"Trio of Trees" - new tutorial coming!

Well, I have finally decided to go ahead with the tutorial for my tree beads, called "Trio of Trees".  I started typing the narrative part a few of days ago and have managed to get the verbal instructions for two of the three trees completed.  Sometime in December I will get my daughter to come over and take the photos as I make the beads.  The tutorial will hopefully be released sometime in mid January 2012.  I thought about getting it done before Christmas, but I just don't think it is possible - sorry!

This "Frosty Morning" bead is one of the beads that will be taught in the tutorial.

The other two will be my "Arbutus Beach" (known in the US as the Madrona tree) and one I am presently working on called "Faux Wedgewood".  Keep your eyes on this blog for the announcement when it is ready.

Have a great week!

Studio Tour weekend

Last weekend (actually Thursday to Sunday) we had a self guided artist studio tour in our area.  There were 21 artists participating, along with many of the local restaurants and watering holes.  The only drawback, is that I can't go out on the tour as I am stuck here all weekend!

I had two other artists participating with me in my little studio - Vicki Forkin with her Herb Garden Pottery, and Gail Petrie with her lovely Christmas boxes/centerpieces and ornaments.  We had lots of people come through - over 350!  Our poor gravel driveway looks quite well used.

My part of the studio.

Herb Garden Pottery

That Crafty Lady (Christmas Boxes, etc)

Sorry about the quality of the pictures.

It is back to the torch now, as I have a couple of orders that I have to get ready for the beginning of December.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US readers.



Absence makes the heart grow fonder - maybe??

I'm so sorry for my absence from the blog world - I just figured something had to get put aside while I got through the shows so I wouldn't be a total basket case.

The above photo is from the Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair which was on Nov 4 - 6.  My daughter feels that with the show's black draping my booth is too dark, and I think she is right.  Several times I had someone bring a friend back to my booth, and the friend said  "how did I miss this one".  So I think I will be going back to my ivory brocade table covers - I was just so tired of them, but they are a lot lighter and brighter.

Sales were down for me about 25%, which is not good.  However several other jewellers stated that their sales were the same as last year, so who knows - it's all just a guessing game anyway.  I haven't decided yet if I will do the show again next year, or take a year off and do another venue.  I have asked for a corner booth next year, so perhaps if I can get that then I will do it again.  Decisions, decisions!

Craft fair this weekend!

I am busy packing for the Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair.  It is November 4 - 6, 2011 at Beban Park,  2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, B.C.  This is my 4th consecutive year.  This is a very well run fair, with lots of different vendors, and even a kitchen that serves pretty good grub, and will deliver it to your booth, which is always nice when you are stuck by yourself!

 Hope to see you there!