Wow, just when I promised I wouldn't be so far between on my posts, I was reminded today while signing up for a "Biggest Loser" blog that I hadn't updated in a very, very, very long time. So, here's the scoop of what was, what is and what will be...
Spring Break was the bomb! I was packed for the better part of nearly three weeks with new folks, some folks I haven't seen since last year, and some visiting folks. All in all it was a very good week for the studio and a very active week for me.
Summer Art Class sign ups are in full swing. I've heard quite a few scout groups, neighborhood groups and sports affiliated groups talk about signing up their kids for a few weeks during the summer, but haven't seen the groups in the shop. Please remember that I need plenty of time to order sufficient supplies for our wonderful projects. Today there is space in all weeks, but I expect by mid-May some weeks will be booked full. So, remember to stop by and drop off your registrations and deposits so your home artists won't miss out on all the fun. (Artist of the Week project will include a Jackson Pollack style project that includes flinging -- yes, flinging -- paints onto canvas in the garage studio...that's going to be SO fun!)
Ladies Nights/Diva Nights have been picking up since the weather's gotten better and it stays light out a bit longer. We have a beautiful project scheduled this evening -- and I had to work very hard for it since the item is no longer being made by the supplier -- it's a set of rain boots in the shape of a vase for an April Showers themed Mother's Day project. The cost of the project is $35 -- we hope to see you there this evening. Remember it's BYOB from 7-10pm.
Clearspring Elementary PTA is holding a fundraiser at FireWorks Art Cafe from May 11th through May 15th. Come into the studio and let us know you're with Clearspring Elementary PTA and we'll donate 10% of your sales (minus tax of course) to the PTA. Check our website for hours during the week. It would be a great time to do a project for Father's Day -- we all know that the best gift is something made from the heart. Flyers will be distributed in the coming week at Clearspring. (If you would like to do something similar for your non-profit group, please call and speak to Laurie at the studio.)
May 1, 2009 we will be celebrating our first anniversary in business. Seems like it was just the day before yesterday when I officially opened the doors and welcomed my first customers. Then, come to think of it, was when an accident killed all the power in Damascus and my painters created in the dark. Thankfully we have that huge front window and plenty of natural light coming in. The painters that day were Ashley, her sister Ava and a friend, then Nancy and her daughter Shelby -- and they remain customers today. Many thanks to them for starting my year off so wonderfully.
New products -- beads, pendants and more. We have a new line if items in our add-on bins that includes various pendant shapes and beads that can be used for necklaces, bracelets or as portrait pieces hung over large vases. Prices range from $3.00 - $5.00 each and if you ask, I can show you how to make a very inexpensive neck rope to hang your custom pieces from.
Memorialize the year. Don't forget about FireWorks Art Cafe when it comes time to make class gifts for teachers, daycare providers, group leaders, classroom mom, coaches, etc. We have a huge selection of XL platters with plenty of ideas to meet your budget. OR, our gift certificates make wonderful presents too -- and painting your own pottery is fun!
The studio will be closed on April 26th and 27th while I attend the Mayco Creativity Camp for new ideas and techniques from one of my favorite suppliers, two of my favorite artists and it's close by in Baltimore which means minimal travel expenses for me. It will take about a week after I attend camp to get everything fired and out for display, but if the camp this year is like last year -- it will be well worth the wait.
Until next time -- don't forget to visit FireWorks Art Cafe, where getting fired is fun!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
FaceBook Pages...
You know, I like MySpace. Maybe it's because I'm older and am beginning to get a little resistant to learning new ways of maneuvering through various computer programs...but I'm used to MySpace. Recently I was told that you can't do anything without a FaceBook page these days. That's how this blog started too -- oh, you've got to have a blog if you have a fun business! I'm going to have to hire people to either keep up with these things or with the shop, lol, but unfortunately I LOVE ALL OF IT and don't want to share...so I guess I don't sleep. Then there's Twitter...
