Updated Show List

Just wanted to make sure everyone has an updates list of my shows scheduled so far this year -

Byers' Choice Craft Show - Mother's Day weekend, May 11-12.  Admission is $6 per person at door. $5 pre-sale. Free admission for children 12 and younger. I have free passes for the first 20 people who request them at meleenia@aol.com.  The Byers' Choice Craft Show is located at Byers' Choice headquarters in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA 18914. More information can be found here Byers' Choice Craft Show.

Steampunk World's Fair - that's right, not a local, not just the US but a WORLD's fair!!  You can find me in the room vending area in room 143.  I will also have tea and scones while they last! More information at  http://www.steampunkworldsfair.com/.  May17-19.

Heart of Lancaster Arts and Craft Show - I will be in my usual space 5 for this outstanding show on Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday only.  "Like" us on facebook to see a preview of the artists who will be featured.  Heart of Lancaster Arts and Craft Show facebook page.  August 31 and September 1.

Landis Woods Outdoor Art Show - always the last Saturday in September, (the 28th this year) held in a lovely wooded area in Neffsville, PA.  For more information "Like" our facebook page at Landis Woods Outdoor Fine Art Show.

Steampunk unLimited - Strasburg Railroad is putting on a Steampunk weekend at the railroad - the STEAM powered railroad.  Lots of vendors, riding the train, absynthe tasting, a dinner, tea - oh my but it's going to be a fun weekend - November 16 and 17.  More info here Steampunk Unlimited.

There may be additions of a couple of shows over the summer, but it's been a busy few months and I may just need some time off to make new jewelry! 

Gettysburg and Beyond!!

What a truly fabulous weekend.  If you attended, you would find it was hard to believe this was a first year event.  What fun!!   So here are some pictures! Because we all know that's what you want to see!!

 

Me and my new favorite Captain Jack Cosplayer - so sorry I didn't get him in his Mad Scientist costume because it was really cool.  His name was Colin and he told me that he was named after the 6th Doctor - he must have some really cool parents!!

 

This guy had a different costume every 5 minutes it seemed all weekend, including a Phantom of the Opera - but this robot puppet was pretty cool!

 

Obligatory booth shot -

 

New friend Karen (left) who is getting married at Steampunk World's Fair!! and there were lots of Steampunk kids and families there - LOVED IT!!

 

Steampunk Suffragette! What!!??!!

 

 

Me and Sue - Love the teal and brown!  What a great look for her and this was my fun legging look for Saturday with my new Bustle skirt with the trim added.

 

Me and Nigel - kinda Snapey and creepy looking, especially on Saturday night (after a few 7$ drinks - yes 7$$$$ for a cranberry and Vodka - bringing my own booze to SPWF!)  but I have decided to think of him as the "Voice of God" and I'm no longer afraid of him.  (Does anyone get that reference??)

 

So there's the lowdown on my weekend.  I even got to take a class called "Kicking ass in a Corset" with Mark Donnelly - and it was fun beating up on Alex and Jesse.  I learned a lot, including that even when they tell me to kick harder I shouldn't - ouch!  I am hoping someone has more pictures of that -

 

Next up you will see me at Byers' Choice Mother's Day Craft Show in Chalfont, PA.  I have free passes so don't hesitate to hit me up for them.  This is a really lovely show with a great variety of talented vendors and all handmade. 

 

Until next time!!  When hopefully I will have some new work to show you and more info on new shows!!

My Weekend at Zenkaikon

People have been telling my to try my luck at Anime Cons for a while - for those of you who don't know - Anime is Japanese cartoons and comics - for us old folks think of Speed Racer and Kimba the White Lion - for the younger crowd, well, you guys know what it is.  So, since Zenkaikon was taking place in Lancaster this year, booth prices were reasonable (although electricity for your booth was NOT, c'mon folks $50 a day??) I signed up for a booth.  Thursday drop off and set up was a breeze, I arrived Friday morning with a helper and set up my jewelry in about an hour and a half and I was ready to go.  Friday sales were brisk and I brought in more stuff Saturday to replace what was sold. Saturday sales were just about non-existent but my Mom came to keep my company and that was great.  She loved seeing all the costumes and the kids - she loves kids.  So - on to some photos -

So here are Sally from Nightmare before Christmas and the darling lovely from Brave (which I haven't seen yet so I don't know her name) Check out the makeup job - AWESOME!

