little flower designs

happy holidays!

2011-11-27T11:20:00.002-05:00

It has been a long and exhausting year but I am finally back in the swing of things! My studio is up and running, work is cooling in the kiln and I have a holiday show coming up on saturday! I am working on photos of my new work while the kiln cools and wanted to share my new Peace Cloud Ornament! I also made them to say "joy" and "hope"! They are now available in my etsy shop!

Come out to the Holiday Heap Show in Baltimore on December 3rd to shop in person!!! I'd love to see you at this super fun show! I just LOVE this show and can't be more thrilled than to be included!

Keep an eye out midweek for a photo update!
<3 Linda

nature and gifts

2011-08-11T15:32:00.004-05:00

Summer has been so nice, we are in our new house, still renovating (endlessly) but enjoying living more in nature. I'm not sure how I'll pull two thoughts together to share but I want to try. I recently ran into one of my old sculpture professors from Tyler, we both often walk the same trails in a nearby park. I spoke with her briefly and was amazed at how she always has something so valuable to say, and how the information always feels like a gift. She suggested I read a book called "the Last child in the woods" a wonderful suggestion since I had my wee lady on my back and I was walking our beagle. I kept thinking about the book and how a simple hello turned into me really needing that book! I just started reading it but it is just perfect for me right now, how amazing is that? It talks about the value of nature in child development. And having just moved to a home that is immersed in nature (large windows, big yard, deer, fox, trees, birds, etc) so that our daughter could grow up in a nice place surrounded by these things, it felt good to have someone I admire make such a nice suggestion. I've also been watching my daughter discover her surrounding. She looks at everything very carefully, every detail, and she likes to share these "new" things with me, also an incredible gift. This has me thinking about how to continue on with my art. I think it's become more of a job for me lately, which luckily it is a job I love but how wonderful would it be if I could turn it into something that felt like a gift, a well thought out gift inspired by nature, now that would be amazing!

Open!

2011-07-06T12:05:00.002-05:00

My Etsy shop is now open! and may I say whew! as in I'm wiping the sweat off on forehead for having reached this goal today. I just sent out my e-newsletter and hope you all receive it. I have decided to do 5 emails per year unless there is something extra special going on. So it will be 4 seasonal newsletters, plus one for the holidays. You can sign up here ; ) To celebrate the re-opening of my etsy shop and beginning to work in my new studio, I am offering 20% off, just visit my facebook page (and "like" it) to get your special coupon code.

Next up for this Little Flower Lady is to begin working in clay again! and hopefully packing up lots of pots to send out to new their new homes!

Happy Summer!

prepping

2011-06-27T11:18:00.002-05:00

I am preparing to open my etsy shop and the online sale portion of my website. The task is ever growing, and with small bits of time to pull it all together I keep changing the opening date. And now it is such an undertaking that I am gearing up for a GRAND re-opening! The studio is in pretty good shape, I can now work and I am finding more and more time to be in the studio. Today I wanted to pop in to tell you I am here, I am working and will be open in the coming week or so. Right before a holiday weekend just doesn't seem like good timing ; ) Thank you all for your patience and for following along. It truly means everything to me.

day one

2011-06-20T08:54:00.002-05:00

Monday, and my first day back to work in the studio. As you can see I have some unpacking to do. The kilns are still stacked on my work tables mainly because one of the kilns needs a new stand and because we ran out of time. But my summer sitter is here! Day one for her and day one for me in my new studio. I will be working part time this summer, 20-30 hours a week (spread out with the sitter, naps and evenings). I am quite excited to finally be a working mama! No more long extended breaks, no more wondering when I can get back to Little Flower, no more running back and forth between houses and how nice to have my entire studio in one place again. It's been a long hard 7 months, and I haven't even told you about our home renovation and all of the problems we've been fixing. I think I need a separate blog for that! But here I am, settling in and gearing up to reopen my etsy shop!

slow studio

2011-06-14T11:25:00.002-05:00

The process of setting up a new studio is pretty serious business. The picture above is of my shelving project. I am using the Gorm shelving from Ikea. I had a nice section of this from my old studio and decided it worked so well that I would build onto it. And I am quite pleased with how it is turning out. I was able to extend the height about 2 feet so I now have 8' shelving which in person is quite impressive! I ran into a slight delay last night and need to take a 3rd trip to Ikea (oh darn!) to pick up more shelves. But the space is coming together at a good pace, we still need to move my kilns in and run the electric lines, as well as have the heater/ac unit installed and dare I hope for new windows and doors sometime soon?! But I will be back to Little Flower business on monday! Monday!!! I am excited!!! I will be working a limited schedule to start but I should be able to open my etsy shop. I'll do a more detailed post about the studio soon, for now, take care!

Show weekend!!!

2011-05-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends! Come on out for the 8th annual Art Star Craft Bazaar this weekend at Philadelphia's Penn's Landing! It is sure to be a great weekend! Great art, great craft, great music and great people (you!!) Come on out and say hello, I'm in booth #125 just off the main parking lot on the lower level. I will be set up with my nature stories collection. This is my first show in a very long time and my ONLY summer show.
Saturday & Sunday from 11 -6

Hope to see you there!

xo, Linda

back in the old studio

2011-04-27T10:02:00.003-05:00

Time has not been on our side lately. I had planned to blog about setting up my new studio but here we are 2 months later and my new studio is still a garage filled with construction materials and laundry machines. My temporary work area in our new basement only got me so far in prepping for the Art Star Craft Bazaar. Oh! Yes!!! I am doing a show, and a great one! Please come out to say hello May 14 & 15! I managed to make an entire kiln load of work and moved back to my old studio where my lonely kilns still sit. It's a bit strange to sneak away to a nearly empty studio but I'm doing the best I can. The above work is about to be overglazed and fired. I will have a very small collection of wares to test and sell at the ASCB, but I am very happy with the work I will have. And with 3 weeks left to prepare, I'm doing very well! I am half packed and organized. And dare I mention that I might have textiles! I have a little side project going that is shaping up quite nicely. I will share some pictures soon, I have a bit of finishing work to do!

And about that new studio, well, it is coming along, we are ready to paint and as soon as a few things are moved out we're going to spray the entire space white! Then attempt to do something with the wonky floor. My dream of french patio doors is on hold for now, but will happen this year. It's funny how my plan for a simple space has turned into such a big project. And we didn't even get into the electrical issues. I have been posting updates a few times a week on my facebook page, like me if you would like to follow along. I also chat in the comments : )
Happy Spring!

insulated - slow progress

2011-02-28T08:56:00.008-05:00

The wall is finally insulated, and the insulation is wonderful! I am told it was easy to install, from cutting to hanging. We used a stone wool product called ComfortBatt, made by Roxul. You can read more about it on their website. I had to special order it from Lowe's. I tried to find the denim insulation you always see on those home improvement shows but it turns out, this product is better suited for a garage/studio. We'll hang fireboard drywall, since our township has a code on what you can hang in a garage. We also had a friend/contractor come by to look at the floor and yikes! It will be a big expensive project to fix. I didn't allow for that kind of expense when I made my studio budget so I think I'm going to have to live with the slope. There is a section across the space that is level, everything else will have to be shimmed or leveled and bolted to the walls. My main concern was my wheel since I can't see shimming that. The laundry area is in the level section so now we're looking into moving that back into the basement when the septic system is fixed or to try to convert a small unfinished powder room into a laundry closet. I guess you can say I'm taking one for the team/family. We're still a couple or few months from having the new septic system installed due to design, permit approval and waiting for the ground to dry out so what's a few more burdens?! I'm trying really hard to get back to work as soon as possible, my studio is packed and ready to move. I'm cleaning up an area in our new basement to use. Nothing is easy here, the entire floor is covered in silt from a previous flood. So now I need to rent a floor scrubber to make a clean area to work. It's looking like our rough couple of months is going to be one long hard year. We put ourselves in this situation which makes it hard to complain, it is what it is! I'm now spending my days going between our new and old houses with a toddler and a dog, along with laundry and bathing items. It's sort or comical! I set up a pack and play in my old studio so the little lady can hang out with me while I organize things and clean, she's such a good sport. And in our new home, I'm trying to finish our new bathroom (not that we can use it) to get the giant vanity out of my new studio. I'm to the less intimidating part of covering the new tile floor and priming the ceiling and walls. Much to do, much to do...

much to do

2011-02-23T17:33:00.002-05:00

Look at the beautiful job my sweetie did framing out the studio wall! I had to special order the insulation which I believe is made of wool so we had a slight delay. I'll fill you in on the insulation after we pick it up. I'm hoping I made a good choice.
I started with something positive because I'm pretty upset about the state of things with our house and my studio. I mentioned that the laundry is now in my space, well, another problem is pictured above. We haven't figured out how to deal with this just yet. It's quite a slope... We have a lot going on and really don't need another expense but, shimming everything from kilns, my wheel, tables and shelving just won't be realistic. If anyone has experience with this, I'd love some input. How did you deal with a sloped floor? We're going to get some quotes on having a new floor poured. Our other issue is why the laundry is in my space. Our septic system is filled with ground water. And the ground just won't dry out. We found out we're months from having a fancy new system installed and we're a good 1/2 mile from the nearest sewer, so close yet a zillion dollars and a lot of bureaucracy away. We're going to move forward with my studio conversion, new septic systems don't pay for themselves! Once we figure out the floor I can move, I am pretty much packed and more than ready to get back to work. Most of the summer show applications are up and I'd hate to miss show season. I do have a small collection of wares ready and a few bins of seconds and older pieces to sell. Not too bad ; )

Here's a picture of our new neighbors, I want to leave you with something positive! Taken from inside our house! There's a little red fox that runs around here too, he's my favorite to look for, but quite shy, I'm hoping to get his picture too.

