Cinnamon Pink

Something New

 

I just created this Cinnamon Pink Door Dangle© for my Etsy Shop. Check out my Shop for the story behind this home decor accent.

I've designed a few different versions that I will be listing in Etsy during the next few days. I really enjoyed coming up with this idea and then developing different interpretations. I hope you like them.

Cinnamon Pink Girl in Progress

Here's a postcard-size sketch of a Cinnamon Pink Girl in progress.

Sweet Girly Girl Treasury on Etsy: Featuring Madcap Life Team Members

I just finished creating a Sweet Girly Girl Treasury on Etsy. The Treasury features Etsy members from It's a Madcap Life Team. Check it out and let me know what you think.

I tried posting an image of the Treasury here on Typepad but it didn't work. If anyone knows how to do this, please let me know. Thanks.

 

Making that First Mark in a Blank Book

If you're a writer or artist, I'll bet that you have a cache of blank art journals, sketch books and/or notebooks stashed throughout your home. Come on - You know what I mean. It could be that beautiful moleskin - or that art journal, filled with Arches watercolor paper, that you just don't want to mess up for the first time.

I know what you mean. The above image reveals just some of the books that I can't put the first mark in. I purchased the pink book in Paris years ago. I rationalize that I absolutely cannot put any generic scribbling in that book. I must admit that if I hunted around a bit more, I would find even more blank books in my house.

My challenge to you is to begin using one of your blank books today. I decided to use the orange book for my Zentangle creations. I'm not ready for the pink book yet but I'm working on it.

Ornaments as Decorative Decor

 

I just created this glittery, sheet music wreath. This is the type of ornament that I would display year-round in my home instead of just bringing it out during the Christmas season.

I actually like to use special ornaments (whether handmade or purchased) as decorative accents in my home. For example, a few years back, I found cute ice cream cone ornaments in the gift shop of Biltmore Estate. I use the ice cream cones as lamp pulls in my bedrooms. In this way, I can enjoy them all year round.

Do you use any of your ornaments for different purposes?

 

 

The Look of Success from Ann Burton

For the past few days, I've been working with clay, glue and glitter. Sometimes, too much glue and too much glitter on my hands, the floor, my studio. Finally, I decided to take a quick break and do some Web surfing. I checked out Handmadeology - a site that always delivers useful content for indy businesses.

I enjoyed reading Ann Burton's perceptive article, The Look of Success. Ann makes some great points.  How do you project success with your online shop?

Take some time - now or during the week - to explore the other articles on the Handmadeology site. You'll be glad you did.

Lovely Music at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Concert

Last night, we attended a Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert that was held at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

The event was part of the annual series of pre-season, outdoor events known as Symphony under the Stars.The weather was beautiful - but too windy for the planned Symphonic Fireworks.

The audience sat about 100 yards away from King Neptune. I'm sure he enjoyed the music too. As always, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra outdid themselves. A warm thank you to the Orchestra for their rousing performance.

   

Grid Journaling from Milliande

I came across the topic of Grid Journaling on Milliande's wonderful site.  I have always been fascinated by making art in small squares but I never tried grid journaling. After reading her post - and looking at her examples - I look forward to experimenting with this idea.

Here is one of Milliande's Grid Journal pages. Take some time to check out the rest of her interesting site.

Image from Milliande's site

Are You Ready For the Holiday Rush?

Are you all prepared for the Holiday Rush? I’m not thinking about your personal Christmas and Chanukah shopping. I’m talking about preparations for your small business. Here are five tips to help your small business get ready for the holiday shopping season.

• Have you purchased all the needed supplies for the products that you make? If you haven’t, you might want to first check out the nooks and crannies of your supply closet. In fact, cleaning out your studio before you go shopping is a good first step. I’m always surprised at the “new” supplies that I find (and have forgotten about) when I do a purge of my studio. Running low on any shipping supplies? Better to place an order now so you will be prepared.

• Write down your business goals for the holidays, i.e., “I plan to make, and sell, xx number of items.”

• List any new venues where you might sell your items. Maybe you primarily sell online. Then why not check out that recently opened gift shop in town. Meet with the owner, show her some samples of your work and drop off a brochure and business card. Follow up with the owner in a week or two. Contact the Art Guild in your town as well.
  

• Will you offer Web customers any holiday specials or promotions? Write up the copy for these specials today. Take any related photographs at this time too.

• When selling online, give some thought to your holiday presence. Similar to brick and mortar stores, it’s your job to get your potential customers into the holiday spirit. You might want to redecorate your shop or blog with festive visuals. Also, create some special, and helpful, holiday content, e.g., “Easy holiday wrapping tips.” Include photos that tie in with those tips. Customers will appreciate the help during this hectic season.

I realize it’s better to have all these plans in place a few months earlier than September. But if you don't, there’s still time to tweak your pre-holiday work and selling plans. What are you doing to get your business ready for the holidays?

Check Out: Design 2 Market Success

Need a shot of inspiration? Check out Jane Button's blog and Web site, Design 2 Market Success.

Here's just one example of her thought-provoking articles and posts, From Hobby to Business: Hobbies cost money, businesses make money.

Blurb from Jane's site: "Online creative product mentor Jane Button publishes the "Design 2 Market News" weekly ezine packed full of tips to help make you money from your Invention, Sewn or Knit Product, Art, Design, Gift, or Craft Business. If you're ready to take off the training wheels and turn your creative passion into a profitable business, get your FREE tips now at www.Design2MarketSuccess.com"

New Art to See on PFATT Marketplace

Today is September 10 which means that there is new art work on the PFATT (Primitive Folk Art Trinkets & Treasures) Marketplace site.

Here's a sneak peek of my new art work. Check out PFATT for more details - and to view the other artists' work.

The spirit of Halloween is definitely in the air for this pastel witch.

How about a Cinnamon Pink© kind of witch? You just know that I couldn't resist making one!

No witch here - Just a girl with a motivational message

Dreamer into Doer Profile: Catcophony Wearable Art.

I recently joined Martha Stewart's Dreamers into Doers community which celebrates talented and creative women who turn their dreams into careers they love.

Since I am a member, I'm regularly in touch with a large group of super-creative women. One such lady is Diane Perry, owner of Catcophony Wearable Art.

Here's Diane's business philosophy in her own words:

"Catcophony grew out of my desire to create unique jewelry with simplified lines. You won't find elaborate or ornate designs in my shop. What you will find is wearable art as unique as you are. All Catcophony's jewelry and accessories are handcrafted and most are one-of-a-kind. All are limited edition."

Listed below are two beautiful pieces from her collection of jewelry:

Deco Victorian Floral Pendant

Turquoise & Sterling Silver Bracelet

 

Check out Diane's shop - and the Dreamers into Doers community too!

Artsy Shark on: Evaluating Your Greeting Card Line

The days, weeks and months have been moving by quickly. Just finished a commissioned art piece - and my submissions for PFATT Marketplace. Trying to keep up with social media. What happened to Summer?

Here's a helpful article from Artsy Shark: Is This Greeting Card Line Ready for Retail? Check it out! Lots of good information here.

Self-Promotion Tips from Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy

If you want solid, and valuable, information to reinvigorate your art career, check out Maria Brophy's blog. You may want to begin by reading this article: Self Promotion is NOT a Dirty Word – 11 Ways to Market Yourself.

I especially like Brophy's reminder to artists that "Consistency is Key." Many of us get so involved in art making (me included), that we forget all about the marketing end of our business. But if we want to see results from our marketing efforts, we need to consistently get out there and Self-Promote.

What have you done to promote your art today?