little flower designs

catching up!

2008-10-05T08:37:00.003-05:00

Hello dear internetian's! I need to get this little blog caught up with the little flower going-on's so here I sit, coffee in hand on a lazy sunday morning ready to get chatty! First a huge thank you to Erin at Design For Mankind for featuring my bird on a wire platter. That made my friday!

In the studio I am hard at work on so many things. I have a pile of orders that are nearly all wedding gifts! I've recently changed my focus to wedding registries, working with couples that want something different, love handmade, and love my work is the best motivation for making my wares. I have most of my dinnerware sample sets photographed and they are slowly making their way onto my site. I've been so busy that some of the sets were actually made for orders. I have the sweetest customers that trust me to make items before seeing them, knowing someone has that kind of confidence in me is very fulfilling as an artist. Also in the the studio I have been working on ornaments, it's that time of year again! This year I'm doing something different, more sculptural, yet fun and can be enjoyed all year. I am also making a few very special ornaments for Art Star's annual holiday show and promise photos very soon. Let's see, I've been reorganizing in the studio again, squeezing in more shelving and making some open space. Having a little room to breath has made a world of difference. I'm now eyeing up another spot for a new kiln - we have a large saw in my studio that I can't use because sawdust and clay do not mix. So if that saw were to be relocated, I could get a brand new kiln! Ah, to dream!

In other Little Flower news, we (the mister and I) need to clean up today to get my studio ready for a visit from a photographer. The Philadelphia Inquirer is sending someone out to take an "artist at work" picture of me this week, oo la la! I did a phone interview a few weeks ago for what is going to be a new feature in the paper, more on this as it develops!

Out and about! I did a little show yesterday with the Philadelphia Independent Craft Market. It was a nice show with nice music. I did this one on my own, no mister, which is actually a good thing. I feel guilty when I take up his weekends with shows. Although, he is a good sport and even rode his motorcycle down to help me pack up at the end (but I was already done) so we headed over to Art Star where I picked up my Camilla Engman print and we browsed around. My friend Sue recently became an Art Star artist with her new line of eco-friendly kid items. Her new biz is called EcoLeeko and everything is even more amazing in person!! Please check her out and order early, I have a feeling she is going to be swamped this holiday season.

Ok, so now it is late on sunday evening, when I started this post, the mister interrupted with an emergency flea market outing! ok so it wasn't an emergency! We went to a little flea market where I found the most awesome things!!! Bolts of fabric from a furniture store for $2 and a lovely yellow tea kettle for $1! Oh gosh, I did really well! Then we came home to walk and play with Marley before heading out to dinner at my in-laws. We got lucky and our 7 year old niece was their so we played "art class" and drew our dream homes all over the back walkway in sidewalk chalk! Oh how they'll love us tomorrow when they see our floor plans which included rooms for rocks and multiple indoor pools!

Needless to say the studio did not get spiffed up and I never unpacked my car from the show on saturday. There's always tomorrow right? And it's sure to be a busy one. Have a terrific monday! xoxo, Linda

my first guest blog post!

2008-09-29T15:00:00.003-05:00

Jen over at Indie Fixx invited me to do a guest blog post which she posted today! Thank you to Jen for inviting me, and welcome to anyone that finds their way here to my wee blog. I am happy to have you! Here is a link to the post: http://indiefixx.com/2008/09/29/guest-blog-an-indie-makers-sentimental-art-collection-by-little-flower-designs/ - see Marley peeping at you?

Enjoy! Linda

inside/outside & love

2008-09-18T06:42:00.002-05:00

Inside the studio I just couldn't resist getting to work on my latest obsession, the tree's are in the kiln right now, let's hope for a good firing. It's hard to tell from the picture but they are 15" and 13" platters. The big one is mine because I love it!
Outside is another love, Miss Marley super model. We're finally in the good years!! We had a rough start but miss crazy pants has finally become as sweet as she looks. And she's behaved enough to give her the run of the house when we go out. This sweetie is the happiest creature I have ever met, and if you get the chance to meet her she's sure to spread that joy onto you!

