Art Trades and More Beads!

This past weekend I was a vendor at a small arts festival in Bellevue, IA called the "Fishtival". Bellevue is a lovely little town nicely situated on the Mississippi River - the weather couldn't have been more perfect, the view more delightful or the crowds more appreciative! I also met some great artists/makers while there... one was Jill, a gal who, among other talents, made really cool fishing lures using her beautiful polymer clay beads. While talking to her about how I wanted to buy a couple of her lures and use the beads in one of my woven pieces, we struck a deal... I mentioned that I enjoy doing art trades and she instantly picked out a cuff she liked...

Grey Poupon Fabric Cuff Bracelet

In exchange I got this wonderful collection of her handmade polymer beads! What fabulous colors - it will be fun to use these in some new projects - I'm especially in love with the red and turquoise ones!

Thank you, Jill! I hope you enjoy your cuff :)

Riverssance Art Festival

This past weekend I sold my jewelry at the Riverssance Fine Art Festival in Davenpot, IA. Whew! What a weekend! I had a great time and sent some nice pieces to new homes.

So my days started at 4:45am - I left home each morning to drive to Davenport around 5:45am. I was dreading the drive but the beautiful sunrises changed my mind about that! The morning sky on Saturday was pretty nice...

I got there on Saturday with plenty of time to get ready and was finished with my booth set-up (all by myself, thank you very much!) by 8 minutes past nine (the show started at 10am). Quite pleased with myself for having nearly an hour to spare, I moseyed across the way to talk with another vendor and noticed that my booth looked awful! The way I had set it up made the booth actually appear empty from just across the aisle. I had set everything up along one side wall and if someone was just strolling by, they might not even see my artwork. What luck that I had decided to be sociable that morning!

Anyway, I had time to re-arrange everything and was so happy with the result. I moved the lace backdrop curtains across the back of the booth and set the tables in a shallow "V" so that there was roughly 2 feet of room between the tables and the back wall. I was able to interact with guests from behind my work and hide stuff completely out-of-sight, if needed. Duh. I can't believe I wasn't doing it that way all along! So, here are some shots of the booth AFTER I changed the set-up:

The day went really well - I sold lots, well.... not lots, exactly, but enough to make it a great day in my book! Here's one happy customer wearing her new cuff bracelet - "Brocade".

Sunday started out pretty much the same except the morning sky was even better...

All I can say about this shot is: "Wow! I need to get up early more often!"

Sunday was slower - the second day typically is, IMO - but, again, I made some nice sales and was extremely pleased with the show. I hope they invite me back next year!

*All photos by Cindy Caraway

Bright Colors and a New Commission - Part 2

In an earlier post, I showed you the beginnings of a commission piece for my friend Ali. She's getting married in October and her colors are any but ordinary! An artist herself, trained as a sculptor but concentrating on fiber art and quilting at the moment, she wanted her wedding jewelry to reflect her passion. Here are just some peeks of the progress. None of the components are permanently attached yet because I still want the freedom of moving them around. This just happens to be one of the many arrangements to date. I would love to know what you think - symmetry? asymmetry? More orange? Less blue? Whatever... leave a comment and let me know! :)

Working on my photos...

My light box set-up

I have changed my photo set-up several times during my years of selling goods online. Some have worked wonderfully and others... well... not so. In an effort to improve my pics a little bit and to align my shots with the ever increasing popularity of clean white backgrounds, I'm trying some new stuff.

Here's a necklace photographed on the hemp-covered display

 I just recently bought a new necklace display with a linen/hemp cloth surface and I thought I would like it but I don't all that much. When I went to the store yesterday to buy a white one, they didn't have any. I remembered seeing an online shop selling covers for necklace displays and checked those out but they were a little more than I really wanted to spend so... I made a quick dash to the fabric store and bought some white polar fleece. What I like about fleece fabric is that it diffuses light really well - you won't get any shiny spots and the texture of the fabric helps the light bounce around.

Here are some shots of making the cover for my necklace display - not really a "how-to" because I was improvising big-time and didn't take incredibly good pics but it seems to have worked OK and might be something you could try, too.

First, I cut a rough rounded square of fleece and stitched a running stitch around the edge...

I tightened the stitching to gather the fleece tightly around the form...

Here it is inside my light box. I think I need to change the small lamps out for some with "daylight" bulbs - the light coming from them now is too yellow so the color of the light inside the box isn't consistent - it's too cool in some spots and too warm in others...

Nonetheless, here is a shot of one of my "Way Out West" bead embroidery pendants...

Oh, well... still some work to do but getting closer!! :)

Some things just chap my hide...

