Happy Holiday's from Deby's Designs

It has been a while since I sent a blog - busy, busy, busy. With getting ready for the holidays and taking care of family, time just gets away from me. Santa Mom came through with an awesome grinder that I can't wait to play with, new designs to come. My plan is to include wire wrapping with my glass cabs/pendants to add a special touch to make them even more unique.

I want to thank my friends for their support and continued interest in my jewelry, it means a lot to me. A special thanks to my mom for all that she does for me and that is A LOT. I wouldn't have my website or Etsy shop without her, LOVE YOU TONS MOM!

Speaking of websites, I have decided to do away with Etsy and ArtFire and go strictly with my own online store through my website; debysdesigns.net. It isn't set up yet but will be soon, I'll keep you posted.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season and a fantastic 2011!!!

All the Best!
Deby



Gray Day in Cleveland

Today it is very gray and gloomy as it tends to be in Clevleand Ohio in November, at least it isn't snowing...yet.

I was that the clothing store yesterday and noted how much gray/grey was out for this year. My mom even told me that the trends for Fall 2010 are; gray, grape/purple, turquoise and as always black. That being said I must say that one of my better makes is the Gray or Smokey Quartz and Tiger Jasper pieces seen below. There also a pair of earrings very small and subtle.

Last night was spent in the glass cave, just me and Santa. I made some really cute Santa ornaments for my upcoming show and for friends. Tonight it's snowmen, they are already made just need to be fired.

That's all I have for now, take care!

Deby

Winding Down for 2010

Can't believe I only have one more show left for this year, kinda ready for the break. I do need to make more snowmen and santas they have been quite popular. I am teaching a class on glass ornaments November 26th at GRB ( http://www.grandriverbeads.com/ ) sign up online, by phone or in person.

Next project is wire wrapping my glass pendants, need help from my wire friends for sure. I have asked Santa for a grinder for X-Mas I already have it picked out and on my wish list from Delphi and I have been really good this year! I need to make some fabulous pieces for the juries next year, tired of being rejected from the BIG shows.

Don't forget to check out Etsy for gifts and I am happy to do custom orders as well.


Have a great week!

Last year at MayFest

Deby

Basket of Treasures - 11/13/10 - $5.00 OFF

Really looking forward to Basket of Treasures tomorrow I hear it is one of the better holiday shows in the Cleveland area. The hours are from 9:30 to 4 and I am offering $5.00 off each purchase if you mention my blog or my FB page.

The ornaments have been a HUGE hit and I need to get them to all of the shops next week without fail.

Had a great party at mom's last weekend, I sure do love all of her friends. I have my last show for 2010 St. Raphael's  Shopping Gala in Bay Village on Nov. 30th from 6-9 p.m. (more info as it gets closer) and another party in December.

I do love the shows and selling to the public but I am definitely looking to taking a break. I told mom that we will not be discussing the business at all over X-Mas, just enjoy each others company and relax.

Be Happy!
Deby

Build it and They Will Come...

Well mom has added lots of beauties to the Etsy shop, lots of hits but no buyers yet. I was floored that the Orange Sponge earrings weren't even on for an hour and had almost 30 hits.





 She also did some fantastic pictures with the gorgeous Kazuri beads she got form me from our little bead shop in Bonita Springs, FL. http://www.bonitabead.biz/

Thinking about re-designing my website  http://www.debysdesigns.net/  and including an online shop. I believe in Etsy, but I would like to have everything all at one place. With Etsy I need to have 2 shops, one for beads and one for glass, quite the conundrum. Spending a few days in FL with mom and we will discuss our options.

Yesterday I found a cool website that does window/car decals, what a great way to advertise. The bumper stickers I did a few months back were a disaster - live and learn.

Keep in Touch,

Deby

Never say Never! Salons can be a good place to sell jewelry.

A couple years ago before I started doing glass I was making only the beaded jewelry and doing little shows here and there. Someone told me I should get into hair salons, I was very successful for a couple months then nothing sold. It occurred to me that you are basically getting the same clientele every 4-6 weeks, so unless you have time and inventory to change out items every month or two forget it. I said I would never do a salon again, too much work.