On the nets, fellow potter and amazing creator Diana Fayt was the featured seller on etsy - read the interview here. While on etsy, check out Yokoo's feature too - her photo's grabbed my attention on flickr so I was happy to read the interview about her knit accessories line. Diana mentioned on her blog a great interview with Ayumi Horie, be sure to read this one as she describes perfectly the life of a potter.

Weekend plans? I will be joining the Philadelphia Independent Craft Market at the Give Festival on saturday in the Liberty Lands Park in Philadelphia. Come out and say hello, buy a pot and support a terrific cause all while listening to great live music and drinking beer! I think I might bring Miss Marley along - free puppy hugs with every purchase! Hope to see you there!

a sale!

2008-09-16T12:05:00.002-05:00

September is a nice time to have a sale, don't you think?
http://www.littleflowerdesigns.com/

Feel free to spread the word!

xoxo, Linda

put a set together

2008-09-14T15:01:00.002-05:00

I was putting a nice set together for a wedding registry and thought I'd share. This is the bird on a wire set, the bird is inspired by the sweet little nuthatch. And the solids are a great compliment, I'm really getting into dinnerware!
Happy Sunday!

plattery

2008-09-12T17:38:00.002-05:00

anemone round serving platter

bird on a wire round serving platter

The dinner and salad plates are also now available for order.
Visit my site to check out all the newness!
Then let me know what you think!

Thanks, Linda

etched

2008-09-12T07:45:00.002-05:00

This has been a busy week of making, I hope everyone is ready for plates and platters because that is all I want to make right now. Here is a little window into my process - I etch all those lovely lines into the clay. Even the border!

I made it down to Art Star yesterday to drop off a batch of new work including platters, vases and one scoop bowls. Their new boutique is awesome, especially with the Camilla Engman show hanging there in all it's greatness. The original pieces I loved the most were sold so I ordered the amazing show print which Camilla is signing right now!

Other than the studio we've been goofing around a bit, watching movies on demand (21 good, smart people so-so and the bank job very good) and looking for a new house. I know that doesn't sound goofy but we're in the dreaming stage and would like to upgrade from our wee cottage to a beautiful gentleman's farm in New Hope, PA! While we do live in a top 100 community according to Money Magazine, #21 to be exact, we want a huge yard and a less neighborhoody area to call our own. I also need to be near a park or somewhere to go on nice walks. But most importantly, I want out of the basement. While I do have a lovely space, I want lots of windows and a nice view. Ahh to dream!

Have a happy weekend!

inside/outside

2008-09-05T07:08:00.002-05:00

There's a little something I do that I think will be nice to share here on the blog. Everyday I take pictures both inside and outside. Especially now that I finally have a pocket camera, I can take it everywhere! I won't post everyday, we all know I'm not an avid blogger but I will start to share my sets quite often. The first set includes my one scoop bowls/dipping bowls, paired with my latest obsession, tree's. The bowls are super handy and I needed to snap a stack for my site, the trees I am looking at to draw for some new designs. I haven't done tree's in a while but they are just about to make a refreshed debut on some platters.

Since the weekend is upon us, and we're expecting rain!! Yes, finally rain!! It's like a desert in SE-PA right now. Here are a few things I like to do on rainy days.

look out the window
read a book or dive into a pile of magazines
draw
watch movies
take a walk - when it's only misty or drizzly
and this weekend, clean out my closet!

If you're in the Philadelphia area, go to Art Star on saturday evening for the opening of the Camilla Engman exhibition. I'm hoping to pop down to pick up a print!
Happy Weekend
xoxo, Linda

vases - check!

2008-09-03T15:48:00.004-05:00

The bottle vases are now available on my site.

shore then country

2008-09-03T07:32:00.003-05:00

We're back from vacationing, first the shore then the country. A very nice time was had!
I'm heading into the studio today which has been dark for a week! I have samples to glaze and fire, new ideas to create and I promise to get the bottle vases on the site by this evening.

I hope you all had a lovely summer, I sure did! And now feel ready for the cooler weather and a lovely autumn of making!
xoxo, Linda

miss marley said to take a break

2008-08-28T16:40:00.004-05:00

My little shadow follows me where ever I go! Can you see her there? I'm never alone! We've been doing a bit of vacationing but are home today, I'll be back to blogging next week with some news and a few events for the fall. For now, we're going to resume our break, there is too much ball playing to be done to work! That's Miss Marley, she caught me working on our break.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

xoxo, Linda

bowls, finally!!