Now, for some personal good news -- a group called Head's Up Racing is opening 75-80 Drag-A-Way! I've heard the rumor periodically since the track closed, but this time it's true. Rebuilding has begun and anticipated date of opening is April 3rd. I don't know if I'll make the re-opening date, but am hoping to be a part of it. My father raced here as a teen and gave me my love of cars (if you don't think I love cars, ask to see my pictures - I have more of my cars than of my kids!) I hope to race my purple Z28 down the track on the first test and tune date. So, what does this matter to FireWorks -- well, from March 18th through opening day we'll have specials on anything pertaining to racing or 75-80 Dragway in the shop! I haven't decided what the specials are yet but I'll keep everyone posted.
I've also got a survey out on how to get more interest for our Thursday evenings Ladies Night...if you have any suggestions, please let me know. I'm always interested in working with the customers to find out what you would like. I am here for the community and for my customers -- if I can help you, just let me know.
Summer Camp brochures are available online and sign ups are limited. We have five separate weeks of camp this year all of them offer your kids the opportunity and encouragement to be creative. Sign up before March 30th and get a 5% discount!
Now, for some personal good news -- a group called Head's Up Racing is opening 75-80 Drag-A-Way! I've heard the rumor periodically since the track closed, but this time it's true. Rebuilding has begun and anticipated date of opening is April 3rd. I don't know if I'll make the re-opening date, but am hoping to be a part of it. My father raced here as a teen and gave me my love of cars (if you don't think I love cars, ask to see my pictures - I have more of my cars than of my kids!) I hope to race my purple Z28 down the track on the first test and tune date. So, what does this matter to FireWorks -- well, from March 18th through opening day we'll have specials on anything pertaining to racing or 75-80 Dragway in the shop! I haven't decided what the specials are yet but I'll keep everyone posted.
I've also got a survey out on how to get more interest for our Thursday evenings Ladies Night...if you have any suggestions, please let me know. I'm always interested in working with the customers to find out what you would like. I am here for the community and for my customers -- if I can help you, just let me know.
Summer Camp brochures are available online and sign ups are limited. We have five separate weeks of camp this year all of them offer your kids the opportunity and encouragement to be creative. Sign up before March 30th and get a 5% discount!
Is It Spring Already?
Wow, once again I can't believe it's been so long since my last post -- and I think I should make a resolution (a little late for New Year's but nevertheless...) -- I will post to my blog no less than once per week! Now, I have to stick to that -- I'd better put it in my calendar.
Now, don't think that because I'm not blogging that I've been sitting on my laurels waiting for something to happen...nope, not the case at all. Here's what's been going on since the New Year...
...Sarah, who worked during the holiday season, has committed to helping me out every other weekend while she's in school. If you haven't heard -- I absolutely LOVE Sarah...if I could have picked someone out of a catalog it would have been her. She takes care of my customers like me - but better (really!).
...Girl Scout and Brownie troops have come through both for fun and for badges. I've gone through our all-purpose bowls and mugs like crazy this year.
...I got to take an afternoon off (thanks to Sarah) and visit a couple of my old co-workers for lunch. I had a great visit and hope I can do it again before another year passes.
...I've met with other studio owners for helpful hints and guidance on making my studio better each and every day.
...We had another Kid's Club Event where we created Valentine's stencil style plates -- they came out so great. If I remember correctly, Wall-E was the movie for the evening, but I think we ended up watching Cheaper by the Dozen. I'd be happy to take requests for the net Kid's Club Event.
...Our biggest events over the past two months were the Empty Bowls workshops throughout January and February. See my website for details, but remember that if you want to participate you need to get to the studio no later than March 1 -- the Empty Bowls Event will be held on March 8th and I need time to get everything fired and delivered to Damascus HELP.
...Then there was Valentine's Day visitors to the shop. My son came by with his girlfriend, and another couple. I should have taken a picture or two, but I never think of that until everyone is gone.
...And I almost forgot - We opened our huge party area downstairs! Yes, we can now easily hold up to 40 people in our huge party area. We've had about 30 parties down there so far and it's working out so nicely. We have several shelves with new bisque projects (not available upstairs) starting at $15 and going up to $21 dollars for those parents making a request for easier budget parties, and after the party is over the birthday girl or boy gets to put their handprint on the walls. Come by and check it out for your next party -- the room is also available during the week for private events.
