Happy 4th of July!

The 4th of July holiday brings back wonderful memories for me since it was a time that the family gathered in South Haven Michigan for a week of barbeque's, fireworks on the beach, homemade ice cream, and yes... the annual art fair in the park. Part of our vacation included volunteering for the art fair since my former mother-in-law was on the committee and us "kids" helped out with the event. That included marking the spaces for the booths, being up bright and early to welcome the artists and make sure they were able to get to their booths in an orderly fashion, and helping out during the show. At the time, I didn't know that several years later I would be one of those artists exhibiting my own work. All those years of volunteering and seeing what an artist goes through to set up for a show provided me with a little insight into what I was getting myself into when I started exhibiting. I knew it wasn't going to be a "walk in the park" and there would be many challenges, but I also saw how rewarding it was. I got to know many of the artists and enjoyed being in that environment.

Volunteers are an important part of an art fair. They are there to help things run smoothly at set-up and are available for "booth sitting" when you need to take a break for important things like the bathroom. My official job on the day of the event was a "runner". Artists would arrive, give us their booth number and I would "run" to the space, make sure there was room for them to park, negotiate with other artists to move their vehicles to make room, and then get the artist to their space. I'm now one of those artists waiting patiently in line as a volunteer helps me get safely to my space. Being on the other side, I have a greater appreciation of what it takes to organize a show especially during those critical load in hours. It is crowded, people are sleep deprived and can get cranky if a glitch occurs, and many times the weather has not cooperated. But I try to be patient and take a deep breath because I know it will all turn out OK. I've also seen volunteers pitch in to help those who may need additional assistance with their booh because of a health issue or recent show injury. We couldn't do the shows without them!

With all the planning and organizing that goes into a show it goes without saying that sometimes things come up that were not in the plan. Like when marking the booths in the park and you hear someone exclaim "they planted a tree!". Yes, a new little tree in the middle of where a booth was supposed to be located. And the year that they delivered bags for the garbage boxes that were too small and the entire family was in the driveway stretching bags so they would fit. I'm sure the neighbors wondered what we were doing and luckily that did not become a holiday tradition.

The art fair was my favorite part of the summer. Over the years I got to know many of the artists and after all our duties were fulfilled it was time to shop! I married into a creative and artistic family and we all enjoyed the show and acquiring new pieces. However, we all had similar tastes and sometimes we would have to put on our poker face and not show that we had interest in a piece. We would then slip away from the group to make our purchase! At the end of a very long day we would return to the house with all our treasures and it was fun see the new work we had acquired. Paintings, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, furniture... we did our share of supporting the arts!

Life takes us on many roads and I didn't know at the time that I would become a full time artist enjoying the shows but now from the inside of the tent with my own work. It was through the encouragement of many of those people I met over the various summers that I took the leap of faith and launched my own business. You never know how experiences and people in your life will help you form your next adventure!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends!

 P.S. For a behind the scenes look at an art fair and my summer show schedule visit my website.

He Made Me the Woman I am Today. Happy Father's Day!

In honor of Father's Day I thought I would write about a man that was very important in life and helped form me into the woman I am today. My father was a unique and inspirational man who taught me to live life to its fullest, embrace the differences in people, and experience all I could. I lost him at the young age of 18 (however I thought I was old and wise at the time), but in those short years he gave me a lifetime of teaching. I believe he was unique for his time (and generation of people staying in the same career until they received the gold watch and retired) since he was constantly reinventing himself and probably the reason I am not afraid of change and dealing with what life throws me.

Collage of my Dad

I am sure I frustrated my dad at times since he had the analytical brain and I struggled with math. He was once a math teacher and having a daughter that prefered the arts over the love of numbers was probably a little disheartening. I blame that on being adopted and not getting the "math gene" from him. However, he appreciated the arts and encouraged me to follow my heart and use my talents. He was the one that got up at the crack of dawn to take me to skating lessons, was there for my dance recitals and every show I was in, bought me my first flute, and let me use his workbench and tools for all of my art projects. I did end up in marketing for my first career and yes, I found that I also had an analytical mind. It just took me a while to find it!

He also taught me other life lessons like driving. He took me to the cemetery for my first lesson where he said I "couldn't kill anyone". Well, I believe he was rethinking that strategy as I hit the gas pedal  instead of the brake and we were headed towards a very large monument of an angel with open arms that seemed ready to greet us. But he didn't give up on me or make me relinquish the wheel to him so we could promptly return home where we were safe.

