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.

Out on the town in Germantown!

Wow, I'm exhausted. It's not often that I get to leave the studio and actually put in a day's work, but I was at the Germantown Volunteer Fire Department this morning at 9am (just across from the movie theatre) for their annual Open House. They gave me a great spot (since I was there so early) and I spent the entire day handing out $5.00 Gift Certificates to the attending families. We also collected donations for the fire department in exchange for cute little thumbprint pendants (that I need to get off the computer for a bit and go dip them in glaze so I can fire them tomorrow).

If you've never been to a fire department's open house it is a very enlightening experience. From my table I got to see the tower truck in action (water hose working and all), saw a helicopter land and take off (and had to hang onto the awning so it didn't take off with it), saw a car extraction and just plain had a good time talking to all the folks. I'm hoping to do it again next year (oh, and I met Carson Daily of 107.3 -- did you know he cooks? He said he has a few videos, I don't cook but I think I'll check them out anyway.

Now - to the new stuff at the studio -- we've got a couple of new classes on the calendar. First is one that I never thought I'd be offering, but think will go over pretty good...

STITCH AND B*TCH - We're gonna teach crocheting. I learned how to crochet at about four years old and still have a blanket that I finished in my hope chest (although I don't know how much hope is left in the chest, now it's more of a memory chest). Anyway, I had two visits to the library and found a bunch of great books, but one that really looks great for those beginner projects (and I think would make a great reference book once you find out that you are enjoying the craft). Anyway, I'm going to use a few of the patterns in this book because they do a couple of things...

...they are relatively simple using the basic stitches.
...you will see the results of your hard work much faster than in other projects I've seen.
...the patterns repeat making these items something you can do while you watch television or sit and watch your kid's practice.

I'm going to start the classes off at $30.00 for TWO - two hour sessions. This includes a crochet hook and yarn to get you started. After that you'll have to pick up your yarn and hooks at Michaels, WalMart, AC Moore or another store that carries craft supplies so that you can pick the colors and materials you like best. The initial classes are inexpensive because as you are learning how to crochet, I will be learning how to teach. I've taught both of my boys, a few very young ladies (5 & 6), and a friend or two -- but never "professionally." So, we'll be learning a few things together on this venture.

Our first class is on September 29th from 7pm to 9pm, with part two on October 6th from 7pm to 9pm.

THEN, we're also starting our Saturday Canvas Crew with our first painting. I'll be posting the sample soon, just waiting for the artist instructor to get a picture to me. This will be lots of fun and easy too. Since it's Saturday night you'll be able to BYOB and snacks too. This class will be held downstairs -- all you need to bring is something that you can get paint on and yourself. Acrylic paints DO NOT COME OUT OF CLOTHING...so please dress appropriately.

ALL FORMAL CLASSES REQUIRE RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your spot early! Call us during open hours at 240-207-3641 with any questions.

Survey Says...

Closer to my promised updates, I wanted to let everyone know that my survey is still open for responses and I'd love to hear back from as many of my customers as possible. So, if you haven't yet responded, please do -- and if you don't want to respond to the surveys ten tiny questions, how about you drop me an email with any suggestions you have to enhance our offerings.

The name of the studio, FireWorks ART CAFE, was created with the idea that there would be a menu of artistic and creative things to select from when you walked throught the door. I have tried to limit this to the kiln fired arts (glass fusing, pottery, and soon lampworking), but my customers tell me they want more choices -- they want to take crochet, knitting and needlework classes, acrylic painting on canvas as well as on bisque, mother/daughter classes, jewelry making classes and more. The best way to make sure I both create and continue to have these types of classes is to 1) participate in the survey and show your interest and 2) attend the classes once they are offered. All classes will need to be paid in advance, non-refundable to cover instructors, supplies and equipment -- refunds only if the class isn't held.

So, please, let me hear from you! Tell me what you'd like to see at my studio and I'll see if we can get it incorporated into our business.

With the school year starting, don't forget that we can help with Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cadets in getting badges and in just plain having fun too. We are also ready for those late Fall birthday parties, baby and wedding showers, and other friendly gatherings.

Just remember -- this is the place where getting fired is fun! See you soon.

As Summer Break Comes to a Close

Well, I've been putting in the hours at the shop and apparently none on the blog! We have had so much going on this summer, it's incredible. So, instead of my usual ramblings I'm going to try and show you a little of it in pictures (with captions of course -- you knew I couldn't not say anything!)

Summer began with Mark telling me that I had to get at least one day off a week - he was tired of not having any together time, so he made me promise to take off one Sunday to attend the air show at Andrews AFB. So - that meant I had to leave the shop in someone's capable hands, I picked Sarah! Sarah officially took over Sundays in June while on break, I took off -- everywhere!



It was a very cool show. I would encourage anyone who has never been to do this - it's free and if you don't want to join the Air Force when it's over, you weren't paying attention!

Then we altered our Diva Night's to include a little something, something extra...beginning with Loretta Brooks. Loretta gave two very enlightening presentations in June and July, the first about our health from the inside out, and then how to take care of our skin. Loretta also invited an associate in July that told our customers their "colors" so that they could dress in colors that would show off their best assets. Now, if you look in the pic you'll see we had a few guys that came too -- perhaps looking for dates? What do you think -- FireWorksMatch.com?

