Hellooo...2021 and ValentineCollection

Although I've been back in the studio (if I'm being honest, it was re-al-ly almost immediately after Christmas, that's not a real break!) it was mostly for some promised large custom orders, the dreaded paperwork that comes along with having my own business, and some aRt time (you'll be excited to hear about that SOON!).

I've been getting some happy items ready for the upcoming ValentineCollection which will be part of the studio's Valentine Trunk Show February (4?) or 5-10. 

I plan (weather permitting) to have the studio open for in-person shopping Friday and Saturday, switching over to the virtual-shopping portion, beginning Saturday afternoon-Wednesday. I am still considering a bonus Thursday evening preview. IF weather does not permit in-person shopping, the show will be shifted to virtual only. 

I have a handful of original Valentine shakers, all one-of-a-kind. I made bronze bezels for some new resin hearts, assuming I can get the studio warm enough for pouring resin. I currently have 4 left from the last time I created the hearts! There are several new glass charms and NEW silver/hearts/bangles and more! Oh my!!!

I am currently working on a possible add-on page to my website that would allow me to make all of these new creations ready for online purchasing during the show. This will be a test-run for a virtual shopping page for future shows, as well as temporary fix while I begin the work of building my new website that should debut in August. If you remember, adding new jewelry and editing the current website is very time and labor intensive, making it impractical for my new dual-show format. If I get the add-on page finished in time, it will appear HERE as a link on the WEBSITE Valentine Trunk Show Page and the Home Page. After several days of research and design I really hope it all comes together, but if I can't work out all of the bugs (and really, I do need/want/no NEED! to keep working on the actual reason we all get together...the jewelry) I will go back to the FB album format with Paypal invoicing that I used for Christmas. More details will continue to be added to the Valentine Trunk Show Page on the WEBSITE.

So you KNOW that I am always working on new pretties and collections, but here is a quick listing of some information and updates in the works...

• Weekly Facebook Live sessions will resume Tuesday February 2 (8pm). 
• Look for more frequent postings on FB and Instagram.
• I am currently submitting applications to "more than a handful" of shows in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and beyond!
• I will be focusing on collecting new emails and editing my current list. A new email with an invite to the Valentine Show will be coming out Tuesday or Wednesday of this week!
• There is always a giveaway recipient chosen from subscribers each time I send out a monthly-ish email.
• Did I mention how much work building the new website entails? But it will be very lovely...
• If you know of a good show/opportunity/idea for the studio? Let me know!

As always, I want to thank everyone who helped me finish out the past year, and this was one that threw a lot of curves. On a VERY positive note, 2020 helped me try out lots of new ideas and many of those ideas were ones I'd been mulling over for a LONG time...Would I have done FB Lives in a normal year? Doubt it, and as awkward as I am in them, a part of me loves showing up there for you! Would I have finally gotten around to changing my out-dated website? Probably not! I am very slowly learning some prioritizing and I hope that it shows in what I bring to the studio and YOU, my friends.

Note...if you want to comment on this post, you just click below on the link that (right now) says No Posts. After there are comments, you would click on 1 comment, etc.

 

august goals and september travels...

I have lists of goals (I'm referring to the studio...this isn't about LIFE goals, that's a whole different set of items to tick off, and you really don't want to hear about those...)

The creative side? That's easy enough...I keep lists, a combination of tight and loose objectives...daily, weekly, longer term. I have projects and collections sorted into stacked cupcake tins, lists of techniques, sketches. 

When I look back on some days-weeks-months, I'm surprised at meanderings that often lead my work in unplanned directions. Sometimes I go back to my sorted project tins and decide I'm kind of meh about what I wanted to make and other times I just know it's gonna be good...I find that keeping my creative goals a bit looser can have wonderful outcomes.

