Spring Time Thoughts

Spring...it's a coming!

I just wanted to say hello to everyone. The bricks and mortar shop closed the end of January and February has been the month of let's see where we're supposed to go next. The clouds are clearing and the sun is shining in our natural world and in the Glass and Wire Gems' business world. It's time for new beginnings or a rebirth of sorts.

One of the things that I'm excited about is the potential of creating new and different dichroic glass items. I'm going to spend some time working on earrings, bracelets, bookmarks, small dishes and whatever comes to mind. I want to try different things with the glass. I've already created several crosses that don't have the layer of clear glass over the dichroic. They have a totally different look and feel. They'll be a part of my new bookmark collection.

I also want to learn some new wire-wrapping techniques to create earrings, rings and bracelets. I have this urge to charge ahead with gusto but recognize that none of this will work if I don't do it right.

My partner, Jen, is working on ideas for new bracelets. We created the Revelation bracelet concept and they are selling well. She is now working on a Purity bracelet and has a couple of other ideas. All of these bracelets will be based on Christian themes.

Faith is the foundation of our business. Without it none of this would have happened. We are anxious to continue our journey and to see what the coming months will bring. We are ready to take the seed we have been given, nourish it and watch it grown. We hope that you will take this journey with us.

Blessings,

Donna

It's a New Year!

Hi Everyone! Happy New Year!

Now that we're a little over a week into the new year it's time to figure out where we're heading. Glass and Wire Gems' studio has been open on ArtFire for about ten months. Our products have basically been pendants with a few bracelets and earrings thrown in and, of course, the men's accessories. What's next?

I have so many ideas running around in my head for different items. Where to begin? What is my niche? That's my struggle right now. I want to find something that sets me apart from the other handcrafted jewelry artisans. How do you do that? I'm open to suggestions.

My bricks and mortar shops did quite well over the holidays. I'm thinking that's because people can actually see the glass close up and get a glimpse of its beauty. How do you take a picture that shows all the depth and uniqueness of each piece? Another thing to ponder.

And, of course, there's the promoting and the time that takes. I'm thinking that I need to become a list person and work my way through the process but I don't want the business of being a business to take away from the fun I have creating with the glass and wire. Am I being selfish? Don't know.

I hope that you'll consider following my on my journey. I don't have a clue what's in store for Glass and Wire Gems or for me but I know that if I listen I'll be guided along the right path.

Have an awesome day! Talk to you soon.

Donna

Blessings Part 2

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
In reading through some of the ArtFire forums this morning, it was quite obvious how we artisans are blessed by being a part of this community.
There are postings where members provide outreach for the shops of other artisans. This morning I received and email from Andrea saying that my shop was the featured shop on her blog. (To see it go to www.andreasdesigns.blogspot.com.) Andrea has such a beautiful blog and it is so neat that she is willing to share with others. Another example is Michele's blog at Nature Manipulated. (To see her blog go to www.naturemanipulated.blogspot.com.) She too shares her gift with others.
The ArtFire community is one in which the members really support each other. In many instances it is obvious that their thought is that it is more blessed to give than receive.
When you have a minute browse through some of the sites and their blogs. You'll meet some very interesting, gifted and caring people on your journey.
Have an awesome day!

Donna

Blessings

Greetings everyone!

Today is one of those days where I truly recognize the many opportunities that I have been blessed with. I live in a country where I'm free to pursue so many different things like creating jewelry to share with others, the freedom to write this blog to express what's going on in my heart and mind.

Thanksgiving is next Thursday. Some of us will be with family and friends. Others will be alone...some without food or shelter, others without family or friends. I just can't image how it must feel.

This is the day of the Boy Scouts food pick-up. It's just one of the ways we who have can share with those who don't. Please take some time to see what you can do to share your blessings with others.

I'm going to take time this week to share some of the blessings I've received from the ArtFire community. I hope that you'll join me.

Have an awesome day!

Donna

BLOG GIVEAWAY

It's been a busy time for me. There's so much going on and I want to share it in small chunks.

The big news right now is that our shop is being featured in a blog giveaway. The two pieces pictured here will be given away at the end of this week.

Glass and Wire Gems is being featured as the Monday Giveaway and Feature on Nature Manipulated's blog. You can see it at http://www.naturemanipulated.blogspot.com/. The rules and instructions for the giveaway are listed there.

When you have a minute, check out Michelle's site: http://www.naturemanipulated.artfire.com/. She has some awesome gift ideas.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon.

Blessings,

Donna

Sweet Whimsy Rides the Crazy Train

Sweet Whimsy is today's rider on the Crazy Train.


In the introduction to her studio she says: "My items are fun and whimsical and I hope they bring a smile to your life."

In looking through her studio, you can't help but smile. She has a number of fun pendants as well as other whimsical pieces.

When you have a minute, check out the studio of this very talented mom.
You can find her at http://www.sweetwhimsy.artfire.com/.

Have an awesome day!

Donna

Riding the Crazy Train

Today's Crazy Train Rider is Hook, Yarn and Inker.

This is a unique shop that combines several handcraft skills together with a concern for the environment. Many of her products are recyclable and reusabe. She also does custom work as well. You just have to ask.

The "Inker" part of her business includes journals, stationary, memory books, etc. She describes this art on her Etsy site as follows: "My Stationary is 100% made by hand from 100%recycled cotton from my friends who live in India. Nothing is mass produced. Each item is individual and no two items are exactly the same."

Check out her Art Fire studio by going to: http://www.hookyarninker.artfire.com/. She has a link to her Etsy shop on this site.

Have an awesome weekend!

Donna