When we started we HAD no style, no understanding of ourselves or what we were doing. We had feelings, vague ones, a sense of what we liked, maybe, but no unified point of view, not even a real way to express our partnership. We fought constantly and expected to break up every other week. But we did have a few things, things I think you might profit from knowing:
We loved what we did. More than anything. More than sex. Absolutely.
We always felt as if every show was the most important thing in the world, but knew if we bombed, we’d live.
Visit Beads of Courage to learn how you can help. There are several ways you can support this amazing program. They even have a comfy T-Shirt. I wear mine at most of my art shows. You may also shop for my beads at the Artists Give program, just click this link, proceeds go to the children.
Feb 142012
Blurry crooked iPhone photo
Monday I spent a long day at the studio. I didn’t arrive home till 11:30pm. What did this accomplish? A blue wall, a lot of mess and a crippled hand. Painting crumbling bricks around a radiator is a pain. With no time to relax I showered and collapsed into bed. Now I have mixed feelings about my color choice and how I went about it – Too bad, I like it enough, there is no turning back. The entrance is next. A turquoise door and blue trim. I want to be bold, bright, and fun. I’ll paint the main walls white for good light reflection. I know I said I would wait to profit before I went ahead with studio improvements, but shows are going to eat up my time so I went for it.
Today I feel overwhelmed and excited, but mostly scared. After getting to know myself for about 30 years, I realize that this feeling will pass. Things tend to crash in on me when I don’t rest well, it can become difficult to see the big picture. Everything is riding on my project. Precisely why I invested every last penny of my savings into art show applications. This is my dream, this is my one life, no time for delay.
To do: (list updated 2/19)
Chain tanks to wallFire extinguisher inspectionFire Permit- ventilation system
- DBA
- Insurance
Paint bricks bluePaint studio entrancePaint walls white- Storage system/glass rod organizer
- Displays/Frames with bead photos/wall hanging bead and jewelry displays
- File sales tax for current quarter
- Income tax 2011
25 feet of O2 hoseFridge
Feb 092012
Last First Friday I met Sarah of Flour City Sweets. Her eyes fell upon one of my purple cupcake beads, click here and you will see why. We had a great time disusing our personal goals, we both have ambitious business plans. I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of Sarah as her Mother is Jennifer Buckley of Crocus Clay Works, right around the corner from my new studio.
Sarah also caters to people with Gluten sensitivities!
As a mother of two boys, one with a gluten sensitivity, I am inspired daily to create sweets that appeal not only to the masses, but also those seeking dietary alternatives.
I must confess that I’m miserable at baking. I’m glad there are talented people out there like Sarah to do it for me, I gotta have sweets! Support your sweet tooth, Like Flour City Sweets on Facebook.
Last Autumn my sister Tierney and I became fascinated with the popular scrabble tile/wood tile pendants. They have such a trendy appeal. Tierney expressed a desire to learn how to make them, she wants an outlet to express herself creatively. This is awesome, I would love nothing more than to spend some time with my sister!
I ordered up all the necessary parts and put the project to the test. Luckily this is affordable without much of a learning curve. We are ready to rock and roll. First we’ll start basic with gluing some simple prints. Then I’m sure with some practice my sister and I will develop a unique style of our own.
Lampworking is obviously priority, but this craft project will be a fun way to bond with my sister.
Check out this cool tutorial on how to make scrabble tile pendants, we will be taking a slightly different approach…
Is your studio open to the public in The Hungerford Building for First Friday?
Do you want me to mention anything special in my blog posts about your event or just add a simple link?
Would you like to be included as an open studio on my list (that is if your are open for most First Friday’s).
I can even update my current post for this coming First Friday, February 3. Drop me an email with your information at francesca@francescadecaire.com or comment right here.
I’ll be occupying Suite 216 any day now, just waiting on that lease. Can you see the excitement!?
Jan 292012
Only 3 snips and a pinch of feathering. I love his wild blonde wavy hair and I want to keep it that way.