2008-08-22T12:54:00.002-05:00

The bowls are finally up on my site!

Here is a little sample.

scalloped bowls in poppy
sizes: one scoop/dip, personal and serving

anemone bowls
sizes: personal and serving

I have little specials in my shop so be sure to click around!
Have a great weekend!
xoxo, Linda

platters - check!

2008-08-19T07:24:00.003-05:00

Good week to you internet! Just 2 more weeks of summer, well for those who end summer on labor day! I've been a busy little potter the past few weeks and now the fruit of that labor needs to be formated, written about, and put in the Little Flower Shop for all to see, and buy! A girl can hope, right?! I do have the platter page up an running, I changed things up a bit and decided to do individual item pages again. The multi item pages just didn't highlight the work well enough. Next up will be bowls and tea cups and if I have time today, vases!! In the studio it's all about plates. I tweaked the design of the plates and new samples had to be made. And hooray, I also tweaked the round platter design and it worked out very well so they will be available again in the coming weeks. Did I ever mention how slow ceramics can be? That's why we all have longer turn around times than other crafts.

Since it's summer and I'm finally done with shows I've taken some time on the weekends to visit with family and enjoy the weather. And much more of that is coming so my postings might be a little more sporadic than usual. We have lots of visiting to do and some nice summery day trips planned to the beach, the mountains, also movies, miniature golf, picnics, well, you know the kinds of things that make summer special! And if I can convince the Mr. some bike riding will happen!!

Be sure to get out there and enjoy summer, fall will be here to snuggle with soon enough!
xoxo, Linda

scoutie girl!

2008-08-14T17:15:00.003-05:00

I've been so quiet here in my corner of the internet, that's not to say I don't have anything going on! In fact, I am quite the busy little lady these days, trying to stay focused on the studio and spiffing up my other internet corner, Little Flower Designs, the website! But the reason I'm popping in is to say Thank You to Lisa over at Milkshake Crafts, maker of fabulous paper goods, for featuring Little Flower Designs on her Wednesday guest blog on Scoutie Girl. Thank you Lisa! And if you don't know about Scoutie Girl, it's a great blog filled with all sorts of great indie designer finds. Be sure to check out both Scoutie Girl and Milkshake Crafts! Happy clicking!

thinking of cooler temps!

2008-08-01T17:14:00.002-05:00

I just bought new boots for fall and winter, a nice warm pair to wear with everything! This has me thinking about the holidays and a nice little gift I make, the Table Lovelies. I can often be heard saying "thank god for table lovelies" after each show and when any holiday is coming up! They make such a sweet gift and are so handy, you'll certainly need a set for yourself. We use one every morning by our coffee make so we can share a spoon to stir and keep the counter clean! They are so lovely on the table (hence the name) and give you and your guest's a place to put tea bags, spoons or really any utensil. A knife rest maybe! I sell them in sets of 4 in nice little gift boxes, all cute and gift ready!

I just update my site with the new color - sunshine! It is to replace the old orange I was using, I'm so happy with the new color and how it fits in with the poppy, lilac and turquoise. If you'd like a set, you can order them here on my site. And if you type "blog" in the comments at check out, I'll send you an orange lovely as a bonus - so you'll get 5 lovelies for the price of 4!

Have a very happy weekend, do something summery! It's going by so quickly.
xoxo, Linda

navigating the nets

2008-07-31T11:46:00.002-05:00

Now that the summer shows have ended I am working on finalizing my "line" which means I'm making samples and taking pictures. This was my plan at the beginning of the summer. So after the next series of firings, I'll have what I hope will be a line of work to market for the holiday season and maybe beyond. I can't express in words how excited I am about what I'm making. I feel connected and skilled in the studio, which is such a nice way to spend each day.

