tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9671154420262033652024-02-18T21:42:10.720-05:00Donna Sloma's CraftwordsDonna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-41962461105242446122012-09-01T20:33:00.003-04:002012-09-01T20:33:32.885-04:00settling in...After an extremely busy summer (where DID the time go?) I am settling in. The college boys have gone back, their rooms neat, tidy and fumigated (and quiet).
I am settling in to the usual quiet of just my husband and me; easy laundry stacks and easy dinners.
I am also settling in to my retail homes. Getting the hang of what they want at NOFO; and I've been in there restocking some items. I love this store; they have a real cute selection of handmade local goods and foods, as well as the unusal, fun and cool!
There is some settling in at the Carolina Artists Colony in Sanford. If you haven't been, you need to go. Nine rooms loaded with handcrafted goodness. You need a few trips through to see everything, and then a few more. My booth at the Colony has moved to a new room, and has been restyled a bit. That along with a few new items :)
I always love the beginning of a new school year, more like a new year to me than January One. Time to settle in to a hopefully cooler climate, and having some artful adventures coming up with the CMMAG. Having a routine is very settling to me; something the summer has always lacked. Love this time of year!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-13630163137799019942012-06-25T08:25:00.001-04:002012-06-25T08:26:28.152-04:00retail opportunitesAfter Spring Daze, I contemplated some retail opportunities that came my way. I have been in galleries in the past, and was looking for a new outlet.
My bookmarks made out of hardcover book spines are now found in All Booked Up, a fantastic used book store on Salem Street in downtown Apex. Stop in for a cool and bookish experience. They have a fantastic selection.
Heading in to Raleigh, I have a small selection of goods available at NOFO at the Pig. This is located at Five Points on Fairview Ave. The downstairs cafe door is right next to Lilly's pizza (pretty good gluten free crust there!)This is a pretty eclectic collection of handmade, and unusual manufactured goods; much of it made in NC! I haven't eaten in the cafe, but my allergies....
The third but not least "outlet" for Studio 119 is the Carolina Artists Colony, in Sanford NC; just a short drive down US 1. This is an amazing collection of handcrafted art! Rooms and rooms full! Now that my June has simmered down to a dull roar, I need to get down there and fully check out the offering there :)
Looking forward to replenishing my inventory and pondering the fall coming up; and looking for a few new shows.
Back to work!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-4171509840378845052012-05-02T08:31:00.000-04:002012-05-02T08:31:21.983-04:00On the moveI'm working my way toward the end of the spring shows I've signed up for.
The first was a favorite; the Designer's Downtown Market in Raleigh. It has a really different vibe than most craft shows; no rush to get there and hurry through the booths to move on to the next Saturday activity. Shoppers wander, stop and visit, go through the booths again...a slower and steady pace. It was so nice to get out to an outdoor show after the quiet winter months of hibernation!
Last weekend was the Cary Spring Daze, which I've been doing for several years. Love this venue. The shade trees. The extra room behind my booth. The organizers do a great job, and I really feel valued as a vendor. The hospitality tent, the offer of boothsitters, etc. Always a huge show for me, and it made me happy when I had so many repeat customers in my booth.
This coming weekend is Apex PeakFest. I have been doing this show since there was a show in the Fall as well. I love the downtown in Apex; there are so many great places to shop, eat and browse. I will most likely see a lot of familiar faces.