Then about a year ago I had a woman approach me from a high end salon in downtown Cleveland and she has turned into my best consignment shop so far. I guess it doesn't hurt that she only carries my items, but she knows her clients and what they like. She doesn't hesitate to tell me no or that she doesn't like something and I truly appreciate that. Who wants/needs inventory sitting around gathering dust etc.

So recently I ventured into another salon that is getting great reviews and was just featured in the Cleveland Plain Dealer yesterday. Sparkle at Vanity Lab ( http://www.vanitylab.com ) is a great little place to find unusual one of a kind jewelry. I am currently selling only glass gift items (wine stoppers, purse hangers, key chains) but hope to get some of my beaded earrings in there soon.

Inside Vanity Lab
24945 Detroit Rd
Westlake, OH 44145

Happy Shopping,
Deby

debysdesigns.net has some new photos!!!

Mom is back from vacation and back to work on the websites. I asked her to freshen up my website http//:www.debysdesigns.net and *snap* it's done, she has put some fantastic pics on the "Gems & Crystals" page and next is the glass and earrings.




Bronzite, Agate & Swarovski crystal necklace

  

Light green glass pearls with vermeil daisy spacers



Last night I was packing up ornaments to take to FL and some for Eye Candy in Tremont http://www.eyecandy-gallery.com and realized I don't have that many trees made. Needless to say I was in the Glass Cave for a couple hours and made @ 10 more.


Bead Happy!
Deby

59 Days Until Christmas!!

You didn't hear it from me, but it has been Christmas in the Glass Cave for the last couple of weeks. I have had the kiln burning almost every day for the last 10 and have many more to come. Shops are wanting the glass ornaments that I have created only about 1/3 of what I will probably need. Hope you get a few on ArtFire by next month - keep your eyes open. If you see one you MUST have drop me an email and I'll get it out to you. The price point depends on the size @ 3"-5" tall for $12-$18 each and they come with a silver bail for hanging or I can make it into a magnet.

Here is a sneak peek, but keep in mind I am the artsit not a photographer, that I leave up to my mom. :o)


Fanciful Forest




Snazy Snowmen



Fun Snowmen

Many Faces of Santa

 


 




 





          

 

 


 
 


May I be the first to wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!!

Deby

GET BACK TO WORK!!!

Well my 2 weeks of dog/house sitting has come to a close, very sad to say good-bye to the pup today she has such BIG eyes and knows how to use them.

Miss Molly plays hide and seek!



So now I need to get back to work creating items for the holidays; earrings, ornaments, pins, etc. I made some really neat ornaments last year but it was so late I had no time to post or even sell... not this year. I will post some pics as I get some items made, they are really neat if I do say so myself. I will be teaching a class where you can make a couple ornaments in time for the holiday, check out: grandriverbeads.com for my upcoming classes.

So as long as I don't have my "Spooky" class tomorrow I will be in the glass cave making Santa's, snowmen and trees.

Make it a great weekend,

Deby

Deby's Designs Glass on Sale

I have decided to put the glass on sale through ArtFire ( http://debysdesign.artfire.com ) through the end of the month, I need to make room for more pieces.

One more week of house/dog sitting and I can get back to the glass/bead cave, I have missed it. I bought some new glass for fall and the holidays I want to get working on.

Thinking about taking some wire wrapping classes to spice up some pieces. I tried the PMC (precious metal clay) and found it too tedious and expensive. I figure I wire wrap a bit with beaded earrings and some of the larger semi-precious stones, how hard can it be.

Going to FL in a couple weeks to see mom and to have a jewelry open house for all of her friends. I can't remember the last time I went down and didn't do something with the business. Mom and I do love to work on it and visit the local bead/glass shops.

Hope we all have a great week - TTFN
Deby

Born to Bead Me!!!

I have been in love with creating jewelry since I was a sophomore at Saline High School in Michigan. I had an art teacher, Taylor Jacobson, that is the one that really motivated me to be artistic and I am thanking him every day.

My mom also encouraged me and actually would take me to the big bead shop in Ann Arbor, it was the most awesome place in the world as far as I was concerned. And even now, me approaching 50 and her 70, she still is my number one fan and supporter. She is also my best friend, we talk almost every day. My dad has also become a great source of encouragement and loves to see what new things I have designed. They are going to be celebrating thier 50th anniversary next week on a cruise through Canada - I love you both dearly.