I know that selling online has it's perils - you take photos that you feel are representative of your work, write detailed descriptions and you put it out there with a price you feel is fair. So, I made this fiber collage bag...

...which is completely hand sewn using vintage and reclaimed fabrics, trims, buttons, beads and gets lots of admirers at the art fairs. The price was $50, it sold last week on Etsy and I was happy about that!

Today I check to see if feedback was left for it and I find negative feedback with the comment "Definately overpriced". Anyway... spelling aside... someone bought something and didn't like it - it happens. What chaps my hide is not that she left negative feedback, it's that she didn't contact me first to let me know she was disappointed with her purchase. She could've sent an email to say, "Hey, I bought this bag from you and I don't really like it" and then allow me to help make the situation better. Also, she left negative feedback that isn't actually feedback. Tell me why you think this bag is overpriced: Was it not as described? Did you find the materials inferior? Poor craftsmanship? If you let me know the "why" behind the feedback then it's actually of value to both of us. I know Etsy gives you the opportunity to "Kiss and make up?" but I'm not so sure I feel too smoochy this morning (maybe I will later...). What if I don't feel like making nice? I am just as bad? Probably. But I would have been more than happy to get up-close and personal had she simply sent me a private convo.

Here's my last two-cents: Buying one-of-a-kind handmade items online can be a challenge. You don't get to hold the item, try it on, really see the size and shape. But it was handcrafted by a real person who took enough pride in it to put it out there for the world to see. If you take the leap and purchase and then regret it - give the seller a chance to help you. Be considerate and let them know why you're disappointed and how the situation can be made better - don't just slap them with negative feedback without reaching out first.

Sorry for this little morning rant but my hide is a wee bit chapped...

Busy Weekend at The Hayloft Gallery

My second art show of the season was this past weekend. Sales were slow but the weather and the company was terrific - so it's all good!

I worked the two-day show by myself so now I know I can do it! I was next door to a real sweetie named Jennifer (Jewels by Jay - I couldn't find a website or any images of her great stuff - sorry!!) who makes super cute upcycled clothing and hats. 

The show was at The Hayloft Gallery in Oregon,WI which is a small, privately owned gallery/workshop in a lovely setting just a few miles south of Madison. Here are a few shots sent to me by some folks who visited - Thanks for the pics and the great weekend! :)

My Booth (I took this one!)

Meeting fellow beader Jean Upton face to face!

Me and my stuff!

Me working on a new project (Thanks for the pic, Bill!)

No apologies... OK, just a little one... and some new beadwork!

I know in the blogosphere there are a plethora of apologies made everyday because people have neglected their blogging practice for a while. I try not to be either of those people - I don't want to neglect my blogging practice nor do I want to feel like I have to apologize for having stuff going on sometimes! So, here goes... I'm sorry I feel like I should apologize for my absence but I have a really good reason... really... I do! Several, actually...

First, I was thinking of changing over to WordPress and spent WAY too many hours designing and investigating only to find out that I like BLOGGER!! Yay! So, after many hours of packing up to move, I had decided to stay right here at "Artful Living on the Bluff".

Second, some of you may know that I am starting to do summer art and fine craft shows. My first, DubuqueFest, was a wonderful success! I thought my booth display was pretty good, the weather cooperated and I made enough sales to be genuinely happy with the profits. I wish I had some great pics to share - I promise to be better about taking a camera and actually using it next time! Here's a couple I snagged from my friend Gail...

My Boothmate, Ali, and I having a great day!

Here's Gail wearing her latest Cindy Caraway creation - Cosmic Renegade!

My boothmate was Ali who makes sweet bags, purses and other cool stuff like patchwork scarves - she has a limited supply up for sale in her Etsy shop - AliRags - but be sure to mark her as a favorite for when she re-stocks.

Besides being an incredible metal sculptor (visit her Etsy Shop - ChavenelleStudio), Gail Chavenelle is my best cheerleader, a fierce collector of art and the energizer bunny of arts supporters! She is always there to lend a keen eye and great advice - I love you, Gail!

Thirdly, I went on my annual vacation to Disney World with my Mom. We go every year and and have a great but insanely tiring time. This year was no exception! Tropical Storm Beryl left Kissimmee, FL relatively unscathed and we had a wonderful time riding rides, eating Ice Cream and enjoying the parks.

