No Longer a Hobby

With my upcoming participation in the American Craft Council Baltimore Show I guess I can no longer call myself a hobbyist. I am in full production mode and between managing my two web sites VelinaGlass.com and ArtJewelryOnline.com, working full time and supporting my two sons in college to say that I am overwhelmed is an understatement. A lot of my previous work has been focused on organic shapes and big bangles. I will still maintain these items in my line, but I am now producing a new line that is focused on circles. So far I have thrown out 2/3 of my prototypes but I am extremely pleased with the remaining work. One of the things that I love about resin is that since the material itself is inexpensive I can work through prototypes using resin and not the more expensive metals. The value in resin is in the design and arduous finishing. I may spend anywhere from 2-4 hours sanding a piece so that it feels like silk. I am trying to get away from smooth surfaces to avoid sanding but some of my more popular work is smooth so I will continue to sand and watch TV so that my mind does not become mush. The work shown above is representative of my metalwork, organic and smooth surface.

American Craft Council

I am overwhelmed with fear and anticipation as this is my first year participating in the Baltimore American Craft Council show. I am doing both wholesale and retail so I am expecting 5 grueling days. I don't know what I would do without Lori Gottlieb (awesome jewelry artist) she has been helping me every step of the way! I thought all I had to do was make jewelry but there is so much more that goes into preparing for a big show. I am scouring the internet for more tips and tricks. Hopefully all will go well. Pictured is Lori's Open Pebble Necklace with matching earrings. It is my personal favorite!