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

 

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

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

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