Then there were summer art classes -- we had projects ranging from acrylic splatter (Jackson Pollack style), to decoupage caress boxes, to watercolors with wax resist, ceramics, handbuilt clay, bird feeders, clocks, t-shirts with sandpaper transfers -- the list goes on and on. The kids had another great summer and we were very pleased to be able to have them here. Many were at camp last year and I take it personally that they returned this year (must mean they are having fun, right?)

July's Teens & Tweens Night brought us the Pajama Party where we partied until midnight, watching Bedtime Stories on the big screen at the studio, having free pizza and soda and dusting the floor with all the fuzzy slippers. My floor hasn't been that clean since I opened! I had a great time doing this party and I know Patricia (our other staff member) provided both the entertainment and clean up.

I do have to let people know that although my staff members do resemble me a bit, I am not their mom...granted all of us share the freckle-factor and blue eyes, and especially with Patricia having the same hair color and features -- I didn't have any girls. They are just two really great employees that I miss terribly when they return to school.

Patricia and I covered a table during Damascus Days -- probably the hottest of the summer up until that day! Many thanks to Dovetail for creating our banner in record time! The purple Camaro Z28 also provided the "wow" factor for car show participants even if we weren't able to cruise in and enjoy the show. If you did your fingerprint pendant at the festivities, don't forget to come pick them up...we still have lots of them! The donations were given to the Damascus Heritage Museum Foundation this week (finally!).
Having two college girls working for you can be very dangerous...for them, of course. We had our first off-site employee meeting at Rio for the midnight opening of Harry Potter's latest movie. As you can see we decided to bring out the company car for the event (don't I wish!) and we memorialized it before the movie began (and when we heard the sirens...but we won't talk about that part of the meeting). I really think Ferrari red accentuates the color of my eyes though.

I think that's enough of the pictures this time - you'll have to watch for the monthly newsletter for more. I am very sorry that I didn't get pictures of last night's Diva Night. It was a great crowd, we had frozen drinks on hand, snacks and the best part was Faith who showed us the Miche bag. If you haven't seen this purse yet, ask me next time you come in (I HAD! to get one, lol). Faith is going to return to do another demo in November for Diva Night, so keep your eyes peeled - you won't want to miss it.

Tomorrow is Harry Pottery Day -- dress up like your favorite HP character and you'll get a 20% discount. We'll be showing all but the newest HP movies all day long, while we eat snacks and enjoy the air conditioning. This is a family event -- moms and dads allowed! (We know they love Harry Potter too!)

Until my next break to update everyone - remember, at FireWorks Art Cafe getting fired is fun!

June Diva Night

Okay, all this summertime stuff means that we're all complaining about the shape of our behinds and bellies (or as I like to say, from navel to knees). We're all chatting about not eating healthy, not getting enough exercise and just not taking good enough care of ourselves. So, starting with this month's Diva Night we have a guest speaker who is presenting "Vitality for Life." For the next three or four months we will have discussions about vitamins, proteins, exercise, skin care (even healthy make-up!) and more. As well, we'll also invite in representatives to demonstrate new products in a friendly atmosphere -- I know we all try to fit in as much as we can in as little time as possible, and this is my way of helping while still allowing you to experience "THERAPY IN A BRUSH."

If you know of anyone who would benefit from these presentations, whether or not you paint pottery or do glass fusing, please give them our invitation. We will have giveaways and prizes for area fitness centers, yoga instruction and more.

OH, and our project of the evening is a cute crab dip bowl that can be used for all your summer events. Hope to see you there on Thursday, June 25th from 7pm to 10pm.

Birthday Reflections

Yes, it was FireWorks Art Cafe's birthday on Friday -- it's been one entire, eventful year since I opened the doors and gave birth to a dream I've had since I was a little, artistic, pencil and paint collecting girl.

My mom always said she wasn't artistic, but she was -- she had a picture she drew when she was younger of a ballerina that I thought was beautiful. I'm not sure what happened to her dream and why she felt she wasn't an artist, but I'm sure that's why she encouraged me to always listen to my inner artist and even if it wasn't great, to keep on drawing, painting, sewing, crafting...whatever. So, on this upcoming mother's day I just want to say...

Thanks, Mom.

Without you I wouldn't be living my dream right now. Thank you for the thousands of trips to Ben Franklin's, thank you for buying me new sets of paints and pencils knowing that I already had plenty of them at home already , thank you for buying me pads, sheets and books of different kinds of paper depending on whether I was drawing, painting, watercoloring or sketching, thank you for making sure my yarn supply was always colorful and unique, that I had every single size of crochet hook, knitting needle and new craft book to hit the streets, thank you for spending the little bit of extra money dad gave you each week on me and my art, and thank you even more for accepting every handmade gift, no matter how hideous, with bright smiling eyes and telling me how much you loved it.

Thanks, Mom -- I love you too.

Stuff, and Late Again...

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!

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!

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!

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.