DD 2012 Spring/Summer Show Schedule

I am getting very excited for the upcoming show season. My first show is the Hessler Street Fair near downtown Cleveland, OH on May 19 & 20, noon to dusk. This will be my fifth year at this show and I absolutely love doing it. 

After Hessler comes the Berea MayFest on May 26th from 10 to 5 at Coe Lake in Berea, OH. 

Then another favorite of mine, the Clifton Arts & Music Festival on June 16th from 10 to 6. The fest is located on Clifton Blvd. in Lakewood, OH between W 117th and W 112th.

Wildwood Fine Arts Festival in Mentor, OH June 24th from 10:30 to 5 at the Wildwood Cultural Center. This is a first time for me at this show, I look forward to a great day.

Another first for me is the Waterloo Arts Fest on June 30th from 11 to 7 in Cleveland's east side neighborhood of Collinwood.

Only one show in July, Willoughby Artsfest on the 21st from 10 to 5 in downtown Willoughby, OH.

Please follow my blog, FaceBook or my website www.debysdesigns.net for my show schedule.


Catch ya later,
Deby

Ever Evolving, Just Love the New Pieces

I have been very busy working on all of the new techniques I learned with Tanya Veit of AAE Glass (aaeglass.com) this past January. I did take a couple weeks off to have me knee replaced, rehab went well needed to get back to the "cave" asap. 

Of the 5 new techniques I at first loved the "Picasso" style pieces, they look a bit like stained glass. Small pieces of dichroic glass fused, etched, shaped, fire polished and mounted on a decorative bail.

However, I have really grown to enjoy making the layered scenery pieces. These are very time consuming but well worth the effort. The process is four layers which requires; 5 firings, cut, shaped, fire polished and the addition of a decal, the finished product is amazing.

Next blog I will discuss the other techniques. I am finding it difficult to go back to the way I fired pieces before. I am really excited to see how well they sell at the shows.

Stay Tuned,
Deby

Deby's Designs Fused Glass Art - 2012 is My Year

I have started the year on a new quest for better and more artistic pieces. I took a class in January with Tanya Viet of AAE Glass ( aaeglass.com ) in Cape Coral Florida which has proven to be the jump start I needed. I have purchased a tile saw and upgraded my kiln to a programmable style and I love it. Everything I have done in the past was just practice for what I am starting to develop now. I look at glass differently and have discovered that there are endless possibilities to what I can create, my imagination and designs are limitless.

So now with my new enthusiasm for my art I will be blogging and bragging more so indulge me it will be a fun and fascinating journey.  

Here is a couple of pics of what I am doing:

Picasso Etched Dichroic Pendant

Scenery in Glass

Etched Dichroic Tree Pendant

Fusible Paint Heart Pendant

 New items posted weekly, please enjoy - I do!
Deby

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.