When I sign up for shows, I love the fact I can have a different experience at each one. Certainly not run of the mill 9-5 :) Now for a few months of air conditioned creating in the house. I'll be looking to find the right retail fit for some of my creations in the very near future!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-62049026917274134512012-01-21T08:56:00.003-05:002012-01-21T09:11:30.543-05:00Creating for the Sheer Joy of it!As an crafter/artist, I sometimes find myself in a production mode for shows and festivals. And I do enjoy what I produce. There would be little to choose from on my vendor table if I didn't have a healthy inventory.<br /><br />But lately I've been working on some projects that aren't meant for selling! How enjoyable and freeing it is to just see where a project takes me. Using new media, or old favorites in a new, untried way is so satisfying. Maybe a painted background will eventually find it's way into something I plan to offer for sale; but no pressure during the creating part! <br /><br />It sometimes ends up with me coming up with a new product offering, which is great; because I really need to keep things fresh. No one wants to come into my booth and see the same things I've been making since 2004! Other times I create some new piece that will never be repeated haha! <br /><br />When I sit down at my studio table with no goal in mind, it feels as good as when I was in grade school and sitting down in Art class wearing one of my Dad's old shirts for a paint smock. No idea what I was going to make, but I knew it was gonna be a lot of fun :)Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-49718894389283935772011-12-17T19:39:00.003-05:002011-12-17T20:06:15.769-05:00Reflections on A Year; the ups and downsI am sitting snug in front of the beautifully lit tree, and enjoying my family; the kids home from college. After a busy holiday show season, I'm ready to hibernate (craftwise) for the next two weeks.<br />2011 was an eventful year for me and my family. One family member suffered a devastating illness, and is still recovering. Another is continuing cancer treatment. My parents sold their house and moved into an apartment. It's been busy and stressful and sad and scary and I'm thankful to shut down this year. I am looking toward better days.<br />On a positive note, I have enjoyed and am thankful for the time we have together. Since my nest is pretty empty, it was a good yea to have some work done around the house. We had some much needed bath tile repaired, and I painted and updated 2 bathrooms and a laundry room. Our house sure needs a perk me up every decade!<br /> I have had a great year creatively, and highlight the Inspired. Art Event with my best girls, and learned some pretty great techniques and projects. Going on an Art Retreat is such a joy and makes me happy and excited to create! <br />The Art/craft shows I particpated in this year were pretty successful; I think the economy is picking up a little, and I keep making adjustments to display and application photos.<br />By joining the CMMAG a few years ago, I have been blessed to meet some great, fun, smart, creative and sharing women; and gain motivation at every 'meeting of the minds'<br />So as I prepare for my Winter Solstice vacation, I can reflect on the past year, and honestly say the good was pretty great, and as bad as the bad was, it was less bad because of the family and very supportive friends I am so very lucky to have. You know who you are ;) After Christmas Day and all the flurry of busy-ness is over, I will sit down and write up a list for myself to outline some goals for 2012 I've been thinking about. I don't want to call it a New Years resolution list, because I never keep those, so I'll just go with 2012 business goals!<br />I wish everyone a most Happy Christmas and wonderful, creative, Happy New Year!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-8683267941931235042011-02-24T07:35:00.002-05:002011-02-24T07:50:38.219-05:00Spring is in the (F)AirSo now we sit and wait; and hopefully it will be in the craft room!<br />Most applications are in; need to get 2 more by the weekend.<br /> <br />This is always such a hard time for me; after the applications go out in the mail, I sit back, wait, and obsess. "Will I get in", "why didn't I get in?", "Oh, goody, I'm in!" It's like this every year; and I should be over any lingering insecurity; but when the envelope comes in the mail, it's like waiting for a college acceptance. Is it the thin letter of rejection, or the fat packet of success!?!