tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17474809913970372452024-03-13T07:39:04.376-07:00DK Designs.BIZ Bead BlogMy beading business and life.......Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-80022905060528969062011-09-22T15:17:00.000-07:002011-09-22T15:24:41.252-07:00Too many shows on the same weekend !Well last weekend, 9-17 & 18, my sister and I did the Sandy Spring Festival. And that same weekend is the Atlanta Arts Festival in Piedmont Park and The Roswell Art Festival in the square in Roswell. I my opinion, this economy cannot sustain 3 big art shows <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">on</span> the same weekend. 4 years ago we were at the Roswell Arts Festival and easily did over 10 times our booth fee. Those days are gone, but I pray they will be back soon. Until then, I really wish the promoters of art show would consider what other festivals are happening , before scheduling <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">theirs</span>. Splash Festivals is one of the BEST art show promoters in the southeast and you can bet they check the calender first. Well if you did one of the shows this past weekend and what to share your thoughts, please do so.<br />Until next time.........we give the Sandy Springs Festival 1.5 thumbs up !Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-3589027377305837642011-03-15T17:20:00.000-07:002011-03-15T17:36:21.502-07:00It's been a YEAR ??Yeah, It has been a year since I blogged. Why do I find it so hard to just write a little something everyday, or week or even every month in my blog ? I don't know. But I am writing in it today.<br />Our 2010 shows were ok, some were better than others and some really were bad.<br />So this year, we are cutting back, just doing the ones we know we do pretty good at. And with gas prices going up, can you believe $3.40 per gallon.....sheesh...<br /><br />We will see us at the nbew Jasper Art Festival , April 16th and 17th, and of course we will be at the 2nd annual Dunwoody Arts Festival Mother's Day weekend, May 7th and 8th.<br />So come out and see us at the festivals !!<br /><br />And check out our web sites and etsy shop at<br /><a href="http://www.dkdesigns.biz/">http://www.dkdesigns.biz</a><br /><a href="http://www.daughterdogbeads.com/">http://www.daughterdogbeads.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dkdesignsbiz">http://www.etsy.com/shop/dkdesignsbiz</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daughterdogbeads">http://www.etsy.com/shop/daughterdogbeads</a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/steampunksisters">http://www.etsy.com/shop/steampunksisters</a>Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-53479198597646467402010-03-09T22:22:00.001-08:002010-03-09T22:32:00.077-08:00Our Shows for 2010Well we have submitted all of our applications for the shows we would like to do for 2010.<br />Can you guess how many ?? 20 shows, wow I am tired already !!! Just kidding. We are very excited and looking forward to a very profitable 2010. This is OUR YEAR !!! Come out to the shows and support us !<br /><br />So to keep up with us and were we will be, Please go to my web site and sign up for the newsletter updates !<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dkdesigns.biz/">http://www.dkdesigns.biz/</a><a href="http://www.dkdesigns.biz/"></a><br /><br />Oh and I almost forgot !!! You need to join my NEW Bead of the Month Club !<br />You will get Fabulous Beads at Fabulous Prices !! Don't miss out of this !<br /><br />The First 5 members to sign up will get a FREE set of beads ! A value of $30.00 !<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dkdesigns.biz/bead_of_the_month.php">http://www.dkdesigns.biz/bead_of_the_month.php</a><br /><br />We'll be in Peachtree City this coming Saturday at the Buy - Design Jewelry Show<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dkdesigns.biz/shows.php">http://www.dkdesigns.biz/shows.php</a><br /><br />See you at the shows !!<br />DianeDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-29716679919143734042010-01-07T16:12:00.003-08:002010-01-07T18:02:06.265-08:00Long time no blog....i'm a bad girl....Well I had promised to blog more but life just happened. On 9-21-09 my studio flooded with 3 feet of water. It was a nightmare. But thanks to all of my friends, fellow artists, family and customers, we survived and I am back up and running.<br /><br />check out the pictures <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dkdesignsbiz/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/dkdesignsbiz/</a><br /><br />Happy New Year and I promise to do better at blogging this year !Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-14262961262356431432009-09-20T18:51:00.000-07:002009-09-20T19:20:24.855-07:00Chapter 4 - The Yellow Dirty Festival - The final chapterThe sales for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Saturday</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Sunday</span> were less than desirable, They had no idea how anyone other than the guy that sold the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">weather vains</span> made any money, cause the girls sure as s*&t did not.<br /><br />So many artists had told them in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">previous</span> years they had made enough dollars to buy a newer car....yeah right....maybe a car without an engine.<br /><br />The dismantle was no fun, they try to laugh, but as they removed the jewelry from the display the lines it left from the dirt was UNBELIEVABLE !!! You can not begin to imagine just how dirty everything got. And NO OTHER ARTISTS had EVER mentioned this, and they could only guess that those artists had made so much money that the dirt did not matter. