look for a new face and know-how

I'm making a huge push this year to develop a marketing strategy, clean up my branding (which means a major overhaul to my blog, shop banner, business cards and packaging) and get a little more savvy with the many tools available on the Internet for small businesses.

I have to take it on in little pieces, otherwise I will become completely overwhelmed. The task itself seems daunting to me. I haven't mapped out a marketing strategy since I was an undergrad in 1988. It's not like it is rocket science or brain surgery. But, it is work. Work that I need to find time and energy to do on top of my demanding day job, my familial obligations and my need for sleep.

I have joined Facebook. Originally, talked into this by an old high school friend, I have found that there is a huge DYI artist community on Facebook. Fan Pages help you market your product and promote your successes. Networking and connecting with people has it's advantages. I have been promoting my altered book classes on FB and it seems to have some tangible effects. Linkedin is another network that I am trying out. If anything, just to keep in touch with my professional connections.

Then there are the Google tools: Analytics and Webmaster tools- I have started both applications, but don't really know how to use either one. I probably should be using other tools but I have no idea what.

I have to get my marketing together which includes:
New Banner
New Business cards
Post cards
Press kit/release for teaching, art shows, etc.
Promotional materials.
Then there is collecting and organizing feedback.
I have to oganize my business plan and work environment,
and oh yeah, make more art!

If I could only find about 4 more hours in the day.

Bringing Up The Past

Thanks Sant Angelo Designs for featuring me in yet another one of her breath-taking treasuries!
Simply lovely. It's wonderful to be in this treasury with so many other Etsy artists that I adore!
Thanks!

On The Verge

These are photos from the recent production of On The Verge, produced by Middlebury Actors Workshop, that I had the opportunity to costume. I hadn't designed costumes for a "traditional" stage play in a few years, so this experience was a nice chance of pace.

Thanks so much to Stephan Golux, the show's director, for these wonderful shots.

All photos Copyright © 2009 Stephan Golux

ALTERED BOOKS CLASS COMING TO WATERBURY CENTER

NEXT SATURDAY
APRIL 4, 2009

Come and play as we giving new life to the page.
This introductory workshop will teach you the basic skills you need to create your own altered book and offers an opportunity to explore your muse and to give new life to a discarded object.

Cost is $40 plus $10 for materials.

materials list for this class

1 or 2 old hardcover books- something that fits comfortably in your hand. Spine should be in good condition, inside and out

Adhesives:
Uhu glue stick (or similar acid free brand)
Golden Regular Gel Medium (Matte)
Clear Liquid Nails or similar heavy duty glue (like E600)
PVA glue (optional)
Double sided tape
Cutting tools: Scissors
Utility knife/craft knife with new blades
Hole punch (optional)
Bonefolder or old credit card (for smoothing sheets)
Ruler
Paint brushes
Assorted favorite paints and glazes (I really like Golden products)
Embellishments (such as)
Rusty things
Buttons and beads
Fabric scraps
Old paper and other ephemera
Assorted images and old photos for collage
Rubber stamping materials

Other Optional supplies to bring if you have them
Eyelet tool
Pliers
Wire
Texturing materials (waxed paper, aluminum foil, sponges, bubble wrap)
Heat gun

Seminary Art Center
201Hollow Road‎
Waterbury Center, VT
(802) 253-8790‎

The Seminary Art Center offers: ceramic courses & private lessons; mixed media courses & workshops; art themed parties; local artists art gallery; retail sales. Formerly Schoolhouse Pottery of Moscow. This beautiful building is the one remaining of three built in the 1800's to be the Green Mountain Seminary. It has been historically and beautifully rehabilitated.
Email‎: SeminaryArt@gmail.com

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Cloudbusting day

The sun is out and the day is new-
After a week of stress and worry-
it's time to start fresh and move forward

New things to come with glimmering prize, keep your eyes peeled! Good things are on the horizon!

Voice from the Past

Precious pieces of history.

A lovely Etsy Treasury created by Sant Angelo Designs.
Thanks so much for including me!

Lake Champlain Quadricentennial

2009 marks the 400th anniversary of French explorer, Samuel de Champlain discovering the lake that now bears his name. The year long celebration has many events planned for people to celebrate the Lake, the People and the Land surrounding it.

The Book Arts Guild of VT is creating a 4x4 flag book to help commemorate the event- So members are challenge to create 3 pages representing the Lake, the Land and the People. Burlington City Arts is sponsoring a juried fine art festival on the Burlington Waterfront. The festival is open to artist who's primary residence and live within 100 miles of the lake.

There will be all sorts of other interesting heritage festivals and events. But I am super excited about the Art possibilities! I'm shooting to get my 4x4 pages done by the end of the month and enter for the juried show.

I also was contacted today, but the lovely and fair Minyele Glogowski, of Nook & Cranny Gift Shop. She and her mom have a seasonal B&M shop up in the islands. They are going to be expanding their product line and taking some of my pieces on consignment. I've got a bunch of nautical altered pieces planned to go along with the whole Lake Champlain celebration. (check back to see what I come up with.) Seems to me this summer is full of possibilities!

I just want to thank a good friend of mine, Jodi Ohl, for helping me to change my POV this week and think about all the possibilities that are out there! There are immensely good things on the horizon.

Thanks, Jodi! You're the best!