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!