Now I'm home and doing my best to get caught up! One thing I did make sure to do this week was a little bead embroidery. I made up a couple of "bead soup" recipes and went to town! I have another show coming up this weekend and wanted some brand new pieces to sell. Here are some of the beaded pendants I made. They are a great size for wearing - the oval pendants are just 2" long - but are satisfying to create and I can still feel proud to put them out there with my big pieces. I'm starting on some cuff bracelets and maybe some earrings this afternoon! Can't wait... :)

Navigating Murky Waters

When I am asked what I enjoy reading, my typical answer is, "Anything with pictures!"

First off, I "read" lots of magazines, home decor and craft books rarely ever taking in the text unless a pretty picture catches my fancy. Second - I like non-fiction. My bedside table usually has something like "Drive" by Daniel Pink or "The Social Animal" by David Brooks (see his entertaining TED talk on the same subject by clicking here) - or something having to do with creative entrepreneurship like "The Right-Brain Business Plan" by Jennifer Lee or "The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam. As for fiction: it's either Shakespeare or Jane Austen ("Persuasion" is, by far, my favorite!) and I can only read those while speaking softly to myself in a British accent. :)

Well, this brings me to the book I'm presently loving - "The Zen of Social Media Marketing" by Shama Hyder Kabani. The reason I am loving this book is because Shama approaches Social Media like no other business guru I've read. I am only into the third chapter and am already feeling like I can maybe handle this social media stuff because I really don't "get" it. It's not the way I like to interact with friends and (since I'm trying to also market my artwork) potential customers. Facebook, for example, is a big mysterious mix of everything from weird everyday flotsam (aka. "I'm watching Glee right now!!" or "I just had corn flakes for breakfast" sorts of stuff) to the sharing of big ideas that might actually change the world. I find it completely perplexing and am striving to change that. I hope Shama can help me navigate the murky waters.

And, just so you know, I don't know Shama except from her website and the pages of this book. I am not being paid to give her the thumbs-up. I haven't even bought the book (although I might!) - I got this copy from the local library - but I hope you might check it out, anyway. How do you find your way through the Social Media maze? I would love to hear your thoughts - leave a comment and let me know :)

On the move... Update :)

Well, I am deep into "The Big Move" (as it has come to be called at our house). Things may seem to be taking a long time but since I posted about the moving process way back on March 19th, my sweet hubby and I took a little 9-day trip out East to visit friends and family. So, seeing as we got back late on April Fool's Day, I think things are coming along pretty well! Needless to say, I am exhausted! I have aches where I had forgotten I even had muscles! OK.... enough whining already...

Being the slightly anal, control-freak Scorpio that I am, I downloaded a nice little app that would allow me to "virtually" move furniture around before any heavy lifting was involved. Let me just say, that particular tactic (in this case, at least) was a big ol' waste of time. This is how it typically went... I would move one of the big pieces of furniture into the room, load it up with stuff, decide I didn't really like it there after all, unload the stuff and move it to another spot. This big work bench thingy you see in the corner...
...has been relocated no less than 4 times! (*what a pain* and, no, I am not planning on using that door again anytime soon) Well, happily it has found it's permanent home - but the wall unit to the left of it? Yep... you guessed it.... moving someplace else...

Needing a break (and a glass of wine!), I though I would share some shots of the space in-progress. Please excuse the mess... I am really excited about this new space and, despite the aches and splinters, having a great time getting it organized.

This corner will be for relaxing and reading. I love this comfy wing chair :)

This wall unit and dresser hold fiber/craft supplies and some vintage treasures destined for my vintage shop on Etsy.

I just bought this table today at my favorite thrift store. A table will allow me to do larger projects, get out the sewing machine every once in a while and maybe (hopefully!) teach some classes. I know it doesn't look like much but that makes it the perfect crafting table! No one will care if paint gets spilled or a nick is left by an Exacto blade. It's the perfect size for the space (4' in diameter) and it was super cheap! Can't beat that...

More pics of the finished space tomorrow (*cross your fingers*)! Thanks for stopping by :)

On the move...

No, we're not moving out of our house, just re-arranging it a bit (which I'm starting to think is harder than changing addresses!). After much discussion, my hubby and I decided that a much larger (and more secluded) work area than the 4' x 8' closet and small corner space in the living room was needed in order for me to grow as an artist and business owner. So, we are moving his music stuff from the basement room to the living room, my "studio" from the living room to the bedroom and the bedroom to the basement. Wow! What a production! But we're making headway, slowly but surely!

The old craft closet was successfully emptied into the living room and most of his music equipment now occupies the closet space. The main job for this afternoon is to get the bed down to the basement... holey moley... :-P

As you can see, not much living can be done in the living room, but it will get better as the days go by! And, yes... believe it or not... all of that stuff completely filling our living room came out of a 4' x 8' closet!! And the couch is temporarily relocated to the kitchen...

