Catching up... again!

Once again I am playing catch up. I think part of the reason I feel so reluctant to add to the blog is I figure no one is watching :)

I had my first pretty terrible quarter in art shows this year. The only bright spots were Dragoncon, which was a 50% increase in sales over the previous (already good) year, and the Micanopy Fall Festival, which increased 40% in sales. All the other shows were barely break even, if that at all.

I think the economy is really beginning to tell in art and jewelry sales. Luxuries are the first to go, and art truly is a luxury to most people. Yes, to you and I, creators of art, it is a necessity, but to those that are buying pretty things to wear and look at, it's not as important as gas or food, or even a roof over their head. One must cut back somewhere. The trick now is to hold on until the economy starts picking up again.

I did hold my first ever Open Gallery Day at my house yesterday, and it was a success. I had three other artists bring their work as well, had 15 guests, and we all had a good time. My husband was kind enough to provide food, as well as a fabulous crab dip :)

I plan on doing more of these - one each July, one each early December. I think it will do well to invite other artists, and make it a tradition... spreading the cheer!

Some of my more recent jewelry projects are below. Without sales to pare down my stock, it's piling up! But I can't stop making stuff... guess I can't display it all at once any longer. Ah well!

Here is my Celtic Dragon necklace - all done in delica beads. Boy, this was a pain to map out! But it was fun to make.