Maybe Blogging Isn't for ME?

So, I looking into statistics of my website to see who's been visiting, where they are visiting from, etc. and see that there are just one or two visits every week to my blogspot. Not only that, but that I haven't updated since February and it's mid-October! I believe maybe blogging isn't for me...so, if you want to know what's going on at the studio, I think your best bet is to visit our Hot Happenings page at...
http://www.fireworksartcafe.com/Home/hot-happenings

and check out any announcements on that page (we update frequently), the Adult Class tab, our Kid Class tab and our calendar.

If you can't find it there we are super great about updating our FaceBook page at...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Damascus-MD/FireWorks-Art-Cafe/50980171621?ref=ts

And that link also updates our Twitter page at...
http://www.twitter.com/FireWorksPYOP

And if that's not enough, you can visit our website and sign up for our Monthly Newsletter - do that on any page of...
http://www.FireWorksArtCafe.com

Oh, and I almost forgot that we have a social group on called the Damascus Fired Arts and Beading Group on MeetUp.com at...
http://www.meetup.com/FireWorks/

See you somewhere in cyber space soon and hopefully at the studio too.

Love A Local Business aka www.lovealocalbusiness.com

Intuit (maker of Quick Books) is rewarding a local business with free advertising, software products and some cash. Even if you don't visit the site to put in a good word for FireWorks, your favorite local businesses could use the extra boost with the terrible weather we've been having -- it not only prevents us from earning money to cover our normal expenses, but also have to add top dollar for plowing, shoveling and salt.

And remember, for every $100 you spend with your local mom/pop shop $78 stays in your community. The big box stores get incentives in tax reductions, tax credits and more -- they get paid to be in the community -- we want to be here, no one has to pay us. Money spent at the big box stores only have about $15 make it back into the community. Please help support the businesses that support your children's sports teams, schools and organizations by nominating them at www.lovealocalbusiness.com.

Now, since I'm so proud of what customers are saying about FireWorks, I thought I'd post a few of the comments (and when the nominating is over I don't know if we'll ever be able to see them again)!

Fireworks Art Cafe
Damascus, MD (Edited to add newer posts for posterity!)

