I'm Back!!

This time, not my fault.  I kept getting some kind of error when I went to write a new post and I'm embarrassed to say it took way too long just to figure out that I had to go directly in through explorer rather than through my AOL account.  Thanks AOL! 
So, here is my schedule for the year, you'll see lots of new shows and I'm really looking forward to them. 

W Jewelry Show Schedule 2012 

May 12-13 – Byers’ Choice Ltd. Craft Show

4355 County Line Road – Chalfont PA 18914

Sat. 10-5, Sunday 10-4:30

www.byerschoicecraftshow.com 

May 31-June 3 – Philadelphia Comic Con 

Philadelphia Convention Center

1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA

www.wizardworld.com

 June 23 and August 11 – Creative Collective Fine Arts and Craft Fair

Head House Square Shambles – Philadelphia PA

Sat. 10 AM -9 PM

www.cccraftsfair.com 

September 1-2  – Heart of Lancaster Arts and Crafts Show

Roots Country Market 705 Graystone Road, Manheim PA

Saturday and Sunday 10 - 4

www.heartoflancasterartsandcraftshow.com 

September 29 – Landis Woods Outdoor Art Show

Lititz Pike and Meadow Lane – Neffsville PA

Sat. 9-5

www.landiswoodsartshow.org

I do have a limited number of free tickets to the Byer's Choice Show this weekend.  E-mail me if you need some.  I'll send my boy out with the tickets at the show or will mail them out to you if you let me know today. 
There are a couple more shows I'm still  waiting to hear back from in October/November so stay tuned.

It's Party Time Click Here for Details

Yes, it's party time! Open house weekend!! Doing my happy dance and getting the studio ready for visitors. This is the one time a year I open my studio and invite my friends, family and customers in. This is the time to order your unique jewelry and see what I've got in backstock ready and waiting to be made into jewelry!
The details:
Address: 59 Ridge View Drive, Leola PA 17540
Phone number: 717-371-3726
Directions: From the PA turnpike - get off at 222 south to 272 east toward Leola. Go about a mile and turn right on Forest Hills Road - Go straight on that windy road until you get to a stop sign and turn left on Quarry road. Make the next right on Fiddlers Green and turn into the driveway on the right.
From Lancaster: East on 23 to Holly Drive - Just past the Dunkin Donuts and the Sharp shopper make a left onto Holly, right onto Ridge View and Left on Fiddler's green. Driveway is on the left.
From New Holland: West on 23 to Holly Drive, Right on to Holly, Right on Ridge View, Left on Fiddler's green.
From the South end of Lancaster: Come up 222 North into Lancaster, then go east on 23 - follow directions above from Lancaster.
Oh my - if you're coming from anywhere else - call me!
I've got my usual cookies - cupcakes from Cakette of Lancaster and hot and cold drinks ready to go. I've also got lots of jewelry and lots of discounts - 25-50% off a select group of jewelry, free earrings with purchase of a select group of necklaces/pendants, and a special selection of earrings that start at just 10$. So come on over and if you can't make it this weekend, I will be open by appointment through Christmas eve because even though I gave my boss a written invitation, he will not come until then.
Hours: Friday Dec 2 4-8 PM, Saturday Dec 3 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday Noon-5 PM.
If you live too far away - I will be posting new jewelry to the web site at www.shophandmade.com/store/WJewelry
Have a wonderful weekend!!

Wet Rainy Fridays always get me down

Especially when the radio keeps going out. I was going to blog about my office again today, but the going is slow. So I'm going to talk about organization. You can't create if you don't know where things are. You get an idea and before you know it you're sidetracked on finding that thing you needed and then you find something else and put it away and oh yeah, what was I doing?

Right now I'm going through piles of beads and leftover wire, organizing and putting them away in their rightful spots. I do have an incredibly organized bead system. I bought a fabulous shallow drawer cabinet from Ikea and several small bit screw/nail/bolt organizers from Kmart. My glass beads are in the drawers and the organizers from Kmart hold my semi-precious beads and some unique seed beads, the rest going into smaller boxes sorted by size that i got at Walmart. My findings are organized into boxes from Harbor Freight and sit in a plastic drawer setup that you can find in almost any store - Staples, Walmart, Kmart, etc. My precious metals are locked up in a safe - well, no, not really but I should. They are actually sorted in plastic sleeves in a 3 ring binder - no lie, it works. Copper goes into a plastic hanging file folder bin because there's a lot more of that, and the silver/gold filled just won't fit in there. Tools are on this nifty little recycled thingy that my husband made for me - he took a couple of leftover things that wire came on at his job, soldered them together and I place it on a lazy susan and organize all my tools/pliers/hammers and anything else I can hang off of it. Its taken years but everything has a place.