<br /><br />But meanwhile, I have plenty to do to boost my inventory. I am loving creating my journals; and a recent trip to the Reader's Corner has supplied me with 2 grocery bags full of supply and inspiration. If no one knows this place, it's on the corner of Hillsborough and Rosemary. The books outside are 10 or 25 cents! Perfect for the mixed media artist. I love these guys, and shopping at an independant makes me happy:) This latest trip was on Sunday; after going to the NC Fairgrounds to the Wake Library sale. After navigating the crowded lots, I got to the building and found a long line of would-be readers stretched around the building! I think I ended up with the better deal; no lines no waiting!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-15565044780125587432011-01-09T08:56:00.003-05:002011-01-09T09:16:52.172-05:00Inspiration RejuvenationWow.<br /> As I sit typing this, I have ideas whirling around in my head! <br />I have a clean slate craft table in the studio. Haven't started a thing since the holidays.But a short step back from things provided me with a creative spark I desperately needed.<br /> A 'whirlwind' trip overnight with likeminded art f(r)iends to Sanford NC was just the shot in the arm I needed to get started in 2011! Not one, but TWO very fun classes, a shopping trip to the Fiberfest, and a silly night of laughing was refreshing to my soul! Thanks, Girls :)<br /> So now I am back home with the most beautiful pile of sari ribbon sitting on my table; impatiently waiting to be snipped up be my scissors! I have plans to incorporate these gorgeous threads into my Journals. <br /> Jane Powell has also got me thinking about collage in a new way; I have some new ideas to experiment with. I'm looking forward to beating the winter doldrums by getting down to business with my new supplies and rejuvenated Art*Spark.<br /> Bring it on, 2011. Now I'm ready!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-28905126540954940642010-12-12T11:19:00.002-05:002010-12-12T11:30:03.336-05:00Wrapping up 2010So time has passed, as it always does. The year's end comes on the tails of a great holiday season! Looking back on 2010,I made a lot of great things, dabbled in some new ideas, had tons of fun at shows, enjoyed meeting a lot of new people! <br /> In addition to the art-related fun I had every month with the Carolina Mixed Media Artist Guild, The Inspired. art event workshop in Concord this spring with my girls was the absolute best!!!!! I am looking forward to the 2011 Inspired. and it can't come soon enough now that I know what a great experience it is. <br /> I am going to close up shop for a few weeks of vacation, and when I get back, it will be time to submit applications for several shows. Time to take some new photos of my work and rework my artist statement. Maybe this year will be when I get down to brass tacks and develop my website. There is always something hopeful about beginning the new year.....Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-62646451872517132242010-11-16T09:25:00.003-05:002010-11-16T09:32:26.037-05:00Holiday Show madnessI think the fumes from paint and glue are geting to me! I've been busy in the studio and have finished 2 fun shows :) The show last weekend had me up and on the road by 5am...<br /><br />I'm hoping for the weather to cooperate at the Raleigh Designer's Downtown Market this Saturday,the 20th(Happy Birthday, MOM) from 9-3. There'll be something new for this Market; a plethora of handmade goods donated by the artists will be in raffle baskets this weekend. All proceeds to benefit the NC Food Bank! Come on out and get a leg up on your Holiday shopping and support a worthwhile cause! <br /><br />After that, I am looking forward to a nice family Thanksgiving celebration; kids home from school for a few days; maybe even sneaking in a crafternoon with the girls!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-33173176075303055122010-10-24T11:31:00.000-04:002010-10-24T11:32:11.483-04:00Holiday scheduleMy Holiday schedule is set! I will be in a variety of venues through the month of November and the first weekend of December.There is a show for everyone!<br /><br />November 3-4 I will be at Soapstone UMC in North Raleigh, at the Sugar Plum Fair. There will be sessions of 9-2 both days and and evening session with food and a Silent Auction on Wed. from 6-9. Come on out and spend a rare leisurely weekday doing some early Holiday shopping.<br />This is followed by November 13th Mistletoe Market at Wakefield HS in Raleigh 8-5.<br />The Designer's Downtown Market in Raleigh will be in the Ornamentea parking lot on November 20th from 9-3 (brisk sunny weather? yes please!)<br />The first weekend in December is a double header; St. Thomas More in Chapel Hill on Saturday the 4th from 9-5; and Sunday the 5th brings the Boylan Heights Artwalk from 12-5!<br /><br />I love attending shows and meeting customers in person. I enjoy talking about my creations and soaking up the fun, artistic atmosphere!