I took a creative journey in July that turned into the "Slow-BenchWork" Collection I offered at the Studio Trunk Show and Hastings Art in the Park, my second (the first being back in February) "on the road" show of 2020...I compiled a list of projects from past workshop samples and inspiration from an online artist group I'm part of. My self-imposed goal was to create single examples of each project, unless making an additional piece allowed me to delve even deeper into the technique. The resulting pieces were quite varied...keum boo and granulation earrings, box clasp closures on my popular big link bracelets, layered gemstone pendants, fused sterling shield rings...very focused studio days with many notes in my bench journal. Remaining pieces will head to website (as SALE items leave) this week.

Then there is the business side of the studio...I have goals to which I have been trying to adhere...Let's see if I am able to check these off...

• My monthly blog post...a friendly, wordy studio update that I like to think is the most conversational Sarah you can find online, unless you participate in my FB Live sessions (more in a minute!). Additionally, I list my monthly goals, show plans and travels, new collections on the blog. It acts a bit like my studio-accountability. I allowed this blog to go silent for nearly 4 years, and that did not help keep readership...studio friend comments on the blog are very welcome (hint-hint). CHECK! 

(a note...a studio friend attempted (and finally succeeded!) to post a comment...not an obvious task! Still would LOVE your comments...go to end of each post you are reading...you will see NO COMMENTS or 2 COMMENTS (for example)...click on that and you will find the area to post comments. I am looking to see if I can add a widget that makes commenting easier!)

• A monthly email...studio updates, especially focused on show dates and special collections. Besides the excitement of receiving a letter from me in your inbox each month...I know, right!...it's the sole means of getting invited into my personal studio for Trunk Shows. You're not on the list? Well, go HERE and get signed up! As an added bonus, I do a monthly give-away to one random subscriber! CHECK (mostly)!
• More frequent postings on Facebook and Instagram...these are snippets of current work, collections, reminders leading up to shows, views from a show I'm at (not many of these lately, but MORE SHOWS ARE COMING!!!). This gets a HALF CHECK...here's some Sarah-honesty...I don't stop what I'm doing at the bench often enough to take photos or make a posting. I don't use IG Stories to our best advantage, thinking I have to get it perfect for it to "work" for all of us...oh you're laughing now because I just said I wait until I can get things done perfectly?..."That was PERFECT, Sarah?" Hoo-boy...now we're both laughing...

Less travel time and more time at the workbench equals a lot of thinking time...and I have had (what I think are) some amazing ideas...Have I made them happen? Nope! But I'm writing them here and planning to talk about them on a FB Live tomorrow evening (Monday August 17) at 8pm EST.

• themed Instagram posts (many of these will carry over to FB), some encouraging "play along" posts...I am proposing #mystackmonday and #facetimefriday among others, but there may be some further modifications before I "finalize" these...
• weekly FB Live, probably a weekday evening, during which I have a proposed theme for the visit, potentially a RealTime selling event for some of the weeks? Content would be available to rewatch after the Live event. Not every week would follow same theme...I need to come up with a way to let you know content ahead of time...either website or as an announced EVENT on FB...
• Instagram Auction on Sunday afternoons/evenings? I will be requesting input for best time period for this style of event.

So...one of my big concerns has always been not wanting my studio friends to get the impression that I think "I'm all that!". I have serious over-post anxiety...you'll not want to hear from me if I post too much or too frequently. I used to only send out 4-5 emails a year...strictly ONLY when I was having a show in the studio...so that I wouldn't have people unsubscribe...

But I know that YOU know that I'm not asking you to take notes about every time I'm going live or making a post. You do know that, right? And...I've decided not to compare myself to retailers who think I want 3 daily emails in my inbox...if my one a month is too many, just lie and tell me you check me out on FB or IG...

...and I like talking to you. Sarah

 

this week...

It's November...

That means art/craft shows are in full swing, and I'm preparing for the studio Open House (Dec 2-4) in between shows!

I am opening up the calendar for studio private trunk shows the week leading up to my open house...you may reserve one of these slots for you + 5-10 friends on a first-come basis:
Sunday Nov 28...1pm or 3:30 pm
Monday Nov 29...5pm or 7pm
Tuesday Nov 30...5pm or 7pm
These times are wonderful for special orders and looking through my pretties with your friends. Plan to come without the kiddos because Lucy will be helping with orders :)

This Saturday I'll be at St. John's in Lincoln (76th and Vine Streets), from 9-4. This is the show that has Lucy's vote for #1 sloppy-joes! It's where I buy my honey and dishcloths, too!

