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!

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!

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?

Life with Boys...

It's hard enough to be an entrepeneur these days, but to be a woman in a house full of testosterone -- that's where the real bravery is. I always swore that my boys would do the dishes, cook, clean up after themselves, when they were young (and I was obviously stupid). I think all these years they've just heard "blah, blah, blah" -- because that's what it amounts to, a bunch of blah. My boys just won't clean without me becoming the scariest, screeching mom in Damascus (I just know my neighbors hear the screaming with their phones in one hand, fingers poised to hit 9-1-1 with the other).

Since I started the studio some six months ago (nearly 7 now), I haven't had but a day to spend at home for anything other than sleeping. And on those days I've cleaned like my life depended on it only to come home hours later to the same exact, foul, disgusting house that I spent my precious free time cleaning. What's up with that??? Now, granted, my kids (separately) have been known to see a sorrowful mom who, under the guise of "oh, you cleaned the house" fever, generously parts with a few dollars in her moment of weakness, but lately those occasions have been few and far between. Now I don't know if that's because I was finally hit with the reality that I've been paying my kids to clean up their own messes and stopped paying them or if they have just ceased to care. Bottom line is - I could seriously use a home makeover, one that uses minimalism and color (oh, and we'd have to become dieting nudists because the dirty dishes, pots and pans and all the laundry would have to go too).

My studio is quite the opposite of my home. Other than at the end of a very busy day, my studio is clean and inviting. I'm actually thinking about putting a sleep sofa back in my office so I never have to go home and face the mess, but can stay here in my own controllable, clean world. So, if I happen to open up the store one morning in my fuzzy robe and slippers you'll know why.

What Community Means in Damascus

You know, the reason I thought it was okay to open up a pottery store during a recession was simply because it would be in Damascus. Damascus is a bit of an oddity. We take care of our own -- after family, community is everything. I don't think that was any more apparent to me than this week.

Monday evening just after 9:00 pm a car with five teens ran into a tree. This happened on one of the dark, back roads of Damascus. One I take two times a day, every day. Of the five kids, two of the kids were in critical condition and flown to Baltimore Shock Trauma, the other three had lesser injuries and were sent to a local hospital. The doctor's couldn't save one of the kids and he passed that night. It's the school's homecoming week and rather than celebrating they are facing one of the saddest parts of life, death. There was a candlelight vigil held Tuesday evening attended by more than 1,000. Ryan's father spoke to these children and parents, reminding each of us that no matter how cautious or careful, or how many times we tell our kids to do the right thing, sometimes they don't. Ryan wasn't wearing his seatbelt. This comes from a man who teaches, is an advocate, for safe teen driving. Ryan's mom is also a driving instructor. I don't think I could have been strong enough to send this message less than 24 hours after my child was gone, no - I know I couldn't have.

His funeral was yesterday. I wasn't able to attend but did pay my respects as the funeral procession passed my studio -- it took nearly 20 minutes for the procession to pass. It is rumored that there were more than 1,000 attendees.

I have a 17 year old son who goes to Damascus -- I told him that the picture of the kid who passed looked familiar. "Mom, he spent a lot of time here about four years ago -- you know, when we'd all go dirt bike riding and come back here hungry." Yep, that's where I knew him from. He was a good kid, one that made you smile just because you could see he was happy.

It seems that during a summer trip Ryan got a mohawk, so in remembrance of him after the funeral yesterday the boys of Damacus got mohawks. My son is one of those kids -- and while I can't say I really like the cut, I am pleased he did this to remember and honor his friend.

The studio has been eerily quiet with just a few from Germantown and Clarksburg coming in. I'm still hoping to hear good news about the other teen who was in critical condition at Shock Trauma. I know all of Damascus is holding out their hopes and prayers for her. The other children have been released and while their physical injuries are healing, we can only pray that their mental injuries heal with time.

RIP Ryan, and may mohawks, #101 and dirt bikes be welcome in heaven.

70 Days until Christmas -- or in my world, 63 Firing Days

That's right -- only 63 firing days left until Christmas. With today's strugging economy and everyone pinching their pockets, it's a very good time to give personalized gifts. Because of the anticipated holiday rush I'm going to implement a couple of things at the studio --

1. If you want a large platter, bowl, plate or other large special order item -- do it early! The cut-off date for firing those large pieces is December 15th. I don't want to be hard-nosed about this and if I can fit in a large item with a regular firing after that date I will do my best, but no promises.

2. If you want a personalized, special order item please order before December 1st. I pick those up in greenware, clean and fire to bisque here at my studio and will need time to do this. These are the cutest pieces (I want a few for myself!) -- just see for yourself...