Jan 272012
Two clicks and no sign up:
- Click here to leave my site and appear at the RNEST Team Challenge.
- In the upper right hand corner of the RNEST blog click Large Hole Glass Baby Penguin Bead by Francesca DeCaire. I’m at the very top of the list.
That’s all it takes.
I can’t win without the help of my readers. I need your vote. Thank you, thank you, thank you and muah! Is the smooch going too far? If you’d like, please drop me a comment letting me know I gained your vote.
Large Hole Baby Penguin Bead is available for sale at my Etsy shop. You may also inquire via email to purchase.
Please share this post if you could be so kind.
Jan 252012
Suite 216 here I come! That’s right, I am going to be on the second floor in the Hungerford! I’m freaking out!
You may recall a unique giveaway for a handmade resin spoon pendant back in September. Erin is presenting yet another giveaway and her concept is creative as the last. You can win a $25 gift certificate toward any of Erin Gursslin items at sunshynesilverwear.com. Just visit her blog post to learn how you can win, click this link to play.
For those of you who are into Pinterest you would be insane to pass this up. I have yet to explore Pinterest, as I am quite afraid it may swallow me alive. May the best win!
Jan 232012
I love reading Blogs, Let’s start with RNEST. Why do I love this blog? Check out today’s tutorial on Single Shot Screenprinting by Alli Push and tell me you don’t want to try this like now! Also, be sure to peek at Allie’s Etsy shop, Soft Shell Crafts.
Make it Mondays : Single Shot Screenprinting
Parenting, Illustrated With Crappy Pictures. Now this is my absolute favorite blog! I only wish I could be this witty and funny. Not a single post has gone unread. Not since Jason introduced me to it six months ago. Amber has had me laughing at the top of my lungs. She has tugged my heart strings so hard I’ve cried.
I did these things as a kid (but my kids won't)
Rochester Artisans is my latest find. I’ve gathered some wonderful information from this group. If you’re a local artist, I highly recommend it to you. I finally got to meet the blog Empress, Stefani Tadio just yesterday at a gathering called With Love From Friends. I made valentines for the elderly and chatted with a lively group of women. (George, if your reading I know you certainly are not a female, although you do have a gentle quality about you). Also, thank you Katy for joining me, you are the best friend a girl could have. (Tracy, no worries, I feel the same for you too).
George, Katy, and Tracy are most likely NOT reading this. Oh bother.
With Love From Friends
Jan 112012
Check it out, my first newsletter. Not a bad start, but it needs a lot of work and a lot of subscribers.
Jan 092012
From left to right we have Marie Castiglia, Kristen Cavanaugh, Kelley Allen, Elisabeth Freeman, Amanda Preske, and John Ballou. During this months meeting I pigged out on a bowl of steak chili with cornbread and the group discussed what our team goals would be for the new year.
Kelly Allen is teaching a free beading class at the Brighton Memorial Library for teens 9 – 13 years old, Sunday January 15, 1:30 – 3:30. Call the library at (585) 784-5300 to reserve a spot.
Do you have an Etsy shop? Are you from Rochester, NY or the surrounding area? Join our Etsy team here.
Short and sweet cause I feel like doody.
Jan 042012
Have I ever told you how cool RNEST is? Team challenges, giveaways, links to useful information and talented people… I learned of the SWPC (South Wedge Planning Committee) through the RNEST forum. The SWPC is seeking artisan donations to help support their silent art auction during their annual open house on January 20. Donations will need to be collected by January 14th. Not only is this a wonderful thing to do for the community, but it is also beneficial to you as an artist. All artists will be listed and thanked for their donations in the Wedge Newspaper.
Dec 272011
My gosh! I almost forgot to tell you about this marvelous Mango Habanero Jam that I purchased from Jackie of Jackie’s Jams and Jellies while vending at the Perinton Square Mall craft sale. Her yummy goods are available for sale online at Jackiesjamsandjellies.com.
Links to artisan giveaways and other neat-o stuff. 
