Working Away...

It has been a productive week so far, I have made a bunch of new Charmed Pennies and Scrabble Tile Pendants, and just got a big order for acorns so I am off to torch today! When the customer called, I needed to take pictures of the acorns I had in stock, but had a computer glitch. Okay, so I was the computer glitch. I moved my printer and somehow disabled my network and internet...have no idea how I did that. So I had to take the pictures with my camera phone, I have to say I am impressed at the little camera, I think it did a great job!

Christmas Glass

This year I was able to purchase some Groupons to use at a local Hot Glass Shop so that I was able to take my family there for their first hands on experience in a hot shop. They could choose to make an ornament, a float, a candy dish, or an egg. Once they decided on the shape, they were able to pick up to 2 colors of frit to work with. Then it was just a matter of waiting until it was their turn. It is truly a easy experience for anyone to do. You have a glass worker who handles the punty, the glass, and gets that starter bubble going for you (they make it seem so effortless, but from experience I can tell you that it is not!). Then they hook up a hose and from that you blow into it, and help to create your piece. It is magical, and this way, you know you will end up with a great piece that will be well shaped and beautiful. We can't wait to see our finished pieces!

Jewelry for me...

Many of my glass and jewelry friends will understand this. We have a ton of beads and jewelry around, and most of it is for sale. Well, I have to admit that I don't have lots of jewelry. I have  a few great pieces that go with the majority of my wardrobe, and that is that. So today I have to say that I am feeling pretty lucky. After we got home from church, I changed into jeans and a great new shirt that I received for Christmas. Well, I didn't have any jewelry for it, and you know... sometimes it really does come in handy being a jewelry designer and glass artisan. I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I ran downstairs, and grabbed my favorite heart that I have made. (I have brought the heart to shows, but it never has seemed to make it actually to the table to be for sale.) I really wanted to keep it, but didn't have anything to wear with it. Well, now I do. I turned it into a quick necklace and paired it with some crystal earrings, and a fused silver bracelet that I made before, voila! My outfit is complete!

What are the different ways you diversify your business?

This is the topic of the week at Flaming Hot. Most of us sell our beads and jewelry online, however that isn't always enough. I have a wholesale Children's line of jewelry that doesn't include lampworking at all, but it is what lead me to start lampworking in the first place, so I am forever grateful to that line. I also have a wholesale line of knitting markers that is a lot of fun as well. I also look forward to the selling at different shows in my area. I love getting to meet my customers face to face and enjoy the reactions of them as they say, "You make the beads?" I always carry some glass and examples of beads in the stages of making a bead so that I have a tangible example of how I create the beads. This helps them understand the process of lampworking better and they can appreciate and understand why my items are more expensive than a lot of the other jewelry at the shows. My other favorite way of selling is to do home shows. It is a win win situation for all involved. The hostess earns a pair of free earrings, a discount on her purchases, as well as earning free money based on the sales at her party. Her friends get to come and visit, shop, and snack on good food. I get out of the house, and once again, get to meet my customers face to face, and create new friends. I always have a wonderful time at these parties. In the end, the best way to diversify my business is to keep an open mind, to look for new and different ways to market my products. I only wish I had enough time to implement all of my ideas. Time does get short in a house with 4 kids after all!

Hearts, flowers and more

I had so much fun at the torch yesterday! I made hearts with tiny rosebuds, raised florals, and even played with a little bit of Kronos (a super silver saturated glass color) from Double Helix Glass I love their glass! Today I will get all of these wrapped up into stitch markers for The Yarn Deli. They have such a great store. My Mom introduced them to me a few years ago. I don't knit, but love visiting their store.