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">HMMMM</span>.....they sure did not....sad<br /><br />So as they were packing everything up and trying to avoid packing grand daddy long leg spiders in the bins, one of the girls got stung in the crouch area by a nasty bee and then she wet herself and was screaming and leaping around. One of the other girls ran around to get a cigarette for the tobacco to put on the sting.<br /><br />Now it is starting to get dark and even though they had lights, they had to turn them off so that they could cool off to be packed and so they clipped 2 lights to the chairs to finish packing up.<br /><br />Then after cramming 2 vans with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> displays, tents and merchandise. It was time to get the last 2 lights and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">extension</span> cords. It was around 9:30pm , so they turned on one of the vehicles headlights and drew straws to see WHO would turn off the lights.<br /><br />You see there where hundreds of bugs swarming around the lights....yes hundreds.<br /><br />So, I hope that you have enjoyed this little story and that if you have ever wanted to do the Yellow Daisy Festival, you have been warned !<br /><br />P.S. The festival is well organized and the people who volunteer are GREAT !!!<br />Also we met The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Negron</span> family who supplied the festival with 3 VERY NICE bathroom trailers.<br />These were wonderful, clean, attended and had A/C, running hot and cold water, soap and music !!! Thank you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">PORTA</span> TOILETS OF ROME !!!!! WE LOVE YOU !!!<br />Oh and thank goodness for the BEER tent !!<br /><br />The girls welcome all and any comments !Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-84270770094089243752009-09-20T18:42:00.000-07:002009-09-20T18:51:11.142-07:00The Yellow Dirty Festival - Chapter 3So in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">anticipation</span> of a busy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Friday</span>, the girls arrive early to be ready for the crowds. Thursday had been so busy.....but as the day went on they crowds were not as they had expected and they notice that there seemed to be a lot of dirt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">accumulating</span> on there displays.....Later that night as they were home they noticed blowing their noses....it was black !!!! They had never had Black Boogers !!! So you can just imagine how much dirt was in their booth, on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> displays and on their jewelry !!! They were not very happy. But they were excited and looking for a GREAT saturday and sunday !.....rightDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-15229193187372439492009-09-17T18:25:00.000-07:002009-09-17T18:30:05.550-07:00Chapter 2 - Yellow Dirty FestivalThe girls were so excited that they got there at 8am the next morning. Ready for the crowds of people to come and buy their creations. Even though the ants were marching in their booth and the grand daddy long legs spiders were there too, they did have a good amount of customers shopping the first day of the show.<br /><br />Other artists seemed to enjoyed the unusual crowd of people, shopping and buying.<br /><br />It was a good <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">first</span> day !!!Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-19080463249973077352009-09-14T19:53:00.000-07:002009-09-14T20:11:42.110-07:00A Story - The Yellow Dirty Festival.........Chapter 1<br /><br />This is the story of 4 girls that set out to do the Yellow Dirty Festival. They had worked so hard all summer long. Creating new jewelry designs, making new beads to go into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> designs. They were so excited as it got closer to the day of the set-up for the show.<br /><br />That day finally came and they went out into the woods to set up their exhibit and jewelry for this great 4 day show. They took 2 long days to set everything up , just so it was perfect and everything looked great! One of the girls drove 45 minutes one way to get to the show, so she had to get up even earlier then the other ones, and also got home much later than the others.<br /><br />But that did not matter as they were all very excited. They had heard from many other artists that this was the BIGGEST, BEST and most PROFITABLE show. In fact some artists called it the " New Car Show", meaning that you could make enough to purchase a new car. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmm</span>.....<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Chapter</span> 2 .... tomorrow, check back then.....Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-1751050242724115102009-06-13T19:23:00.000-07:002009-06-13T19:35:29.156-07:002nd Annual Art-B-Que - Avondale, GAWell I have to say that this was one of the BEST new Art shows of the past 5 years ! Bart Webb, of <a href="http://bartwebbstudios.com/art/index.php">Bart Webb Studios</a>, put on an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">rockin</span> art show ! It was held in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Avondale</span> off of East College and North <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Avondale</span>. Over 60 Artists lined the streets of Franklin and Pine. There was music, BBQ and beer. I believe that most of the artists did very well today.<br /><br /><br /><br />Bart had the help of the city of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Avondale</span> with promoting the show, and it was a winner. Advertising is the key to any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">successfull</span> show, and this was proven today.