Well, I think that's enough new stuff for this post -- maybe I'll get another one ready for tomorrow so I don't overwhelm you with my babble all at once.
Don't forget to drop by FireWorks -- where getting fired is a GOAL!
Now, don't think that because I'm not blogging that I've been sitting on my laurels waiting for something to happen...nope, not the case at all. Here's what's been going on since the New Year...
...Sarah, who worked during the holiday season, has committed to helping me out every other weekend while she's in school. If you haven't heard -- I absolutely LOVE Sarah...if I could have picked someone out of a catalog it would have been her. She takes care of my customers like me - but better (really!).
...Girl Scout and Brownie troops have come through both for fun and for badges. I've gone through our all-purpose bowls and mugs like crazy this year.
...I got to take an afternoon off (thanks to Sarah) and visit a couple of my old co-workers for lunch. I had a great visit and hope I can do it again before another year passes.
...I've met with other studio owners for helpful hints and guidance on making my studio better each and every day.
...We had another Kid's Club Event where we created Valentine's stencil style plates -- they came out so great. If I remember correctly, Wall-E was the movie for the evening, but I think we ended up watching Cheaper by the Dozen. I'd be happy to take requests for the net Kid's Club Event.
...Our biggest events over the past two months were the Empty Bowls workshops throughout January and February. See my website for details, but remember that if you want to participate you need to get to the studio no later than March 1 -- the Empty Bowls Event will be held on March 8th and I need time to get everything fired and delivered to Damascus HELP.
...Then there was Valentine's Day visitors to the shop. My son came by with his girlfriend, and another couple. I should have taken a picture or two, but I never think of that until everyone is gone.
...And I almost forgot - We opened our huge party area downstairs! Yes, we can now easily hold up to 40 people in our huge party area. We've had about 30 parties down there so far and it's working out so nicely. We have several shelves with new bisque projects (not available upstairs) starting at $15 and going up to $21 dollars for those parents making a request for easier budget parties, and after the party is over the birthday girl or boy gets to put their handprint on the walls. Come by and check it out for your next party -- the room is also available during the week for private events.
Well, I think that's enough new stuff for this post -- maybe I'll get another one ready for tomorrow so I don't overwhelm you with my babble all at once.
Don't forget to drop by FireWorks -- where getting fired is a GOAL!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year to All
Wow, another year has gone by already. I can remember when I was younger it seemed like it took forever for a whole year to go by -- I only cared around my birthday or Christmas, of course. Now, I feel as if I blink and a year goes by. I have to say though, 2008 was a year of many drastic changes for me professionally. I quit a job that I'd had for nearly 11 years at an integrated security company and started my own paint your own pottery business. Call me crazy -- you wouldn't be alone. Lucky for me I've had so many personal cheerleaders who told me I could do it. Specifically, I'll start with Mark -- when I doubted myself he told me a little story about a blind frog.
Once upon a time there was a bunch of tadpoles who grew into frogs inside a well. Once all the frogs were grown they needed to get out of the well to survive and live long happy lives. Well, the frogs jumped and jumped and jumped and one by one they stopped jumping. They had resolved themselves to die in the well -- except for one frog. This frog was deaf and while all the other frogs had given up this frog couldn't hear what they were saying, he didn't hear anyone saying how impossible it was to make it over the wall. He didn't have the capacity to listen to the naysayers, so he kept jumping. Eventually he made it out of the well and led a long, happy, healthy life.
The moral of the story is don't listen to the ones telling you it can't be done. If you have done your research and you have the skills needed (in his case jumping) go for it and don't stop until you succeed. I wish this for all of my customers in 2009 -- follow your dreams, even if it's one step closer each week, each month or each year. Our lives are way too short and demanding to give up on our dreams.
Now, what have I been up to this last month --
Employees! Well, first let me say it was a very busy and successful month. I had my highest sales day this month and it was well over the $1,000 mark -- thankfully it also occurred on the very same day that my newest employee started. If anyone has been in here on Sundays they have met Liz (my first employee) and then Sarah started on December 13 (and 13 is my lucky number!). I'm very happy to have both of these ladies on board over the holiday season. Sarah is in college and will only be working until her next semester starts and Liz is going to be my back up for emergencies and times when I need to be away from the studio.