Another great memory is when we took a family vacation to Arizona and I got addicted to turquoise. I actually still have some of the stones left and made a fantastic bracelet years ago that I still wear.

Looking forward to many more years with my mom/business partner and dad/#1 fan, constantly evolving my designs and business.

More to come,
Deby

Deby's Designs has Beaded Beauties on Etsy

I have finally gotten my beaded jewelry down to my photographer/mom and she has take some amazing pictures. Check out my Etsy site above for all of the new additions, there will be some added almost daily. Here are a few samples:

I have also lowered prices on the a lot of the glass items, want to make room for more - I miss the glass cave!

Make it a great day!

Deby

Short and Sweet - Deby's Designs Does Beads Too!

When the glass is firing I make beaded jewelry, it's actually where I got my start back in the 70's. I love to designs pieces and create sets of all different colors and sizes. I most enjoy working with semi-precious stones and Swarovski Crystals. In the next few posts I will showcase some of these pretties as my mom photograghs them. They will also be for sale on my Etsy site when we get time to post them!

Regards,
Deby

Holidays are fast approching and DD will be ready

Everyone loves a one of a kind gift that was selected just for them and almost all women I know love jewelry. Please check out my website for upcoming shows and the online stores for great gifts. If you don't see anything please check back, items are being added all the time. Also, send me an email and I can create that perfect piece especially for you.

I'm looking forward to making my holiday glass; spiders, cob webs, pumpkins, black cats, snowmen, stockings and santas. These can be made for jewelry, pins, magnets or ornaments.

DD

FALL is here whether we like it or NOT!

Two days ago it was 90 and we set a record in Cleveland, today I am wearing a sweatshirt - gotta love the Medwest. Actually I do, I love the fall; cool weather, beautiful colors and it does get me inspired. In fact I was in the "glass cave" (that's what I call my basement studio) yesterday and again today. I had to make more glass for my purse hangers that have sold like crazy this year.

I have done my last outdoor show for the year and really have nothing planned until November. That being said, my new projects will be holiday themed, first Halloween and the X-Mas. This wee I want to make some spider and pumpkin earrings and pins - hope to have them up on Etsy and ArtFire soon. And then next will be holiday ornaments, I made a few last year and they were awesome. I hope to have a nice order from a local gallery soon.

Well back to the cave!!

TC
Deby

DD had a GREAT week!

Kind of sorry the outdoor shows are over, was just getting into the new tent and display - oh well. The RR Arts fest was a HUGE hit and I sold lots more than I anticipated, sold 2 of my favotire necklaces (below).

Next for me is the Olmsted Falls (OH) Shop Hop on Oct 1-3, I should be at Odd Fellas on Columbia Rd (across from Drug Mart). Haven't determined if I am outside or inside. Then it's off to Florida to see mom and a private party on Nov 7th. And then Basket of Treasures at the Westlake (OH) High School on Nov 13th ( www.westlakejuniorwomensclub.com/treasures.html ).

Well that's all for now, need to make more beaded necklaces, got cleaned out at RR and my friends from Bunco!!!

Deby

Lots of stuff for Rocky River Arts Fest

I've been making beaded beauties for the show tomorrow, have found a new love in the base metals. Big fan of antique brass and copper, earrings using chain are the best yet! I would show a picture, but you need to see them in person. Here is where we'll be tomorrow from 10-5:

Come see me!
Deby

3 days until Rocky River Arts Fest

My great friend Beth Martin ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/beachglassshop) and I will be showing our wares at the Rocky River Arts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18th from 10-5. It is located in in the Old Detroit Road shopping area and should be a great show. There will also be lots of other artists there as well, but you can only buy your jewelry from Beth or me - LOL.

As I said in an earlier post I am offering $5 off each piece you purchase, don't forget the holidays are creeping up quicker than we think/want.

On another topic, Jean (my mom) is getting really creative with her postings and pictures for my website ( http://www.debysdesigns.net/ ) and Etsy shop (see above). Here is the latest pretty to go up:

Rocky River Arts Fest is the next show for Deby's Designs

Celebrating the talent of our local artists.

