Just for Fun

I have almost always had a pet,and Im sure I,m not alone in this practise.I just have to tell you all about the kids next door.This year two little girls were allowed to have a kitten,they were so excited.One problem developed,they couldn't agree on a name.One insisted on Precious and the other adamantly wanted Pebbles.I have been able to hear a few conversations regarding this extremely serious dilemma.Apparently the parents have stepped in and told the girls to pick an abbreviation of both names and that will be that!I don;t think this is what they had in mind;as I heard the girls out calling for their cat tonight and the name change is pp.I got such a chuckle out if it and hope you do to.

Something pretty

Running on empty

Lately I sometimes feel like I'm running on empty and could use a dose of high octane ?something.Seems like the faster I go the behinder I get and the harder I try the less results achieved.Now,I know I have not been singled out for this honor and everyone has the same problem at sometime;so for those of you sailing blissfully at present,take over it's your turn.HA HA!!.Woudn't that be grand to just take turns when you feel like it.You know,don't think I want to deal with problems this week so the neighbour can do it;or the bills are getting out of hand so I'll wait for $ from heaven to take care of it.Oh,don't we wish.There is always a new and improved version of anything and everything daily now;to improve our lives.The only real things that improve our lives is love of others,respect for individuals,faith in ourselves and those we are lucky enough to know and cherise.None of these will solve all our dilemma's but they might help us to get a firm stance so life can't knock us over easily.Well my feet are again firmly planted and I invite you do the same;for there will be a next round and we'll have to duke it out.Maybe we'll win,maybe not;but the doldrums are going to know they've been in a battle.Off to make something pretty,cause I can!! So can you.

Discouraged

All of us hit a wall and get discouraged once in a while.We begin to doubt our creative ability or even if we ever had one.This can be caused by so many outside sources;one of the worst is when we feel no one shows any interest in our products let alone in purchasing one.While we continue to strive to put forth unique and lovely pieces that we litterally pray someone will buy.Have faith in yourself and the thing you love to do;it's much easier to have faith in others.We are seldom as as accepting of ourselves as we are to other people.No one has a pat answer to help the doubt go away.Lord knows I wish I did, keep creating,using your imagination and the skill in your hands;and believe the best is yet to come.

Free Samples

In a discussion earlier tonight with a few other artisans the topic of how frequently we may be ask to provide free samples to various outlets came up.No one has a problem giving occassionally to a favorite charity or for a good cause.There may also be times when we would like an expert opinion to boost the image of our products;but no one should be offended if we have to decline.We are after all just artisans,an occupational choice that has made very few well off and we too have to survive in this downtrodden economy.Large corporations set aside a specific amount of free product for a fiscal year.When that amount has been reached, to bad; they may put you on a list for next year, or not.Fall is a difficult time for many,there are school costs recurring,craftsmen are trying to increase thier inventory for the christmas season and all your other expenses start to rise as winter slowly descends.Many craftpersons depend on christmas to keep thier small mom and pop shops going,it becomes our internet tourist season and we all keep our fingers crossed that our studios will be found,enjoyed and utilized.Being approached is anticipated by every business but do so with respect,be glad if you're offered a gift certificate,or discount ;and if you repetativly ask over and over again frequently,expect the same courtesy you are extending.I personally set aside a specific amount of product and funds in the way of discounts in my studios,and when that amount is utilized,I'm afraid you might have to be put on list for next year.

SHARD SCUPTURE

I love to dig in the bits and pieces of left over glass,or the tiny shards that we all have.Once I've retrieved a multitude of bits the fun begins.I will twist it,turn it,manipulate and move it around;not having a clue what I'm going to put together.Sooner or later an image forms in my strange little mind and I can start.I will fit ,layer,add accents,take a deep breath and attempt to take the image out of my head and create a tangible work.Very time consuming and would never be able to produce a second piece,but it gives me great joy when I open the kiln and it's worked.The unique idea now has form and substance;my work of art.It will never be duplicated,and hopefully others will like and appreciate it.Although the cost is reflected in the amount of time to create it,it never exceeds acceptable market value.All that is left is for someone to see and cherish it as thier own. Please look at picture below to see for yourself.