Christmas Gifts for Iraq. I received a phone call from a very good friend who is in the Air Force doing his second six month tour in Iraq. What did I do when he called from Iraq? I told him to never call me again and to take my number off his phone list...I thought he was a merchant services sales rep -- ooops. It wasn't until the next day that I found an email from him saying how sorry he was and that he didn't know what he had done to upset me...talk about feeling like a heel! So, of course, he called using a phone card and I couldn't return the call...so many apologetic emails later I found out why he called. He didn't want to send his kids the typical Toys R Us order for his Christmas away but wanted something special and could I make something personal for them. Of course!
Using the Creative Images papers I created a plate with a picture of Dad and the kiddies with his son's favorite thing, a train! Its' an adorable family and I was lucky enough to get a picture of Daddy's Buddy with the cup after Christmas. Now he gets to see Daddy after every meal. By the way, Daddy is pretty adorable too.
Okay -- be on the lookout for my new window display (Stupid Cupid) in the next week or so and I rearranged the studio this week too. It looks a lot roomier and I have plenty of space behind the cash counter now. I also have a display case I'll be filling up with finished items for sale. In less than one week the party room will be completed and I'll have room for up to 48 downstairs. That means I can have much larger parties or split the room in two to have two parties at a time. I won't stop looking for ways to make FireWorks Art Cafe the socializing center of Damascus, Clarksburg and Germantown. I love my customers and only wish the best to all in 2009.
Once upon a time there was a bunch of tadpoles who grew into frogs inside a well. Once all the frogs were grown they needed to get out of the well to survive and live long happy lives. Well, the frogs jumped and jumped and jumped and one by one they stopped jumping. They had resolved themselves to die in the well -- except for one frog. This frog was deaf and while all the other frogs had given up this frog couldn't hear what they were saying, he didn't hear anyone saying how impossible it was to make it over the wall. He didn't have the capacity to listen to the naysayers, so he kept jumping. Eventually he made it out of the well and led a long, happy, healthy life.
The moral of the story is don't listen to the ones telling you it can't be done. If you have done your research and you have the skills needed (in his case jumping) go for it and don't stop until you succeed. I wish this for all of my customers in 2009 -- follow your dreams, even if it's one step closer each week, each month or each year. Our lives are way too short and demanding to give up on our dreams.
Now, what have I been up to this last month --
Employees! Well, first let me say it was a very busy and successful month. I had my highest sales day this month and it was well over the $1,000 mark -- thankfully it also occurred on the very same day that my newest employee started. If anyone has been in here on Sundays they have met Liz (my first employee) and then Sarah started on December 13 (and 13 is my lucky number!). I'm very happy to have both of these ladies on board over the holiday season. Sarah is in college and will only be working until her next semester starts and Liz is going to be my back up for emergencies and times when I need to be away from the studio.
Christmas Gifts for Iraq. I received a phone call from a very good friend who is in the Air Force doing his second six month tour in Iraq. What did I do when he called from Iraq? I told him to never call me again and to take my number off his phone list...I thought he was a merchant services sales rep -- ooops. It wasn't until the next day that I found an email from him saying how sorry he was and that he didn't know what he had done to upset me...talk about feeling like a heel! So, of course, he called using a phone card and I couldn't return the call...so many apologetic emails later I found out why he called. He didn't want to send his kids the typical Toys R Us order for his Christmas away but wanted something special and could I make something personal for them. Of course!
Using the Creative Images papers I created a plate with a picture of Dad and the kiddies with his son's favorite thing, a train! Its' an adorable family and I was lucky enough to get a picture of Daddy's Buddy with the cup after Christmas. Now he gets to see Daddy after every meal. By the way, Daddy is pretty adorable too.Okay -- be on the lookout for my new window display (Stupid Cupid) in the next week or so and I rearranged the studio this week too. It looks a lot roomier and I have plenty of space behind the cash counter now. I also have a display case I'll be filling up with finished items for sale. In less than one week the party room will be completed and I'll have room for up to 48 downstairs. That means I can have much larger parties or split the room in two to have two parties at a time. I won't stop looking for ways to make FireWorks Art Cafe the socializing center of Damascus, Clarksburg and Germantown. I love my customers and only wish the best to all in 2009.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Time sure flies...