<br /><br /><br /><br />We'll be back next year ! Thanks again Bart for a GREAT show !!!Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-76135580236934055222009-05-05T18:45:00.001-07:002009-05-05T18:55:28.755-07:00Spring Art & Craft ShowsWell, it is spring, almost feels like summer. We have done a few shows already and some have been good, others not so good. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Conyers</span> Cherry Blossom Festival, March 28 & 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>, the last weekend of March. The weather is always unpredictable and we will NEVER do a show on this weekend, that is outside, ever again.<br /><br />Lemonade Days in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dunwoody</span>, April 17 & 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>, was pretty good. They lined us up on the mail street leading down to the amusements and I believe this helped with more sales. Weather was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ok</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Inman</span> Park Festival, April 25 & 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span>, was our best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Inman</span> Park. We had a new spot on Hurt Street, and with our new display, that my wonderful sister Donna <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Myrick</span> designed and build, was a show stopper and we had pretty good sales. And thanks to our neighbors for the FREE carpet !!<br /><br />We will be at Roswell Square this coming weekend for the Colors of Arts Festival. Come out and see out new display and buy your Mother and nice handmade gift.<br /><br />Hope to see you at one of ours shows !<br />DianeDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-26125666374950402232009-05-03T18:08:00.000-07:002009-05-03T18:14:21.956-07:00I'm a bad, bad bloggerWell I promised that I would blog at least 3 days a week, way back in March and here it is May.<br />So I have decided to set my home page as my blog, so that I will have to blog more often. I have lots of stuff to blog about, but I just put it off, thinking I am way to busy to do it.<br /><br />So, I am going to do better. Blog about shows I do, classes I teach, contest/challenge I enter.<br />But for tonight, this is it. I really need to list my van on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Craig's</span> list. The transmission died in it and I need to sell what is left of it. Yes, Bill and I are working with one car......hopefully I will be able to get a newer vehicle in a month or so.<br /><br />Night Peeps !Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-10010363093355792182009-03-03T18:59:00.000-08:002009-03-03T19:06:27.463-08:00The Pineapple Bead<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CrjKrt6khT8/Sa3vUtFEc4I/AAAAAAAAABU/0fcz6k3tSQQ/s1600-h/Pineapple.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309162674716963714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CrjKrt6khT8/Sa3vUtFEc4I/AAAAAAAAABU/0fcz6k3tSQQ/s320/Pineapple.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well I think that I might just be hooked on doing sculptural beads. I have a wonderful customer/student that requested a pineapple bead, and the pineapple means "Welcome".</div><br /><div>So, for all of your South Carolinians, I will have these available on my etsy shop soon.</div><div><a href="http://www.dkovach.etsy.com/">http://www.dkovach.etsy.com</a></div><div> </div><div></div><div>Yummy, I think all this talk about pineapple has made me hungry. </div><div>So, have a great evening !!!</div><div>Diane</div><br /><div></div>Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-27127930644728133312009-02-23T19:21:00.001-08:002009-02-23T19:23:49.045-08:00Check out my beads !!!Here are my beads that I created this past weekend in Marcy Lamberson's Sculptural bead class.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24197544@N03/" eudora="autourl">http://www.flickr.com/photos/24197544@N03</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24197544@N03/" eudora="autourl">/</a><br /><br />This class was great !!<br /><br />Marcy will be teaching at the Gathering this coming July. for more info go to her website<br /><a href="http://www.studiomarcy.com/">http://www.studiomarcy.com</a><br /><br />Happy Beading !!!<br />DianeDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-60616755174863655692009-02-22T15:54:00.000-08:002009-02-22T16:02:31.654-08:00Wow - What a GREAT weekend !!!I just finished a 2 day glass bead making class with Marcy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lamberson</span> on how to make sculptural beads and it was the most fun I have ever had making beads !!! Marcy, Thank you so much !!<br />I will post some pictures of what I made later this week.<br /><br />I am also making a commitment to BLOG 3 DAYS PER WEEK ! Yes, I will post a new blog 3 times each week. Starting today, February 22, 2009.<br /><br />In Marcy Class we created the cutest creatures, I really can't believe I made them ! My favorite was making Hair Cane. It is really pretty easy and you can do so much with it. From using it for person hair , Lion hair and dog hair too. I will pick up the rest of my beads tomorrow and get pictures to post on my new blog entry for this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">week</span>.<br /><br />Well my wonderful husband has just place a warm cup of his homemade lemon chicken soup in front of me. So I have to go now. More in a day or two, I promise !!!<br />Happy Beading !!