Saturday, September 18th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Old Detroit Shopping Area

The weather is going to be perfect and this area has become such a gem, come down and enjoy

Art, Music and Fun.

I am having a sale ALL pieces are $5.00 off!

Sparx City Hop - Deby's Designs

2 days until the Sparx City Hop! www.downtownclevelandalliance.com/page/sparxcityhop There is a lot going on in Cleveland this weekend and downtown is the place to be. I will be on either E 2nd or E 3rd on either side of Tower City from 11-6 Saturday.

I have only 2 more outdoor events so I hape the weather cooperates for us.

Make sure to mention the Blog and you'll get a discount off your purchase.

Deby

Beads, Beads, Beads ..... I'm more than just glass~~

Recovering from minor surgery so I spent some time making beaded jewelry for Brigette's Hair Studio in downtown Cleveland. Anyone that says salons aren't a great place to sell is nuts, she is by far my most lucrative consignment shop! Actually I am her only supplier, I think she fired all of the others :o).

Sold another piece on Etsy over the weekend first one of the paw prints, yippee. Jean is working feverishly to keep the list current and growing - thanks mom!! xoxox

On a personal note.... my friend Julie L is about to become a grandmother any minute. Her daughter Lizz is about to birth baby Zoey a future wearer of Deby's Designs - LOL.

More on the Sparx show this weekend - should be a good one.

TTYL
Deby

New Shop Carrying Deby'sDesigns

Vanity Lab in Westlake Ohio is the new addition to shops carrying my glass treasurers (http://www.vanitylab.com/). They will be having a lot of upcoming events this fall... stay tuned.

Deby

Sparx Tower City Street Fair - September 11th

Just a heads up for my next show, it should be a good one with lots of people. It is the Sparx Tower City Street Fair that is in conjunction with the Sparx Art Hop that includes all of the area art museums and shops (www.downtownclevelandalliance.com/page/sparxcityhop).





Lolly the Trolley ( http://www.lollytrolley.com/ ) transports people all over town for free to experience all that the Cleveland art scene has to offer including; Tremont, Ohio City, Downtown, University Circle and all points in between.

I will be at the Tower City event from 11-6, however it does run from 11-11 with lots of food, bands and fun.

Stocking the Shops - What Sells?

I wish I could answer the question "what do people want?" I think jewelry is a purely impulsive purchase and you have to get the right person at the right time. No one goes into a store looking for a glass pendant with a gold cat or dragonfly, it has to catch their attention and make them WANT it. Since I have shops in vacation spots I need to send pieces with like themes that will make people remember where they were when they bought it. So I am working on pieces with fish, starfish, birds, palm trees, turtles, etc. anything that says
BUY me and you will remember the fun time you had on your vacation.

I am also designsing a dynamite piece that may not be the pendant that just anyone will buy, but will get me and my on-line shops noticed. Stay tuned, it should be coming soon and it will be AWESOME!


Deby

I just can't stop buying glass and decals!!

Every time I place an order for glass or decals ( www.delphiglass.com ) with my supplier out of Michigan I say this is the last order and guess what... it's not. I am in love with "shiny" things so I guess jewelry was a good thing for me to get into. I have been asked to create a couple special order items so of course I had to order more stuff and of course there is a minimum order - oh well it could be worse. I figure I quit drinking and smoking, this is my new addiction!!! My only regret is that I didn't get into this sooner, what an awesome thing to take a few pieces of glass and create a piece of art that someone actually wants to buy. It is sometimes tough for me to part with many of the pieces I create, I have been known to sell a pendant that I am wearing, there are only 2 I will NEVER part with.

I also design beaded jewelry, that is actually where I got my start. When I was a teenager I taught myself macrame' and made necklaces and bracelets for my friends and did a couple shows in my home town of Saline, MI. I even did the hanging plant holders that were so popular in the 70's. :o)

OK that's enough rambling for one day. Now I want to go to the "glass cave" (my studio) and create, but I already have too much for my tables as it is - such a dilemma.

Peace,
Deby

Interest in Deby's Designs is Rising!!

