essentially.

This is a work in progress and I am asking my friends to work with me to offer this fun personalized product. I think I will offer the tile elements separate and chain charms separate as well. They will be very affordable and personal.

Have no idea how to market this at this point- my wheels are turning.

talk to you all soon
love and hugs

cutting a glass panel- for jeannie

Giving- The Creative Contiuum

And watta ya gonna do with those? Yes, those little words?

It's been a while since I entertained my heart compulsion. This weekend I indulged in scrappy glass heart Zen. Oh yeah I unloaded my little plastic box tiny glass pieces and arranged them into heart shapes, then added my most colorful lampworked beads and anything else that came to mind like these plastic words I made. These little mixed media ornamental pieces make me happy, I guess if I don't sell them, then my closest friends will get them as gifts. so look out!

My very best buddy received the first of these little mixed media treasures. I love to give the first of any series away to someone deserving. I am not sure if I have ever shared my theory of giving "the first" a way? But I will now. My thoughts are...I was given the ideas so in turn I should give the first piece away so many more ideas will come. This concept is not new I know, but I practice it in hopes to always have the creative continuum. I do feel it is a reward for gratitude. I am so thankful for ideas and inspiration I give that first piece away as homage to to God for the gift of that idea. After all those ideas are to be shared.
Okay so now it's been shared. Now they are listed in my on-line shop.

Love and hugs folks

Kilns full steam ahead!

Last weekend was the ArtEast Studio Show, I want to thank everyone that showed up to see the new goodies and came to say hello. This weekend will be the Holiday One Stop Shop and I have even more glass goodness believe it or not. I have fired these kilns this week like no other, in preparation for shows and any possible box parties. So fingers crossed the economy has not scared off too many of my glass loving friends.

Earrings have been tops on the agenda, in fact, as I write -kiln 3 is cooking a batch of earrings woohoo! I do have to say I have backed off the holiday items this year because when a person has to make a choice I think they are less likely to spend it on an item they will only wear 1 time a year. So that is my reasoning- but if you are looking for more of that give me a heads up please! I may make some charms because I love those.

Smaller items with a lower price point will be available at the shows. And spending $50 or more gets you a chance at surprise free grab bag item. Yep lets have some fun.

Come visit me and Carmen at our next two shows and be sure to become a Facebook Fan for special online deals and show dates.

8th Annual One Stop Shop
Saturday October 24th
10 am to 4 pm
At the Resurrection Lutheran Church
In Godfrey IL

Edwardsville High school Craft Fair
November 14th & 15th
2 days Sat & Sun
11am to 4pm
(there is a fair fee to enter)

See ya there!

Wordless Wednesday

Fall Shows- Come get your glass fix

Oh yea it is full blown Autumn here, 40 degree weather, leaves falling here in the Midwest and studio madness - getting prepped for the next two months of shows and what may come.
I will be bringing most of my Etsy online shop items with the exception of the 2 for 20 items, because it will be hard to keep track of theses kinds of sale pieces but I will have some reduced priced inventory mainly because I am tired of looking at some things not because they are not good pieces- just the boredom of an artist LOL

SHOW DATES
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ArtEast Studio Tour and Group Exhibit
Featuring- Carmen Schenato and Brenda Elfgen and my self
17th and 18th
2 days Sat & Sun
11am to 5 pm
228 W. Haller Dr.
East Alton IL 62024

8th Annual One Stop Shop
Saturday October 24th
10 am to 4 pm
At the Resurrection Lutheran Church
In Godfrey IL

Edwardsville High school Craft Fair
November 14th & 15th
2 days Sat & Sun
11am to 4pm
(there is a fair fee to enter)

I would love to see you all there, if you have never met me please come and introduce yourself.

New with shoozles-Facebook Fan Page

In March, as a Birthday gift to my self, I started to teach my self to lampwork beads. I have found I am getting a little better each time I sit at the torch, mostly I am looking for a ways to use my beads to go with my pendants but I do enjoy playing with new ideas. I have some little quirky wearable dolls and some slider rings for this show season. I hope you will like them. New items for all to enjoy are deerskin leather cords, and 2 for 20 sale items, yes 2 pendants for $20 that is a deal- see my shop sales area for these items. Shoozles shop.
At the request of friends and good customers, I added a Facebook Fan page. Look to the right of this blog then scroll down- yep I have a fan page. I will be adding show info and website specials. These will be Facebook Fan only offers and I am trying to think of a way to reward spreading the word so any ideas are welcome :)) So please feel free to join my page and comment and ask questions. Facebook Fan Page

I love to promote my friends handmade goodies on my Facebook page and would love the favor returned so if you promote my goodies on your page I will do that for you as well, just send me a message.

Thanks everyone-M