There is a Jesus, Mary and Joseph figurine that stands about 10" tall, a very cool Tom Turkey, a sweater wearing reindeer that would look cool with your family name across the front, Mr. & Mrs. Claus with their hound dog warming their butts against a roaring fire, and two different sizes of snowmen that can also be personalized. There are very cute ones with Ravens or Redskins written across the front, just add a scarf in the team colors and what a cute home decoration or gift this makes!

There are plenty of holiday items on the shelves -- but these are definitely special.

I've also finished all my convention pieces and have fired everything -- just waiting for the kiln to cool down this afternoon so I can get the last two pieces out. Here's just a few of the pieces that are done and class schedules are being updated daily (the snowman plate up top is also one of the pieces).

The coffee cups are a sponge and water color technique, the crane plate is made dimensional using baby powder (can you believe that!?), and the snowman plate is just a cute design that takes quite a bit of time to create all those stars. A stamped coffee tumbler and crackle butterfly plate will be coming soon.

Now -- that's the official business...is anyone else out there watching TrueBlood? Makes you want to date a vampire, doesn't it? Well, I'm hooked -- I actually started reading the Sookie Stackhouse series on the plane heading to convention. I didn't realize until after the first episode that the books I became hooked on were the basis of this series (not to mention I'm hooked on the Twilight series too!). Anyway, it was a fun surprise and now I spend my Sunday nights waiting for the next episode (thank goodness for On Demand too).

Take care and hope to see you all soon.

Field Trip for Me!

I had such a good time this morning -- at 8:00 am I headed out to Westminster to Small Farm Ceramics, the closest traditional ceramic shop that I can find. I come from the traditional ceramic background -- start off with greenware, clean it, fire it, paint it with stains or glazes and fire it again (if glazes). The offerings from a contemporary ceramic shop just don't compare in any way, shape or form to traditional ceramics but it seems that traditional ceramics is slowly dying out here in Maryland.

Some of the differences are traditional shops offer a lot of items that are complex -- instead of a Santa with a smooth coat and fur, face, etc. -- something fairly quick and easy to paint with plenty of room to add your own creative flair (i.e. stamps, polka dots, patterns, stripes, etc.). In traditional ceramics Santa would be carrying a bag with toys sticking out of the top, his boots would have creases and soles, the hair in his beard would have more texture, there would be toys laying around his boots or perhaps Santa would be on a base with a decorated tree standing beside him.

With traditional ceramics you can also personalize your items -- carve out your family's last name on the belly of a snowman, turkey or Halloween pumpkin. Not that the contemporary shop can't do that, but we have to order it from the central U.S. and while I haven't done this yet my biggest fear is that it will break in shipping. If I go and pick it up myself, I only have myself to blame if anything gets broken and timeframes aren't met.

Anyway -- to get back to my field trip, I had a blast. It made me want to hire help at my shop so I could go play with greenware again, lol. I really wish I had my own molds and could have a combined traditional and contemporary shop. Maybe someday, lol...I definitely have the room for it. Well, I made it home with some adorable snowmen, a large turkey centerpiece, African violet planters, and a Mr. & Mrs. Claus set that are just the cutest! Oh, and I can't forget the adorable reindeer. The snowmen and reindeer have cutout areas that can be personalized -- you can put "Ravens" "Redskins" "FireWorks" etc. all via special order. Come into the studio to see them up close and to place your order. Here are a few pictures...

My Projects are Home from Arizona!

Well, it only took one month for my convention projects to make it home -- so long, in fact, that I had forgotten some of the projects. All of them made it back without a scratch which to me is unbelievable considering they were shipped in the same box I had only planned on carrying as far as the business desk at the hotel. As well, in picking them up I got to visit another studio owner and spend a few minutes chatting -- it's very rare we get to do that since we are all so busy running our businesses.

Anyway, they are here and within the next two weeks I'll get them all completed and fired so I can plan a few classes to pass onto my customers. Keep your eyes peeled and on the calendar so you can schedule a creative visit.

A huge 18-wheeler stopped right on the highway in front of my shop yesterday afternoon to deliver the much awaited slab roller too. It was quite funny to see this big truck parked out front with the driver carrying in the one and only box I was shipped...guess you just had to be there. Anyway, it's all put together and I can't wait to see what we can do with it. I'm going to make a few cookie cutter ornaments and see how affordable we can make them rather than purchase pre-fired ones. Otherwise, it's going to be great to have it during next year's summer art camps -- the kids had such a hard time keeping the clay at an even thickness, even with the right props.

Well, I need to prep for tomorrow's class -- we're making Halloween characters on 4" tiles -- a scarecrow, witch or skeleton...very cute, inexpensive and easy to make. Hope to see you there.

Don't forget -- there's less than 180 firing days until Christmas!