So about the post title! I am a little less connected to the internet these days then when I first started little flower. I no longer spend my days on the nets reading blogs, looking at shops and well, doing my very thorough market research. So any one at my previous day job who wondered, yep I fooled around a good bit! Anyhow, I'm trying to navigate etsy and I feel like I'm doing it all wrong. I have a love/hate relationship with the site. It's easy to use, but it's an extra fee, my work gets buried in minutes/ it's another way to reach people. So at the summer shows, one of the most popular questions asked was if I have an etsy shop. Well, yes I do but it's empty! Please shop directly from my website that I spend zillions of hours working on! So, after a little thought I've come to the conclusion that people trust etsy and want to shop on it. It must be the "in" site to shop! So here I am again trying it out and feeling lost. So I've listed some ready to ship items and we'll see. This is how I get sidetracked from the task at hand, which is finalizing my line so I can send my info to stores, which is my goal!

Sharing for any potters/ crafty biz owners who happen upon here!
also, the funny bird cups above are available in my etsy shop! littleflowerdesigns.etsy.com

trying etsy

2008-07-29T07:24:00.003-05:00

Good day! has it really been a week since my last post?! I know I promised pictures from Artscape, they are coming, we had a little camera issue (they are on the Mr's camera and he never downloads!) Anyway, I decided to put a few items up on etsy while I spiff up my site. with new pics and wares. So here it is!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
littleflowerdesigns.etsy.com

back from Artscape!

2008-07-21T13:31:00.002-05:00

Howdy! I'm back from Artscape, the hottest dang show I've ever done! It was 3 days of sweltering heat, bbq smoke and banging club music, oh yeah and crafts! I'm still a bit loopy from the trip but wanted to pop in and post a THANK YOU to everyone that helped make the show a huge success for me and my little biz. Each and every purchase and kind word is so appreciated, may I just gush over all of you? Thank you! This show was a huge undertaking for me and quite a risk business wise - you never know how a show will go, a girl can hope for the best but you never know what will happen. I met so many lovely people and sold so much I came home with very light and yep, some empty bins. I still have a good bit of work and this show told me I don't need to drive myself quite as hard as I do, so for the rest of the summer I'm going to work normal hours and take the weekends off! Thank you customers for making this possible. I'll post some pictures this week so you can see, for now, here is a link to a nice recap on the Baltimore Sun's blog where Christy Zuccarini was kind enough to include me (goofy smile and all) and my work sweating it out!

Artscape this weekend!!!

2008-07-17T09:46:00.002-05:00

Well, it's here, the big weekend at Artscape!! Come on by and say hello, buy a pot and listen to music. Oh, the fun to be had! I have a TON of new stuff which came out so beautifully I can't even believe it. I'll take lots of pics at the show to share next week. I'm looking forward to seeing my crafty pals and meeting some new ones. I'm in the DIY section which is at Charles St. and Mt. Royal. Visit the Artscape web site for more information, I sure hope you can make it : )

Have a lovely weekend - send me nice cool vibes, it's going to be a scorcher!
xoxo, Linda

counting down to Artscape!

2008-07-11T10:33:00.003-05:00

One glazed, oh so many more to do! My to-do list is insanely long, I have a habit of setting impossible goals. I wanted to make 40 serving bowls and 20 platters but I will have more like 20 of the bowls and 12 platters. I had to stop making new work on tuesday because I just can't get it all etched/drawn, apply the 3 layers of glaze, fire it all twice and have it all cooled and packed in time for the show. So, here I am after staying up until 2am last nite, however the first of 4 firings is happening right now!!! It's almost noon and I'm just heading back into another very long day of glazing. However, it's all worth it when I see my pretties sitting on the shelf ready to go to market!
A new bird bottle vase and a few more with the anemone inspired flower that I'm loving. All hand etched with 3 layers of glaze on creamy white, hand thrown stoneware!

Have a wonderful weekend - can you guess what I'm doing this weekend??

xoxo, Linda

diy, indie, new wave, alt-craft

2008-07-09T07:59:00.002-05:00

I am braving a subject I often have trouble clearly explaining but is a topic close to my heart. A comment on my last post (Hi Kris!!) asked me to explain the difference between the Artist's Market and the DIY section at the upcoming Artscape show. What a great question!! So juicy! I am in the DIY section, a mix of indie makers.