squished- a studio update

2011-02-08T14:53:00.004-05:00

Packing is in full swing, there are my supplies, tools, equipment, old stock, wonky pots, 2nd's and then the smash box. I'm purging as I go. This process is going so slow because I am doing it with only 2-3 hours each day dedicated to this. The above photo is from this morning... It's a big task but now it's under control. Almost all of the pots are packed and all of them are sorted, finally! I do realize it looks like an episode of Hoarders in there, but in my defense, everything is out and 3/4 of my shelving is already empty and ready to move. I closed my etsy shop today which is a little sad, I need to have a moving sale but things are not working out that way. Our new home is turning into a bigger and bigger project. Hence the below photo of my still unfinished studio. Oh where, oh where will I move my studio to?! I'm trying my best to have a good sense of humor over this but, the laundry area that we moved to the basement is now back in my studio space. My new studio is 480 sq. feet. That's not tiny but it's small for a pottery studio. So to give up an entire corner to a washer and dryer and leave room to do the wash is far from ideal. My excitement over this new space is quickly getting squished. We were supposed to be working on the walls and floor this week so I could start to move in. So here it is February and still no studio... we knew this would be rough... and it is.
More pictures on facebook.

it takes work

2011-01-11T22:52:00.006-05:00

Being creative comes naturally, honing that creativity into something tangible takes work. More work than most would think is truly possible. Small and large interruptions can happen and that starts and stops then restarts the creative flow. My creative outlet has been my business for the past bunch of years. 2010 was such a life changing year for me that my work needs to change. I spent it mainly out of my studio; having a baby, taking time off to be with her, buying a new home and studio, renovating the home, and organizing my wee family's life for this move. 2011 is sure to bring new designs. I know it will be some time before I am up and running, my new studio isn't even close to being ready. This seems like a good time to reflect on what has happened since I launched Little Flower Designs way back in 2004. I've been cleaning out my studio, pulling out work like the above tea set, the Just Friends pattern that brought me a lot of attention from the press and more orders than I thought I'd ever keep up with. Thinking about this makes me wonder if it's something that I should still be making. How long should I produce a design, how do I decide on a number I should cap it at to make it a limited edition. I do everything by hand from scratch so after I've made something a few hundred times I need to move on. My work and process has changed. I feel like I am about to create a new and exciting body of work.
The Nature Stories collection I started to work on over the summer felt like me. The platter above is from that collection. After having a baby, and being out of the studio I was feeling a little out of sorts. Once I started designing, with my daughter's little smiles to tell me what worked, I started to feel like myself again. It's a hard feeling to describe but being an artist for me is similar to being a mother. And now that I actually am a mother, I realise just how much care I have put into my wares and business. And all that care is hard to just set aside, so, while creatively I want to produce new work. The mama in me wonders if I should be taking care of all my old designs in some way. While I do sketch all the time, I work hard to make a design work across a range of forms. Should these designs be moving off the clay and onto paper or cloth? When I launched Little Flower Designs I wanted to be able to work in different mediums, clay has been so time consuming that I haven't had a chance to explore that properly. Anyhow, 2011 is sure to be a year for fresh starts and of course more hard work.

tick, tick, tick

2010-12-29T22:16:00.002-05:00

sigh, the holidays are here...
I do hope you had a wonderful time and are planning something splendid for the new year. We had a very nice first Christmas with our wee lady, she's 11 months old now! We've been renovating away on our new home and my new studio keeps getting filled with construction materials for the house, hence the sigh... I still haven't packed up my old studio and feel like I just might sneak in there and start making pots again. The plan for my new studio is to do a bit more demo on the walls before we put it back together again. My wish list is to insulate and finish the walls, switch out the garage doors with french patio doors, paint the floor, install new lighting, and new electric, then at long last move in and get to work. Oh, I also need a sink and a heater and I'm sure many other needs will pop up. It's been slow going as many projects like this are. I just might settle for the bare neccesities until spring. We just had our first snow to remind me that putting in new doors (which we have no experience doing) might be a cold difficult project and can wait until nicer weather. We thought we had the demo done until I figured out that the electic on one side of the house didn't work and our unwelcome house guests (mice) just might have chewed the wiring. That paired with a curious buldge on my studio wall have us wondering what's inside it (yuck!!!! I really don't want to know) So demo we will. The nice thing about a studio is that when we put it back together the walls don't have to be perfect like they should be in a house. Especially since there will be shelving in front of it. Anyhow, I wanted to update here since it's been quite some time since I've uttered a peep. The above picture is from just after the demo and it's a bit cleaned up and not filled with things that shouldn't be in there. I'll snap some new pictures once we actually start working on this. But for now, I'm still closed and thinking about having a moving sale.

somehow, instead, um, oh my!

2010-11-11T17:07:00.003-05:00

Something amazing has happened, after searching near and far for almost 5 years, we have found a new home! And although it is quite the project, it will be just right for us. We really can not believe how right it truly is. I am finally getting out of my basement studio. Somehow, we will be transforming a 2 car garage into my little flower world. I will have windows, lots of light and a chance to set up a professional studio.
After dragging mismatched shelves, tables and various other finds into the basement for 10 years, this is going to be a refreshing change. We'll clean up the floor and paint or tile it, whichever I choose it will finally be easy to clean! I'll install shelving that makes sense. And have a lovely professional artist's studio.

Instead of working away in the studio this holiday season, I will be working on the studio. My hope is to start fresh in 2011. Our true DIY spirit will hopefully carry us through renovating a new home and studio. This time we're really going to grow some roots.

Um, yes I am overwhelmed. But oh my, it's going to be good!

Daily Candy!

2010-10-20T20:43:00.002-05:00

Thank you Daily Candy!

a little sunshine

2010-10-18T14:59:00.002-05:00

Tea cups! I've been working away to list my Nature Stories collection in my etsy shop. This is the first collection of work I have created since having my daughter. I am now working part time and will produce small collections that are ready to ship. This collection is small, and will only be available for a limited amount of time, I'm working out the details but will make an announcement soon. If you are thinking about gifting my wares this holiday season, now is the time to shop as this is it for 2010. Visit my etsy shop!

update this weekend!

2010-10-16T21:26:00.003-05:00

I am now updating my etsy shop with a very special collection!
Look for cups, bowls, vases and platters to be added this weekend.

table manners

2010-09-22T10:18:00.003-05:00

I just sent the above set off to the Table Manners show at Lark and Key Gallery in NC. I've been working on some new imagery for my fall & holiday offerings and love how the bird and the sun came out. This might be the boldest of my new designs. I plan to launch my new line mid-October, it will be small but lovely!

closed but making

2010-08-23T14:59:00.003-05:00

I closed the shop again. Thank you to everyone that bought something, it was fun to be open again. It was a good test to see if I can balance the making and selling while being a mama. My conclusion, I can make things, then sell things but I don't think I can do both at the same time with good results. I do plan to reopen my shop in the fall, just in time for the holidays. I will have a new line of wares, as well as ornaments and everything will be ready to ship. Things are feeling alot more organized around here, but it is still a challenge to work. I have been having so much fun with my daughter, she's a happy little lady who luckily seems interested in art!!! She'll be 7 months old on friday, I can't believe it. We've come a long way!

Above is a little vase I am working on and if you have a keen eye you'll see I'm trying a new process!

sale time!

2010-07-26T09:20:00.002-05:00

After a 6 month maternity break, my etsy shop is open again!

I thought I'd start out with a sale!!! Everything is 20-40% off my usual prices. This is your last chance to buy these items, so if you see your favorite pattern, this is it! I'm starting over, fresh with a new line of wares to launch this fall. I'll be listing items all week, so be sure to check in often! I only have one maybe two of each item, help me clear my shelves and get yourself or someone you love something lovely.
Shop the Little Flower Designs Sale!

a place i love

2010-07-19T13:08:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to get to a place I love, where the world moves a bit easier, time doesn't evaporate so quickly, and things stay lovely - maybe not forever but at least long enough to notice.

Are you on that road too?

Just us girls in the studio!

2010-06-24T13:22:00.005-05:00

Wow, it's been awhile! We're progressing slowly here, the new work is coming, designs are flowing from my pen like mad. Some are even making it into the clay. Just slowly. Baby lady is not one for napping, at least not in the conventional baby sleep pattern sort of way. Everyone reassures me that the day will come. I'm hoping for a nice 2 hours afternoon nap, we have afternoon sleepiness, lots of nursing to avoid the dreaded "laying down" but no official nap. I do take the little miss into the studio(pictured), she will last about an hour if I switch her between the baby swing and her pack and play. (in case anyone is in my situation) I sometimes do this a few times each day, we're up and down. On nice days we go outside. I did get her an exersaucer and she loves it but is still a bit small, but it's great to put her in and do a few chores.

Anyhow, back to little flowerness. I've mentioned that I'm changing things up a bit, no more custom pieces unless it is a BIG commission, it's just too time consuming. I am also limiting my line to select forms that I enjoy making. And thats shaping up to be a new bowl form, platters, vases and I'll keep making the cups since they seem to be my hot seller! I am also working out the kinks of a 2-d item I've been tinkering with forever. Other than that it's been so nice to have all this time with Mazzy. I've slowed down my life to a reasonable pace, I even sleep now! In addition to making new wares, I'm also trying to keep this new pace a priority, previously I was on the road to total burnout, I loved it but that really wasn't the best way to live. And I'm sure some of you know what I mean!

I am hoping to reopen my etsy shop in the upcoming weeks, I have 2 things in mind, the first a sale of pre-baby items and of course the launch of new items!!!!