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-35819944081568961612010-09-26T09:25:00.002-04:002010-09-26T09:38:00.435-04:00I hope summer weather is done...After yesterday's Designer's Downtown Market. it's official; I am SOO done with summer weather! The booth set up was great,the company excellent, and customers were fun and sweet! BUT unless I sat still in front of the fan, it was too HOT for almost October!<br />I am sitting here writing this looking out the window waiting for the rain to start and the cool breezes to begin. A good sign was letting the dog out and it felt...nice!<br />I'm looking forward to a few weekends off, and doing family stuff before my next show. And I will I have time to catch up and replenish my Memory Journals! These are selling as fast as I can make them; they are adorable :) Is it a scrapbook? a Photo Album? a Journal? It's all 3 rolled into one. some pockets, tags, and foldouts to write, draw, rip, tape and/or staple whatever you want to keep and remember. I find it easier to start using a journal when it's not a big intimidating sea of blank white. <br />A project I put off until cool weather is my soldering. I LOVE to solder and now I plan on setting up my table in the garage (my second studio haha). I have come into a fantastic collection of Vintage Christmas cards and want to make collaged Christmas ornaments. SWWWEEET! Let the Fall begin!!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-28213740237279585952010-09-13T08:07:00.002-04:002010-09-13T08:25:55.306-04:00Work and PlayI just spent a creative fun Sunday afternoon with fellow Guild members; learning some awesome background techniques and ATC patterns. Now to make some artful ATCs for the Art of Carolinas. the CMMAG will be hosting a make and take ATC room during the AOC.<br />Now, after a weekend full of fun, football, and college kids, the list must be made.<br /><br />1. Make a master list for the BazaarSpark show on Saturday. (Downtown Raleigh 10-5)<br /><br />2. Repack inventory and update table signs.<br /><br />3. Finish up last minute projects, hopefully by midweek(do NOT spend Friday night <br /><br /> feverishly crafting) haha<br /><br />4. Be ready to pick up my younger child from school Friday afternoon, and take the <br /><br /> other one out to lunch while I'm in Greenville :)<br /><br />5. Take photos of inventory to use on Etsy. I love my camera.<br /><br />If I could only set up a work schedule and stick to it...I think I need to actually write it down in PEN, not pencil. How did I get so much more done when the kids were little and I worked night shift? I like to think it's not getting older.Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-39257623309075649192010-09-06T08:56:00.004-04:002010-09-06T09:14:33.893-04:00Setting the Fall ScheduleSo it begins...The finalization of Fall shows. I love when the calendar starts to gel and I can plan studio time, college football games, regular life stuff, and Holiday shows! Life is rather simple these days; empty nest means less housework, and I am now retired from being a Band Booster after 6 years :) There are really a lot of hours in a day!<br /><br />Things start in 2 weeks; at BazaarSpark in downtown Raleigh on Saturday September 18th. Come on out to Martin St. from 10-5 and check out all the handmade local art and fine crafts. Guaranteed to be some awesome unique treasures...<br /><br />Imaginese Gifts in Cary at Stonecreek Village is continuing to carry my glass tile pendants; maps, old postage stamps and handpainted vintage paper. This is such a cool store with so many neat items you've never seen before. I love it!<br /><br />My preparations for the fall season involve some re organizing of my inventory; after a summer off from shows, I need to take stock of what needs to be done, and maybe pick new table coverings and spruce up my signage. Fall is very rejuvenating!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-87129203573718553922010-05-31T09:07:00.002-04:002010-05-31T09:17:43.608-04:00Follow up on Blog BlockI would be glad to post more often if I could only remember to come on in!<br />As for last week's blog, I actually have made progress! I decided I would give myself permission to tear up a little whenever I felt like it. I can be a sentimental Momma if I choose!<br />I started the grad party planning, decided I would have a party whether Son wanted one or not hahaha.<br />Worked on my website, which is totally empty :( because I haven't listing anything new in FOREVER shame on me. I took a bunch of pictures, and editted them. Only to lose the first listing I tried to post (operator error)! Well, try and try again...<br />Made lots of Art; in the form of graduation cards for several of my son's friends; I will miss them all as they drift away to the 4 corners of the world (or the 4 corners of the UNC college system)<br />My next project is going to finish a recycled journal I began in a workshop at Inspired a few weks ago. I loved the class, but it will be a work in progress.