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.