Hope you are all well!

xo, Linda

step one

2010-05-12T14:28:00.003-05:00

I think every maker has an unstoppable hunger to create. I've been out of the studio for almost 4 months now, unless you count standing in my studio looking around thinking "how in the world can I make this work?" So here I am sitting in my studio blogging with my little lady in her pack and play. I'm calling this step one! I am beyond hungry! My previous approaches just didn't work, I was waiting for her to take a nap, only she naps randomly throughout the day. Yesterday she slept for 3 hours in her bouncy seat in the living room, I did use the time to do a ton of chores but didn't venture down to the studio because I didn't know how long that would last - a missed opportunity... I guess this is now more than just running my business (I miss having an income) it's more about the fact that I REALLY miss my studio (yes tears have been shed) On the other hand, I LOVE being a mama, I LOVE my daughter and when I think of somehow combining the two to fit into each day, well, it would be a dream come true. I also want to show her that while she comes first and I will drop everything for her, that mama is an artist and a business woman and trying to be an awesome role model. Right now Miss Mazzy is napping!!! Since today is day one to my new approach, I'm just fooling around and packing some items to send out. Anyhow, my new approach is to take her along on my regular everyday tasks. Today we started with some nursing and playing, then yoga and bathing, then eating (for me) a few house chores, then we walked Marley and now we're in the studio with the laundry going! We're also trying to make cloth diapers work for us, um messy! My next happy studio baby strategy is to get her an exersaucer, my thought is that if she doesn't want to sleep, she needs something to do and I think that in her 3+ months of life she might be getting tired of laying around. She really like to stand up and is even trying to take some steps when we hold her up. So move over slab roller, make way for the exersaucer! or something like that!
I'm off to pack orders and baby allowing, weigh out some clay (tomorrow I might try to make something!) Happy May 12th!

slowly & a sweet story

2010-04-19T12:56:00.002-05:00

The other day while Mazzy was wiggling around on her play mat, I noticed her looking away at something, not at my face, more at my hand which happened to be holding one of my bird cups. She was smiling and starting to giggle when I asked her if she liked the birdy, more wiggles and giggles, my heart melted. So may I gush? How lovely is it that my nearly 3 month old daughter wiggles and giggles at my work? So a trip into the studio for some more smiling and telling her what mama does was in order. Here we are visiting my studio for the very first time! Now to clean it up and try to make something!

a list for the mama maker/ things you'll need to know

2010-03-19T13:31:00.004-05:00

baby comes first (a given!)
get your health back because having a baby beats you up
don't set goals until after the baby is born (intentions yes but no "do by" dates)
enjoy your wee one even if they never let you eat your dinner hot
if you are nursing (breast is best!) it is intense
and nursing is around the clock
as a maker you already don't sleep much right? well, here's a new level of tired!
my baby does sleep but due to the nursing it takes me 12 hours of nursing then sleeping to feel rested, so i have to go to bed at 8pm to be up and rested by 8am (that's with about 4 feedings if I'm lucky!)
get some fresh air
go for a walk and chit-chat with neighbors, people love to see new mama's making their way outside with the new baby and their smiles will mean more than you can imagine
strap that baby onto you to help loose that baby belly quicker (that will work right?!)
set a small goal each day to feel like yourself, today my goal is to draw!!!
new mama's can and do shower
try to clean your studio before the baby comes, you'll be so glad you did! ( i didn't, ugh!!!)
make a clean spot for baby to nap or hang out while you work, infants want to be with you 24/7 and you'll want your mini me with you too
it's ok to take time off
although the craft world changes daily, you can jump back in when you are ready
and people will be there to welcome you back (right?)
anyhow, it's ok to take time off - to the mama makers out there, mostly remember that! Maybe even try to take a family vacation!

'tis all for now!

she's here!

2010-02-26T15:08:00.002-05:00

Whoa, it's been awhile! I've completely checked out of the internets. Our little lady arrived safe and sound way back on January 28th after a laborious 49.5 hours of labor. Good thing I'm tough like that! That's her, Miss Mazzy Violet, the girl that has stolen my heart. We're going to take a good bit of time to get to know each other better before we try to relaunch Little Flower Designs. My original plan of heading back to the studio after 6 weeks is just unrealistic. Who would want to go back to work when they can snuggle with their sweet daughter while she's so wee? um, not me! It's a perk of being your own boss and having a super supportive Mr. that sais not to rush it. So while I am on my bacation (baby vacation) don't forget about me, I've got some plans up my sleeve to balance all this out, not to mention new designs and that new medium I've been trying to get to for quite some time. So, happy winter!

xo, Mama Little Flower

last day... for a while

2010-01-15T11:39:00.002-05:00

So today is my last open day for Little Flower Designs. I've been going non-stop for almost 4 years. And by non-stop I mean, working very long hours 7 days a week. Living, breathing, being Little Flower Designs with time for barely anything else. I've LOVED it, it was my goal for a such a long time before I gained the skills and sales to make it my full-time life. And 4 years is an under estimate, before going full time with my biz, I worked for 8 years in corporate america while honing my skills and figuring out my escape route. So now, here I am facing a welcome change, my little lady will be here soon (soon please little lady, soon!) I want to thank everyone that has supported my little biz and made my dream possible. It is incredible to be a working self supporting artist and now to enter doing it as a mama, I am sure it will be rewarding in a much deeper way. Over the next few months I will be figuring out all things baby and how to combine that with running my biz. I will pop in for updates here and there and of course to announce the relaunch of Little Flower Designs. If you need me, you can always e-mail! I am taking some orders for my return, but be warned the turn around times are sketchy until I get my mama-studio groove going!

Thank you all for your support!

xo, Linda

front page in the middle of the night

2010-01-10T09:44:00.004-05:00

In the middle of the night my funny bird serving dish made it's way to the frontpage of etsy.

Thanks Etsy!

welcome new year!

2010-01-04T08:47:00.002-05:00

Welcome lovely new year!

I hope you all had a wonderful break, we had a nice rest, filled with family and quite a bit of baby prep! ok, and alot of movie watching. I am back in the studio today, moving very slow but still going and grateful for that. Over the break I set a date to close up for maternity leave, January 15th, 2010 will be my official close date. And baby allowing, I will re-open in late spring. So don't count me out!!! I have plans to change things up a bit, to work a less hectic schedule, to hire help and to introduce a new medium. The new year is sure to be quite an adventure, and of course I am nervous and excited. If any parent makers are reading and have tips on balancing their day between infant and making, please feel free to send them my way.

It's a sunny freezing day here in SE-PA, a perfect studio day.

Happy 2010, Linda

(ps- my esty shop)

2010!!!

2009-12-31T10:53:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

2009 has been such a wonderful year for Little Flower Designs, Thank you all for your comments, purchases and support. It all means so very much to me.

Lot's of love to all for a great 2010!

xo, Linda

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

xo, Linda

shop art star for last minute gifts!

2009-12-23T09:29:00.002-05:00

Happy Christmas week! With just 2 days left to scramble around for gifts, why not head to your favorite handmade boutique? Art Star is one of my favorites and this year they asked me to make an exclusive item just for them, so if you are in the Philadelphia area, head on over to their awesome boutique to purchase last minute Little Flower Designs goodness like the exclusive platter above! Or, you can order it online here: shop Art Star

shipping break

2009-12-21T11:28:00.002-05:00

The last of the holiday orders are waiting to be picked up, that's the one service I love from the USPS!! Packing orders is both rewarding and tiring so I've decided to take a little shipping break until the 28th. I still have some items in my shop if you'd like a little something special, and they will ship out promptly on the 28th. Today and this week I am gearing up for our Christmas. A little bit of shopping, decorating, and enjoying a nice warm home with piles of snow outside! I am also in the studio, just a couple of hours each day. Since I'll soon be on maternity leave and closing down can be a bit scary, I thought I'd try to get ahead on some throwing. Energy permitting! But please note that my inventory is low and aside from some dinner plates and some tall vases I can't quite part with yet, everything is listed. And that just might be it until late spring. Enjoy your week, I hope you are ready for the holiday ; )

snow!

2009-12-19T09:52:00.002-05:00

The snow is finally here on the east coast!

I'm ready to be snowed in, and since I am home and in the studio, I thought I'd keep my etsy shop open this weekend for any last minute online shoppers. So! I will ship all orders via USPS Priority Mail that are placed and paid for by Sunday at 6pm EST. The USPS website sais they can get it to you by christmas, so we'll just have to trust them!

You can shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/littleflowerdesigns

I still have some wonderful gifts available : )

order by friday!

2009-12-15T10:43:00.002-05:00

I still have a nice selection of items perfect for gifting in my shop, just order by this friday to ensure delevery by Christmas!

And just 2 cups left at the special price!!

holiday, holiday, holiday

2009-12-14T07:17:00.002-05:00

*** Just 5 cups left in my $25 tea cup sale***

Things will be winding down in the studio this week, I'm down to packing and shipping only. This is the last week to order items to ship in time for christmas, and my goal of clearing my shelves is going pretty darn good! I might sneak a few more things into my etsy shop but for the most part everything is listed and ready to ship the very next day!

Outside of my little flower world, we are slowly getting ready for the baby. She now has a crib (no mattress) and a dresser, her room is painted and her floor is shiny with a nice clean carpet. Now to sort through the pile of baby things and order the rest! We haven't gone overboard but wee people sure do need alot to get started. Once I close up the shop for the season I'll start on some mama made baby items. With so much going on, I'm wondering if I'm the only maker that hasn't done her holiday shopping or decorating? But priorities, right!

Remember just 5 tea cups left in the sale, and 4 ornaments!
Little Flower Designs Shop!

updated and updating!

2009-12-08T20:52:00.002-05:00

Oh Joy!

My etsy shop is now open and filled with some favorites, new designs and one of a kinds!

Hurry on over if you'd like the first pick! People are already shopping!!! and Thank you so very much for that! I will be packing and shipping early tomorrow morning so if you order over night it will go out tomorrow! I will also be adding the bowls and a few more serving dishes tomorrow, as well as the 5 ornaments I have left!