<br />Pendants for Imaginese<br />Pendant-special order<br />Secret birthday present for friend (late)<br />get through graduation party start cooking and buying NOW<br />relax today, It's a holiday!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-90677451905107254482010-05-18T08:02:00.002-04:002010-05-18T08:17:10.400-04:00Blog BlockHello, Blog. It's been awhile. I'm a little ashamed how out of touch we've been. A bit of discipline is all I need. Since i've never been a journal keeper, it's still tough to sit down and bang out a blog entry. I never had a pink diary with a tiny key to hold my secret thoughts. I am much more of a list maker than a writer.<br />So:<br />1.Graduation is approaching for my youngest son. Plan the party. <br />2.Think about whether I will tear up or just be happy at the Grad ceremony.<br />3.Plan the trip to said son's college for overnight orientation. Will I cry?<br />4.Find a few craft shows to apply for; the blow to my ego from being rejected by <br /> Lazy Daze still stings a little.<br />5.Finally decide on a color for the powder room and paint it. It's not gonna happen<br /> on it's own.<br />6.Website. Do it. Enough said.<br /><br />Maybe I should have been saving my lists all these years. Looking at my to do lists does allow me to look at what's going on in my life when I read between the lines. <br />My Blog may need to adapt to a laundry list rather than a composition.<br />Let's see how this works...Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-72839587823113754992010-01-25T15:09:00.002-05:002010-01-25T15:28:06.244-05:00Starting out with good intentions......doesn't always mean I follow through! The craft table is pared down, but not quite neat. And everything isn't put away in the right place. But I am starting to wade throught the post holiday sluggishness, and spruce up my ETSY site. I have also gotten in some fun background painting with my sister last week; turning them in to some pretty darn cute bookmarks!<br />The applications for shows are printed out, and one has already been submitted. This is a good thing. I start looking forward to festivals about this time; Holiday shows seem like a long time ago. Planning far ahead is a bit tricky this year with my younger son graduating from High School and college Open House days taking up a lot of Saturdays. It will all work out...<br /><br />Thanks to the CMMAG, I have dabbled where I have never gone before; into the realm of ATCs. I made 4 for the January meeting and hope to do the February "passion" theme cards. I picked up 4 mini pieces of Art from other members. This is a neat way to share without a huge investment of time and materials. I am looking forward to a busy and fun year with the Art Guild; they have a lot of cool stuff planned :)Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-19968378853865487892009-12-26T17:55:00.002-05:002009-12-26T18:06:54.277-05:00End of YearIt all culminated in a very nice, and relaxing Christmas day. I am taking a sabbatical until New Year's! I plan on enjoying my husband, who is on vacation; and my 2 boys! I will need a very long afternoon in my Studio to set up for a fresh new year; so that's on my list. I will also be reckoning my financials for 2009. There's always something satisfying about wrapping up an old year and having a clear slate to begin fresh...<br /><br />To all my artistic friends; thank you for your support and friendship this year, and look forward to many upcoming events and making Art!<br /><br />See you next year!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-9304199563304499622009-11-14T07:47:00.003-05:002009-11-14T08:06:50.265-05:00So the Christmas shows begin! Last weekend was a lot of fun; a church Christmas bazaar is a nice way to ease in to thinking about all the things that need to get done before the end of December.<br />I always have fun doing shows with my good friend Julie; we help each other and have a lot of fun. Looking at a couple new shows for next year.<br /><br />I have been working on some new canvas collages; 6X6 and smaller themed collages. I made a handful of them last weekend. Once I started, I couldn't stop. They are so cute.My work table looked like a tornado hit! Of course it always does, so I'm not sure how I can tell the difference!<br /><br />I attended the Art of Carolinas on Thursday and Friday; there's a lot going on. I only worked on Thursday, which was fun; but I took and awesome class by Patti Brady--layers and layers of Golden products.Loved it! Then of course the shopping was great; nothing to buy for husband or sons. haha<br /><br />This weekend requires a lot of catching up and cleaning. It's been a long week of later than usual nights for me. I'm on the downhill slide from being a Band Booster Mom; the season is almost over. The cool and cloudy weather will at least keep me in the house. Maybe even a session in the studio for work on some new Christmas ornaments...