Oh my gosh! I can't believe it's been so long since my last post, nearly a month! Where does the time go?
Well, those orders I posted about before are on the shelf. I just hired my first employee -- Liz! and in another week my second employee Sarah will be joining us. Liz is helping me out primarily on Sundays (because I really could use a day off as soon as you guys finish training her), and Sarah is going to help me out while she's on her winter break with the winter camp kids I'm expecting.
If you haven't received one of my flyers, I've got a winter art camp planned for December 29 - January 2. This camp will be a daily camp -- although you can come for the entire week if you'd like -- and will run from 1pm - 4pm. We'll create all kinds of projects -- probably not much in ceramics though and you'll finally get to check out the new party area downstairs.
I'm also planning four evenings before Christmas where the kiddies can be dropped off from 6pm and picked back up at 10pm so mom and dad can do a little shopping, maybe get some dinner, etc. and the
kiddies and I will be watching a movie, eating pizza and painting a project before mom and dad come back for pick ups. It's only $20 plus the cost of the selected project for this great evening option. Just remember to call and make reservations, and of course, feel free to share this with your kid's friends and maybe they'll all make a party of it!
December 10 6pm - 10pm
December 13*
December 16
December 19
Please note that there will be no date night on December 13th.
What else is going on....oh, I know -- I have "Bounce Back" certificates for my customers. I love giving back to my customers -- so, come in anytime in December and receive a $10 Gift Certificate for use during the entire month of January. The only "rule" is that you can't combine the gift certificate with any other "free" offer or discount. (The penguin on the card is so darn cute too!)
The Gift Certificate sale is still going on through December 24th -- buy a $10 GC for $9, a $25 GC for $20 and a $50 for $40...for use after December 25th.
We have joined Help Damascus for the upcoming Empty Bowls project on January 17, 31 and February 14, 2009 -- please keep your eyes peeled for details so you can be a part of this wonderful giving opportunity.
And last, but certainly not least - we'll be closing at noon on Christmas Eve to prepare for the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all, we hope to see you soon!
Well, those orders I posted about before are on the shelf. I just hired my first employee -- Liz! and in another week my second employee Sarah will be joining us. Liz is helping me out primarily on Sundays (because I really could use a day off as soon as you guys finish training her), and Sarah is going to help me out while she's on her winter break with the winter camp kids I'm expecting.
If you haven't received one of my flyers, I've got a winter art camp planned for December 29 - January 2. This camp will be a daily camp -- although you can come for the entire week if you'd like -- and will run from 1pm - 4pm. We'll create all kinds of projects -- probably not much in ceramics though and you'll finally get to check out the new party area downstairs.
I'm also planning four evenings before Christmas where the kiddies can be dropped off from 6pm and picked back up at 10pm so mom and dad can do a little shopping, maybe get some dinner, etc. and the
kiddies and I will be watching a movie, eating pizza and painting a project before mom and dad come back for pick ups. It's only $20 plus the cost of the selected project for this great evening option. Just remember to call and make reservations, and of course, feel free to share this with your kid's friends and maybe they'll all make a party of it!December 10 6pm - 10pm
December 13*
December 16
December 19
Please note that there will be no date night on December 13th.
What else is going on....oh, I know -- I have "Bounce Back" certificates for my customers. I love giving back to my customers -- so, come in anytime in December and receive a $10 Gift Certificate for use during the entire month of January. The only "rule" is that you can't combine the gift certificate with any other "free" offer or discount. (The penguin on the card is so darn cute too!)
The Gift Certificate sale is still going on through December 24th -- buy a $10 GC for $9, a $25 GC for $20 and a $50 for $40...for use after December 25th.
We have joined Help Damascus for the upcoming Empty Bowls project on January 17, 31 and February 14, 2009 -- please keep your eyes peeled for details so you can be a part of this wonderful giving opportunity.
And last, but certainly not least - we'll be closing at noon on Christmas Eve to prepare for the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all, we hope to see you soon!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Six degrees...