Oh! and can I lure you there with a $25 tea cup sale???
Shop Little Flower Designs!

aka handmade by me!

holiday heap success!

2009-12-07T15:25:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone that came out for Holiday Heap on saturday and a huge THANK YOU to the Charm City Craft Mafia for putting on such a wonderful event. Above is a shot of my table before the crowds came, my Mister and I were busier than we can ever remember being at a show. Thank you for your patience as we wrote up each sale and packed your new pots for you. When we were driving home we kept talking about how we couldn't keep up and how nice everyone was. We are so impressed with the CCCM and how great they are at organizing shows, each year this show gets even better. It is small and intimate, good food and music. It's just the right mix for a fun shopping experience. And everyone that came out in the snow and slush, thank you! I can't tell you how many people remarked at how much they love this show, and how they love each and every single crafter. It was great to see my crafty pals and see them do so well at a show. Yep! this was truly an awesome event and a great way to end my pre-mommy show going! It just meant so much to me to be so supported in my crafty biz. Now, to finish unpacking and load up my etsy shop, hopefully late tonight it will reopen, I'll be sure to let you know!

Thank you once again!!!

xo, Linda

ps- more pics on flickr

Holiday Heap on Saturday!!!

2009-12-04T08:48:00.002-05:00

Just less than 24 hours and I'll be setting up for Holiday Heap!

If you are in or around Baltimore or would just like a nice day out at a super awesome event, come on out to Holiday Heap to shop for loved one or yourself. I'm going to have a tea cup special, I haven't done this in quite some time!!!

Above is a one of a kind serving dish, inspired by the little lady tumbling up a storm in my belly!

See how the little bird is looking to the big bird for everything and the big bird's kindof like, uh-oh! Don't worry, I'll figure things out! We're in the age of google!

So remember, come on out to Holiday Heap from 10-5 on saturday. This is my only show this holiday season and I'm nearly 8 months along, whoa!

getting ready!!

2009-12-02T12:41:00.003-05:00

I've been getting ready for Holiday Heap in Baltimore on Saturday. Above and below is a glimpse of some new items I will have. Vases with words and without, all in a lovely gift able size. And a handful of ornaments! Of course I will also have platters and many other items in your favorite patterns but lately I've been working away from set patterns and going with a theme, I hope you'll love the charm of the new bigger birds and flowers. Each one is a little different, drawn free hand and in some ways seem more animated to me. So come early (10am) and stay for the day. Holiday Heap is such a fun show, you won't be disappointed, I know I have trouble staying at my table because I love to shop this show!!!! I'm off to unload, the above kiln and refill it with the very last firing of 2009 wares! Hope to see you saturday!

a holiday special!

2009-11-30T08:51:00.002-05:00

'tis the season to say thank you. My thank you from today until November 3rd, a free cloud ornament with each purchase from my etsy shop!

Shop here: little flower designs on etsy and receive a
a lovely cloud ornament with any purchase!

thankful

2009-11-25T19:13:00.002-05:00

This year I am very thankful.

I hope you are too.

Above is a sneak peek of a new platter, be sure you are on my e-mail list, I will be starting my holiday specials on Monday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

xo, Linda

monday, gearing up for the holidays

2009-11-23T08:46:00.004-05:00

Monday, and thanksgiving week, oh my! How did it get to be nearly the end of November? Can you tell I'm running in place these days? Well, it feels like that. I've been trying to do a huge shop update for the past week, all while trying to get the last HUGE batch of work, drawn, glazed and bisqued. I have a ton of one of a kind work as well as some favorite patterns in the makings and this will definitely be the LAST batch for 2009. So what am I making? Well, your favorite items of course! Tea cups, platters, vases and ornaments. The platters are taking their good old time drying out so the kiln is slowly being filled. I estimate I have about 6 firings to go before it is all done. For now though, my etsy shop is open and I am shipping quite quickly. In fact I've been up since 6am packing up orders to go out today. I am liking the new ready to ship format and just might stick to it for quite some time. While it is nice to have a stack of orders to make, it can make life a little stressful when things go wrong or run longer than estimated. So while my shelves are slowly being stocked, I am also preparing for Holiday Heap on December 5th, which is my only craft show this holiday season.

In baby news! We are painting her room this week and the crib should be here today!!!

'tis all for this monday morning...

sneaking up

2009-11-17T21:13:00.002-05:00

Time keeps sneaking up on me but somehow I've managed to get all of my store orders out in time for holiday shopping (list coming) and I am now caught up on web orders, all I can say about that is ahhhh! I do have a special something that will be going to Art Star next week, I'll share more on that then! So now that the holiday making is a bit insane in the studio, please bare with me as I photograph and upload the new work to my shop. I've had quite a bit going on outside of my little flower world and this year I've scaled back in a big way, my new medium project I mentioned in a previous post just might have to put off until the spring as I no longer have the space to produce it, ah, priorities! But, rest assured, I am still up and running!

preparing

2009-11-10T07:50:00.003-05:00

Before the clay becomes anything, it first must be prepped. This involves cutting it up and weighing it out, then balling it up for throwing or rolling out for the hand built pieces. Yesterday was a huge prepping day, above is a glance at where this happens. My wedging table, it took me a few hours to prep a few days worth of clay. I also wrote up my production schedule for the rest of the year and found that this will be my last big throwing week before the holidays, that is unless I somehow get a surge of energy. I'm down to working about 8 hours a day in the studio and maybe 2 hours of biz stuff. I am also caught up, after getting behind, then being super sick, it is so nice to have a moment to breath and not have late orders hanging over my head. So what will I be making? So far it will be the most popular items; cups, vases and platters. And although a little late, there will be ornaments this year. I've mentioned a new medium, oh yes, I do have something new in the works which I'm hoping to reveal in the upcoming weeks. It's taking me a little longer than I thought to finalize things as time has not been on my side. And time has put the clay items first since they need time to dry out. But it's going to be so good!

I'm off to work, work, work. Just me with a cute beagle-ish girl following me around and a baby kicking up a storm in my belly!

sharing!

2009-10-29T14:50:00.003-05:00

the kiln is on
orders are being packed
taking a break to share
won't you become a fan on facebook!!!
and read my getting ready for baby blog
lots of things happening
feeling a whole lot better (but told to not push it)
things are looking brighter

ahhh!
xo, Linda

my etsy soft launch

2009-10-26T14:48:00.004-05:00

Hello! I'm feeling a little better today and decided to take stock of my Little Flower world. Today is the day I am shifting my online sales to etsy only. This is a little scarey for me because my website is my baby, I built it, run it and sell the bulk of my wares through it. But because I do not have inventory control, and I can no longer take on made to order work, or risk my site going wild with sales (it happens!) I am migrating to etsy! The shop is lightly stocked with my wares but look out! I have many wonderful items to add in the coming weeks and throughout the holiday season. Feel free to take a look, shop, or save me to your favorites ( I love hearts - that's etsy talk!) And be sure you are signed up for my e-mail list as I plan to run a special or 2 for the holiday's. xo, Linda

Etsy
Buy Handmade
littleflowerdesigns

An Exhibition!

2009-10-25T11:13:00.002-05:00

One and Only: Gifts Made By Hand

Oct. 25, 2009 – Jan. 17, 2010

John Michael Kohler Arts Center

Sheboygan, WI

This year I was invited to submit work to a lovely show all the way in Wisconsin!
From today until January 17th, 2010 you can shop for my wares as well as the wares of some fabulous makers at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.

sickly lady and catching up

2009-10-23T17:17:00.003-05:00

I'm one sickly lady, but I think, and hope it will be over soon. A virus got me good. I'm hoping that next week I will be working again. Maybe I can rope my mr. into packing orders this weekend? We'll see. I would have hired someone to pack, ship and run errands but being contagious ruined that idea. So I'll work to get the orders out and that last load of overdue wares fired and out the door before the calendar sais November. If I missed anyone that is waiting on their wares when I e-mailed, please forgive me, I truly am sick and it was a daunting task.

With all this in mind, the holiday season should be interesting. I'll be streamlining my line and offering only ready to ship items. So if there is something on my site that you've been eyeing up for the holidays, please order it now. I will be sending out a note to my e-mail list to let everyone know. And with that a cut off date. I already stopped accepting orders from stores. And made to order for the holidays will soon come to an end. Also, please don't hate me, I will not be accepting custom orders. But on the upside, I do have a few new items to debut and a new medium!

Please stay well! It's going to be one tough winter with all the flu's, viruses and other germy problems. xo, Linda

so close, so sick, running my own business

2009-10-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure how it got me but I'm sick. It just took me 3 hours to pack 14 pots to go to one location. Sweating, sickly, it had to go out today, well actually a few days ago but I've been so sick. Running my own business is something I LOVE to do. I love having orders to fill, there's nothing more rewarding than shipping the pots off to their new home. I know my customers are not only supporting me, they love my work and that is the greatest feeling. So when things leave late - it kills me. There is no way to put being under the weather into a production schedule. And because I work alone, it's a total shut down. No making, no firing, no packing, no shipping. I should really have a backup plan but how do I even go about forming one when everything is about what I am personally making? There is no way to plan for life events so while I would love to just curl up and take a nap, it's hard when so much needs to be done. My original plan was to work up until the baby comes but now having a horrible virus, I'm humbled. I'm also worn out. I know this is just a part of running my biz and that it won't always be positive. It's just so hard to be behind, then get sick and feel like I'll never get through this when I am so very close. The good news is that I do feel like I am on the upside of this virus, I'm past the I think I might die phase and now feel like maybe another day or 2 of rest and I can slowly get back to work. Apparently that thinking didn't work out too well today but one day soon it will. Please be patient with me, nearly all orders are ready to ship and if things work out, they will be on their merry way by the end of this week, but for now, it's nap time.

one holiday, one show!