<br />Diane<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dkovach.etsy.com/">http://www.dkovach.etsy.com</a>Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-24503144422776287382009-01-21T16:58:00.000-08:002009-01-21T17:07:53.120-08:00A New PresidentWell, I am pretty excited that old George is out of the white house and that we have a new president. I am excited to see what he can do to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">un</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">frick</span> the mess that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">George</span> made and get us back on the right track. Which to me is a thriving, prosperous, economy. Where people make money and spend money. Also to spend our tax dollars on education, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">health care</span> and creating jobs, instead of the war, and bailing out banks. Don't the banks make enough money on us as it is ? So, I am looking to the future, with hope that we can change. Yes we can !Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-88099095727269278472009-01-07T10:24:00.000-08:002009-01-07T10:44:08.863-08:00The beginning of a GREAT year 2009Hello everyone !!<br />Happy New Year !!!!!<br /><br />Well we are gearing up for a great year of profitable shows. Remember that the early bird gets the worm. You need to get your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">applications</span>, checks and photos into the shows you want to do this year NOW. Don't wait til just before the deadline as that will be to late. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Especially</span> if you do jewelry. That is the biggest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">category</span> in most shows and they usually jury that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">category</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">first</span>.<br /><br />If you would like to find out about shows in the SE area, please join my "Fellow Artist" email list.<br />Just email me at <a href="mailto:diane@dkdesigns.biz">diane@dkdesigns.biz</a> and let me know that you need the 411 on shows.<br /><br />Well I am off to my studio, time to make the beads as I will be at the Atlanta Gem Expo: Jewelry & Bead Show this coming weekend - The 1st bead show of 2009 !! for more info on the show and directions go to : <a href="http://www.americangemexpo.com/beadshows-list.htm">http://www.americangemexpo.com/beadshows-list.htm</a><br /><br />Happy Beading !!<br />DianeDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-42878193970578025682009-01-07T10:15:00.001-08:002009-01-07T10:42:18.445-08:00Holiday Fair in Greenville, SCWell, I am a little late in writing this post, but it took me a little bit to get out of that long 2 week holiday. My sister and I did the Holiday Fair show in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Greenville</span>, SC , December 3, 4 and 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>.<br />This show has been held for over 30 years, so one would think that it is a good show. Well don't think anymore. I am learning that it does not matter how many years a show has been held, what matters is that it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ADVERTISED</span> well. This show should be changed to a big Flea Market.<br />We applied to be in the handmade section and just on our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">aisle</span> there were many "made in china" items, not to mention the other half of the convention center full of stuff like "WOW <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SHAMMYS</span>", steering wheel covers, jewelry from the mart, junk and crap.<br />Needless to say, this was the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nd</span> worst show we have ever done. With the booth fee of $300.00 and the electrical of $65.00 and then the sales tax license fee of $20.00, and out travel expenses. We would have done better staying in Atlanta and doing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sugarloaf</span> festival.<br />Live and Learn ! This year 2009 WILL be a better year.Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-79291433357665041492008-11-16T14:46:00.000-08:002008-11-16T14:51:48.482-08:00ICE Holiday SpectacularWell the show was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Saturday</span> and I have decided that I really don't create and "Indie" type craft. My friend Sharon did very well at the show and she does produce and "Indie" craft. I did have a great time at the show, met new artists and saw a couple of my friends. As far as reviewing the show, the lighting was horrible. I am guessing that the show promoters must have seen the building on a very sunny day, which with the tall windows does let in a lot of light, but yesterday was mostly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gloomy</span> out.<br />All in all I am glad I did the show, Sharon and I have a lot of fun together.Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-44947406699245269072008-11-09T18:38:00.000-08:002008-11-09T18:46:51.216-08:00Marist and The Down The Street Bead showWell, it has been a long 2 weeks. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Marist</span> was last <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Saturday</span>, November the 1st. It was a very good show, considering the Georgia/Florida game started at 3:00pm. Much improved sales from last year.<br /><br />Just finished the Down the Street Bead show this weekend, 5 days after we have elected a new president, and a very historical moment in history. The news is speaking about a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">recession</span>. What <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">recession</span> ? The bead show was great. Thank you for your support. We are very blessed.