This week I have been preparing an entry for a juried art show. I am really pleased with how the new pictures look. They also feature the colour range available. I am finally getting over a cold that slowed my production down. A bit of an immune crash after getting ready for the wholesale show I guess. I get frustrated with myself when I can’t just go and do my work. I am so personally thrilled when I have had a particularly productive and creative day. I can honestly say, it is what keeps me sane. I love what I do. All this economic talk worries me still. I am really trying to ignore it, at least on a day to day basis. I recently attended a workshop on ’marketing in tough times’. From what I gathered, I am already doing or planning to do the things I should.

I managed to put a display and product together for the show. There is always more you want to get done, but with the short notice I had, I was pleased with what I did. Overall it was a good day. It was slower than the other artisans and I had hoped, but not surprisingly slow. The mood is, that all the retailers are bracing themselves for a slow year, therefore so must the artisans. A bit worrisome for a new comer like myself. I did not get any sales at the show, but I hope time proves the show fruitful.I got lots of good feedback. The most common comment was how light my pieces are. Yes, clay is full of air, unlike metal, so although my pieces may have a bit bigger presence, that does not mean they have to be heavy. "Different." was also another observation the retailers and artisans had. Hopefully those two thoughts stay with the retailers that took the time to look at my wares and take my information. If any of you make it to this blog, Thank you for taking the time to stop by. Overall the show was a great experience as well as a networking opportunity. Today I did not stop, but went out of town again to get supplies. I do have one order to fill and must get to that ASAP. My big kiln also had trouble getting to full temperature before the show, so I need to get a multi meter and test the ohms of the elements. I am quickly realizing, that ’electrician’ is becoming one of the hats I will need to wear. I love that you can find old owners manuals on-line, repair guides, ohm charts, lol. As an information junkie, the net is truly a cornucopia for me!