Success!

[singlepic=63,320,240,,left]Many, many thanks to all of you who stopped by my trunk show/open house.  And, thanks to all of you who couldn’t make it, but still took the time to check out my artwork online and send positive feedback.  I am truly energized and my confidence in my work is greater than ever.  What fun!

I had several goals in mind when I planned this event.  This was the first formal showing of my work and a great opportunity to network and get feedback from people I know and trust.  It helped me test drive some display ideas and figure out where I need to improve.  Most of all, it pushed me to build up inventory and finish dozens of pieces.  One of the challenges I face is that it’s so much fun to create with clay.  It’s much less fun to sand, buff, bead, cord and generally FINISH these pieces.  I tend to build up tons of “nearly finished” pieces that aren’t ready for sale.  Prepping for this show really motivated me to move from lots of pretty bits and pieces to the ready-to-wear jewelry you see in this photo of my primary display.

Between the show day, orders from long-distance friends and custom orders that resulted from this period of focused production and marketing, my sales this month have far exceeded my expectations.  I know this won’t be an easy path, but this first step has certainly been gratifying!