Important Brown Dog Studio Tidbits

Sunday, April 22, 2012

I missed you...and a Give-Away!

Obviously, I didn't miss ALL of you...many came to shop and visit at the open house and then at the Sacred Art Show (which I was only able to mention on Facebook)...but I did miss many of you...

because...

I couldn't post for a week on the studio blog! Yipes!

Why? Technical issues that could have to do with the site itself or (please no!) my studio laptop.

I had so many lovely new pretties I wanted to show off last week...getting ready for Des Moines at the Junk Jubilee (April 27-29), then Rockbrook (May 5), then Studio Open House and pick-up (May 11-12).

So...YES, all orders from those last 2 shows will be ready for pick up and shopping at Rockbrook and the Open House. I MAY post a brief window for pick-up in Lincoln before I head to Rockbrook, but there would be NO shopping...I'll be all packed ;P

AND...I want to post a give-away...I need one! You can help me out!

I have lots of lovely glass initial charms. In the past, I've sorted them according to letter...go to one spot for all of the "A"s, etc.

What do you think about me sorting them according to style instead, or do you like the way I've been doing it? Lucy and I are divided on the "issue" and I take what she says to heart because sometimes she can see things I'm too close to with a different artist eye.

Comment on this post or on the studio Facebook page and I will choose a random winner for her choice of an initial from my inventory, when I return from Junk Jubilee Sunday evening. You'll be able to claim your initial charm at one of my May or June shows. If you're unable to attend a show during those months, I'll be happy to send you a 1/2 inch copper or silver charm :)

Can't wait to see what you think!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

...sneak peek of what's at the Open House...more to come!

First...
Spring and Mother's Day Open House is THIS WEEK!
Thursday April 12 from 5-8
Friday April 13 from 10-3 and 5-8
Saturday April 14 from 10-3
fingerprint reservationswill be available
on Saturday April 14 from 10-noon ONLY
e-mail me at lo4sr@juno.com to RSVP
...you don't need to RSVP to shop :)
to read more about fingerprints...look HERE
just gorgeous!great for grads :)some fun cities...my necklace!
I have so many more fun NEW items to show you...hope you can make it!

Friday, April 6, 2012

I'm a Speaker :)


Something a bit different for me...
I was invited to help lead a "table talk" for The Big Plate,
a "community for entrepreneurs, artists and innovators to connect, collaborate, and create".
One of the interesting parts of The Big Plate is the blog read...original articles (they call them "case studies") written about unique business start-ups...go HERE to have a look at their blog :)
And HERE is the link to the event I'll be at with photographer/artist Lisa Guerra (she's responsible for the great photos of me at work in the studio!)
If you have started your own business or have dreams for the future (or tomorrow!), it's worth looking at what Brian and Todd put together. It's also a fun read about some unique businesses, some local and some across the country (soon international?).
I'll post more next week about the open house in the studio. Please feel free to ask any questions about the business event or the Open House.
Happy Easter...eat some chocolate bunny ears...HOP!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Open House and FINGERPRINTS...

First...I've set the days/times for the Spring and Mother's Day Open House...
Thursday April 12 (5-8)
Friday April 13 (10-3 and 5-8)
Saturday April 14 (10-3)
fingerprint reservations available
Sat April 14 from 10-noon ONLY♥
I'll have extra help on hand so that
you can continue to shop at that time :)

So the buzz over the past week has centered on the photos I've posted (and the bracelet I've been wearing) with FINGERPRINTS!!!
I've had the means to do prints from the beginning of the studio, but haven't shown them off until now because I just haven't known HOW I could manage the logistics of doing this during shows...it's VERY time-consuming and non-"Sarah needs to work on other orders" friendly. AND... I need the KIDS to make this work, AND lots of mommies like/need to shop without the kiddos!
(a necklace I made with some sweet little baby prints...note that baby prints are more of an impression than regular prints...YOU try to hold those cutie little fingers steadily :) )
There are 2 kinds of prints...
♥those directly impressed into the recycled silver or bronze that then goes into my kiln for the LONG, HOT firing process. These prints would remind you more of ink on paper. They go INTO the metal. I can ONLY make these in the studio.
♥those in which I make a mold of your child's print and then use that mold to shape the metal. These will look more like a raised little print. I can take a mold of your child's print outside of the studio setting.
This photo of my bracelet shows both types of prints...
At the top of the photo, the silver heart and the bronze round next to it are both using prints pressed directly into the metal. I made both of them in a more formed shape and left room to stamp a name if desired.
The bronze prints towards the lower right side of the bracelet were both made using molds I had taken of prints. I made them look very organic and didn't leave room for stamping any names on them, but I could have left room for that.
My current thinking is that I will take print orders in a few ways...

FINGERPRINT TIME...I'll announce that I'm opening up for a few hours to take prints. Unless there's NO ONE ELSE waiting, I won't be able to help with other types of custom orders, and these won't be regular shopping times in the studio.
You'll need to e-mail me to make reservations for that day :)
Wondering if an after-school slot would be good? What about inviting friends and kids to your home? If other items are wanted, I could have order forms ready for your silver/glass custom orders, but NOT the ready-shopping items available in my studio or craft shows.
At SPECIALLY SCHEDULED times ONLY during an Open House.
I will have extra help on hand so that I can attend to prints while shopping and ordering are going on. I can make both types of prints described. I'll have my tools handy and a spot to keep all the prints separated so the right prints make it back to YOU!
You must e-mail me to reserve time for you and the kids...
I know you'll be respectful of these times. Otherwise, regular shopping at other times will get too congested with kids and people needing me to take their photo/silver orders.
Also, I don't plan to just open up to do prints upon request at this time. When would I get my other work done?
At CRAFT SHOWS...I won't have metal with me...just the molds. I would suggest for these days that you send me an e-mail to let me know you're coming with the kids :)
I plan to set up a page on the blog to answer fingerprint questions and pricing. I'll also announce "fingerprint times" on the sidebar with "where can you find me?"
Okay...cost?
Bronze prints start at $30 each
Silver prints start at $50 each
Next week I hope to post preview photos of the really fun new items I've been creating to debut at the Open House...postcards will be mailing on Wednesday or Thursday
...wow, I've got a lot to do!