The Ikea organizer, the tool organizer and my seed beads!

One of the neatest things I have ever received to organize projects is a fabric/quilted roll up with plastic baggies inside and each project gets its own baggie. It's held up rather well for several years now, much to my surprise. I received it as part of a birthday package when I was doing Swap-bot. I miss the days of swap-bot - look it up on swap-bot.com. It's kind of difficulty to explain, but crafty/arty people seek to swap things through the mail from all over the world. There are swaps for even non arty things like Tea Swaps - flattened penny swaps (i have quite the collection) - napkin swaps (for those of us who like to collect pretty patterned things) - and even photo swaps.

Project organizer shown Closed and Opened!

Chai time!!

Oh Hi!! Welcome to my blog -

Today and tomorrow I am participating in a "Link Love" event sponsored by Cabbing Rough, and online vendor of cabochons (lovely hand cut cabochons by the way.) So I just wanted to welcome you all to my blog. Here I post on such things as my jewelry, fashion trends, events coming up and occasionally just on things that are on my mind as a wife, mom, artist, music lover, physical therapist - anything really that I find interesting. My hope is that you may find something on my blog interesting and subscribe. My real hope is that you feel a need to post and discuss and that I can get to know some new people through this fascinating medium.

If you have a blog - feel free to post in the comments section - I'd like to follow you too. I follow a host of blogs on topics from fashion, art, adoption (I haven't but have friends that have), divorce (again, I haven't but I have friends that have), on being a woman (that I am), other people's jewelry, music, poetry - I've got a lot of interests. And if I'm not interested - maybe someone else checking out this blog for the first time IS. So comment below, post your blog and let's see who we can connect with today!

Much thanks to you for taking the time to check out my blog and for setting off on a new adventure each and every day.

I'm off to drink my chai and check out what people have to say!! - oh, and did I mention how much I love chai??? Anyone have a blog about that?

Display Dilemma

Yesterday at my show I noticed something. I have a problem. I have an overwhelming need to put everything i have ever made out at a show. Because here's the thing. I hardly ever make the same thing twice, and if I do use the same pattern, I tweak it here or there or do an entirely different color palette. So, here I am, the seller/vendor/artist thinking about my customer, and what if said customer comes to my booth and wants something similar to what I have made, but in a different color/size/stone/metal, or wants a particular stone that I chose not to put out that day but they are too shy/busy, or distracted by their 3 year old that they don't ask me if I happen to have it in this or that style/color/metal, etc?

Now yesterday was really freaky because I sold two things that have been in my inventory for literally - YEARS. But being very well made and still stylish and lovely, they sold.

So what would have happened had I not put them out? Would I be out $140? or would those customers simply have found something else to their liking? And how many customers simply gave up in my booth because of too many choices and being overwhelmed. Did I lose sales or gain them because of this problem?

Here's the thing, I am going to be put to the test in the Spring. I am doing a show where I will be limited to one 8 foot table. ONE EIGHT FOOT TABLE!! And I am scared. I am scared that I will overclutter it, or that I will not have something out and no one will ask. But I have three days at this show in which to experiment.

So I think I will do this, I will start out with a lot on the table, and slowly through the day, like once every 15 minutes, I will take something off the table. Slowly wean myself to a very elegant, streamlined vision of my work.

I will trust that my customers find me approachable and friendly, and will discuss my work with me and be able to very simply find out if I have something they are looking for - and just in case - I will put up lovely little signs that say - "Just ask - I might have it, and if I don't, I might be able to tell you where to get it" or more simply - "Just ask." (and by the way - had to look up Dilemma to check the spelling - and funny, I always thought it had an "n" but it doesn't.)

Aftermath

Oh, it was a beautiful day at Landis Woods! Thanks to all who trekked out and enjoyed the show. It was a bit dicey last night, the rain was relentless, but it dried out today and left us little worse for wear - My daughter even won second place for one of her paintings!!
Lots of new jewelry coming soon - and next up is my open house in December.

Article Feature

A quick post - a link to an article by Magpie Gemstones on setting up your booth which has a picture of my own booth and many other ideas - I really like a couple of them and while my set up stands up to the others, I'd like to incorporate some new ideas. Check it out! Click on the title above because cutting and pasting just doesn't seem to be working.
By the way - Saturday come see me at Landis Woods in Neffsville.
www.landiswoodsartshow.org for more information. We will be there rain or shine! I am in booth number 2 and my daughter is number 3.