2009-10-13T16:31:00.002-05:00

This just in! I was just accepted to be a part of the Holiday Heap show!! This is my favorite show and I would have been so sad if I didn't get in. It is also the only show I applied to this year both because I will be huge and because I just can't imagine not doing this show. It is my favorite show to shop and the friendly Charm City Craft Mafia are pro's at putting on a great event. So watch out Baltimore, I've got quite a bit up my sleeve for you!

waiting

2009-10-06T15:18:00.002-05:00

I have a few minutes or maybe even an hour before my mr. gets home to help me load the kiln. Today is the closest to in-sync we've been since I designated him to be the kiln shelf loader and unloader. I have managed to get the pots in with the help of my trusty step stool but I admit it's killing me to have stopping points. Usually I just work and work and work, and then keep working. The kiln is turned on as soon as it is full and if that happens to be 3am so be it! But now, I'm waiting and have to work in more of a predictable schedule for the loveliness above to be loaded by someone else. I know it's temporary but the holiday's are coming and being the responsible business owner that I am know some changes will need to be made. Also, did you know being pregnant makes you tired? Crazy right!? Yay, he's home, I'm off to load and turn on the kiln!!!! just 4 more firings to go!

studio forecast

2009-09-30T08:10:00.002-05:00

Grey with a 100% chance of color, increasing colorfulness throughout the day.

10 firings

2009-09-29T07:23:00.004-05:00

First, thank you so much for all the comments on my last post. I thought everyone would think I am nuts to consider doing shows this holiday season. There are quite a few factors in this decision and I will definitely keep you posted. Aside from my ever growing belly is my ever growing stack of orders! All of which I am VERY grateful for. Above is just a glimpse of what is happening in the studio. I've been making all that I can for the past few weeks, it adds up to at least 10 firings! 5 bisque & 5 high firing (maybe 6) I have so many pots to glaze, fire, glaze, glaze and fire this week, I have no idea how this will ever get done. But I promise you I will not stop until it is done. I'm putting everything aside, no baby obsessing, no house cleaning, no fooling around - it's time to get this work finished and out the door. I am truly looking forward to completing all of this as my plan is to create a manageable schedule and make a few changes to the way orders are placed. Also, I have some new work to debut. So if you are following along and waiting for your order, rest assured, all orders are made and at some stage of completion.

Have a happy week!

to show or not to show

2009-09-22T11:37:00.002-05:00

My name is Linda and I'm a show addict. Ok, there it is in type for all to see! The deadlines for all of the holiday craft show applications is just around the corner. Right now I think I can do them but will need help. I can't carry my bins and I'm not sure if I should even be lifting them with help (frustrating) but then there's those quick set-up's and break down's, I'm already the last one out and now with an ever growing belly I'm just not sure if I can do it quick enough. Has anyone out there done a craft show 7 + months pregnant? The Mister voted a firm "NO" on shows and he's my helper but will flex a bit if I insist. Oh, torn, what's an addict to do?!

production

2009-09-14T09:28:00.002-05:00

Production is in full swing, each day I make a list and don't go to bed until it is complete. It's been quite a month so far, I'm doing my best to get everything pending done by the end of the month. I'm not sure if I can do it just yet but, I'm doing my best! The snag will come when I need to load and unload the kilns - the baby bump is growing and bending over deep into the kiln holding a heavy kiln shelf might be over for me. I think I pulled my back loading while tired last week. Ah, the loveliness of many body changes and lots of work to do! So, I may get held up waiting for my Mr. to assist me. I put him thru training awhile back just in case and I'm so glad now that I did. The picture above is my main work table, everything moves across this table a few times while being made. Shown is what it looks like when I am etching - see the borders are already incised in the rims? Next I did the designs. Right now the table is clear but will soon be filled with tea cups, one scoop bowls and large round platters. The clay is prepped, now I just need to get to work! Happy Monday!

happy labor day

2009-09-07T10:25:00.002-05:00

Happy labor day : )
September never really feels like it starts until labor day, I haven't been in school in a very long time but somehow, September always marks a starting point for me. This season it will be stocking stores, launching a new design and if things move along nicely - shhh, a new medium! Keep your fingers crossed because it's good! I'm laboring a bit on this day, trimming pots until we head out to a picnic. Ah the life of a potter! Have a happy day, xo, Linda

to-doing

2009-08-31T07:55:00.002-05:00

Finally fall is in the air! I fired the kiln last night and feel grateful for the cooler temperatures today so I can cool down the studio and spend the afternoon making away. I made a giant to-do list last week, which includes stocking 5 stores, 1 very nice gallery show, the usual orders from my site and custom orders. I drew up a production schedule so that somehow I will have all of this completed by the end of September/ early October. Thank you all for the business! I guess that is why I've been a little silent on here. Growing a person and a business is alot of work, but I'm up for the challenge. I've been working less hours than I used to, and giving myself time to sleep. This might sound strange but I usually have one speed and that's go, so slowing down makes me feel lazy - but I'm enjoying it! Taking time to read everything I can about baby things, researching items for the wee one, who knew such a small person needed so many things! or do they? We decided to keep up the greening of our life by choosing eco-friendly items for the wee one. And we're whittling down what they will really need with the help from some mom's and dad's we know. My personal goal is to avoid giant plastic items, at least while we're choosing, I know I'll give in if the little person falls in love with a big plastic toy that looks like fun - but for now, we can do with out that. I guess I'm a little baby item obsessed right now so it's little flower/baby all day and all night! Oh, and family and friends too! Hope everyone is looking forward to fall as much as I am! xo, Linda

my cup

2009-08-18T08:13:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to hold onto my own work but every once in awhile I pull something out of the kiln and set it aside to think about keeping. Since clay is my livlihood I usually let go of the idea that something will become mine. But this sweet little cup is now mine! It is one of the first in a series of similar cups that will make their way to my site this fall. It is one-of-a-kind for a theme of bigger birds with flowers all done freehand without more than a concept. I usually create characters that I then repeat and they become part of my line. But here is a turn towards re-inventing what my line is! There is quite a bit of change going on here, with me, my home, my work and this cup is my personal reminder of this new phase.

15 weeks 1 day

2009-08-14T07:53:00.002-05:00

Hi, I've been a little silent on here but I have a very good excuse! My Mister and I have collaborated on a very special project, our first child! We are beyond excited as this is our first collaboration! I think all of our friends and family now know but if we somehow missed you, surprize! As you can imagine things will need to change a bit in my little flower world. Somethings already have. As I figure out how to run my dear little biz without running myself into the ground. And then to run it with a wee one, while being the best mommy I can be. I invite you to follow along! So here I am, 15 weeks 1 day!
Have a happy weekend!
xo, Linda

done with shows!

2009-08-05T08:55:00.002-05:00

I just completed my last show, possibly of the year! The picture above is of my tiny spot at the Buyer's Market of American Craft. This was my first wholesale show, all and all it was a good experience. I went into it feeling a bit ill prepared so the fact that I made it there is pretty amazing and that I had printed materials to hand out is even more shocking! This is not my usual way of going about things but sometimes life throws too much at you at once and you just have to do your best to get through it. And that is what I did. I know everyone wants to know how I did! I picked up a few orders, which seemed to be what the other group booth crafters did as well. I might have done better in my own booth but I might have bombed and paid a zillion dollars - so given what it cost to try this show I'm pretty indifferent.

Now it's on to the making! My shelves are pretty empty and I have a stack of orders to fill. After a little cleaning I'll feel back on track - also, I can finally put my show bins away and settle in for winter?!

getting ready

2009-07-29T10:36:00.002-05:00

This week has been so hectic, I am preparing for the Buyer's Market of American Craft which is a show I've been quite apprehensive to do for about 3 years. The show offered etsy teams the opportunity to show together as a group for a discounted rate in the hopes that we'll all do well and come back to the show in a full booth to build our businesses. Shortly after I joined Handmade Philly (the local etsy-ish team), I saw a post in our forum about this and jumped at the opportunity. I'm even organizing our wee group of 3. The Buyer's Market is a huge deal in the craft world, buyer's come from all over the country to view our handmade wares and place orders. The show seeks out the top crafters in the US and the buyer's rely on their strict jurying process to create a show that will dazzle! So here I am doing the show for the very first time and while I feel like I know what to expect, I am nervous. I've had about 6 weeks to prepare but this was during a very busy show season and wedding gift season. So most of my prep work has been in the past 2 weeks, yikes! I'm getting ready to put about 1/3 of my samples in the kiln today. The only pattern I have completely ready is pictured above, my Anemone pattern. There are 2 new items in the line - the large rectangular platter and the tall vase. They will be available on my site shortly after the show. But for now, I'm going to freak out until I finally set up the show on friday - it seems like the natural thing to do!

xo, Linda

Free Tickets to Handmade Nation!

2009-07-28T13:59:00.001-05:00

I am beyond excited that Faith Levine will be in Philadelphia saturday to show her movie Handmade Nation. The movie is at 6pm, Saturday August 1st at the Philadelphia Convention Center, and yes, Faith will be there to do a q&a. If you would like the tickets, please e-mail me right away with your name and address so I can put them in the mail to you - if it's last minute I can give them to you at the movie : ) This is a super special event for the craft community, gush, gush, don't let these tickets go to waste!

locked in the studio

2009-07-24T08:42:00.002-05:00

The summer has been a busy one filled with shows and orders. Thank you to everyone that keeps my little biz going. I finished my last retail show which went by quite easily and nicely. It was Artscape in Baltimore. Aside from selling I am most amazed by the number of people who signed up for my e-mail list. Everytime I looked at the page it was full! It was a record setting boost to my list! I've been back all week, unpacking, organizing and making wares. I need to re-stock everything. But first, I am making samples for another show, I will be at the Buyer's Market of American Craft in Philadelphia next weekend. This will be my first show of this kind and I'm locking myself in the studio from now until I am ready to go. After the show I will restock my site - I already have it penciled in! For now, wish me luck! My samples are drying out and it's crazay humid out, so we'll see how this goes. Have a terrific weekend! Linda

Artscape this weekend!

