Shows are fun and sometimes even profitable

If I make a bad choice doing a show that I am clearly not going to make much money I try to make the most of out.When you are given lemons, make lemonade - when a craft show gives you lemons, I make friends and contacts. I was told by a wise friend that if you are asked how you are doing at a show... always say fantastic no matter how good or bad sales are. Keep 'em guessing and keep it positive.

I had the best time with a lot of grand old dames (they called themselves that) this past weekend and actually made a bit of money. I honestly think it was because was positive and made everyone around me smile and laugh. I will be back next year just to see my grand old friends!

Next Saturday is Basket of Treasures at the Westlake High School and I am looking forward to putting a few more bucks in my pocket and hopefully make some new friends. My niece Olivia will be with me for the first time, I am hoping she takes to it and can help me from time to time.

Just bought the molds I need for coasters and candle holders and hope to start experimenting with them next weekend. Loving the new kiln, it does a super job!

Seriously considering going to the Glass Expo in Vegas next year, classes are really expensive but I think I would take away a lot of great information. We have friends there to my husband will have things to do while I learn new things, AND we can write it off... bonus.

All the best,
Deby

New and Improved Deby's Designs

2012 will be a year of changes, no more beaded items except for earrings. I am wanting to separate myself from all of the "beaders" and become more of an artist. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but anyone can string beads. I will miss it, but I will keep doing earrings, they are popular and my customers expect me to have them.
 
I just bought a new kiln, it is bigger and better so I am going to start making tiles, coasters and candle holders.

Shows abound.... I wasn't going to do "craft" shows this fall but I have found a couple where I should do well. Here is the list (check out my website for dates and addresses); 23rd Annual Harvest Holiday Craft show, Basket of Treasures, Fall into the Holidays Craft Show and Laurel School Holiday Art Festival. 

I have also been accepted as an artist for the Holden Arboretum's "Natures Harvest" show now through the end of December.

That's all for now, will try to blog weekly as long as I have something
interesting to report.

Glass is where it's at!
Deby

 

Deby's Designs: Busy in the Cave!!

Deby's Designs: Busy in the Cave!!: "Been a slow couple weeks as far as the shows go so I've been in the glass cave and the bead room creating new pieces. Custom monogram pendan..."

Busy in the Cave!!

Been a slow couple weeks as far as the shows go so I've been in the glass cave and the bead room creating new pieces. Custom monogram pendants are available in 2 sizes and 3 colors (red, white & black), check out my website or my Etsy.

The next show is the Olmsted Festival of the Arts on August 14th, from 10 - 4. Check out the link below for details: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olmsted-Festival-of-the-Arts/121647741239965?v=info&sk=info

My next show is in North Canton Ohio, the 15th Annual North Canton Main Street Festival on August 20th & 21st, see the link for more details.  http://www.northcantonchamber.org/2011festivalschedule.htm

I will post September shows later, it is going to be my busiest month ever!!

I have also become a member of SRAJD which I am learning more about. 

 
 Don't Worry, Bead Happy!
Deby

Willoughby Artsfest

Tomorrow is the 20th Annual Willoughby (OH) Artsfest, I had applied for a couple years and finally got in this year, very excited. http://www.willoughbyareachamber.com/artsfest.html. The weather is going to be hot but nice and there are several watering holes and shops to duck into to get cooled off.

My next show is the North Olmsted (OH) Arts & Crafts Festival at the Frostville Museum grounds on Cedar Point Rd in the Cleveland Metroparks on August 14 from 10-5.  And the North Canton (OH) Main Street Festival on August 20 & 21, mom and dad will be in for this one!!!

Please check out my website and "like" us on Facebook.


Live, Love, Bead!
Deby

I'm back...

It has been a long couple months and I have only done 2 shows so far this year due to family issues. Thankfully the 2 shows were very successful and family issues are improving.

My next shows are in Port Clinton, OH on July 10th and the Willoughby Arts Fest in downtown Willoughby, OH on July 16th http://www.willoughbyareachamber.com/artsfest.html, mention this blog for 10% off your purchase. Please check the website for all upcoming shows (see below).


The website is done with the exception of a few tweaks here and there, my mom has been fantastic and has worked tirelessly to get it done http://debysdesigns.net, please click on the FB "Like" for my website. Now she can focus on upgrading pictures for the Etsy site and add more items on a regular basis.


Lots of new items, working with white decals on my glass and just made 20 pair of earrings using metals, gems and crystals.

Would love to see you at my shows!!

Live, Love, Bead!!
Deby

May the Shows Begin!!!

Count down to Hessler Street Fair, May 21 & 22 from 11:00 'til dusk both days. http://www.hesslerstreetfair.org/hna.html/ This is the event not to miss, it is so much fun and there is something for everyone. Lots of local artists, area musicians and awesome food.

I have lots of new pieces and cannot wait to set up and sell ,sell, sell!! Mention my blog and get $5 off a $20+ sale. I also have a $10 sale on over 50 items; pendants, earrings and pins.

Next show May 28th, Berea MayFest at Coe Lake (Berea, OH), details to follow.

Do it because you love it!!

Deby

Two Weeks Until Show Season Starts

 
My first Ohio show for 2011 is in two weeks on May 5th at B & B Appliance located at 6800 Pearl Rd in Middleburg Hts. from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. for a "Ladies Night" event with lots of vendors, giveaways, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and shopping.