My dad was 51 when I entered his life and that may not be unusual for this day and age, but in the 60's there weren't a lot of kids my age with dads that "old". Sometimes it made me uncomfortable when people would assume I was his granddaughter but now I appreciate that I had a dad who also had the experience and wisdom of a grandfather wrapped in one. He had so many life experiences and I was the lucky recipient of all his teachings. I will always remember how he could light up a room and people seemed to just gravitate to him. I rarely saw him get angry and he never said an unkind word about anyone. His last career was a social worker and he took me frequently to work. I loved being there with my dad, but it was also his way of showing me that I should be grateful for what I have and opened my eyes to the generous and kind man he was. I will always remember the holiday parties for the kids in the community where he worked as my dad dressed as Santa handed out gifts and I was his trusty elf at his side.

When I returned home from college there was an envelope on my dresser and when I opened it I found a letter with the heading "Some Advise to My Daughter Donna". My first reaction was that I had only been home for a few moments and mom was already setting down the rules. However, I found a typewritten letter from my dad who wrote it the year before he died. I'm not sure what inspired him to write it at that time since he was not sick and died suddenly, but I am grateful that he took the time to put his thoughts on paper. It means the world to me and I have it  pinned on my bulletin board and read at it frequently. His opening paragraph sums it up:

"You may not think so, but I do understand you and know you quite well. When you entered my life at the age of five days, I assumed all responsibilities for your well being. After all you became my daughter and as your dad I have this to say, just as all normal youths are, you are too hasty, impatient, and confident. These traits can be good or bad depending on how you use them. Good because without hastiness you would not be motivated; without confidence you could not grow with modern times and changes - having confidence you will not permit the world to crush you; impatience can help you improve your life as well as the life of others around you. You have a sense of humour, charm, and extra sensory perception. Never forget this. Hastiness, impatience and confidence can be bad should they ever turn you away from those who love you."

You never know what life will bring you and when my birth mother made the decision to give me up I landed in the arms of a warm and generous father. I sometimes wonder where my artistic talents come from since no one in family is quite like me, but I know where my appreciation of life, of those around me, and my sense of "self" comes from. I had a wonderful teacher, cheerleader, coach, and supporter. Unfortunately as a typical teen I was not always aware of that and I lost him early in life. But as an adult I have a greater appreciation of the time I had with him. In that short period of time he provided me with what I needed to succeed.

So on this Father's Day I reflect on those times, thank the universe for putting me in a loving home, and realize that he is a big part of the woman I have become. Life can be challenging and I am not stranger to change, but as he said in a little index card titled "Believe in yourself":

So on this Father's Day I will look to the future and all the joys, challenges, and wonderful people that it holds for me. I'm in the arts because I had someone that encouraged me to explore my opportunities and do what I love. It seems appropriate that I will be spending that weekend at the Cantigny: Art in Bloom Fine Art Fair since we spent any family gatherings there and have fond memories of my dad and uncle taking us on the tour of the war memorial. I know he will be smiling down on me and helping make my dreams come true.

Best wishes to all the fathers, and those that have been father figures in our lives. Be grateful for all the wonderful memories that will become the fabric of your life. Happy Father's Day!

A Behind the Scenes Look at an Art Fair

Gridlocked cars and trailers, the sound of clanking metal bars hitting the ground, bins and bins of work being unloaded, yes, it is show time!  For artists, as much time goes into creating our booth as the artwork and it is our gallery that we put up and take down every weekend.  When the show opens the public sees rows of gleaming white tents with wonderful art and cheerful artists. However, only hours before the site was cluttered with vehicles and artists working feverishly to get their booths ready for the opening of the show. This is the time of year that I receive notifications from the shows I have applied to and my schedule is being finalized, so in anticipation of show season I thought I would give you a behind the scenes look at what goes into setting up for an art fair.

Does it look like this when you get to work?!

It always makes me giggle to hear the couples that have been doing the shows for years bickering about "you are not doing it right!" and somehow they have stayed married through the trials and tribulations of show life. Then there are the artists that go about setting up their booth like a well oiled machine making it look effortless. There are also many women who do the shows themselves because either they have found it easier to do without their spouse, or find it faster to do alone (no one to tell me I'm not doing it right except myself!)

Shows are sometimes a family affair. It's never too early to get the kids involved!