2009-07-16T10:43:00.003-05:00

What is 3 days long, filled with purty handmade goods, vibrating with every kind of music you can imagine and taking place this weekend? Artscape! Come to Baltimore for a fun filled weekend, it's huge, quite overwhelming but lots of fun. I will be set up in the DIY section with a great group of handmakers. Also, this is my last retail show for quite some time so take advantage of shopping in person and to eye up your holiday gifts! I will have a little bit of everything from my line as well as a few one of a kind pieces. Hope to see you this weekend!

http://www.artscape.org/

Artscape countdown!

2009-07-06T08:32:00.003-05:00

Panic! Artscape is coming up so quick! Just 10 days to finish getting ready and pack up the studio again. Yikes! I do have quite a bit of work ready and I'm sure I will be fine with just that but if it's not made I can't sell it or show it so I'd better use my time wisely. Today should be my cut off day for starting new work. My strategy is to finish what I have started and only throw enough today to fill one kiln load. I've been working on tall vases, which was quite the dramatic challenge the other week. I just couldn't get the height I wanted - so I watched a few youtube demo's and got it! It's hard to be alone in the studio when a technical challenge pops up. And books just don't compare to seeing someone else do what you can not. So I googled "throwing tall pots" and found this, an 8 minute pot! Ok, I'm more like a 20 minute tall vase, but that's better than the hour long mess I was making! Followed by self doubt and second guessing my career path. I had to conquer this challenge, how can I be a professional potter if I can't throw? Well, throw tall, throw anything I can imagine, right? So, tall pots are now my reality. When I got it, it was like a stream of light came down from heaven and the gospel choir sang! Finally.
Have a great monday!
xoxo, Linda

in and out then back in the studio

2009-06-16T09:49:00.002-05:00

I've been hauling my pots around for the past month or so and finally, I'm done. At least for an entire month. I think I need the time to organize my studio, and figure out the rest of the year. This recession is quite tricky to navigate, especially when I'm still a bit new at the selling end of my biz. So, I've been trying out shows and deciding what works, I've also been trying out web ads to help market my site and I've been making small steps on etsy. Everything seems to be working a little at a time. This week is going to be quiet, I'm finishing up a pile of orders. Starting on new orders from the past week and my web ads won't start again until next week. I know, how is that quiet? I guess because I'm not going to focus on selling this week. I just need to be in the studio to get things done, take stock, and make a nice to-do list. I've been reading around on the internets about business and the blogs I came upon that were the most interesting were fellow potter's talking about making a living in clay. It's not easy, but we all love it. I think you get used to the lack of ease. That's not to say that making life easier shouldn't be a goal. For me it is. I don't want to work endless hours for the rest of my life just to make a decent living. I want to make beautiful things for people to love and hopefully are kept then passed on to future generations. I think that is a nice service to provide to the public. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say "they just don't make things like they used to" well, maybe you're not looking in the right places. For me, I do understand when people need to buy dishes at ikea, it fits their budget, ok maybe you're not my customer yet. But when those dishes start chipping, then breaking or you just get tired of them - you have no connection so you just replace them. But with handmade items that sure you paid an appropriate price for, you put some thought into that purchase. These dishes are prized possessions, they are made well and fit your style. When you hold them, you feel the handmade quality, the love, oh yes, the love that went into making them. Each one is a little unique and as you use them you find your favorites, as does your family. When your kids grow up, they want the special dishes they grew up with for themselves and now you've planted the seed of buying handmade thoughtful items in your children. Maybe you buy them one at a time, build a set like you would an art collection. All of this while supporting a person, not a huge corporation that might be under paying their workers, not supporting mass produced disposable dishes. But an artist, part of your culture, buying handmade means so many things. So don't scoff at the price. Consider what you are looking at, and what truly went into making it, then buy it quickly because that $27 wheel thrown, hand etched, intricately glazed cup is more of a bargain then you could ever imagine.

A show weekend!

2009-06-11T15:14:00.002-05:00

Guess what? yep! Another awesome show this weekend! Come on out to the Crane Arts Building for InLiquid's super fantastic event, Art For The Cash Poor. Go here for information.

In the studio I am getting ready for the show, my last Philly show for the summer, and my last for about a month! Hope you can all make it!

etsy front page today!

2009-06-09T14:41:00.002-05:00

This little guy made it to the front page of etsy today! I missed it but it's always exciting and very much appreciated when my etsy shop gets a little attention. Thank you etsy!! And I finally got to 100 sales! Now on to 200, a girl can hope right?
In show news, I did a local show over the weekend called Arts In The Park. I had such a nice time and felt so supported by the community. Thank you all for shopping and for all the nice comments, I appreciate it more than I can put into words. Next up is Art For The Cash Poor, saturday and sunday from 1-6. I love this show, all of the art/craft is priced under $199 - and it is all such great work, there is a fun party atmosphere with live music, beer, and great food. This is truly a philly local event and I am very happy to be a part of it.

rwd

2009-06-04T07:49:00.002-05:00

Today I'm rewinding a bit to report back about last week's shop live event and the Art Star Craft Bazaar. First off, the Shop Live event was so much fun. The all day sale seemed to be the way to go, as many orders were received through out the day. The actual event was quite popular, it was chat room style in the etsy virtual labs. I had trouble getting in but managed to see the last 5 minutes of Marichelle chatting up some of the goods for sale. Next time I'll click in earlier (I was throwing in the studio and stopped just in time, I thought!) Anyhow, the event was a super success for my sleepy etsy shop, over a hundred hearts and enough sales to make me smile all day long! Now onto the Art Star Craft Bazaar! The show was awesome as usual but something a little extra special happened, we had beautiful weather!!! My mister and Miss Marley both came along to help and keep me company. I had such a nice time seeing old friends and crafty pals. It means so much that you all came out to say hello and encourage me this crafty endeavor. The picture above is a table shot from Indie Fixx, Jen stopped by to say hello and included me in her review of the show! Thanks Jen!! I stole the picture because I haven't downloaded mine yet ; )

So now I'm in the studio working like a good little potter. I had 1500 pounds of clay delivered yesterday, my version of nesting in the studio! That is also the most clay I've had brought in at once. See! Signs of growth - it's amazing how much clay I go through. And thanks to the sweet delivery man who helped me bring it all the way into my basement wonderland!

Next up is a lovely local show on sunday.
Arts In The Park
and of course everyone is invited!

xoxo, Linda

don't cry, make jewelry

2009-06-03T14:11:00.003-05:00

Remember a few post's ago when I said I broke 2 platters at a show? Well, not wanting to dwell over the broken pieces, I quickly plopped them into a bag and headed over to the Broken Plate booth. Juliet, the master of smashing gladly took my shards and created some loveliness that is now for sale in her etsy shop. She is generously donating $5 per pendant to my charity, the ASPCA. What a great way to keep my hard work out of the landfill, support an awesome charity that does lovely things for our 4 legged friends and support Ms. Juliet in her smashing endeavors! Fun! Thanks Juliet for turning straw into gold!

saturday & sunday!!!

2009-05-29T21:25:00.002-05:00

Come one, come all!!!
It's that time of year again so head on down to Penn's Landing for an awesome weekend of craftiness. There is so much going on, and it's going to be BEAUTIFUL out both days!!!
www.artstarcraftbazaar.com

I'll be back to tell you about Shop Live and what a wonderful experience it was ; ) And of course to gush over this weekend's show.

Hope to see you!

xoxo, Linda

Shop Live Today!!!

2009-05-28T08:19:00.003-05:00

It's Shop Live day! I'm pretty excited to see how it works and will be glued to the etsy virtual lab at 7pm this evening. So, here you go! Marichelle our wonderful host has posted all of the pre-sale information for the event! I think I'm going to do a little shopping myself: ) To get 20% off in my ETSY shop today, visit Heart Handmade for the promo code, then shop, shop, shop! And as a bonus, all tea cups come with a Table Lovely, the loveliest tea spoon rest ever!

etsy, heart handmade, oh my!

2009-05-27T07:17:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow!!!!
On thursday evening I will be participating in an etsy Shop Live event!!! Marichelle from Heart Handmade invited me to include a tea cup! Tune into etsy at 7pm EST on thursday to hear Marichelle introduce each item and announce the sale. It's all done live on the nets, so exciting!!

In honor of the event I will be holding an all day etsy sale tomorrow, you heard it here first! Click in tomorrow for the promo code : )

And for the Philly local crew, don't forget to come out for a beautiful weekend at Penn's Landing. Oh yes! It's time for the Art Star Craft Bazaar, more on that in friday : )

eye on the calendar

2009-05-19T22:35:00.004-05:00

I was just in the studio working away with the tv on and heard on the news that this weekend is Memorial Day weekend. I thought uh-oh! Art Star is THIS weekend, how did I get so mixed up, I'm not ready. Then I thought, slow down a minute and I looked at a calendar, again uh-oh. Although I was right about Art Star being next weekend, I've been telling people, lots of people it's Memorial Day weekend and being very careful to specify it's only on saturday and sunday. Uh-oh, I've been spreading lies. I'm so sorry, I've had alot going on and apparently it is affecting me more than I thought. So please, mark you calendar's correctly for another great year of Philly's greatest indie craft show, The Art Star Craft Bazaar!!!!! May 30 & 31.