Where else do you keep your sonic screwdrivers except in your tool drawer?

Best costume of the day- Pinup Captain America - I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful Cosplay! Oh yes, that's me in my Avenger's corset - and my Tony Stark Tee

Here's my friend Red Bettie - as Rose from Doctor Who - I had never seen her cosplay this before and she was spot on!

Me and my Whovian buddies - these guys go to a lot of cons and events dressed in their characters and are so much fun to hang out with - unfortunately I was not dressed in my 10th Doctor Fem Steampunk on Sunday - but oh - watch out below because here I am -

 

 

Now the other thing about Cons that I love are all the artists so I managed to pick up some artwork while i was there from a couple of women who had fantastic artwork.  First was http://www.daniellesylvan.deviantart.com/

and one of the pieces I wound up with was this http://daniellesylvan.storenvy.com/products/1232162-the-summoning

She also had a Wonder Woman which I picked up - beautiful, you need to go check out her stuff. 

 

The other artist was had some wonderful Steampunk art that I just had to have - She also had pieces in a more sizes which I really liked because I'm running out of room with my Greg Horns and my Kristen Millers (my daughter) and in an 8x10 size these will fit in nicely in smaller but more visible places -  Her name was Julia Lichty - www.ghostfire.net and I bought three pieces of hers, but one is a gift for a friends and will remain secret!

 

This is called "The Tinkerer and you can get it here - http://www.ghostfire.net/

So that's a little wrap up of my weekend, many thanks to all those who stopped by my booth to say hi, to buy, to help me pass the time.  I loved meeting each and every one of you, seeing my old friends and making new ones! 

Next weekend you can find me at www.steampunkatgettysburg.com vending and once again dressing up in corsets!!!



More Steampunk and other Goodness!

My, the steamy goodness keeps adding up!  First of all, a non-steam event, lol.  I did hear back from Byers' Choice and will be participating in their Second annual Mother's Day Craft Show.  This was a very nice show last year, lots of variety, lots of talented artists - between this and Heart of Lancaster I must say, if you have the chance, try to make it.  Byers' Choice is in Chalfont, PA and the show is held Mother's day weekend, Saturday and Sunday.  If you're planning on going send me an e-mail.  I have free tickets I can mail out to you!

More information can be found at http://www.byerschoicecraftshow.com/about.htm

In other news, I'm also going to be showing at the Strasburg Railroad's event, Steampunk unLimited on November 16-17.  I was there last weekend taking place in a photo shoot, so here I am in all my steampunk glory with some other local Steampunks -

I finished the overskirt just the night before and threw together the outfit to match - btw, these are my Idris cosplay boots and I LOVE them!!

 

 

 

 

 

So there's the update for the week, two more shows and a few pictures of what steampunk can be - cause it can be a lot of things as you saw from the comments last week.  Can't wait to see the professional shots from last weekend's shoot -



 

 



The Schedule Keeps adding UP!

I received official word the other day that I will be "room" vending at Steampunk World's Fair.  I am so very excited.  First of all my husband will be accompanying me which should be fun - there are sleep number beds, so he is excited, it's my first SPWF and if Wicked Faire was any indication - SPWF is going to be a blast.  I've never done room vending before so I'm not really sure what all to pack for display pieces but I will eventually figure it out. 
It occurred to me while writing this that many of you are wondering what Steampunk is - most things you can look up and get a cohesive idea of what I'm talking about - Doctor Who is of course a TV show, Star Trek - most people know, Comic Con - well - the gathering of the geeks and nerds but Steampunk?  Now it seems the Steampunk community enjoys arguing about the definition - I'm going to tell you what steampunk means to me - (that way no one can argue with me, right?) 
Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite place on earth is and always has been, Cape May, NJ.  I have been going there since I was 4 years old -

I love Victorian architecture, decor and yes, the clothes.  I love tea and manners and hats.  But I also love science fiction, medicine, and ghosts (things Victorians were enamoured of as well.)  I love anything English.  Steampunk wraps all these up and puts a little spin on it.  Imagine if we all still wore Victorian clothes to do our daily jobs; what would that look like?  And instead of gas - our vehicles were still run on steam?  Instead of throwing things out and replacing them - we took them apart and repurposed them?  What would the world look like then? 

