Artist Introduction - One Way To Do It

There are many ways to get your creations out there. Pounding the streets with business cards is one way - and can be scary for some. Joining business societies is another. One approach I have used, is doing google searches for local galleries, consignment shops, co ops in the area and emailing them an introduction letter. Do your research - go to their site, and look at the items they have posted. Make a comment about those items that you love in the introduction. Tell something about yourself, about your work, about your goals, awards, publications, other stores you are in and show examples of your work.

Here is an example of the letter I sent out, it has got me in two stores in the area -

Hello!

I have visited the site for your store and the items you have listed are wonderful! The peculiar pets are a scream! I would love to have the opportunity to bring my pieces by to be considered for display/sale in your store.

Please let me introduce myself. My name is Tish McDermott and I am a local jewelry artist. I have had the wonderful opportunity to have been shown , at The Arts Council of Farmville, NC in March 2009 and also the Arts Council of Holly Springs, NC in April, 2009.

My pieces have been consistently seen in Bead Trends magazine from Sept of 2008 to October of 2010, and also online at www.beadage.net. Locally, I have pieces for sale at Gifts With A Heart in Cary, NC and Tirza’s Imports in Apex, NC. I also have a presence at Let It Grow in Winston - Salem, NC. Most recently my designs were seen on the runway at Awakening C.H.A.N.G.E – Runway Revolution.

Bead Trends

Flashes of Autumn – As seen at Awakening Change – Runway Revolution

My line of pendants

Approaching your store, is the first step to broadening my audience, and giving my pieces more exposure.

Please feel free to visit my site at http://www.justatish.com or my Facebook page Just A Tish

Thank you for your consideration,

Tish McDermott

Just A Tish Designs

tish@justatish.com

Another you may consider is sending an actual letter with a sample of your work. That is what I am doing for the more upscale boutiques that are out of the area.

Good Luck!!

Struggling with an idea - Attempt 1

Before I get into today's post, I wanted to make an update to yesterday's beading contests for 2010 entry. I got an email from Diann Gilbertson of Firemountain Gems letting me know that their contests have expanded to six times a year!! Diann says, "We just closed the CRYSTALLIZED- Swarovski ElementsContest and received some beautiful designs. Our next contest is Art Clay,Wire Work, Metal Beads and Chains- deadline January 12, 2010."

So get your thinkin' caps on kids and get those creatives juices flowing!

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Here is my collection I got at ArtBeads.com. I based this selection on the picture of this gore-juss flower. I used the picture as a guide for the colors, and I also wanted the necklace to have a floral feel, and I wanted it to flow. Now let's mix it up some, I wanted it bulky, and I wanted it to move. Like when breezes blow, and the whole plant, leaves and bloom sway and dance.

It is in my head, I can see it, but my fingers can't feel it. Yesterday was attempt 1. I am not happy with the way it turned out, and I will most likely re purpose it this weekend. Just because I don't like it, doesn't mean that I shouldn't share it. To grow as an artist, you need feedback - good or bad from your peers and mentors. That being sed - here is what I did:



I played around with a couple different ideas for the way I wanted it to look.



Added some of my findings from my supplies to try for yet again a different look.



Then I thought, "flowers" - I should add wooden beads as well.



First I used copper wire and did a basic wire wrapped loop connecting one bead to the copper loop and the other bead to the copper loop and to the filigree. I did this first so I would have an anchor as I built my strands.



I added a fun and 'sloppy' wrap to the Donut Rust Ripple pendant out of copper wire, to give it a bit of texture.



When I made the wire wrapped loops, I made them larger, because I am attaching three strands to it. I need the room.



Three strands of Green Spider Jasper Cubes later, attached to a brass toggle and 'braided', they are all attached to the filigree link.



Both sides done



I attached the rainbow carnelian squares to the outside links of the filgree and strung the pendant as a center focal.



On the inside links of the filgree I used the 8mm Topaz Druk beads alternating with wood.



It is nice, and long, it may even be pretty, but I see something else in my head.


I am welcome to any suggestions!

August - Peridot

August's birthstone is Peridot - say it with me - Pair-uh-doe.

Peridot is a beautiful stone, the best known gem variety of olivine. Some historians believe that some of the "emeralds" worn by Cleopatra were actually peridot. Peridot is worn not only for its beauty, but also for the belief it is supposed to bring the wearer success, peace, and good luck.

Here are some stunning examples of jewelry I have found online that use peridot, or use a classic peridot color in their designs.

Peridot Stacking Ring Set - BlackLotusDesign



Apple Tree of Life - wearmejewels


Spring Blooming Vine Necklace - SimplyAdorning



Peridot chainmaille Sterling Silver earrings - Cheli



Dramatic Dimensonal Filigree Medallion Necklace with Intaglio - Dawno



Life is But a Dream...Peridot Vesuvianite Green Tourmaline Vermeil Gold Filled Drama Filled Signature Original Draped Gemstone Scrolled Necklace - bellajewels




Now that you have seen these beautiful designs, I know you are itching to get your hands on some peridot, or some peridot colored glass/crystals. Where can you get them??

4-4.5mm Peridot Rounds - On Sale! - ArtBeads



Bead, Gemstone, Chips (Peridot) - Rings & Things



Swarovski Art 6007 Peridot 7x4mm 20 beads - BeadinPath



5 Strands Carmina Glass Pearls, Peridot (026), graduated 6 to 12mm 16 inch SedonaStones




Now I know you are itching to make your own desings using peridot - why not post a link when you are finished and share your work with everyone!