It was started with a Mom's love for her kids and a desire to work in the community. She remains both a supporter of both her kids and her community!
lynn (02.27.10) Report AbuseGreat place to go and unwind. Right off of a main road, you can just walk in and start painting. Very friendly staff.
Magenda (02.27.10) Report AbuseI just discovered, again, why I love to paint pottery! I will be spending a lot of free and not so free time painting to my hearts content!
angus63 (02.22.10) Report AbuseGreat place to make amazing, personal creations at a good price!
cheller (02.15.10) Report AbuseThe fun and family friendly environment at the Fireworks Art Cafe is awesome! We love going to spend a Sunday afternoon painting pottery together!
Dani13 (02.14.10) Report Abuseits awesome!!
chrissy (02.13.10) Report AbuseGreat atmosphere!!
Larry (02.13.10) Report AbuseHad a wonderful birthday party there for my son!! Laurie was great!!
C.C (02.13.10) Report AbuseIt's got a great selection of pottery and very family friendly
Myndi (02.13.10) Report AbuseAwsome place to go to relax and Laurie is so friendly, and really cares about her customers. As a new painter Laurie made me feel like a pro!
Cathi Watts (02.13.10) Report AbuseA great place for a Girls' Night Out or an easy place to take the kids for arts and crafts. Fun, fun, fun...
Beth (02.13.10) Report AbuseI love to go here- Laurie makes you feel like you are the best painter to walk through her doors and she is always willing to cater her business to fit the customer's needs.
Kathryn (02.12.10) Report AbuseFor me, it is a GREAT place to relax doing painting projects--and so close to home! Laurie will see to it that people are welcomed, helped, comfortable,and well taken care of!! She is a true artist--go in and catch her enthusiasm! :) NH
NH (02.11.10) Report AbuseGreat place for the kids and adults, too! Be creative!!!
Laurie (02.11.10) Report AbuseFireworks Cafe is small, but not too small; friendly but lets people have their "space"; and best of all it is a place where small parties of all descriptions can go to let their imaginations soar and creativity flow. I'm planning my next visit now!
Deb (02.11.10) Report AbuseWhat better place to have some fun indoors this winter. Kids, teens, adults, and senior all enjoy this place.
kate (02.11.10) Report AbuseIt's a great place to spend time w/the family and kids! The owner is very helpful with ideas on how to think outside of the box. You make memories there!!!
Becky (02.11.10) Report AbuseFun, creative projects, high quality finished product, reasonable prices. A great addition to our community.
Lisa (02.11.10) Report AbuseJunst a wonderful fun way to spend some time with children or friends.
Ginger (02.11.10) Report AbuseLaurie is the nicest lady, and we love the flat rate fee for pottery. She has events for children, women, and birthday parties. Great local spot, friendly and welcoming!
bowedy@gmail.com (02.11.10) Report AbuseThe studio is just wonderful. My kids love spending an afternoon painting pottery. It is wonderful for birthday parties. There are many classes I want to take too !
Meg (02.11.10) Report AbuseI recently went to Fireworks Art Cafe for a girls night out. It was a great environment to chat with the girls and do something fun. I'm not that artistic, but Lori was a great help with suggestions.
Alice (02.10.10) Report AbuseLive the dream!
Mike Mike (02.09.10) Report AbuseThis is the best place in Damascus! I love taking my children because it's a great family establishment. It is also a great place to go with friends and have a fun night out for cheap! Laurie is great and makes pottery easy for everyone!
jen (02.09.10) Report AbuseFireworks offers something for everyone!We love to paint and learn how to make or own jewelry. Laurie has a big heart and generously donates to the local schools/community. St. Martins School loves her - you should visit if you have not been here!!
Teresa (02.09.10) Report AbuseThis is a great place for the ladies to get together and catch up! Not to mention, my daughter LOVES making her own pottery! Laurie is the sweetest, kindest woman EVER! We love her and her store so much!
Casey Schuller (02.09.10) Report AbuseThere is something for every age, talent and interest. The owner takes the time to greet and work with every customer. From helping you pick your project, to techniques to even holding your baby so that you can press her painted foot onto a plate!
kbvmcrae (02.09.10) Report AbuseLaurie has created the greatest place to relax, paint and have fun with adults and the kids. My Kids just love being there. My son wants to work there when he is old enough,
michelle (02.08.10) Report AbuseI love the Firework Art Cafe and Laurie is the best.The art is soothing and I can make wonderful art items and I just love it.Its just fun being there.
Trevor and Michelle (02.08.10) Report AbuseI love Fireworks & Laurie. It’s a perfect place for people of all ages-you can connect with old friends, make new ones, & be yourself. Laurie created a warm & welcome atmosphere where you can spend hours creating perfect gifts & nourishing your soul.
Debbie (02.08.10) Report AbuseDamascus is a family town, & a wonderful place to raise children. The FireWorks Art Cafe is so welcoming & very family oriented. Owner Laurie has made it a very welcoming place for all, Adults & Children alike there is no place better!
Laura (02.08.10) Report AbuseI love hanging out with Laurie. It is fun to create cool things and socialize at the same time. My kids really like it too!
Loretta (02.08.10) Report AbuseA fun local business that not only adult can enjoy, but kids too! Laurie was very helpful when we held a fundraiser at FireWorks for my nephew, Tanner! Good luck Laurie!
Laura (02.08.10) Report AbuseIts a perfect place to sit and paint. Laurie is great and its so much fun!
Court (02.08.10) Report AbuseI know the owner and she's worked hard to provide a studio that both parents and kids love to play in!
Karen (02.08.10) Report AbuseFireworks Art Cafe is great. What better placeto find peace tha to apint pottery
Cathy (02.08.10) Report AbuseFireworks is a great place when we all just want to relax and take our time making something creative. We all have it in us to make something great. It's a nice local relaxing place to spend our free time. We love Fireworks.
GAYLA (02.07.10) Report AbuseI love this business because their was a lot of love put into it!! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Myndi (02.06.10) Report AbuseSmalltown shop with loads of stuff to do, very knowledgeable staff.
jasjus (02.06.10) Report AbuseVERY personable business, family oriented and talent unlimited.
busybee527 (02.06.10) Report AbuseI opened FireWorks to become more involved in my community in a creative, constructive way. We strive to help everyone (re) discover their artistic side. Not quite 2 years old and still loving everyday.
LaurieK1964 (02.06.10) Report AbuseThis is a fun, out of the way art studio where all ages can have fun! There's pottery painting, clay, jewelry, knitting, crocheting, glass fusing -- always something new to do and a super friendly atmosphere. Plenty of room too.
LaurieK (02.06.10) Report AbuseGreat selection of everything & lots of classes in all sorts of arts! Laurie is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet & has worked hard to make Fireworks a place where young & old can have fun & learn something new!
Coleen (02.06.10) Report Abuse