An average booth takes several hours to set up including the tent, walls, displays, and then of course our work. Sometimes set up is easy, but there can be unforeseen challenges. I once arrived at a show site and when I asked where my space was located the person pointed to the top of a hill. It required that I push my hand truck through the wet grass and halfway up I would lose part of my load and have to go back to retrieve pieces lost on the way. One would think that tear down would be easier, but going down the hill was like being on a luge track and one miscalculated turn sent things flying. I now have an impressive collection of bungee cords just for these situations.  

An artist who does the show circuit has to have stamina, good organizational skills, patience, a sense of humor, and a well stocked tool box. One never knows what they will encounter like a tree that grew since last year and is hitting your tent top, a sloping space that no amount of shims and boards will correct, finding that the two tents on either side of your space set up before you and left  9 ft to get your 10x10 tent into, and getting to the show at your designated set up time the night before with no way to get to your space because of a major gridlock and having to return at 5 am to set up. I also quickly found that if you are located in the street and it rains, the river of water has to run through your booth to get to the curb. Nothing you can do about that!  We have to endure the occassional storm and become proficient in securing our tents and "taking cover" when the sirens start blairing. And then there is the unexpected flat tire and having to call someone to come and get you and the phone conversation includes “did I mention I have a tent and my displays!”  

Yes...that entire booth fits in my 2-door Honda! Artist used to call me the "clown car".

When I worked in an office I took for granted the things I now call luxuries including indoor plumbing, running water, the snack machine, and the ability to take a lunch break.  Now I am grateful when offered free coffee, water, and a donut and I don’t need a gym membership since I workout several hours every weekend. But I am happy I traded in the corner office for life under a tent! I work with an amazing and talented group of artists and my “clients” are the best!

So next time you attend an art fair, think about what it looked like just a few hours before the show.  It is amazing that it all comes together and we stand in our “galleries” smiling and talking about our work and ignoring the soar muscles and aching back. Once the public arrives, we seem to forget all the work that went into setting up our booths.  We are now in our element and eager to greet returning customers and meet new ones. Then it is the process in reverse and we pack up to get ready for the next show.

What we all hope for, a sunny day and people coming out
 to enjoy the show and acquire that perfect piece of art. 

I'm counting down the days until show season and I look forward to reconnecting with artists and customers that I have not seen since the end of last summer. Hope to see you at a show this season!

Dreaming of Spring...It can't come soon enough!

I look forward to spring each year for many reasons. It means that little green shoots will be popping up in the garden, art fairs will be right around the corner, and designs will be ready to debut for the new season. When my furnace went out last week I had a new reason to want to "spring forward". So I thought I would heat things up a bit with my designs in various shades of orange.

Fruit Compote

Orange is my favorite color! Even before it was on-trend, I painted my kitchen orange and my two favorite chairs are are mid-century modern in vibrant orange. Well, some call it mid-century modern, however, I grew up with these two chairs so they are actually a part of my childhood. I love wearing orange and it is sure to make my day brighter. I have to agree with Frank Sinatra who said "orange is the happiest color!"

When I first started working with orange it pushed me out of my comfort zone because I usually work in softer palettes. But I quickly warmed up to it and it became a customer favorite. It adds a pop of color to blacks and grays and looks fresh against a white t-shirt. The palette I call Fruit Compote combines fresh colors of spring and summer including pinks and greens. It is fun and flirty!

On a more sophisticated note is the palette Orange Obsession. Deep orange is paired with gray pearls, Tourmalinated Quartz, Pyrite and Carnelian. I love this combination and feel it has a lot of depth.

Orange Obsession

Every shade of orange is popping up on the runways for Spring 2013. From subtle shades of coral to vibrant orange that tends to read a little more like red. Orange can sometimes be a hard color to wear, however, try a skirt, purse, or cute pair of shoes to be on-trend if it doesn't work with your skin tone. Or try a subtle coral. A pop of orange will make you smile!

New York Fashion Week

Here's to warmer days that are around the corner! What color are you looking forward to wearing this season?

Take a walk on the beach with Waters Edge

I love working with pale aqua glass beads and find that designs with this color combined with Smoky Quartz and shades of green are calming. Maybe I am drawn to this palette because I am a water sign, or maybe because my birthstone is Aquamarine, but I think it is also because it is a timeless palette.