I'm in the beginning stages of putting together next year's calendar...any suggestions for places/shows? This week's give-away is for a 1/2 inch silver initial tag. Comment HERE or on the studio FACEBOOK page to be entered in the give-away and then check back on Friday to see if you are the winner!

Studio Open House THIS WEEK!

It's all fun...I've made new silver, so many glass charms I can't count them, and I'm putting finishing touches on my displays...

The Studio Open House runs this Thursday (5-8...I won't be open during the day for regular studio hours, getting ready for the show!), Friday (10-3 and 5-8), and Saturday (10-4). I have a group coming in from Omaha for a private trunk show, as well.

So...for anyone who follows me on this blog or on the studio FACEBOOK page, you have the insider scoop for this week's give-away...

Anyone who comments on this blog or on the studio FB page by Thursday, may come to the open house and ask for their FREE polishing pad with their order. It's only good for this weekend (you can't ask for it at another show, silly!), and you need to say "hi" to me at one of these on-line locations, by Thursday 5pm.

If your want to hear about my Chicago trip, scroll down to the previous entry, and now I'm back to work!

I'll be at market TWO more days!

I will be at the Piedmont Market tomorrow (Saturday August 21, 8-noon), and then again the following week, and THAT'S IT before my Fall shows begin. I'm oh-so busy getting everything ready for my Open Studio Show September 9, 10, and 11(remember, I had to move it forward a week!)...and then the FUN begins! Shows almost every weekend until December. Can she do it? Can she still plan coffee dates with her friends? Will Lucy tell her mother she's too grouchy to work with? Yes, YES, and I HOPE Lucy tells me if I'm too grouchy...that girl's my right-hand gal :)

On Monday, I plan to let you start reserving times for private studio Trunk Shows, beginning in September. These are perfect for groups of 5+ friends, co-workers, sisters (and MOM!)...you get extra-special help for custom orders, plus there's usually a lot of laughing while you help Susie pick out what SHE needs! I only have 2 available Saturdays, some Sunday afternoons, and one or 2 evenings per week. If you have a group that can come during the school day, we can work with that, too.

Now for this week's lucky-ducky give-away winner...Natasha is a new fan on the studio Facebook page and should contact me to claim her prize, the "secret locket".

Hope to see lots of friendly faces tomorrow at market...I sure hope Mary Helen has a pie with my name on it!

...Gather your friends

In the past, summers were my downtime...no shows, work on inventory for the fall. This summer, I've been branching out. I'm at the Piedmont market most Saturdays from 8-noon; I'm signed up for Jazz in June on Tuesday evenings in front of the Lied Center at 12th and R...you can come down for food and music, too:) Don't forget Thursdays in the studio, 10-2!

Another option for the summer...gather your friends in my studio! We tried this just before Christmas, and got great comments from everyone who planned or attended a private trunk show. You and 5+ friends (sisters, mom, co-workers...) have a scheduled window of time in the studio to shop and visit with me about special orders. This is great if you'd like to shop in the evening, because it's one of the few times I open the studio outside of Thursdays and open houses.

For this week's give-away...anyone who schedules a Gathering will receive a free $12 glass charm from my inventory at the time of her scheduled trunk show.

blog...according to the Brown Dog

Taking a Memorial Day break from the studio, so this entry will be a collaboration with Miso (aka "the brown dog"). She wants to recognize all of you great dog owners and everyone else who is curious about the studio namesake. Miso inhales her own kibble with the same gusto as

stray morsels of human food. She loves walks, squirrels, the comforts of heat and A/C, and only tolerates the camera when Sarah has crackers in her pocket.