And the Winner is . . .

Congratulations to Theresa Smith, winner of the blog contest, she will get 3 $25 gift certificates - one each to W Jewelry, MastRpieces Unlimited and Crystals, Stones and Wire Jewelry.
Runner up Terry English gets a $15 gift certificate to W Jewelry. Thanks for playing ladies!!
Don't forget to come see us at www.heartoflancasterartsandcraftshow.com this weekend, Saturday September 3rd and 4th from 10 AM until 4 PM at Root's farm market in Manheim, PA.
W Jewelry is booth number 5
MastRpieces Unlimited is booth number 112
Crystals Stones and Wire is in booth 74
Thanks for playing!!

Big Big Jewelry Giveaway from 3 artists

Do you like jewelry? You must or you wouldn't be here. Do you like to win free jewelry? Who doesn't? Below, you will see a list of names of 3 local Jewelry Artists. All you have to do is CLICK on the business name and it will take you to their fan page on FACEBOOK. Just "like" the page for the link you clicked. One more link is to the "Heart of Lancaster Art and Crafts Show." You must like that one too. Then you come back here and leave one comment below with your first and last name letting me know you did this and you will be officially entered -

Want more chances to win? Share this contest on your facebook page with a link to my blog - http://www.artbydianne.blogspot.com/, twitter it, or share on your blog. Post a link to your twitter or blog so I can check and you will get another chance to win!

MastRpieces Unlimited https://www.facebook.com/#!/MastRpieces.Unlimited

Crystals Stones and Wire/HeHe Beads https://www.facebook.com/#!/HeHeBeads

W Designs by Dianne https://www.facebook.com/wdesignsbydianne

Heart of Lancaster Arts and Craft show https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heart-of-Lancaster-Arts-and-Craft-Show/170106203005054

Remember you have to "like" all 4 pages on Facebook!

So what can you win?

First Prize: 25$ gift certificates to each Jewelry artist - W Jewelry, MastRpieces Unlimited and Crystals Stones and Wire/HeHe Beads. All three of these artists will be at Heart Of Lancaster Art and Crafts Show at Roots Market on September 3rd and 4th. You can pick up the certificates there or we can mail them to you. Yes, all three of these gift certificates will go to the same person. That's $75 of free jewelry to one lucky fan!

but wait, there's more!

I have decided to offer a second gift certificate to a runner up of $15 to W Jewelry Designs as well!!

MUST READ… Disclaimers & Rules:
* Each contestant must visit and like each link above.
* Once you have "liked" them, please come back here and leave a comment on this post (with your first & last name)… you MUST DO THIS TO WIN.
* Winner will be validated by each business fan page, if the winner is not found on each page a runner up will be chosen.
* Giveaway ends at 5pm EST on August 31, 2011. No comments will be counted after that time.
* Winner will be chosen randomly using http://random.org and announced on or before September 2, 2011
* This giveaway is in no way associated, represented, or run by Facebook.
* By entering this giveaway, you have READ AND UNDERSTAND all of the said above rules, disclaimers & regulations

Watch this space

Lots of news here - first a BIG BIG BIG giveaway is in the works, stay tuned for details.

Second - two shows coming up. First is Heart of Lancaster Arts And Craft Show with a big emphasis on ART this year as well as Craft. The dates are September 3rd and 4th - that's Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. There are a lot of new vendors this year and we are really looking forward to a great show. I will be demonstrating Viking knit again this year so if you want to learn how to do it - come to my booth at 10, 12 and 2 each day. The show is at Roots Country Farm Market in Manheim. My second show is at Landis Woods in Neffsville on September 24th. Lovely art show in the woods - usually a beautiful day.

Third - my new tree pendants with more to come:

Copper and Picture jasper pendant top and gold and leopardskin jasper on the bottom. I have a new one I am working on with a dichroic crystal suspended behind the wire sculpted tree as well -

Open House

My annual Open House is almost upon us. In just three short weeks I will open my studio to the public for just a few days. There will be a sale of epic proportions of some designs I just have to move out to make room for more stuff - we're talking 25-50% off!! This is the first time I have put things on sale by this much so bring your friends!
More information is on my facebook page - become a fan and find out about special sales and discounts for fans only - www.facebook.com/wdesignsbydianne

Friday November 19th 4-8 pm
Saturday and Sunday November 20-21 noon to 5PM
Can't make it those days - Just call to make an appointment 717-371-3726
Address: 59 Ridge View Drive, Leola, call for directions if you need them. I'm in the Forest Hills Development just off rte 23, the studio is in the back of the house - white addition.