<br /><br />We have 3 more shows for the Fall season and then we can rest and enjoy a very blessed Holiday season.<br /><br />I need to relax, rest and sleep for about 10 hours.Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-56114135021235095322008-10-26T20:16:00.001-07:002008-10-26T20:39:44.969-07:00Diane's Fall Fesitval ReviewThat's right I am going to give you my honest, and maybe not so fair Fall Festival review.<br /><br />We have just finished show number 7 of 13, and it was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">terrible</span> show. We were at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Avondale</span> Autumn Festival this past weekend and I have to say that it was not advertised enough and there were NO signs leading into the neighborhood where the festival was held. Some of the people, the few that came, had mentioned to me in talking that they really had a hard time finding the festival. What could have been a good festival had the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">promoters</span> done <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">their</span> job, which is to MARKET THE SHOW, we might have had a good weekend and entertained the thought of returning next year. Ladies, you really need to do a better job. Diane's FF Review gives this show a 5 thumbs DOWN !!!<br /><br />Last weekend we were in Lookout Mountain Tenn, at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ketner's</span> mill show. Not bad for a country festival, but not really good enough since we had to travel. Good crowds, well <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">advertised</span>. Great mountain views, CLEAN air, cool temperatures, and a great meal on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sunday</span> at the festival of Beans, Greens and a piece of cornbread !!! Diane's FF Review gives this show 4 thumbs UP !!!!<br /><br />The weekend of October 11 & 12, we were at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Brookhaven</span> Arts Festival. We have done this show since it's inception, 5 years ago. It started out as a one day show, all art, all handmade, NO buy/sell, Thank you Gretchen ! Last year our sales were down from the year before, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">in fact</span> it was our best show, sales wise for 2 years in a row, but last <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">years</span> sales started to decline, and this year even more. My thoughts are more advertising is needed, promotion of the artists, not just the festival as a whole. Gretchen Roberts, you do a great job and I will wait until after November to apply, as I know that the fees will go up an additional $25.00 to help cover the cost of more advertising. Diane's FF Review gives this show 4 thumbs UP !!<br /><br />October 4&5, had us at the WORLD FAMOUS <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Norcross</span> Art Festival. This is the BEST show in the metro area, hands down ! Frances <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Schube</span> puts on a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">fabulous</span> festival. She has the entire communities <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">volunteers</span> help with everything from checking in to unloading your vehicle, to passing out FREE bottle water, to manning a air-conditioned <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">hospitality </span>center with a REAL bathroom. Our sale have been THE BEST 2 years running at this show. This was our 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> year at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Norcross</span>, and we'll be these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">again</span> on 09. Thank you Frances for all of your hard work and marketing of this show. Did you know that Frances had CNN at the festival interviewing artists and have 2 TV commercial 2 days before the show. Great Job Frances !!! Diane's FF Review gives this show 5 thumbs UP !!!!<br /><br />Well I hope that my thoughts are helpful to my fellow artists and that you can use this to help in getting your 2009 show schedule planned.<br /><br />Please follow my blog for more festival information !!Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-31094417865721423052008-09-28T18:09:00.000-07:002008-09-28T18:28:05.970-07:00Pass the GasWell, what I mean is, that the pipelines need to get the gas <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">running</span> back up to Atlanta. We have several fall shows on our schedule and out customer need to have the gas to get to them. So, please hear us TEXAS !!! PASS THE GAS !!!<br /><br />The bead show was pretty good even though a lot of our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">beaders</span> could not get to the show, but they will come up and see us in November at the Galleria.<br /><br />A friend of ours is opening her new shop and I would like to direct you to her web site and new store front.<br /><br />The The Pink Ribbon Link is a source for breast cancer awareness items, products for walkers & runners to make fundraising easier and inspirational gifts for those who have unfortunately been touched by this disease or who just need to know you care.<br />This is the new address and phone number.<br /><br />The Pink Ribbon Link, Inc.<br />Winter Village Shopping Center<br />5025 Winters Chapel Rd., Ste J<br />Winters Chapel and Peeler Roads<br />Atlanta, GA 30360<br />770-352-9330<br /><a href="http://www.thepinkribbonlink.com/">http://www.thepinkribbonlink.com/</a><br /><br />Please make it a point to check out Missy web site and stop by her store if you are local.