What a Day!

Wow, not only was today a crazy busy day, but the entire weekend was crazy busy too! Which makes me a very happy camper. I don't know how most of you feel, but I love it when everyone comes into the studio and has a good time, tells me what a good time they are a) having, b) had, or c) want to come have again! It makes me feel like that idea I had in my head two years ago was a good one and makes me thankful that I opened right here in Damascus for my first studio.

I would love to move forward and open another, but for now I'm satisfied working this one and continuing to evolve it into a super fun place for everyone.

In case you haven't been around since last year here's a few 2009/2010 updates...

- The party room is now downstairs and the room is huge! In January 2009 we made a few changes to the downstairs area and we have seating for up to 32 painters, with room for non-painters as well.

- Glass fusing has truly taken off! You no longer need an appointment - just walk in and get a quick orientation. That's it -- within 5-10 minutes we can show you the options available, tell you about the pricing, teach you to score and break the glass and tell you about slumping options. You should try it if you haven't already.

- We added lots and lots of classes for both kids and adults.
* Jewelry creation with Karen Wagner, Beader Extraordinaire!
* Crochet classes taught by Moi from beginning to expert, to pattern troubleshooter!
* Acrylics on Canvas now taught by Moi!
* Glass and ceramic jewelry classes too!

Now in 2010 we have more great plans for you to enjoy...

- Hot Glass Lampworking - both classes and torch time rental (as well as kiln rental)

- Jewelry Kiosk by www.BeadMeAStory.com. My good friend, Mary Soucy, created (yes, created!) her very own unique bead out of various polymers that is eclectic and colorful, and a fashionable design statement. We will be selling both jewelry kits as well as individual components. The kiosk is already in place, we're just waiting for the shipment of beads and kits to arrive. Visit Mary's website to check out the cool things she does!

- Jewelry Birthday Parties for the older girls! As soon as the kiosk is complete we'll be offering jewelry making as a birthday party option. Details will be coming as soon as we get everything in place.

- Silver Clay jewelry -- just like a polymer clay, you work your clay and shape it into pendants, cabochons and rings and when fired the polymer burns away leaving 99.9% pure silver! I can't wait to try this one - thanks Sarah! It's all your fault...I think we're going to try this in the next week or so, but first we're moving my office downstairs to make room for the lampworking studio.

- Wet Clay Birthday Parties! This may not begin until Fall this year, but we will be pulling out our slab roller and using it creatively with the kids. Wet clay is just too much fun to only have out for summer camp - so we're going to figure out a good way to make it work on a walk-in basis too.

- And lastly, we are talking about both morning and afternoon art classes for all ages for those working parents. More information to come in February for those interested in this full-day option.

Here's to another creative year of GETTING FIRED at FireWorks Art Cafe! See you soon.

Happy Holidays!

First, a belated Happy Holidays to everyone. I have been incredibly busy this month (minus the weekend the snow closed us down!) and can't wait for the New Year to begin. As soon as our instructors get back with me, I'll have new calendars on the website...

Oh, yeah, speaking of websites - you may have noticed that FireWorks website has changed. Google migrated from Page Creator to Sites and apparently my website didn't take to the migration very well, so I'm going to be spending the next few weeks recreating my website on a new platform. You can imagine, I'm not happy about that at all and am hoping to get all completed before the new year so that I won't start off my new year with this hanging over my head.

