I LOVE ART MAIL!!!

As my husband and I were heading into town today, we stopped to get the mail. And to my pleasant surprise there was my Artist's Magazine! I absolutely love my art magazines! As most of you know, I've been a working artist for the past four years now. And each year I find new and interesting ways to market, network, and create.

In this month's Artist's Magazine in the business section, is an article written by Christine Sharp. It is called Surviving Tough Economic Times.
Here are twelve tips that all artists should consider:

1. Start a support group
2. Don't lower your prices
3. Be active in your community
4. Think small, sell big
5. Learn from local galleries
6. Develop internet savvy
7. Build a patron list
8. Enter and curate shows
9. Do commission work
10. Start an artist studio tour
11. Try new and creative venues
12. Keep a positive attitude

Subscribe to The Artist's Magazine! You won't be disappointed. And in the meantime, pick up this month's issue.

4 THE SCENT

I had a commission for oil diffuser bottles. I was given a couple samples of what was made before. Mine are inbetween the two sizes and are quite different in shape and color. Although they look simple to make, they were quite challenging and time consuming. Each one was then hand painted with two coats of glaze inside and out.

Threadbanger Today

I've picked up a few hobbies in the last two years. Sewing and knitting. I hardly ever get the chance to make anything since I'm usually busy in one or the other studio making art. But tonight I felt like working with fiber. I've been knitting a scarf that goes along with a hat I finished last week. It's for a friend who had a birthday in January. I know it's a month late, but I'm still learning!

Here I am modeling the first hat I ever knitted. I used one skein instead of two like I did on the darker one. I like them both, but I like the one made with two skeins a little better because it isn't so hole-y.

I have been wanting to make throw pillows for our bed since last year! A couple months ago I found some really cool fabric at Alco. Tonight I decided was the night to just get the sewing machine out and make them. They are the largest pillows I've made yet. 18"x18". They didn't turn out too bad. The little one was made last year.

Nothing SoSo About SoSoRosey

Blue Diva Tote

Bowl Set

As I was looking at our very talented artisans this morning, I happily stumbled upon sosorosey. Jennie is the genius of crochet. She uses everything from string and yarn to recycled materials and vintage fabric.

I welcome you to explore Jennie's beautiful shop, www.sosorosey.etsy.com . And when you can't get enough there, hop on over to her blog at www.sosorosey.blogspot.com .


Upcycled BFF Bowls

More Color

Here is another bunch of pots fresh out of the kiln. Playing with a few different colors and techniques. A couple of them worked. A few didn't. Oh well. Live and learn, eh?

Since I threw some new pieces this morning, loaded the kiln with another load and did most of my housework, I decided to come into town this afternoon. I had a pleasant surprise when I checked my inbox. A fellow artist friend, Cedar Lee, gave me a very nice recommendation on LinkedIn today. Here is what she had to say:

“I met Stephanie online and have known her as a fellow visual artist for the past several years. During this time I have watched the progression of her work, and I've observed that she is diligent and 100% devoted to her work. She is enthusiastic and positive, and loves sharing what she does with others--all wonderful traits in an artist.”

Thank you Cedar! It's been such a pleasure getting to know you and your work over the years. =)

That reminds me! You definitely have to go check out Cedar's beautiful landscapes and portraits at
www.artbycedar.com.

Finally Some Color!

I've been having technical difficulties lateley with my kiln, clay bodies, glazes, etc. Thanks to Josh at the ceramic supply store in Colorado Springs, I might have a few things figured out now. Thank you Josh!

I opened up the kiln this morning to some beautiful color! Thought you'd like to see for yourself

NOT what I hoped for!

Yesterday my new glazes arrived! I was so excited. They came a day earlier than expected. So last night, I glazed seven bowls and fired up the kiln. As usual, I could hardly wait to see the beautiful colors. To my surprise, it wasn't what I had hoped for. They look as if I just put them into the kiln! Immediately I reread the labels. Cone 6. Yup. I fired the kiln to cone 6 just like it said. I then went to the website I bought the glazes from. No new information there. Then I hop over to the website that produces the glaze. They say the best results are if you are using an electric kiln, to fire to a Cone 5 with a hold of 15 minutes. Alas, that is what I am trying to do now. I sure hope this works a second time around. I don't have time to experiment with new glazes and times right now! I'm not dissing these glazes by any means. I know it has to be me. I just need to know what I'm doing wrong.