Wednesday, October 1

Well, thank goodness September is over. It's been my worst month since opening. Thankfully the day and a half ending the month were no school days and my business increased drastically for those two days -- otherwise I may hesitate to pay my rent (just kidding). I'm ready for the new month of October and have great plans to hurry up and get my class schedules down so that I can have classes on my slower evenings and help my customers get ready for the holidays. I think I'm going to put a countdown for "days left to fire" for the holidays.

To end this already nasty September month, I also seem to have caught a cold -- so, if you come into the shop and I don't seem my normal, dapper self -- blame it on the cold medicine. I was hoping it was just allergies, but that just doesn't seem to be the case. This also leads me to my next bit of knowledge that it's time that I hire a second person to help in the shop when I can't. I really need to get to the business of business and need to make sure that I am available to teach these classes without interruption from walk in customers. So, I'm on the lookout for a recent college grad, part-time college student, stay at home mom whose kids have gone back to school, someone dependable and, well -- nice. I very much like my customers and I want someone in the studio who is going to like them as much as I do and be as nice as I am...too bad I can't clone me, lol. So, if you know of anyone who fits that bill....I actually already have a candidate, but I do like to have choices.

If anyone goes by the studio, please take a look inside at the window display -- I think it's one of my nicest ones yet! It definitely looks like fall and has lots of new items for Halloween to get the whole family in the mood. Now, if I can only look up how many days are left until Christmas....

Til next time - go get fired!
Laurie.

I passed!

You know, one of my favorite sayings around the studio is..."it's not rocket science, it's art." What I realized yesterday (thanks to my new Russian by way of NY customers) is that while it's not rocket science, it IS science. It's matter, energy, temperature and chemistry -- it's not 'just' art.

This realization also makes me a bit prouder to say that after taking what may have been the most difficult tests I've taken in many years, I've passed my CCSA (Contemporary Ceramic Studio Association) certification tests. What this means to you is that I am continually expanding and improving upon my knowledge of the industry, learning new techniques, keeping abreast of safety concerns and measures and am doing my best to provide you (my customers) with the most enjoyable experience possible. I can also proudly display my certification both online at the http://www.ccsaonline.com/, in my advertising/marketing and at my studio.

Daily Mud...

I just finished unloading the kiln from this weekend's items and reloaded with yesterday's items since some of my customers had gifts they are hoping to get back before the weekend. I also fired a glass load and had some beautiful votives come out that one of my favorite Germantown customer completed. She came into the studio just about a month or so ago to check it out for her friends (before they made the long trip out from VA) and I think I can say she's officially addicted to both the ceramic pieces and the glass fusing. One of her glass pieces made it into my September newsletter.

Today I'm hoping to get a little of my bookkeeping completed and give a supplier or two a call abot some broken pieces I got -- OH, and in my excitement I forgot that I just got in a new line of Mayco paints called ELEMENTS. They are specialty paints that I'll have to charge a small fee for, but they are SO beautiful and really add a designer look to pieces for your home. I can't wait to do a sample or two to show everyone. Until later this week....toodles.

I Can't Believe I'm Blogging - Marketing Contest Too!

Well hello everyone. I was just checking out some new marketing ideas and low and behold saw that blogging is the newest way that your customers can keep up with you on a somewhat daily basis. I don't know that I'll have time to do this every day, but I will certainly make sure the important days are noted.

Latest news for FireWorks Art Cafe is our Customer Marketing Contest. We all know that our customers are our best advertising, so rather than me spending more money on mailers or ads, I'm going to spend my advertising dollars with my customers. So, here's how it works...

1. Come into the studio and pick up a pack of 25 really cute postcards.
2. Put your name on the back of the postcard.
3. Pass out said postcards to your family, friends, etc. (the person in line at the grocery store...)
4. Family, friend, etc. comes into the studio (and brings postcard) to receive 5% off their purchase ($20 and up).
5. Shop owner (me) collects postcards and notes amount family member, friend, etc. spent (minus tax and discount).
6. On October 15th contest ends.
7. Studio owner will divide postcards up by name. The customer sending in the highest number of customers will be first place winner, second highest for second place, etc.
8. Studio owner will calculate money each winner's family, friends, etc. spent at the studio during the contest period and will give out prizes as follows:

First Place - Gift Certificate for 50% of the total their group spent.
Second and Third Place - Gift Certificate for 25% of the total their individual group spent.


9. On approximately October 20th winner will be announced.

Of course there are rules such as you must be over 18 to participate, discounts are only for new customers, discounts are applicable to walk in customers only (no parties, events, classes, etc.)...the normal legalities.

Oh, and once you hand out all 25 cards in your package, feel free to come back in and get another package. I'll keep handing them out until I run out, but you can only have 25 at a time.