Morning Coffee - Stop Corporate Bullies and Eat More Kale!!

Become a backer, too! You'll be glad you did!

My good friend Peter posting a link to a Kickstarter campaign on Facebook and I'm sure glad I visited! Be sure to watch this video and then stop by and make a pledge - as little as $1 will get this guy closer to shutting down some corporate bullies! Oh... and never eat at Chick-fil-a... ever!

Does a picture REALLY paint a thousand words?

Since starting to enter my jewelry into juried art/fine craft shows, I have been thinking a lot about my photos. Having been accepted into several juried gallery exhibits with photos I take myself, I have never doubted that I am, somehow, able to take pretty good pics of my beadwork and fiber creations. Today, though, I focused on the photos in my Etsy shops - particularly CindyCaraway where I sell my beadwork.

I noticed that some of my listings had thumbnail shots that didn't really show the piece very well. For instance, if I had a long shot of a necklace sometimes only the center of the photo would show on my shop page - here's an example:

The full photo of "After Midnight"...

Yes, it's a perfectly nice shot of this piece but when it shows up under my shop listings, it comes out looking like this...

Hardly a good view for showing what the piece really looks like.

So today I went into my shop and changed out first photos for most of my listings to shots like this...

These "collage" style shots allow for the entire necklace with a close-up to be seen as soon as one gets to my main shop page. I like it but I'm wondering what you think. Is this type of photo a good choice for my Etsy shops? Why or why not?

Some new Beaded Bon Bons

Well, I just received word that I was juried into the first of (I hope!) several fine art and craft shows this season. I will be exhibiting and selling my wares at DubuqueFest over the weekend of May 19th and 20th. I'm pretty excited about doing shows and looking forward to it! Adding to the excitement was the delivery of the pop-up gazebo/tent I ordered. I haven't opened the box yet but it's a heavy sucker (55lbs)! I hope the storage bag has wheels to help with getting around or I'm gonna need to add some...

So, now that the ball has started rolling, I thought I would share some new pieces with you. Knowing that I need to get extra-busy making new inventory for shows, I worked on several new Beaded Bon Bons over the past weekend (you can find a small selection of them at Cynthia St. Anne on Etsy with more to come soon!). They are just so darned cute and super fun to make. Here's an in-progess shot and a couple finished shots, too -

If you like any of these new ones, let me know and I'll reserve them just for you! They'll be posted on Etsy soon, so don't delay :)

Don't know what a Beaded Bon Bon is? Click here to find out!

Getting ready for summer shows

One of my resolutions for this year is to participate in one art/craft fair each month from May through December. I have just sent in my jury package for the first one and, feeling optimistic of my chances, am working on my booth display.

I did do a couple of small local fairs last year and my display was haphazard, at best. Here's what I was working with last year:

I was going for that "bohemian" vibe but sometimes I think it landed somewhere between "vagabond" and "homeless" (and I'm not referring to the handsome guitar player in the back - that's my uber-cute hubby there to help me for the day!). This year I'm hoping for a more streamlined and tailored look. For starters, I will get my own canopy tent with sidewalls. This tent was borrowed and I was very appreciative but walls just look nicer and I want my own so I always know what I'm working with!

One thing I did get right was to make leg extenders for the table on the left in the photo above. I bought the 4' x 2' banquet table at Staples and then made leg extenders out of PVC components to bring it up to a nice height - I think it's about 40" tall now, which is a great height for customers.

So, I am getting started by taking the ONE thing I have (the banquet table) and making it better. I have spent the past few days making a nice table cover. It's fashioned from a great crushed velvet (machine-washable!!) in off-white with a cotton muslin lining. I am hand-sewing the whole thing - call me crazy but it's easier than trying to find a spot to sew it on the machine when you live in as tiny a house as we do! There's still work to do on it but here are some shots of it so far:

Here you can see how I'm gathering the front panel. I'm leaving lots of room along the hem so I can add weight - probably a length of chain - along the bottom to foil any winds that might want to blow up my table's skirt! (That's one of our puppies, Freckles, peeking around the corner)

In this shot you can see the front is finished and I'm adding the side and back panels. I will eventually close the corner seam but I am leaving the skirt open in the middle back so I can easily access anything I want to store out-of-sight at the shows. You can also just see a glimpse of one of the PVC leg extenders :)

I'm pretty excited about doing shows! I know it will be a ton of work but worth it, I hope, to get my creations in front of people. I know I don't like to buy things I haven't touched or held up or tried on - I don't think I'm alone in that. I'll be sure to keep you posted on the development of my booth design - now I'm off to price canopies (*eek*)