This is Steampunk -

Steampunk is inclusive - don't pay attention to the bickering that goes on in some groups - I hesitate to even mention it, but it does exist as it does in any group where people congregate - but there are people from all walks of life - kids up to - well, I don't know how old the oldest steampunk is, but I can imagine that maybe they were alive when these clothes really were in fashion!!  I have seen people up into their 70s at least and many of us are middle aged.  Some people buy their costumes, some make them, some repurpose from Goodwill - some (me) do all 3!  Steampunk has awakened my love of sewing again! 

And as many that look at me askance when I tell them what I've been into lately - they listen -  and some jump the fence to the darkside, where there's tea, and scones and many tasty treats - 

One more thing - Corsets - don't knock it till you've tried it - they are amazing for your body - comfortable if they fit right and when you're working the floor of a con - they keep your back from hurting - really!  I seriously wonder why we ever stopped wearing them!  I do so much better at shows when I'm wearing one.

See ya next week - when I am panicking about how much I have to make yet for Zenkaikon!!

Why I Do Craft and Art Shows

Last week I posted on why I added Cons (conventions) to my shows.  This week I'd like to post on why I continue to do some Craft and Art Shows and why I choose carefully the ones I do. 
Several of my shows I have been doing since the beginning - Landis Woods Art Show and Heart of Lancaster have been on my schedule for going on 8 or 9 years now.  They are well run, invite only handcrafters and artists and are local.  This builds my local business and those people are the ones that come to my open house.  I also did a show last year for the first time in Chalfont, PA - Byers Choice (that I hope to do again this year but haven't heard from yet) which shared those qualities.  I don't do shows that invite vendors - vendors are people who sell ready-made items.  Basically, they are reselling for a company.  I have nothing against vendors, I was a Mary Kay Consultant for many years and loved it.  But, in a show in which vendors and crafters are competing, my experience has been that the crafter always loses.  I am cultivating a clientele that appreciate the hand made.  My customers are people who appreciate wearing something different and don't want to be the same as everyone else.  I want you, when you wear my jewelry, to feel special, to know that you're not going to see the same thing on the next five women (or men) that walk down the street.  When people see you, I want them to notice that there is something unique about you, something special.  They may not see the jewelry right off, but they will know there was something different and interesting about you. 
I do make some items that look similar, but I make them in 5s or 6s, not 100s.  And generally - my jewelry is customizable, I can change it on the spot (most of the time) to suit you or you can special order something. 
So, now to highlight some of my one of a kind items -

Dark Gray Beaded Bead with Drop

Topaz Beaded Key

Beaded Cabochon Centerpiece with Ndebele Collar

Beaded Jasper Cabochon with Spiral Necklace

Hand beaded Collar with Mother of Pearl Cabs and Fringe - not listed in my shop but you can e-mail me for details - $825 - meleenia@aol.com

Thanks for reading, thanks for looking, and much thanks for any words of encouragement or purchases.  You make it possible for me to pursue my art!

Why I am doing "Cons"

Those of you who have known me for a while now, probably wonder why I have moved from doing "Art and Craft Shows" to doing more "Cons" or "Conventions."  You're probably also wondering if I was always this crazy - I'll answer the second one first - YES.  That was easy. Now for the first.

Back in October 2011 I got this crazy idea.  I was cruising the web for ideas - I wanted to start doing tree sculpture pendants and was looking to see what others were already doing.  I ran across a blog of a jewelry maker who had just returned home from San Diego Comic Con where she had been vending.  VENDING?  What would a respectable jewelry maker who makes all her own stuff be doing at Comic Con?  Who would be buying her stuff and how could she afford a table, they must be sooooo expensive.  So I went to my local Comic Con - Philly and it was only $300 for 3 days.  Well, I have spent the same amount to reach way fewer people at a "craft" show where frankly, not everyone makes their own stuff anyway - a rant for a later date - so I took the plunge and signed up, figuring if they didn't want me they'd let me know. 

Here I am at Comic Con Philly -

Can you see the big smile on my face?  That's because I truly had a fantastic time, met a LOT of great people and it was way more fun than a lot of craft shows. 

So, reasons I do Cons -

1.  I LOVE the people I meet, I love dressing up, I love Science Fiction, Steampunk and I have so much in common with the people there I find it easy to talk to them.  Shock upon shock - I'm really a shy person.  I don't like talking to people, I have social anxiety and it sucks when you're trying to sell stuff! 

2.  Cons are FUN!  People step outside of themselves, many are in character and sometimes I get to dress up and be in character, too.  Yes, that makes it even easier to leave the whole social anxiety thing behind.  Because I can BE someone who doesn't have it, lol!