We are operating under our normal business hours during the holiday including being open on New Year's Day -- we're having a pajama party for Kid's Club on New Year's Day. I figured the parents celebrate on New Year's Eve so New Year's Day is for the kids to have a celebratory time. The festivities begin at 7pm and go until the last person leaves - we'll have popcorn, drinks, pizza and you pick the project. If we have time, we'll play Bingo and watch movies (PG or under). Parents are welcome, or if you prefer just drop the kiddies off (leave us with an emergency number and any allergies).

Email us at FIREME@FIREWORKSARTCAFE.COM if you have any questions. Our temporary webpage has hours, phone number and other requested information, as well as we have twitter and FaceBook pages with the latest information. Hope to see you soon!

December, December - You Arrived Way too Soon!

I don't know about you guys, but I'm so not ready for December. I'm not ready for the holidays, not ready for 2010, just not ready at all! The one thing I am ready for are the holiday projects -- I've got so many samples for both the upcoming holiday and winter that you won't know where to begin...take a look at what I'm talking about...

And our calendar is full of classes for the kiddies so that they can stay occupied while mom & dad take care of business. We've got classes every Friday until Christmas for Kid's Club that start at 6:00 pm and go until 9:00 pm -- we take care of the project (just give the kids a budget) and for $5. we give them pizza, a drink and a snack, plus we watch a movie and play games if we have time. We're starting off with the cutest little snowflake mugs this Friday, then a Christmas tree plate next Friday and I "heart" Mom & I "heart" Dad ornaments the following Friday (pick up will be Christmas eve on this last Friday event).

THEN to top things off we have Winter Break Classes to sign up for -- we're doing a three hour class every morning and then a 1 1/2 hour class in the afternoon. All ages are welcome -- we'll have the older kids assist the younger ones when needed. The morning class also gets a snack. We'll be creating chainmaille bracelets, glass fused bugs, yarn web dessert plates, mosaic picture frames and more -- make sure to visit www.FireWorksArtCafe.com under the tab "Hot Happenings" for a complete calendar of events.


And I don't know if you read this or not, but we have a limited supply of ceramic Christmas trees -- the price includes the plastic bulbs, the electric and lights to make it shine and a specialty glaze that makes the tree absolutely gorgeous without any talent or effort at all! Take a look at Sue McPherson's tree right here -- Sue is a great sport, but when I handed her a container of black paint to put on the tree the look on her face was priceless! This black color fires to an incredible multi-depth evergreen in the kiln.

Isn't Sue's tree beautiful?

Blasted through October and Now It's NOVEMBER!

As you can see, I'm lax on updating the blog yet again. If anyone wants daily reports on what's going on at the studio, please become a FaceBook fan of the FireWorks Art Cafe page -- I post there all the time, daily, hourly even. Not that I don't like my blog, but sometimes I just can't think of anything to write about (and sometimes I just don't have the time to sit still and write).

So, with that let me just update everyone that visits the site that we have come out with our November calendar (see it at the "Hot Happenings" tab at www.FireWorksArtCafe.com). New classes and events...

NOVEMBER:

Wednesdays - 3, 10, 17, 24 - FREE SLUMP DAY - Come in and do some glass fusing, then if you want to slump your piece it's FREE! (Slumping is when you take a flat piece of glass and melt it into the shape of a plate, bowl, votive, etc. -- this requires a second firing of the piece)

Thursdays - 5, 12, 19 - Ladies Night (and Diva Night -- see below). Ladies come on in and bring your BFF, snacks and an adult beverage. I'll keep the studio open as late as 10:30 if everyone is having a good time.

Fridays - 6, 13, 20, 27 - Kid's Club (very important in the coming months if you need to do a little alone shopping!)

SPECIAL EVENTS AND CLASSES:

8

- 1-5pm Sunday Series Class 1: Fall's Arrival. Create two projects for $65 using specialty glazes, rubber stamps, Foundations and Stroke & Coats. Lots of fun!

- 1-3pm Bedazzle Me! Jet/Clear Swavorski Bracelet & Earring Set taught by Karen Wagner. ($35)

9 & 23, Mom & Me Monday - Buy one piece and get the second piece (equal or lesser value) at 1/2 price.

10 - 7pm, Glass Fusion Bracelet Project ($25)

14 - 7pm, Bottles & Brushes, Acrylics on Canvas - Autumn Trees taught by our local artist Maria Gonzalez($40) Adult beverages welcome.