The comment/question:
"I can't see or comprehend the difference between your work listed in the DIY section and the work of the 10 individuals listed in the Artists Market under ceramics. Can you shed some light on this?"

The light:
This is my personal perspective on the world of craft/ craft shows and there is a clear difference when I am doing a show. I started out like most doing small local craft shows, I did ok but could tell it wasn't really my market or crowd. I also didn't enjoy those shows or even want to shop at them. I've been involved in the indie craft scene for about 3 years now, however I took notice well before I jumped in! I'm not comfortable with the DIY title and usually refer to these shows as indie. I think of myself as a maker of indie pottery. And when I am deciding to apply to a show I first think about if I would want to shop it myself. I am not sure if a clear title has been declared for this change in craft but I vote for calling it the indie craft movement. Anyway, the differences: I feel that I fit in the DIY section because of my aesthetic, the indie craft shopper is looking for something non-traditional but likes the quality of my work. The Artscape site defines the DIY section by saying:

"Artscape is supporting the emerging DIY trend by creating an entire section of the site dedicated to hip and talented new wave crafters."

I love this definition, so I am hip and talented and after all the years of making, I am new wave! Thank you! Ok, back to the definition! I think that when the traditional shows are being juried they are looking for the best in the various craft fields. By best I mean the most skilled and technically correct according to standards that those shows have established. The indie shows have a different way of jurying, I've never juried a show but I believe they choose their makers more like a boutique would pick their merchandise. The shows are styled somewhat. The makers are at various stages in refining their craft, some starting out and some are very well established but what brings them all together and makes sense is that they will appeal to the same shoppers. It's more about a scene then just building a fine craft show. And this I find so exciting. It is a brilliant way to plan a show, I remember the first time I went to an indie craft show - I ventured up to Brooklyn to check out the Renegade Craft Fair, I was looking forward to it for months and so excited to see all the makers in person. After shopping the fair I knew where I needed to be. I was one of them! Knowing your market is very important so while it is an honor to be accepted into the well established fine art/craft shows (which are expensive to do and come with a long list of rules) it is not the best business decision if that is not your market.

I hope this helps shed some light onto the differences between the 2 sections, really to see the difference you just need to attend an indie craft show. There is an excitement in the air and usually some good indie music!!

I welcome all comments and corrections on this subject!
xoxo, Linda

4th of july

2008-07-04T09:59:00.002-05:00

Happy 4th of July!
It's been awhile since my last post and now it's a holiday, ah, a day to rest and celebrate our freedom's. And to see fireworks with my Mr and to be a part of my community. Our local high school puts on a pretty good show and it's so much fun to see everyone come out in light spirits to enjoy the show. Maybe Miss Marley (aka Miss Fearless) will join in on the outing.

Since it's been awhile and I'm caught up in craft show preparations- busy, busy - just one more to go! I thought I'd share some of the non-little flower interests I've had of late.

First up is the slow food movement, I love this idea and have been trying to make dinner everynite and eat outside when we can. I try to plan out our meals for the week when I do the shopping, which means trying to include lots of organic, fair trade, and local foods into the cart. Sometimes it's a challenge but I'm hoping that every little bit helps.

Second is gardening. I'm teaching myself to include the herbs we grow in our garden into our meals, some are easy like oregano and basil then others are a challenge like mint, we have so much mint and all I can think to make it tea. We have a shady yard so it's hard to grow veggies but we're hoping the tomatoes, squash, eggplant and peppers somehow will make it onto our plates later this summer. We had a pretty good strawberry harvest, my tip for shady yards, plant early strawberries, they can get a head start before the trees fill in and you'll hopefully have a nice bunch to eat each day.

The third thing I'm into right now is spiffing up the house, I have a nice print collection going and I'm slowly framing them up to hang, and after show season we can finally do a bit of painting to brighten the place. A new rug was bought and I have lots of fabric to sew up into pillows and drapes. I'll take some pics once we get into it. Just 2 more weeks to my final show!!