Even though a show may not go as well as hoped there are always contacts to make. At just about every show I have done someone has approached me for another show or to sell in their shop. This past weekend was no exception, actually I got one of each! Vanity Lab ( http://www.vanitylab.com/ ) in Westlake, OH has shown an interest in selling my items in their salon, I have a meeting on Monday. And in the fall Grand Pacific Junction ( grandpacificjunction.com ) in Olmsted Falls is planning a Shop Hop the first weekend in October. I am hoping to be set up in Odd Fellas Cafe on Columbia Rd. for this event, more info to follow.

I also just got the nod for the 21st Annual Basket of Treasurers ( http://www.westlakejuniorwomensclub.com/ ) craft show on November 13th in Westlake, OH at the Westlake High School from 9:30-4.

Since I have so many pet related items I am planning on doing the Brooklyn Animal Shelter ( http://www.brooklynshelter.org/ ) event located at the Brooklyn High School in Brooklyn, OH on December 4th.

Still working on my "Expressive Glass" line, last night I made butterflies and lady bugs!

Make it a Great Day!
Deby

Creating More Glass Everyday - Decals Rule!

I decided to start creating a new line of "Expressive Glass". This is done with decals in black, sepia or 22k gold. I am making fused glass (wikipedia.org/wiki/Fused_glass) pendants with Chinese characters, dragonflies, sea scapes, critters and verbage. Most of these will be for sale at the shops that I currently sell my pieces in (see yeaterdays blog). The decals are actually fused into the glass and are like a temporary tattoo that are soaked in water and placed on the glass before they are fused in a kiln. I typically use regular opalescent glass but sometimes I incorporate the dichroic (2 color) pattern glass (wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichroic_glass).

Do What You Love - Love What You DO!!

Deby

Shops that Carry Deby's Designs

Just in case you are out and about here are the stores my glass can be found:

• Grand River Beads & Gift Gallery grandriverbeads.com in Rocky River, OH,
• Eye Candy Gallery http://www.eyecandy-gallery.com/ in Cleveland, OH (Tremont area)
• Blue Cottage Gift Gallery in Put-in-Bay, OH
• Back Alley Gifts in Bradenton Beach, FL
• Something Different Gift Gallery http://www.somethingdifferentgallery.com/ in Cleveland, OH
• Brigette's Hair Studio in Cleveland, OH

I am also available for home parties, the holidays are coming faster than we think!!!

Enjoy your day and make it a great one!!
Deby

Rainy Days at Heritage Days for Deby's Designs

Sure glad I had the new tent with 4 sides for Saturday, rained non-stop from 2:00 until the end of the show at 5:00. And unfortunately it kept the shoppers away as well. Next show isn't until 9/11 at Tower City, it's the Sparx Art Hop (www.downtownclevelandalliance.com/page/sparxcityhop.aspx), sponsered by Northcoast Promotions (northcoastpromo.com) and should be a good one.

Here are some pics from this past weekend:

Heritage Days will be a HOT one in more ways than one I hope!

Deby's Designs *** Heritage Days in Olmsted Falls, OH ( grandpacificjunction.com ) will be my last 2 day show of the year glad it's close to home. It starts Saturday 10-5 and winds up Sunday 11-5, they have LOTS going on. I'll be in the mood for deals, I'll give you $5 off your second piece purchase.

I know all of you pet lovers will enjoy seeing and hopefully buying all of the cute things I have made recently.

Come See Me,
Deby

Too much glass so little time!!

My mom sent back all of the glass she didn't sell at the Gummi Fundraiser inNaples, FL. So I now realize I need another table at my show this weekend. For all of you pet lovers, big sale on all pet related items just mention my Blog. I have glass fused embellished key chains, key finders, purse hook/hangers, zipper pulls (cute for your purse) and pendants with dogs, cats & paws. Check my website debysdesigns.net and the Etsy debysdesigns.etsy.com site to see a sampling of some of the pieces.

Deby's Designs - Heritage Days Olmsted Falls 8/21 & 8/22

Deby's Designs is really looking forward to a good show in Olmsted Falls this weekend located downtown. (grandpacificjunction.com.) Lots of new dichroic glass pieces to see, not to mention the new display I am so proud of. Show is 10-6 on Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday, please come and see me, mention the blog and get a free zipper pull with purchase.