And while I'm here baring my flaws, I recently broke 2 large platters at a show, part wind, part my poor display stand choice. So if you happen to be praying to the god of weather, please mention that Philly would like a nice calm beautiful weekend on May 30 & 31. I will also gladly accept tips on how to display plates and platters at outdoor shows!

Happy, whatever day it is!

xoxo, Linda

studio time

2009-05-14T07:03:00.004-05:00

Studio time has been sparse lately. So I'll share with you that I am posting my one-of-a-kind work in my etsy shop throughout the day today while glazing a kiln load of platters : )
Here's to getting back on track!

saturday show!

2009-05-08T06:44:00.003-05:00

Good friday to ya! I am packing up again to head back to Baltimore for Squidfire's Spring Art Mart on Mt. Vernon Square. This will be a fun show, with some of my favorite makers. It is outside so bring an umbrella just in case! Check out the show page for directions and links to the wonderful makers sites. This will be my last trip down to Baltimore for a few months, so please come out to say hello and check out my new wares in person.

On sunday, remember to send your mom some love, it's Mother's Day! Have a Happy Weekend, xoxo, Linda

grid!

2009-05-06T17:54:00.003-05:00

Thank you to Grid Magazine for featuring my Anemone Bottle Vase! To read the feature click here! Grid readers welcome to my corner of the internet! If you'd like to see more of my work please visit my website where you can also find my summer show schedule.

Hope to see you soon!
xoxo, Linda

moving forward

2009-05-05T14:21:00.004-05:00

I'm back from Baltimore, the show was beautiful but barely attended. To be honest, I am disappointed, very disappointed as I had faith in the organizers to pull in a decent crowd. And judging by the incredible group of makers, it is truly a shame. And for me it was an expensive mistake which is actually the second mistake I made since going full-time. The first mistake was buying a year's worth of advertising with TheKnot - but what can I do, I'm still new at this. Mistakes will be made. We did however splurge on a yummy seafood dinner and got in a much needed night out!

Moving forward, I am adding my one of a kind pieces to my etsy shop this week. Above is my mama bird serving dish. It's a bit bowl like and a bit platter like, I love the usefulness of this piece and had a hard time putting it up for sale!
You can check out my etsy shop here: http://littleflowerdesigns.etsy.com

Happy tuesday!

come out, come out, where ever you are!

2009-05-03T09:50:00.004-05:00

psst! I'm in Baltimore right now at a very slow show. So if you are reading this and would like to come say hi, see some of the loveliest handmade furniture ever and of course my wares. Please come, here is the info: http://www.finefurnishingsshow.com/ it is located at Fayette and Eutaw in the Hippodrome building - the entrance is on Fayette. There is an entry fee but please tell the ladies at the door that you have a free ticket from Little Flower Designs to have the show fee waved. I will also give you a 10% discount, just mention this blog post. We'll be here until 5pm today.

I'll be working like mad tomorrow to post a last minute Mother's Day Sale in my etsy shop. So please keep an eye out for that!
Thanks,
Linda
ps- this show is seriously nice, I'm shocked and sad no one is here to see it.

fine, fine weekend

2009-05-01T07:13:00.002-05:00

Today is the set-up day for the Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show in Baltimore. I'm slowly making my way to load up my wares and an insane amount of stuff to peddle my pots on saturday and sunday. It's dreary out, at least the sun won't be in my eyes on the way down!
If you are in the Baltimore area and would like to visit the show (and me!) the show is being held in the France Merrick Performing Arts Center in the downtown area not far from the inner harbor so, let me plan your saturday!

wake up early-ish
head to the Lexington Market for coffee and breakfasty things
stroll down the block to the Fine Furnishings Show to see finely crafted goods
linger at my booth to chat and maybe pick up a pot or 2 (mother's day is next week)
linger some more
head over to the inner harbor, maybe even the aquarium or that huge barnes & noble it's a rainy day, so bring your umbrella!
there's alot to do and see and you did alot of walking, why not relax! it's the weekend!

Wish me luck!
xoxo, Linda

ouuuu doggies

2009-04-28T11:52:00.003-05:00

That's what my grandpop used to say. He'd use it in many different ways, like when he won a game of cards "ouuuu doggies" or if something bad happened shaking his head"ouuu doggies". So today while looking at my to-do list and the still cooling kiln I said "ouuu doggies" I've got alot to do. I dug this hole, and then life made it bigger. So if I can only unload that still hot kiln, glaze everything and get it all re-loaded today, I can bring that work to Baltimore on friday. And if that can happen today, I can sew up another table cloth, a drape for my booth and work on table signage for the one of a kind work I'm obsessed over right now. I can also strategize the packing and making sure I am not only ready but rested enough to do this show! And then there's all the life stuff...
But let's stay upbeat! I have 3 days to get everything done, and really that last load of work won't make or break the show so if it's too hot to pack I can bring it to the next show or lure customers to my online shop for one of a kind loveliness. Anyhow's I'm just clicking in : )
xoxo, Linda

1 of a kind in may

2009-04-19T11:52:00.003-05:00

After thinking about this for over a year, I've decided to offer one of a kind items in addition to my staple patterns. This is my soft launch! Above are 2 of the new one of a kind vases that will be available the first week of May. I will also be debuting them at the Fine Furnishings Show in Baltimore May 2nd & 3rd. with a web update beginning on the 4th. (Let me know if you'd like a free ticket to the show - I can mail you one!)

I am still plotting out the official launch but here is a little of the why.

I love to draw and truly think of the clay surface much like I do paper, as a clean place to illustrate an idea. I also love washy colors and watercolor which can not be duplicated unless I go the decal route. Decals are not for me for 2 reason's, 1. I do not like how they look and 2. they are toxic to fire and I can't figure out just how toxic they are! So my solution is to continue on with the integrity of my handmade, labor intensive wares because that's me and I feel good about the way I am working and feel that this is a direction I can really grow with/into.

Look out for more birds, flowers and maybe houses, I'm quite the shanty doodler these days!

8 shows and pause

2009-04-10T08:31:00.003-05:00

Dear Internet,
I am sorry I have been so quiet lately. Somehow the words just are not making it to the web. I tried to tell you the other day that I wanted to hit "pause" on this little blog because I am feeling a bit scattered and need time to pull myself together. I just need a week to myself to do things like taxes, finalize my new designs, clean the house and studio, and figure out if doing 8 shows in a row is a good idea or not. So, with this holiday weekend upon us and my kiln still not cool enough to ship today's orders(e-mails will be sent to those waiting) I think it is a good time to collect my thoughts and regroup. But with a big show coming up, I will have to regroup while glazing. Hopefully, I will be blogging away again next week with stories about the new designs and preparing for the Fine Furnishings Show which is now only 3 weeks away. And for which I have not finalized my booth design. Although I did draw out a floor plan to help with the layout of shelving and whatnot.
So, here we are with a 3 day weekend to spend with family and friends (3 days for some!) For those that celebrate Easter, Happy Easter to you!!! For those that don't, have a beautiful weekend.
xoxo, Linda

don't be a fool - you know you want one!

2009-04-01T09:14:00.003-05:00

The long awaited mug has made it's way onto my site. People ask if I make them, they question my preference for the handleless tea cup, they demand a larger size with a handle to fit their hand! So here you are! I have added mugs in 3 patterns to the site. The pictured cups are my newest pattern which I see as a his and hers - well for me and my mister it would be! I prefer my 12oz handleless cup, if it gets any bigger I can't drink it all before it cools off. My mister on the other hand prefers a handle he can really hold and a larger size.

You can view all of the cups here - tea cups & mugs.

I think this is part 3 of my spring site update - and there is still more to come! I am working out a pattern for buttercups and I have new vase forms that will be ready in time for Mother's Day and summer shows. So I'd better get to work!

But first, Thank you again to Handmade In PA for yesterday's feature and for the positive response.

handmade in pa!!!

2009-03-31T15:38:00.003-05:00

Thank you to Tara of Handmade In PA for featuring me today!!!

click here t0 read the interview
I am so happy with the interview I want to use it for my about page on my site!

I was having a pretty down day but this sure picked up my spirits : ) look out for a web update this evening, I'm photographing now - and it will be a nice update!

oh monday

2009-03-30T11:45:00.002-05:00

Once the kiln cools, all of this will be ready for new homes. There are a few new items for my site for spring. This week is vase week, big platter week (more on that soon) and I am starting on a new project that I hope to reveal very soon as I am super excited about it. For now, look out for a site update in the next day or 2.

slow mornings

2009-03-26T09:05:00.003-05:00

I enjoy the quiet in the morning, I usually have so much to do that it is nice to move at a slower pace before I dive into all of the days to-do's. Today is dreary which is a key ingredient to an extra lovely slow morning. So a bit of clicking on the nets, a bit of drawing and then glazing that sea of lovelies for today's firing. I am just 5 weeks away from the next show. Which will be the official start of show season for me. A time when I just need to stay focused on all things little flower. Which means I need to enjoy my slow mornings more than ever.
Some favorite clicks this am:
coconut records
handmade in pa
design sponge guest blog - go Marichelle!!!
enjoy!

fresh for spring part 2!

2009-03-25T16:47:00.003-05:00

It's been quite the day! I am so excited to share 3 more new pieces with you.

You've all been so sweet to this little thief! So here is a special offer for you!
I tweaked this design a bit for the next batch and put the platters on sale at a special price. But I only have a few of each so hurry if you'd like one of your own.
Above: Soaring Swallow Flag Thief Rectangular Platter
Below: Soaring Swallow Flag Thief Round Platter
And below is a bonus platter!
The Curious Bird Platter,
please welcome him to the internet!

fresh for spring part 1!

2009-03-23T18:24:00.003-05:00

Introducing the snazzy new soaring swallow flag thief serving bowl and vase!
The first in the series to make it into the shop with a super introductory price on the bowl!
I do hope you like them!