Refreshments will be served all three days, with treats baked by me! New this year - bring your jewelry to be cleaned while you wait - no opals or pearls - those need special care and can be ruined by the tumbler!
Hope to see you all here!

Friday Posting

I finally got a few new things posted to my http://www.wjewelry.shophandmade.com/ account. Whew! And I have designed my invitation for my open house! I have big plans for my open house. I'm going to have a big sale going on. Hoping to clear out some old designs to make room for some new designs. If you have ideas on getting some custom made work for Christmas order soon to make sure it will be done in time. I'm wide open right now but it's just because I finished up one project and there are technical difficulties standing in the way of the next. Have a great weekend everyone! The weather here in Lancaster is supposed to be just gorgeous. I leave you with a rainbow from the other day.

New pins and some new Pendants

Hard at work in the studio, i have some new collage pins and pendants to show for it. Many of the pendants sold already at Landis Woods but I can always make something "like" it for you. My jewelry is becoming more about the customer, let me know what you want your jewelry to say.

Elves and Fairies Pin

By the Sea Pin Art/Life Pendant - Copper and Brass

Coral Pendant - Copper with Swarovski Starfish

Life/Art Pendant - Copper, Brass and Stainless Steel

Landis Woods Art Show

Next Saturday, September 25th I will be exhibiting at the Landis Woods Art Show in Neffsville off rte 501 between Lancaster and Lititz PA. This is a beautiful little show tucked into the woods featuring some of the best artists in the area. Show times are 9am till 5pm. Come out and bring a friend. There is a drawing to win one of 6 gift certificates of $75 to spend at the show. There will be food available as well as tours of the Boettcher house. You can find me in booth number 3 with some of my new copper, brass and silver charms as well as unique beaded jewelry. I look forward to this show every year as it is in such beautiful surroundings I draw inspiration from both the setting and the artists. Readers of my blog get a special discount - code word this show is FERRETS. This code word will get you a 20% discount off any in stock item. Hope to see you there!!

Time Machine Jewelry

Announcing New Jewelry Line

Time Machine Jewelry by Dianne Miller
A moment in time, immortalized in jewelry . . .
Custom Necklace, Earrings or Bracelets
You choose your chain, you choose your metals, you choose your words
Start with a saying, a picture, a word or a stone, maybe a memento from some far away place or a loved one, then incorporate it into a piece of jewelry you can wear every day to keep you close. Keep a little piece of heaven close to your heart. To be unveiled Saturday at Heart of Lancaster Craft Show. Think about it - What Are YOU Saying?

Code Word Sale - Heart of Lancaster Craft Show

Good Saturday and Sunday at the Heart Of Lancaster Craft Show only. Code word is "CHARMING." Easier than a coupon and you won't forget it!! Code is good for 20% off one item in stock at the show. I am in Booth 5 which is located close to the restrooms. Have a wonderful time at the show!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103383809706906&index=1

Heart of Lancaster Craft Show

Next weekend September 4th and 5th from 10am until 4pm I will be at Roots at the Heart of Lancaster County Craft Show. Look for it on Facebook (Click on Title of this post), sign up to attend and receive an exclusive coupon for 20% off any one item in stock at the show.

I have been super busy creating new jewelry based on my love of Frida Kahlo, Day of the Dead inspired, metal stamping, and combining ceramics, metal and weird stuff! I am quite happy with the results. You can see a preview below.

New Pictures

Okay, time to get back to work. I have a show at the beginning of September and need to get back in gear. Here's the ad my daughter put together for me for the Heart of Lancaster County show at Roots, September 4-5. She is monstrously talented, if I had known how quickly she could do this, I would have paid her less.

Not really, she was worth every penny! Featured in the ad is one of my family "Trees." This one is in sterling silver but they can be made in sterling, gold fill, copper or many color coated copper colors. They can signify family members, colors you like or colors that inspire you. Check out color theory to find meanings of colors - green for money and growth and health etc. There are many websites available, just google Color theory! and have fun designing your own Tree!!

Flyers and Frida

I have been working on some new jewelry, Flyers and Frida inspired. Had to buy some components for the Frida jewelry so that is lagging but here is a picture of the Flyers Earrings.

They are flying out fast because I can only make a few pair - ran out of orange 20 gauge wire - who woulda thought?? So I have about 4 more pair up for grabs. E-mail me at meleenia@aol.com. They are 20$ a pair, 25$ if you need them shipped. I'm in Holland PA - Bucks County Friday night and Saturday. I will be in Lancaster otherwise for pickup. Choice of sterling or Niobium ear wires -

GO FLYERS!!!!