Saint Wenceslaus and My New Display

If you're from Omaha, and you like crafts, you know what I'm talking about when I say, Saint Wenceslaus. It sounds heavenly, no? But not just because it is a church, but because every fall it is a mecca of arts and crafts and everything I consider divine.

This year, for the first time, I set up shop at the Saint Wenceslaus fall boutique. I had never done such a large show and was blessed to have friends by my side, including Lattie, who showed off my new beaded necklaces beautifully and thus brought me my biggest sale of the day.

To prepare for such a large show, I finally put together my first formal display. It's complete with new table cloths, platters, hangers, Lattie, her new man, Lonnie, mirror boxes and more.

Saint Winceslaus has taught me so much--both good and bad. Like, don't set up shop near the entrance because no one wants to spend money as soon as they walk in the door. Or, bring a notepad and pencil to take notes on what to, and what not to do next time.

Most importantly, however, it motivated me to take the next step towards bringing my wearable glass art to those who love it. It gives me such joy to actually get to see firsthand a customers face light up when they see that must have piece.

So there you have it. Thanks, Saint Wenceslaus. Now I'm hooked and, with this new display, there is no going back now. See ya next year.

Masquerade Medley

Masquerade Medley is the very first treasury I created for the Etsy Twitter Team. While snooping around team member’s shops, trying to find new additions to this treasury, it dawned on me that looking at the creations of others is a lot like reading a book in that you learn who the artist/author is by what/how they create.

It should not be surprising, I know. After all, art is about expression and connecting the audience to the art with an emotional response. Yet building this treasury was a lesson for me. It’s taught me that knowing oneself is an essential part of the creative process.

I can see now that, in catering to what I felt people in general would want/like, I forgot that my work is more about art than shiny stuff that dangles. I’ve learned that, even when creating functional art as I do, I must be true to myself as an artist and trust that there are others out there who will connect to my work rather than force myself to create to the tune of others.

It’s humbling to be among such great originality and talent. The timeless pieces of 19Moons, the dramatic couture works of the KnittingGuru, and BeadBug’s dazzling “vintage flair,” all remind me that true art is not a masquerade. The real show begins when the masks fall.