Update! I will now be adding the platters on wednesday afternoon and will add one more design to make up for the delay.

sign of spring

2009-03-21T12:28:00.002-05:00

Finally, a sign of spring! The crocus are popping up all over.

I've been working on a site update and realize I need a bit more time to launch things. So, in order to keep things managable, I thought I'd follow nature and let my new work pop up thoughout the season! Fun, right?? I hope you'll follow along.

The first pop will be on monday : )

Have a sunny weekend!

handmade philly

2009-03-18T18:57:00.002-05:00

handmade philly 3-18-09, originally uploaded by littleflowerdesigns.

I joined a group! I've been wanting to join in on the Philly handmade community in a bigger way for quite some time and found the new Philly Handmade group. They are a group of makers who started as the Philly Etsy Team but are now changing the format a bit so it is not etsy exclusive. I love the entire concept and hope this will be a fun way to network outside of shows.

Ruth of flying fox design and a Handmade Philly blog writer was kind enough to feature me today. Keep an eye on this blog - I have a feeling it will become a great source for all things Handmade in Philly ; )

eire, St. Paddy's day

2009-03-17T13:57:00.003-05:00

Happy St. Paddy's Day!
For those that know me, I'm irish, and if you knew me in the mid-90's you might have tired of hearing me say "when I was in Ireland..." But seriously, I had an awesome summer in Ireland and still hear myself say those words. So in honor of this very lucky day, here are a few snap shots from my Ireland album.Cliffs of Mohr, St. Bridgid's well
me with my sculptures in the castle, materials used were found around the construction that was going on at the school. top right- tar paper, rope and stuffed with saw dust; bottom left - lead stitched with found wire; middle - copper water tank cut apart and re assembled then stitched together with wire; bottom right - found wood strips, b/w photo (a self portrait assignment)

around Ballyvaughan

I attended the Burren College of Art for a summer way back when. The program was basically an independent study where I had an entire sculpture studio to myself, I spent time sourcing materials from around town and from the construction that was going on at the school. We also had a history teacher that acted as a tour guide. He took us around to view ruin's and told us the most amazing stories. This experience was a true taste of Ireland, if you ever have a chance to visit, be sure to take me with you!!!!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

13th

2009-03-13T09:04:00.002-05:00

So, it's friday the 13th. I tend to be superstitious about so many things, but not this date! Or the number 13, unless it relates to flying. There are exceptions to everything right? Anyway the weekend is here, and I am so happy for that. Completely un-related to the date, I wanted to share a picture of my new table sign in process. I realized I never followed up with pictures from prepping for the ACC show - sorry. The new sign was a project I had planned for almost a year, and I am beyond happy to finally have completed it. The materials are linen and microfiber. And here are the steps to create it!

print out the letters on the computer - I used my logo font
roughly cut out the pattern letters
pin it all down to the microfiber only
then cut and cut and cut until all the letters are cut out
lay it out on the linen so it's perfect
pin it all down carefully (pictured above)
machine sew the letters to the linen
then using spray starch, iron it like mad
complete - see it here!

I am so happy with my table sign, it's simple and will hopefully get me through many shows. Next I will share printing my bags! Oh the wonders of running a small business!

I have a busy day planned in the studio and sunlight is pouring all over my work table! I will be launching the new designs next week for spring and need to have a few things completed in time. Having a bit of sunshine is helping to build the excitement.

I hope you all have a great weekend! And happy St. Paddy's day for those that are going green this weekend!

site update!

2009-03-11T11:07:00.002-05:00

I've been quite busy with all sorts of Little Flower businessy to-do's. One of those tasks was to update my site with "in stock" notes for all in stock items. Ok, so I did it! My site is a manual endeavor which is a simple way to run my site and business. And now that I've combed over the site a few times, it really won't be too time consuming to make the changes. If you are looking for a nice gift, maybe for Easter, a birthday, a WEDDING, or like to shop early for mother's day, I have lovely items that are ready to ship. Just visit my site: Little Flower Designs I also updated my etsy shop - if that's your shopping preference!

In the past few days I've not only gotten my to-do's in order, I did have a chance to make a trip quick to the beach and visit with my parents : ) They live near the beach! I've also been working on the new series I mentioned featuring birds and their finds. And I will be launching a new flower design sometime in April - I need to test the colors. Hope you are all having a great week, xoxo, Linda

flags, banner, garland, bunting

2009-03-06T10:30:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday!

This has been quite a week and I still haven't touched any clay. There was unpacking to do, inventory to take, packing and shipping orders (thank you!!), paper work, show applications, strategizing, dog walking, tv watching, sleeping, cleaning, laundry, snow shoveling, organizing, bill paying, whining about bill paying, shopping, and many other things filled my days to the point I wondered what in the world have I been doing! Because I still have so much more organizing and cleaning to do, oh and shopping (i need a new chair).

So, now that I am actually ahead for the first time since I started on this clay venture I thought, wow! can I maybe take up something new like guitar playing or concentrate on water colors? Maybe both? I need to take some time to do something other than clay. Mostly because I just want to but perhaps it will help to inspire me. I doodle quite a bit but would like those doodles to be beautiful water colors instead of just stuffing them in a box or in my sketch book. I also think I finally have the patience to take on an instrument, I strum pretty well and can wing it a bit. Ahh, the guitar, from pretending to play John Denver songs as a kid to punk as a teen, we've had our moments. Maybe now would be a good time to have one of my own, any tips on buying an acoustic guitar? All I know is that I want steel strings and a cool strap!

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in to wish you all a nice weekend, spring ahead already! And spring is coming so quick. I will be launching a few new designs, like the one above for spring 2009. I can't decide what I want to call the flags, I am leaning towards flags. This one was actually inspired by balloons stuck to a light pole. After doodling for a bit I decided ballons just weren't me so I switched to flags, and the concept of doing a series on things birds steal. What do you think?
Have a happy weekend, maybe a trip to the beach is in order - it's going to be sooo nice this weekend.

guest of honor!

2009-03-05T12:36:00.002-05:00

guest of honor!, originally uploaded by littleflowerdesigns.

Last week amid the chaos of preparing for ACC I received the nicest e-mail from Wendy who writes the pARTsy blog. She featured me as the guest of honor! Thank you Wendy!
http://thepartsy.blogspot.com/2009/02/ceramics-x-little-flower-designs.html

back from ACC

2009-03-04T09:40:00.004-05:00

I'm back from the ACC show in Baltimore, I took 2 days off to relax, ahh!
First I need to thank everyone who came out to support the show, thank you for making it such a great experience. And to my customers, Thank You!!! I hope you love your new little flower wares. Also, Thank You to the show organizers who did such a great job and my friend Sue for staying with me during the entire show!
I was in the AltCraft section which gave a newbie like me the opportunity to try out a show like this with a smaller set-up (pictured above) at a smaller price (great for my small budget.) Everything went so smoothly from the drive down, to setting up, to all 3 days at the show. Friday was amazing, the serious shoppers were out, they strolled the show making lists of what they want and engaged in such great conversation. Friday was a seriously professional craft day! My guess is that the collector's of fine craft come on Friday before the weekend crowds. Saturday and Sunday were a little different, the show was packed with lookers, families and had a different vibe. Although I managed to do well in sales, it seemed to be more about coming to see the show. We had many people ask what AltCraft is and why we were separated from the rest of the show. As the weekend progressed I started to wonder what AltCraft was too! I don't think, when you get down to it that there really is a difference. We are all makers, we are all small business owners, and we are all working to make a living at something we love that comes from our hands. My explanation went from describing the difference between indie and traditional crafts - which lead to puzzled looks. To explaining that we are new to the show and were juried in to do this smaller section in the hopes that we do so well we come back next year in a full booth. Which was my hope : ) Although I do not feel I did well enough to justify the costs of a full booth and staying in a hotel. I do feel that the show was a success for the section I was in. My new designs were well received and people seemed to have a real interest in what I am doing. I was also able to invite people out to my next show in Baltimore which seemed to stir up alot of interest.

Thank you again to everyone that made this show a good experience and to my fellow AltCrafters for sharing the weekend with me. I've posted some photos of the weekend here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/littleflowerdesigns/sets/72157614795540934/

I will be sorting through my bins today and updating my site and etsy. Look out for a major restocking : )

at the show!

2009-02-28T21:55:00.002-05:00

Hi,
I'm just popping in, the show is going ok, I hope that if you are in the Baltimore area you will come out to say hi and support all of us handmakers. The convention center is huge, I over heard one woman say she had 500 more artist's to look at! We are struggling a bit in the AltCraft section to explain exactly what AltCraft is and why we are sectioned off from the rest of the show! We'll figure it out! For now I wanted to share some nice press from the thursday Baltimore Sun - I was quoted and my work was featured in this article : http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-li.craft26feb26,0,7223048,full.story
and if you would like to come to the show:
http://www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore/
Sunday form 10-5
Hope you are all having a great weekend!
xoxo,
Linda

i'm off!

2009-02-26T08:51:00.002-05:00

the car is packed (mostly)
everything is organized
directions are printing
i'm heading down to Baltimore for AltCraft / ACC!!!

Yesterday was a crazy day of pricing and tagging pots. Packing them neatly and as tightly as possible into the bins. I didn't think we (my mister) could do it but we used our super tetris skills and jam packed my Cherokee. I was nervous I would need to take his truck - which I've only driven once or twice with him in it. Anyhow, I'm Ms Independent this weekend, well, I will have the great company of Ms. EcoLeeko with me (yay!) but, my super sweet mister is sitting this one out to hang with Miss Marley (our beagle). And do guy stuff?! I will try to post some pictures of the past few days when we get to the hotel. Wish me luck! It's going to be one heck of a day!