<br /><br />Just a quick invitation--Imaginese Gifts in Cary is hosting a Meet the Artist Evening on the Friday after Thanksgiving, from 6 to 7:30PM. Light refreshments, music, and several local artists will be on hand to meet and talk about their work. Take your out of town guests to jump on Holiday shopping, and to get out of the house! Andrea has an awesome selection of unique items; a very cool store!Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-49392691440222699372009-09-16T13:43:00.002-04:002009-09-16T13:57:58.614-04:00Getting down to business...Now is a great time for getting my studio ready for the Holiday Season Shows. I'm trying to clean and reorganize for prodution time. I did de stash by bringing a bagful to the CMMAG meeting at Scrap Exchange last week. It was a fun event, making ATC'S for the Art of Carolinas in November. I had never made an ATC before! Mini Art! Everyone in the group is super nice.<br /><br />I have some work to do before October--Charm swap, and I have the perfect raw material to make mine! Old bus tokens from Springfield, Mass. Always go to the flea market when you ned something. I also am starting the AOC challenge canvas this week, I do better with a deadline, and this one is coming up!<br /><br />Stop out sometime and visit Imaginese Gifts in Cary! This is an awesome store/gallery that has recently started to carry my glass and scrabble tile pendants. Owner Andrea has a huge seletion of unique jewelry, home gifts, and Art of all kinds. She is located at Stonecreek Village on High House Rd. between Davis and 55.Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-79142680991242154552009-08-25T18:33:00.001-04:002009-08-25T18:57:33.802-04:00Lazy Daze 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_-XGeiD7ToPGlzGNFpyoYnok0Y6c8WrP7_c-bqFMQgR1IDmhCasbLFY1FdeB7hjkwyj0D4ijh9yp5UswE1c9v2uAm79YZPCwWGg9PThXelxs1TmqAsFvhZaNoFAuDxB1qvgJ5cxrzGo/s1600-h/IMG_5968.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374039361086850434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_-XGeiD7ToPGlzGNFpyoYnok0Y6c8WrP7_c-bqFMQgR1IDmhCasbLFY1FdeB7hjkwyj0D4ijh9yp5UswE1c9v2uAm79YZPCwWGg9PThXelxs1TmqAsFvhZaNoFAuDxB1qvgJ5cxrzGo/s320/IMG_5968.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Lazy Daze has come and gone. It was a lot of work, a lot of fun, and a lot of rain! It was also pretty successful; although several people noticed a smaller turnout than most years. Economy, threat of rain? Who knows? I love doing this show, though. I had a lot of repeat customers, and met some great new ones. Thanks to all who stopped by my booth!<br />A lot of appreciation for my "staff"---Lauren, Julie, Peggy, and Lois (mom:)) You are all out of sight! I could never ask for better friends! Honorable mention to my husband Dave, and my boys Matt and Chris for heavy lifting and setting up the %&^%$##% EZ UP tent! Even my Dad loaned me his van :)<br />I always like to introduce something new to my inventory at a show; my glass tile pendants were almost a sellout! The worry stones went over well, too. Back to the drawing board for a new idea for the Christmas Season shows...<br />Now I turn my attention to art waiting to be created: Art of the Carolinas challenge, CMMAG charm swap, (as well as my nametags!) I can't wait to get into the bag for the AOC and start making something fabulous!</div>Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-62434843740107690962009-08-10T20:41:00.005-04:002009-08-10T20:57:01.224-04:00Down to the WireA week and a half until Lazy Daze; why do I wait until the last minute and then work like a demon? I hope to get a lot of work done in the next week. As far as the heat goes, I am wishing for a repeat of last year's great weather. Crossing my fingers for sun, some fluffy white clouds and temps in the 80s...<br /><br />I have discovered you really can bring very little in the way of supplies and still get a lot of work done. I was away last week as a camp chaperone, and brought my Goodwill travel case with some foil tape, glass, and hand painted papers. Did a lot of wrapping and burnishing. So as soon as the temperature drops below 120 degrees in my garage, I'll get in a soldering session.<br /><br />I joined the CMMAG at their last meeting, and I already missed the first meeting since I was out of town. I am excited to join this group of very talented and enthusiastic artists. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I am looking forward to the challenge we will be working on for display at the Art of the Carolinas. and the CMMAG Charm swap. I was involved in the CPS swap, and I loved it. Maybe I can fill in my charm bracelet...Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-56372989012901870622009-07-02T12:43:00.004-04:002009-07-02T12:51:38.899-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmMynhnv3cXcUgpjfYYEvf0Qt8h-PjeKk6CENYfvT07BOK2qjGXUHid_soTYFl2xB1LsOpfrls3yaHjl-hoxo_ucyyFKZfVmEPFD99gVi44gBlJ0DKhuUDwl9PsMJ5IT0IC54Uesb4ws/s1600-h/IMG_5651.