Greenware!

March!

March is already almost gone! SXSWi with EtsyAustin was amazing. Had a great time helping set up and remove the Wall of Wow at Venue 222. Quoted on a CNN blog. There was so much free stuff, bands everywhere, street crafts and food everywhere. Overwhelming and amazing especially compared to the first one - with only 100 bands and 700 registrants.

I have also started working on my FB page and contemplating the simplest way to simplify. Adding to my Etsy shop and thinking about Artfire.

I will be back in the studio tomorrow making things for the Violet Crown Festival at Burnet Road Farmer's Market on May 7, 2011 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Cobalt and Beads

Guitar Beads for 78704 Market on March 20. One of the things that keeps pottery fun even with long breaks for work is experimenting with glazes, making beads and smaller pieces on the wheel. The kitty sculptures are pure fun too!

Glaze load results: lots of dark cobalt and plenty of beads.

I'm in a Blog!

It was nice to get an Etsy Convo today about a very cool blog. The article is on Spheres and my Meditation Orb art piece was included along with a lot of other beautiful things. Click on the title I'm in a blog. I didn't participate in any craft shows this year but I did make a huge batch of ornaments and magnets. Lots of fun giving those away in the Etsy Texas promo swap, the Etsy Austin Craft Riot Goody bags and now to all my friends and family! Merry Christmas!

Another Kiln Load

I have been firing so many bowls for the Austin Empty Bowl project but I managed to sneak in a kiln load of my own work. Two new tulipieres, bowls to donate, cardholders, beads and more. They should all get posted on Etsy at the end of September.

Starting a road trip with my mom on Friday so the next blog or two will hopefull have some nice photos from the trip.

Etsy Selling and Buying - It's People!!

It's People! (To use a favorite line from an old movie.)* Buying and Selling on Etsy is a labor of love and it's about the People. I like that Etsy means buying from real people that love what they are doing. As a buyer I am always amazed at the personal notes, extra handmade touches and care that goes into shipments. It's like getting a gift even if you are buying supplies! Yesterday I received some card sleeves from www.cardmaven.etsy.com. She included a really nice note and a nice pile of cut out scrapping paper. Very nice! I'll pass some on to my customers, etc. with my stamp on the back. Thanks Card Maven!

I try to keep the love going whenever I make a sale. A photo of free gift wrapping on my latest Etsy sale is pictured. I was excited to sell one of my favorite pieces to a customer in Arizona who purchased it as a gift for someone in Wisconsin. I sometimes charge for gift wrapping but if there is time and ready supplies I'll gift wrap for the fun of it. It is such an honor that someone likes my work and will give it as a gift. I found an old travel atlas in great condition and am using it for wrapping. This then went into a bigger box with peanuts. All recycled!

*First person to convo me at tinalewis.etsy.com with the name of that movie gets a free magnet! Don't comment in case someone hasn't seen the movie. It's a spoiler.

Strange Weekend...

This weekend turned out to be really strange.  First the Austin Handmade Market was cancelled on Thursday.   Disappointing but since we had business travel plans for Sunday it was o.k.  Well, then a possible flu pandemic outbreak in our destination - Mexico City happened.   Sigh..  So many fun things going on in Austin but I think I better stay close to home.  Post on Etsy, take photos...    Here is a photo of one of the pieces I am entering in the GACA member show.  (see postcard and link in posts below).    This is the first in a series and was created over about a year and through multiple firings.    I'll look up and post the actual time line from throwing to final firing.     

Cancelled - Austin Handmade Market

Cancelled.  It will be rescheduled for May 2 but I'll be at the GACA member show - Sharing a Passion for Clay.  I'll post a link in a second. 

Magnets!

               I just emptied a nice kiln load with the last of my cobalt glaze. This firing included a ton of magnets.  I sent a bunch to Milly with the Etsy Texas Crafters for promotions.   These should be in Ft. Worth for next weekend's Funky Finds Spring Fling.  Click on the title Magnets and you will go to their great vendor list.  The list includes some of our Etsy Austin team members.  It's free and indoors!  If you go, make sure to stop by the Etsy Texas Crafter's booth.