15 - 1-5pm Sunday Series Class 2: Winter's Peace. Create two projects for $75 using specialty glazes, rubber stamps, Foundations, transfer techniques and Stroke & Coats. ($75)

16 - 2pm, Glass Fusion Bracelet Project ($25)

17 - Stitch & B*tch, aka Learn to Crochet Part I ($40). If you've never picked up a crochet hook but always wanted to try it, come on in! The price includes two classes, a set of starter crochet hooks and a skein of yarn.

17 - 7-9pm Bedazzle Me! Jet/Clear OR Multi-Colored Swavorski Bracelet & Earring Set taught by Karen Wagner. ($35)

19 - DIVA NIGHT! Same as Ladies Night but with a little extra BOOM BOOM POW! Faith, our Miche bag rep, will be showing off the new Miche line-up including their new satchel style bag. I can't wait! Our special project of the evening is a Santa Bowl -- you get $5 off (regular price is $25) You do not have to complete this project -- it is just an option.

20 - 7pm, Bottles & Brushes, Acrylics on Canvas - Folk Art Fields taught by our local artist Maria Gonzalez($40) Adult beverages welcome.

21 - Family Fun Day. Make a snowflake mug or a Christmas tree plate using stickers from our CriCut machine.

22 - Furry Friends Day -- PawPrints. Bring your furry family member into the studio and put their paw print on a heart or round shaped flat ornament. We are doing these in your choice of red or green. Cost is $8.00 per ornament, or three for $20. YOU MUST MAKE A RESERVATION - NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $8.00 IS REQUIRED TO HOLD YOUR APPOINTMENT. All dogs must be on leashes. If you have a feline family member, come on in and I'll make a to-go kit for you to do this at home. :)

22 - 1-3pm, BeDazzle me! Create a Jet/Clear necklace to match your bracelet and earring set! ($30).

26 - STUDIO IS CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING DAY. HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING. WE REOPEN ON FRIDAY (which is a great day to get started on your holiday gifts).

28 - 5pm, Glass Fusion Bracelet Project ($25)

Visit our website to download a .pdf of the entire calendar. December to be posted next week. All classes require a non-refundable deposit and advance reservations. Class size is limited, so please make your reservations early. If we have lots of interest, we will schedule additional classes.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and hopefully my next post will be fast behind this one...but probably not!

New Stuff...Classes, Classes and More Classes!

I'm loving Pink's relatively new video, I see she didn't win a VMA, but I won't do a Kanye and spoil it for anyone else. :D



NOW onto the crafty stuff...

Newly added September and October classes (and more to come), but the line up right now is:

SEPTEMBER

18 - TNT Night's Race to Witch Mountain 7pm-9pm ($5 for food plus cost of project)

19 - Pirates of the Caribbean Day (or I love Johnny Depp Day). Free popcorn all day, we'll watch all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. It's also Talk Like a Pirate Day (I have GREAT timing!). Feel free to dress up. All Day.

24 - DIVA Night! You know, we're gonna keep this one like Vegas, you know, 'what happens in..." Just be there. (Elvis impersonators welcome!) 7pm-9pm.

29 - Learn to Crochet, Part 1 ($30* for two classes, inc. materials) 7pm-9pm.

OCTOBER

6 - Learn to Crochet, Part 2 (See Pt. 1) 7pm-9pm

16 - TNT Night - PAJAMA PARTY! Wear your PJs and fuzzy slippers for free popcorn, pizza and drinks. Movie TBD.

17 - NEW! ACRYLIC PAINTING ON CANVAS (BOTTLES & BRUSHES) BYOB! Adults only. Call for reservations (Cost $35*)

20 - Learn to Crochet, Part 1 ($40* for two classes, inc. materials) 7pm-9pm.

22 - DIVA Night! Silpada Designs will be our Guest. The rest is Vegas baby!

31 - Family Fun Day! Wear your Halloween costumes for goodies! We'll be watching Monsters, Inc., Monster House, Goonies and more!

* Classes are new, and so are the instructors -- the first classes will be discounted a bit so that you will be a bit more understanding if we aren't running perfect. Prices will increase slightly once we have our system running smoothly. As well, you MUST have reservations and pre-pay for all classes.