The next show is Gazebo Garden Walk in Downtown Wellington, OH on May 7th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I have done this show 3 times before, beautiful area and lots of vendors, food and spring plants. Come pick up your Mothers Day gifts, I'll even gift wrap for you! http://www.villageofwellington.com


Check out the websites they are being updated all the time, check out my new piece and show schedule.

 More to Come!!!
deby

Networking and Asking Questions

I have found that talking to other artists is the best way to improve and expand my horizons. I find it rather interesting how we all want to help each other succeed even though we are competing for the
same customers. Just this week I have reached across many miles, Queensland to be exact, and found a very interesting and wonderful glass artist. I also exchanged ideas with another glass artist that is quite successful on Etsy and she shared a lot with me to help improve my exposure. These are a couple of the reasons why I love what I do and enjoy sharing it with anyone that I can.

Do What You Love... Love What You Do!!

All the Best,

Deby

Busy Gearing Up for 2011 Shows

So far I am 5/5 on the shows and waiting for another 10+ responses, I have my tentative schedule listed on the website debysdeigns.net. May is already set up to be my busiest to date! I have decided to test my limits from east (Port Clinton) to west (Willoughby) and north (Hessler St.) to south (Medina) and all points in between. My mom had a mini show in Florida earlier this month with marginal success.

The wire wrapping has finally been tested and I would say not too bad for just getting started. So far I have done three pieces this several more to come.

My mom has been hard at work as usual, she actually works harder than I do taking pictures, refining pictures and monitoring both the website and the Etsy shop debysdesigns.etsy.com.

I am on my way to see mom and dad for a much needed week vacation next month. The plan is NO jewelry, but I highly doubt that will happen. LOL

That's it for now - make it a great day!
Deby

Deby's Designs 2.0

I have reinvented myself so many times it should be 100.0 instead of 2.0. I was going to just sell my wears through my website but figured more is more and decided to keep Etsy going, it is a great site. So without further delay here is the new and improved Etsy site:

I am offering a 10% discount as well as free shipping throughout the month of March. If you see something you like let me know my shows are fast approaching and it may not be available later!

Also the website debysdesigns.net is fully stocked and ready to go thanks to my moms hours and hours of dedication to perfection. Let us know what you think we are pretty proud of what we have done over the winter. We have added a new line of wedding jewelry and I do custom pieces upon request just drop an  email to debysdesigns@hotmail.com.

I am finally learning how to wire wrap my pendants, been yapping about it for at least a year and tomorrow is the day! Watch for Etsy and FaceBook updates.

All My Best,
Deby

Getting Ready for Spring

I went to the Intergalactic Bead show Saturday and it really got me excited for spring and my first show. Unfortunately I won't be there my mom does this one for us in Florida. Not sure if I've mentioned it lately,
my mom is AWESOME and I am so fortunate to have her I wouldn't be where I am without her. debysdesigns.net

Mom & Dad's 50th

 The bead show was great, bought lots of silver, findings & some beads. No more purchases until I get some sales, but Eva did just get back fromTucson and I can't wait to see what she brought back! grandriverbeads.com


Look for new pics of my beaded treasures once I get back to work. :-)




Deby

Deby's Designs Website is in Business!!

**Grand Opening**

My new website debysdesigns.net is up and running, complete with all of the tentative shows for 2011 to date. I also added an online shop for easy convenience to my bobbles. I am still considering closing the Etsy Shop, but for now it remains open. My mom has worked for hours refining pictures and getting the site to where we want it, I think it is fantastic. How many moms do you know can do this for their kids... not many I am VERY lucky.

I have gotten a little over zealous with all of the show applications I sent out last month, if I get into all of them I will be a very busy girl from May - November. Again you can see all of the places I have applied to so far and hope to see you at one or two this summer.

I finally took a picture of the "Glass Cave" complete with iron deposits running down the wall. It may not be pretty but it sure works for me..... for now.

This is all I have for now, take care and thank you for following Deby's Designs!

Deby

Short & Sweet!!

Show applications are rolling in, I've decided to only apply to GREAT shows that I have done in the past and have rewarded me in kind. No more "craft" shows or shows I haven't sold a thing in hopes that "this year will be different". I'm not going to waste a lot of money on jury fees for maybes, this year is all about making money and being happy - rejection does NOT make me happy. However I am going to give one last shot at Medina, Willoughby and Hudson.

That all being said, here I come; Hunter's Ridge (FL), Hessler Street Fair, MayFest, Clifton Arts Fest, Tremont....... I'm ready to sell, sell, sell.

to be continued...

Deby

Happy New Year!!! from the Glass Cave.

So I am ready to have a great 2011 both personal and business. I started Weight Watchers on Monday and look forward to a healthier me this year. Tried out the new grinder and it is ready to help me create some new pretties.

Best news is Mom and I (mostly Mom) have begun work on the new website (debysdesigns.net). Trying to get everything in place for an online store and all the information you could want on what I am up to.

Show apps have already started to filter in so new pieces and pics need to be done asap. Was shocked to hear that the HUGE St. John Westshore show was canceled for this year due to construction. I was sure that this was my year to be accepted - LOL.

Not much else to report, I will send more info from the "cave" next week, perhaps even a picture or 2.

Wishing you health and wealth for 2011.

Deby