About that show, I'm totally freaking out! I've never done a 3-day show and an out of town show is just nuts! This show has a list of rules to follow, forms and documents to submit and did I mention tons of rules! I also had to book a hotel, find overnite parking, book little Marley in the kennel, find a house sitter (who can't handle Miss Marley and all her antics!) Have my Mr. take a few days off from work, and I haven't even begun to figure out what we'll eat for the 3 day's I'm going to be in a tent from morning to nite. My Mr loves festival food so he'll be in heaven but I need something healthy so I don't get sick. I'm hoping all the locals can direct us to a few places that have healthy to-go food and hopefully a good fruit slushy place will be nearby. And then there is my display, luckily the show is providing us with a table and tent but I need lighting so I have to rig up some track lighting or make some lamps! So many details! See, a little freaking out is definitely in order! Thanks for letting me vent!

Have a terrifically fantastic 4th and a lovely long holiday weekend.
xoxo, Linda

ahh, pile of craft

2008-06-23T08:22:00.003-05:00

The Pile of Craft show was so much fun, the Charm City Craft Mafia put on another great event!! Here is one of the rooms - I had nice breezy corner spot. The event took place in an old church that seems to hold lots of events for various groups in Baltimore. It is a nice open space, just perfect for a craft show!
My table display, I was trying something new with the one long shelf, I think it worked out pretty well, and was easy to transport!
This is my new bird and now my favorite bowl design with the dogwood's going around the outside. I only made 2 and both sold before I could get a proper picture. No worries, I'll make more this week, and I have an idea for another form with a similar pattern.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the show and of course to those that shopped my table, your purchases both big and small allow me to continue on with my little biz and your kind words and excitement motivate me in a way I can not describe. Thank You!

My next show is also in Baltimore, I will be in the DIY section of the Artscape Festival. Quite a few of the crafters from saturday's show will be in our very special section, including much of the Charm City Craft Mafia!! The Artscape show is a 3 day event with music and more to-do's then any art loving person could ever imagine in one place! I'll be posting information on Artscape as we get closer, I have just under a month to get ready, so you can guess where I'll be for the next few weeks? Yep, in the studio!

Have a lovely monday!

xoxo, linda

immersed in craft

2008-06-20T08:45:00.003-05:00

First, a very important invitation! Come on out for Pile of Craft - it's a very fun crafty event put on by one of the best craft mafia's around! The Charm City Craft Mafia, of course!

I've been immersed in art and craft this month, the light blog posting is due to my crazy studio schedule - which I love and live for!! I am trying to make some time to enjoy other things like the great outdoors, movies, music and people. Although, there is something very lovely about being in the studio and doing all these shows that makes me feel validated as an artist and business lady. Ahh! and WooHoo!

In keeping with this post's title, I wanted to share my loot from the Art for the Cash Poor show.

Adding to my OPP (other potter's pots) collection, a pretty little flower frog by Michelle Miller and a scalloped bowl by Naomi Cleary.

A wonderful print in metallic ink by Stephanie Harvey. Titled "i don't get enough sleep"

And 2 prints by brainstorm

I have my eye on a few crafters at this weekends show and if I do a bit of shopping I'll be sure to share - remember to come on out, it's worth the drive and taking the train is seriously easy and fun! Hope to see you this weekend, be sure to say hello!
xoxo, Linda

show high

2008-06-16T09:10:00.002-05:00

good monday internet!

I am reporting in about the Art for the Cash Poor show over the weekend. First, I love shows like this and if you are a show organizer, my vendor feedback is to do more shows like this one!! First, Inliquid hosted and promoted the show very well, they recruited an amazing selection of artists and crafters, provided us all with a nice place to have a show, included a table to display our wares and put on a fun to be at event (music, food and drinks!) Hugs to Inliquid!! Thank you to everyone that came out for show and to those that took home some little flower goodies. My usually heavy bins were quite light going home and for that I am so very grateful.

Next up is the Pile of Craft show in Baltimore - this saturday, so I have to get my butt and the rest of me in the studio to glaze like crazy today so I have platters, cups and bowls for all of you!

Have a lovely week, I'll try to pop in later to share the loot I took home from the weekend show, I made out like a bandit!!

xoxo, Linda

(ps - sorry for the blurry picture, all my table pics were slightly blurred from nervous show energy!)