This week's give-away is simple...you or your pet can say "hello" to Miso via a comment at the end of this entry, e-mail, or by "liking" the Brown Dog Studio Facebook page (click on the link in the sidebar...you don't have to friend Sarah, so no one will view your FB page!)

Miso insists I give the random winner a silver or copper 1" disk "dogtag" with their choice of inscription, which doesn't have to be dog-related :) The "lucky dog" will be announced in Friday's blog entry.

Remember I'll be at Jazz in June on Tuesday evenings, starting tomorrow. I also plan to be at the Piedmont Market this Saturday, from 8 until noon. I love visitors!

...like a bright copper penny

My original idea this week was to focus on teachers and inspiration...now follow my train of thought :)

...that led to graduations and other new beginnings with dates
...new babies, anniversaries, birthdays...

And off I went, on the hunt for a 1991 penny for Todd's and my 19 years married this month!

I added a few into some silver necklace designs I've made.
This charm necklace also holds glass charms (a pretty version of the CLIP). It could be a gift for a teacher, or a graduate.

This necklace could be for an anniversary (mine!), or a new marriage.

So...in my penny frame of mind, I'd like to hear your two cents for my give-away this week. Comment here on my blog or e-mail me what date YOU would like to wear or one that you would give as a GIFT. Someone will win a personalized "lucky penny charm" on Friday.
Shh...I'm making one for my sister's birthday!

I'll be at the Piedmont market again on Saturday (8-12), but will not have my regular Thursday Studio hours this week. It's the kids' last day of school and I am momma-taxi. If you need me this week, give me a call, or I'll see you at the Market!

To Market, to Market...

It's a PLAN! I'm signed up to hit the Piedmont Markets on Saturdays, and weather permitting, will be there this Saturday, May 22, from 8-12. You can find the Market at Cotner and A Streets (don't look for me downtown, I'd hate to miss you!). I hope to be at the Piedmont Market twice a month over the summer, and I'll let you know each week, in this blog, if I plan to be there.

I'm previewing some Father's Day ideas this week. I'll take orders via phone, e-mail, at the Piedmont market, or in my studio Thursdays 10-2.

One great idea for Dad (or any GUY) is this thick, black leather band with one of my Silver Twist-ies (TM). You can request children's names, a quote, a verse from scripture. I have more silver that can be added to this manly bracelet, or a heavier leather cuff.


1-inch copper or sterling disks on keyring. Personalize them with names, dates, your sentiments for Dad, that quote he's famous for! Also great for Grandpa (grandkids' names)!

For this week's give-away, I'd love to hear dad memories, quotes, famous words. These don't have to be ideas I can use in the studio...just inspiration for my next few weeks of work! Comment here or in an e-mail to me, and I'll announce the random winner of one free $12 charm, on Friday.

Congrats to Grads

We're in the midst of our own graduation preparations...thank you to all for the inspirational "fly away" wishes for graduates. Becky, you must be one LUCKY girl...another win! Come by for your cutie-silver disk. If you'd like, you can e-mail me in advance with your word choice. When I can breathe, I hope to debut some Father's Day ideas with Monday's comment/give-away.

FLY...Graduates and Give-away

Thinking about graduations...we have one in our household...not one of our children, but my husband, his MBA...so we're part of the hustle and bustle of these May events!

There were lots of graduation gifts "flying" out of the studio this weekend, and there is still time to find something special (I have open hours on Thursday from 10-2 or you could give a gift certificate!...just phone or e-mail me).

I was thinking that for this week's give-away I'd like to hear YOUR sentiments...special words or quotes...that could apply to graduates. Add your comment here, or e-mail me an idea regarding graduates, and your name will be entered in this week's random drawing (that means you don't have to be the MOST ORIGINAL to win...MY kind of fun!). Don't worry if you have the same "special word" as someone else...that just means it's a GOOD one, and maybe I'll USE it!

Check back on Friday to see who has won...A 1/2 INCH SILVER DISK CHARM with her choice of word.

I'm hoping to pick up a Saturday morning at the Piedmont Market towards the end of May. I'll give exact details before it happens.