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353904855381259602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmMynhnv3cXcUgpjfYYEvf0Qt8h-PjeKk6CENYfvT07BOK2qjGXUHid_soTYFl2xB1LsOpfrls3yaHjl-hoxo_ucyyFKZfVmEPFD99gVi44gBlJ0DKhuUDwl9PsMJ5IT0IC54Uesb4ws/s320/IMG_5651.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Now that I have my light box in operation,I'm finally getting around to posting a picture of the charm exchange I participated in with my Artful friends; and Cloth Paper Scissors! Mine are the black background postage stamps, the green orange glitter handpainted paper by Christine, the sexy eye is Lynn, and the others are from the magazine exchange. I want to use them on a bracelet, but I would like a lot more charms! I might have to get another swap going, it was so much fun getting the package in the mail. It's neat to see what everyone thought of when "charm" was the challenge; quite an array of ideas.</div>Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-6357108099774659592009-06-29T15:10:00.001-04:002009-06-29T15:12:44.245-04:00Quick Picture update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLMZTJKp4dVyEPAGcGt0wzbTqpdGRmHQUjwUDMGFkwhLEs2P7DOfVU78V6JmPNc6jKiRy-j5DdUlWA2pWmhMJ-r4cgoMj8OYpZum3Iw6Y_VVRZjmYRXJIDnPDtMGEqM44oQnrhPhU36o/s1600-h/IMG_5638.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352829557164812482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLMZTJKp4dVyEPAGcGt0wzbTqpdGRmHQUjwUDMGFkwhLEs2P7DOfVU78V6JmPNc6jKiRy-j5DdUlWA2pWmhMJ-r4cgoMj8OYpZum3Iw6Y_VVRZjmYRXJIDnPDtMGEqM44oQnrhPhU36o/s320/IMG_5638.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Here is a picture of my lightbox--if I can make it, anyone can!</div>Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-28695913403220205692009-06-29T13:33:00.003-04:002009-06-29T13:44:46.336-04:00The Lightbox is Ready!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqemuYcusKt6wRls1aKAHv1sb656qCJn4me7FDBaL7K_LhjX62UQ6i1mYuakl1pa0cwhR9eXbQslhh88dYv2jEvbfanWwReovxU9vKeaJysPw-537GtC2vn2qBNM4EwDmZ479PjvMOJg/s1600-h/IMG_5631.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 293px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352806808233801746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqemuYcusKt6wRls1aKAHv1sb656qCJn4me7FDBaL7K_LhjX62UQ6i1mYuakl1pa0cwhR9eXbQslhh88dYv2jEvbfanWwReovxU9vKeaJysPw-537GtC2vn2qBNM4EwDmZ479PjvMOJg/s320/IMG_5631.JPG" /></a><br /><div>The lightbox is built! A free box from BJ's, some clear packing tape, a yard of plastic table cover runner (white), and a box cutter! I spent about 50 cents on the white poster board to make a seamless background. So I spent about an hour in the making, and fired it up out in the back yard. It was sunny and perfect to test it out. I took pictures for 2 listings on Etsy, which I actually already edited and posted! Many thanks to Jane from Ornamentea for all the great tips I got from her photo class I took in March. She is very talented at the technical end as well as making some awesome jewelry :)<br />I had a small show this past weekend at Downtown Live in Moore Square. Let it suffice to say, not every venue will be a success. BUT, you never know until you try. My friend Julie helped and kept me company. Trust me, it took a very good friend to do this!!!<br />Check out my Etsy site to see the glass tile and scrabble tile pendants I just listed, let me know what you think. I think I have figured out the computer part, so I will be listing more items very soon.</div>Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967115442026203365.post-14909774151264585152009-05-22T19:34:00.003-04:002009-05-22T19:57:15.680-04:00Treasures don't come in chests, they come in the mail!I love a good package! There is nothing better than walking down to the mailbox and finding a package with craft supplies waiting for me. Two days in a row; my Mom would call that a "Lucky Strike Extra"! I am going to spend part of this weekend making some of those popular glass tile pedants that have papers glued on from the back, and silver pendant bails. They are sooo cute and I want several for me! Plus my studio table is pretty clean and organized for once. I have been thinking maybe some with vintage dictionary text, some with art glitter, and some with old photos I have been wanting to use. I hope to also finally construct my lightbox (what a procrastinator I have been). There may also be a few garage sales in my future if I get out of bed early enough. I would love to restock my supplies of scrabble tiles, watches, buttons, etc.<br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>I love stuff!</strong></span>Donna Slomahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00773614823448669236noreply@blogger.com0