My booth at "Wicked Faire"

3.  People who go to Cons are often Makers themselves, so they never say stupid crap like, "I could make that myself."  Number one - because they very well may be able to and Number two - because it's crass, and it's poor manners and these people as makers themselves know what it's like to be on the receiving end of these comments.  They put hard work into their costumes and come to me at times to put finishing touches on their outfit or to get ideas, and sometimes give me ideas as well. 

4.  There is no pretense.  Some people make their own stuff and some don't.  They don't lie about it.  Most of the time you know if you're buying from a true maker or someone who imports their stuff.   There is something for every budget but people genuinely appreciate the person who hand makes their wares, even if they don't buy.

Me in my "Idris" cosplay

5.  The money isn't any different going into a "Craft" show or a "Con."  They cost about the same.  Bigger cons cost more money, bigger Craft/Art shows cost more money.  Cons generally have a richer mix of merchandise though and aren't so jewelry "heavy." 

6.  People weren't buying at the Craft/Art shows anymore.  Yes, that's right.  If you don't buy my stuff, I can't afford to do these things.  This is not a complaint per se, just a fact.  If people don't buy my things at Cons I won't be able to afford to do them either but I'm giving them a chance. 

and lastly - and most importantly, I repeat reason numero UNO - I'm having fun -and fun is something in short supply some days!

Two of my fun new friends - JP Porter and Judy - me in my Gender-bending Steampunk 10th Doctor Cosplay (contact him here for bookings)

 

So, I have cut down on my Art and Craft Shows for now.  Next show is Zenkaikon, March 22-24th in downtown Lancaster- www.zenkaikon.com.

and after that is Steampunk at Gettysburg,  March 29th-31st in, well, Gettysburg PA.  www.steampunkatgettysburg.com.

 

Check it out - it's going to be a blast!!

 

Oh my gosh - forgot to tell you - my shop is on vacation while I am at Wicked Faire - but you can find my stuff on my facebook page and the shop is usually at W Jewelry Designs at shophandmade.com! See you when I get back!!

Upcoming Events

So much exciting news to share - First of all, this weekend I will be vending at Wicked Faire.  The faire starts Friday at 5 and runs until Sunday February 17th at 5 pm.    The theme this year is "Revenge of the Renaissance Faire."  Sounds like fun, doesn't it?  Click on the link to check it out.  I will be at the Somerset Doubletree Hotel in the Somerset East Ballroom.

Next up - Zenkaikon - An anime con from March 22-23 right here in Lancaster, PA at the Lancaster Convention Center -

The very next weekend I will be in Gettysburg at Steampunk at Gettysburg.  Yes, Steampunk - IN GETTYSBURG!  This is a celebration of the Steampunk Arts in Film, Music and Craft for an entire weekend.  This is going to be one awesome festival!

There are possibly 4, yes 4 events in May where you might see me vending.  Unfortunately I have no definites yet as NONE of the venues have gotten back to me, well, one I haven't applied for yet - waiting to see just how busy May is going to get before I commit.  So that's it for now - want to see some of my new work?

 

New Upcoming Shows

So, I will be at Landis Woods on Saturday - 9-5 in Neffsville at the Landis Woods Outdoor Art Show, then next month at RocCon PA in Harrisburg.  After this I will have my annual open house but I'm doing things a little differently this year.  I will be open by appointment all during December and will be posting my hours weekly on Facebook.  Don't have Facebook - don't worry, just call and let me know when you want to come by!  Next year (yes, I'm already booking next year) I will be part of a new event in Gettysburg - Steampunk@Gettysburg.  at the end of March - what is Steampunk you ask?  Well, simply put it's kind of a Victorian Science Fiction movement of Art, Fashion and music.  We dress up in Victorian Clothes, wear our corsets on the outside, turn nerf guns into ray guns and drink tea.  We are also very nice to each other, treat each other with respect and wear hats.  I also am waiting for confirmation on another event in February that if I'm not mistaken I will be doing but I haven't received the official "official" word yet.  So, I'm sitting on that one until it's signed in blood. 
Here are some links -
Landis Woods - September 29th
http://www.landiswoodsartshow.org/
and on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Landiswoodsartshow

RocCon PA - October 28th
http://rocconpa.org/

Steampunk At Gettysburg March 29-31
 http://www.steampunkatgettysburg.com/

More to come!!

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 -