The Waters Edge Collection

I love fashion from the 40's and it was when I saw designs from that era in books on vintage jewelry that I began my love affair with blue combined with smoky qualities. It was one of the first palettes in my collection and people started calling it my signature color. A pair of earrings in my Robins Egg Blue collection is what began a wonderful relationship with a store when the owner saw a pair of my earrings at a gallery and asked where the artist was located. As serendipity would have it..I live in her home town! Not only are they one of the stores that represent my line, but I also work part-time at Clever Girl. Some things I guess are just meant to be!

From Costume Jewelry in Vogue

When I found a beautiful strand of Moss Aquamarine I knew I had to have them. At the time I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, but the Waters Edge Collection was born when I combined them with my handmade pale aqua glass beads, Smoky Quartz, and Peridot. This earthy palette reminded me of early morning walks on the beach and quickly became a favorite of my collectors. Recently I have been combining hand-forged sterling circles to give it an updated look.

New Designs in the Waters Edge Collection

Moss Aquamarine

On the Runway:

Watery blues were popping up on the runways in the Spring collections of many designers. I am loving all the shades from pale blue to striking and rich aquas. I track color and fashion trends for the seasons to ensure I am on-trend with my palettes (without being "trendy"), but when you create palettes and designs that are timeless those pieces will always be in fashion.. I strive to design jewelry that my collectors will wear for years to come.

Donna Karan Spring 2013
(From Harpers Bazaar, photo credit Imaxtree)

If you can't get to the beach...you can wear the color of the season that will remind you of calm, peaceful times. My love of water and its wonderful hues will continue and I feel a sense of calm in the studio when working with blues. So what colors are you looking forward to wearing this Spring?

NEXT > See more designs in the Waters Edge Collection 

Happy Valentine's Day!

In honor of Valentine's Day I am sharing one of my loves...Chocolate!  Growing up I was never really a "sweet girl" but in recent years I can't get enough of it. Cake, candy, cookies, ice cream, bring it on!  My love of chocolate especially Mint Meltaways is the inspiration behind my Chocolate Mint Collection.

One year I decided to make my Christmas gifts and that included chocolate truffles. I found how easy these melt in your mouth morsels of chocolate and cream were to make and how much people enjoyed receiving them. They have become one of my "go-to" recipes and perfect for entertaining and hostess gifts. For variety I roll them not only in coco powder but also macadamia nuts and coconut which makes an eye-pleasing  presentation. And of course I put them in little paper cups since people who know me also know my motto is "everything looks better in a paper cup" (deserts that is). You can't skimp on good quality chocolate when making truffles and you will be sorely disappointed if you do. Also never try to make them on a day that the temp is over 90 degrees or you will find that it is really difficult to roll them into pretty balls as the chocolate melts in your hands (yep, speaking from experience!).

My former father in-law, who is also a fan of my truffles, told me I should open a chocolate and jewelry store. Maybe a shop called Bon-Bons and Baubles is in my future. For now I will stick to the jewelry but I have always wanted to take a chocolate class. Who knows what will happen, I started the jewelry business after taking a lampworking class!

Reggie also shares my sweet tooth. No worries, he only gets to lick the container after I am done with it and I save the hot fudge for me. Maybe this is a good day to get a new container and share it with my best friend.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Behind the Scenes: Creating the Photos for the New Website

The website has a new look!  The site was in much need of an overhaul and one of my goals was to give it more personality and feature the collections in "lifestyle" shots. To accomplish that I reached out to my friend and talented photographer John Caruso who brought my designs to life!

We met at Clever Girl (a store that carries my collection and where I also have the joy of working) and we set out to create new photos of the designs. We had lots of props to choose from and the store provided us with a wonderful environment to do the photo shoot. After many hours of shooting (and John's patience while I propped the jewelry and displays) we ended up with a beautiful series of photos.

Bracelet Collection

Symphony in White

I had a lot of fun working with John creating the photos. With John's great eye and my previous career in marketing I think we make a wonderful team!  One of my favorite photos is the one for the Purple Passion collection.  I was struggling to come up with something that would work for the collection and while John was sitting on the floor (patiently) waiting for me he said "I really like the color and texture of these doors".  So, I grabbed some props, displayed the jewelry, and we shot it. Sometimes the things that aren't planned turn out to be your favorites!

Purple Passion Collection

Photographer: John Caruso

John and I met when we were neighbor's at an art fair, however, that show was hit by a storm and we didn't have time to really get to know each other, but long enough for me to acquire one of his photos. Our paths crossed several times after that and we are now friends!  I loved his work from the first time I saw it and now have several pieces. You can see more of his work at Caruso Photos.

Take a look at my new website to see the new collection and photos and let me know what you think!