Season Change

As we approach the new fall season, I find myself reflecting on accomplishments and events that happened during the summer months. This summer was full of happenings both personally and professionally. My granddaughter celebrated her 3rd birthday, my parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and I got married. That in itself is a busy summer, but there were things that I accomplished professionally as well. After a year of business, a plan has emerged. I know they say you're supposed to write a business plan BEFORE you start a business, but that's not how I did it. I spent a year playing with beads, trying new ideas, and THEN came up with a business plan. Financially, it would have been better to do the plan first, but I feel so much more growth happened as an artist by not having a set plan this first year. I felt more free to explore my creative side and let a style emerge on its own. I now feel better equipped to focus on my plan.

I want to do some art festivals and then try out the wholesale market next year. Hopefully, the lessons I've learned this year will help me be better prepared to tackle the plan I've set for myself.

What do you plan to do to grow your business? I'd love to hear your ideas!!

As always,
Kerri

Married....on the beach....it was great!!!

It's no surprise that at our age, both Randy and I have been married before. So, when he proposed (and I said yes....heehee) we decided to do something special and different. I've had a smile on my face ever since and excited doesn't even begin to describe the experience of getting married on the beach in Jamaica. Runaway Bay is a fabulous super inclusive resort that lives up to its name. It was a wonderful week full of happy memories.

Here's my favorite picture out of all the ones we took while we were there....




I'll have some new designs in my Etsy shop before the end of the week so please check back often. CLICK HERE to view my shop.

Upcoming Wedding

I'm excited beyond words that this weekend we'll be on the beach in Jamaica getting married!!! Randy and I have been dating for 3 years and tying the knot just feels right. He's the love of my life and such a great man....they're hard to find these days too.

Once we get back I'll post some pics from the trip.

In the meantime.....enjoy life and be happy :) Oh, the little girl in the picture is our granddaughter.

As always,
Kerri

Current and Upcoming Shows

Can't believe summer is almost over, hope everyone has had a wonderfully fun summer so far. Soon it will be time for school, holidays and cooler days. Along with these come art festivals and craft fairs. Here are a few that I'll be involved in this year.

Current I'm in a Virtual Craft Show on Cafe Handmade. Please take a few moments to check it out. You can even vote for Best in Show.

On September 25th I'll have a booth in the juried section of the Art Festival in Carlisle, PA. It'll be in front of Dickinson Law School with a special tribute to the military personnel in the area.

Then, on October 9th I'll be in Lancaster, a vendor at Art in the Ball Park. It's a fundraiser for a young boy who needs a complete intestinal transplant. The ball park in Lancaster donated use of the field for the whole day and there will be lots of entertainment. They're hoping to have 100 vendors for the day.

So...if you live in the area and looking for something to do, please come join the fun!

Oh......I've designed a new business card....what do you think?



As always,
Kerri

Colors of Summer Challenge Winner!!

I'm so deeply honored and excited to be the winner of this year's Colors of Summer Challenge put together by the Military Brat Team on Etsy. What a thrill!!

If you'd like to see all the entries, please CLICK HERE.

To view more of my designs, please CLICK HERE.

Thanks to all who voted for my cuff!!
Kerri

Designer Beaded Shawl Pins

I've been making beaded shawl pins since last fall and they're a big seller. I love making them because the possibilities are endless, they're inexpensive enough for gift giving and are just plain fun.

But, some people like finer gifts and accessories so I've started a new line of designer shawl pins. They're made using beads that are handmade, many by fellow Etsy artisans. So far, there are five in the series.....and they can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

New Product Line

Here's a new product line I'm offering to the cat lovers out there....ornamental cat necklaces with belly dancing bells added just for fun! They're be made using a variety of beads and strung on stretchy cord so they can slip over your cat's head easily. There are only a few in my shop currently, with more to come. As always, please don't hesitate to ask for a larger size or specific stone.


To continue my "giving back" efforts, 10% of the sale from the cat necklaces will be donated to the humane society each month.



Too see other colors and to purchase a cat necklace please CLICK HERE

Thank you!
Kerri