As I headed to work today I saw the bank's temperature sign, 6 degrees Celsius...wow, six degrees away from snow (it was raining too). I'm not a winter person myself -- which makes me very glad to have a pottery studio. Those kilns keep things nice and toasty and as long as customers are here I'll have plenty of reason to fire them up.
Yesterday I was swamped. It was a half day of school and I had scheduled a daycare to come in and do up Christmas ornaments, but never did I expect the groups that followed the daycare in. It was great! The kids had a great time making their little Christmast ornaments, and the groups had fun just watching them -- and I also think their ears couldn't quite get used to the silence after they left, lol! This was my second daycare group this week and boy has it been fun --the first group were two year old! Now, talk about a cute group. I wish I'd taken pictures.
The holidays are definitely upon us and it seems that doing something personal for friends and family is trendy. Customers are painting the cutest coffee mugs, vases with Creative Images pictures, handprint and footprint plates, etc., etc. My snowman dish is giving quite a bit of inspiration as well with many customers creating those easy stars on their pieces.
I'm about to place another order with my vendor, so don't forget to come by the shop next week to see what's new. I also have quite a few items that I've taken from my personal stash for the holidays and put up for sale. Many of them are from traditional studios that no longer exist - so you can't get these pieces anywhere else -- when they are gone, they're gone. I may have to start pouring items at some point just so I can make sure I have things on hand that no one else does.
Until next time,
Let's go get fired!
Yesterday I was swamped. It was a half day of school and I had scheduled a daycare to come in and do up Christmas ornaments, but never did I expect the groups that followed the daycare in. It was great! The kids had a great time making their little Christmast ornaments, and the groups had fun just watching them -- and I also think their ears couldn't quite get used to the silence after they left, lol! This was my second daycare group this week and boy has it been fun --the first group were two year old! Now, talk about a cute group. I wish I'd taken pictures.
The holidays are definitely upon us and it seems that doing something personal for friends and family is trendy. Customers are painting the cutest coffee mugs, vases with Creative Images pictures, handprint and footprint plates, etc., etc. My snowman dish is giving quite a bit of inspiration as well with many customers creating those easy stars on their pieces.
I'm about to place another order with my vendor, so don't forget to come by the shop next week to see what's new. I also have quite a few items that I've taken from my personal stash for the holidays and put up for sale. Many of them are from traditional studios that no longer exist - so you can't get these pieces anywhere else -- when they are gone, they're gone. I may have to start pouring items at some point just so I can make sure I have things on hand that no one else does.
Until next time,
Let's go get fired!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Creative Customers
So, it was a fairly slow day...which isn't the norm on the second day of no school. HOWEVER, about mid-afternoon I had three teenagers and two moms arrive at the studio -- all were first time visitors. Well they asked about the process and prices and fairly quickly picked out their projects. All was good until the painters each picked one color for their pieces (tall coffee mugs).
Well, by the time I got done with this group they had done a lace technique, painted stars with writer bottles, painted with speckled paint outside, different colors inside, painted with rubber stamps and more and spent about three hours at the studio relaxing, laughing and just plain having a good time. Not only that, I had a great time too.
Sometimes I feel like I'm just at the studio to pass out the paint and clean up...then there are days like today where I feel like I helped someone open up a little bit of that creative side they say they don't have. I can't wait to see their faces when they come back to get their pieces -- they're going to be addicted!
Oh, and I hope everyone voted today -- no matter who you vote for, remember to exercise this right. Besides, you can't complain about who's in office if you didn't vote, right?
Well, by the time I got done with this group they had done a lace technique, painted stars with writer bottles, painted with speckled paint outside, different colors inside, painted with rubber stamps and more and spent about three hours at the studio relaxing, laughing and just plain having a good time. Not only that, I had a great time too.
Sometimes I feel like I'm just at the studio to pass out the paint and clean up...then there are days like today where I feel like I helped someone open up a little bit of that creative side they say they don't have. I can't wait to see their faces when they come back to get their pieces -- they're going to be addicted!
Oh, and I hope everyone voted today -- no matter who you vote for, remember to exercise this right. Besides, you can't complain about who's in office if you didn't vote, right?
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