<br /><br />Well, I will be back on the torch, finishing orders and starting on my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Christmas</span> beads. Please watch my web site for my new beads designs and the Holiday beads.<br /><a href="http://www.dkdesigns.biz/">http://www.dkdesigns.biz/</a><br /><br />Happy Fall <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ya'll</span> !<br />DianeDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-52797010382902770862008-09-21T18:57:00.000-07:002008-09-21T19:25:26.384-07:00The people have come out to the show and they are spending DOLLARS !!!AMEN !! We did our first art show this weekend and the people came and they spent money !!! REAL MONEY !!!<br />I have a renewed sense of optimism that all will be well. This is going to be a GREAT show season. We were at the Roswell Arts Festival this past weekend, September 20th and 21st, in the square , Roswell, GA. Beautiful weather, we had guys to help unload our vehicles, and <span style="color:#ffff00;">get </span>our tents up, we had great sales ( possibly our best show ever), and the breakdown was wonderful as the Roswell Parks and rec. Dept. was there to help with that as well. I must publicly commend and thank Linda and Jessica Yanulavich for this being the best Roswell show.<br />Ladies thank you so much ! And thank you to everyone that came out and helped support us, we do love you guys !<br /><br />I really feel very optimistic that we are coming out of a very dry spell for us artists. With the election around the corner, in fact 44 days away, we can see the light at the end of that tunnel. Even with gas prices going up in the past week and a lot of gas stations without gas. It is going to be OK. All will be well. Fear not my fellow artists, we will be able to make money again. This weekend proved that to me.<br /><br />My next show is the Atlanta Bead Extravaganza next friday, saturday and sunday , September 26th, 27th and 28th, at the North Atlanta Trade Center, in Norcross GA. and I have no beads ready, no wait I have 1 bead set ready. So I will be putting in 4 - 12 hour days to get it done.<br /><br />So if you are here in Atlanta, come out and see me at the show ! for more info go to my web site at <a href="http://www.dkdesigns.bi/">http://www.dkdesigns.bi/</a><br /><br />Later,<br />DianeDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-26141518661022738562008-09-20T17:49:00.001-07:002008-09-21T19:26:55.451-07:00Blogging to Market your businessWell, I have not blogged since July and that is bad. I am hearing that Blogging is the new "Web Site", even better the way to advertise your business. I have always had good marketing skills. My favorite is the tried and true Business card. My goal is to hand out a minimum of 5 per week. In line at the grocery store, the bank, the post office, anywhere you have a chance to tell people who you are and what you do. I guess that this is pretty "Old school" compared to the new and advanced ways of today's standards. But it has always worked for me.<br />Another good marketing method is links to your web site from others. This is free and can get a lot of traffic to your site. Also good meta tags or key words. If you do a search on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">google</span> for "Glass Bead making Classes in Georgia" , My site is the first one that comes up, the same for Bead Displays in Georgia.<br />And there is always the paid method of advertising. Yellow Book, Yellow pages, magazines, newspapers.<br />And now Blogging....so what does one have to do to advertise in Blogging ?<br />I believe that if you have a good product, and you have a captive audience, that is looking for your product, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">oua</span>-la ! .......no I think they need to hear about you, know others that have purchased from you, and LOVE you product. So, I would think that asking everyone you know to write in their blogs about you and have links to your web site, would get you more hits, and of course the great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">possibility </span>of more sales.<br /><br />We are at the Roswell Arts Festival this weekend, in space # 31, on the street. Stop if you can and check out our new fall designs, before they all sell out, and my sisters new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dicro</span> pendant and earring sets, and my new pendants and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lampwork</span> flower rings.<br /><br />I will blog more, I promise.<br />DianeDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-80872951903258779242008-07-13T19:04:00.000-07:002008-07-13T19:08:27.345-07:00OMG, the DTSBS is in 5 days !!!And, I still don't have enough beads made. Worked on 4 bead displays today, dipped mandrels, etched some beads, watchin a little tube and then it's off to bed, to get up early and make the beads...that will be my life this week, and my reward will be beers with Kay on thursday night.<br />Hope to see everyone at the show this weekend.<br />Down the Street Bead Show<br />Galleria Mall, July 19th & 20th<br />Saturday, 10am to 6pm<br />Sunday 10am to 5pmDiane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1747480991397037245.post-37374939534074229842008-06-23T19:09:00.000-07:002008-06-23T19:17:56.350-07:00Art Shows at Night ??Art shows at Night ???....hmmm. now it would be cool, temperature wise, and maybe more people would come out. But.....what about lights ???<br />So, if you do a show at night, you will need electricity so that you can plug your lights into it......but what if you did a show and they did not have enough power for everyone to have lights ???....would you do the show ???Diane - DK Designs.BIZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07180764946309921531noreply@blogger.com1