tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48104665994987078692024-03-07T03:21:24.069-05:00Mill GirlNever not making.Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-48517383362106902032015-01-15T12:59:00.002-05:002015-01-15T12:59:30.162-05:00A New Business Name to Start 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been making and selling things my whole life and I've given myself lots of business names over the years. In 2006 I took out a yellow sheet of paper and wrote down every idea I could think of to explain the essence of what my business was about. I ended up calling my business Made. I printed some cards on my HP and sold earrings in a friend's retail space in downtown Lowell.<br />
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I discovered Etsy in December of that year. I excitedly went to claim Made as a shop name and of course, it was already taken. So on the spur of the moment I went with Made in Lowell. I was excited to be in the historical mill town where so many women made so many textiles in the 1900s before the industry moved overseas. I wanted to highlight that, indeed, things were still being Made in Lowell.<br />
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At that time there were plenty of artists in town, but <a href="http://westernavenuestudios.com/" target="_blank">Western Avenue Studios</a> was just a floor or two and I wasn't even sure where it was. I hadn't yet connected to the brilliant, burgeoning, maker scene that was starting to happen.<br />
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Over the years I settled into the name Made in Lowell, I started to feel that it WAS me. That impression was helped along by my using it in every social media outlet available as they appeared over the ensuing 8 years. When people address you by your business name daily online, when it's your handle, it becomes personal. But I'll be honest, I never felt like the meaning of Made in Lowell really belonged to me entirely. And as the community of artists grew in the city, as this newest wave of handmade swept though, I felt less and less like I should be the only one using the descriptor.<br />
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I like using the new year as a chance to make a fresh start. I had already hoped to start sewing things to sell. I cleared out some items from my existing product line to streamline it. I plan to make a renewed effort to destash my studio and sell off the vintage goods I'd bought years ago with the intention of selling them "someday". I started to think of other business names. I wasted tens of dollars registering domains that I soon felt were not quite right. I'd love to use my own name but at least two other famous people have secured that territory so it's off the the table.<br />
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And then I got a phone call out of the blue. A non-profit in Lowell had the idea to make an effort to promote locally made goods. They want to make a sticker, or some sort of universal tag that denotes items made right here in the city. They looked up Made in Lowell dot com and there I was, sitting on the name all by myself.<br />
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Because that idea is excellent and I like what I've seen of what this group has already done in the city, and because I no longer want to shoulder the responsibility of representing all that is Made in Lowell, I told them the timing was good, that I would be rebranding in the new year, and I would give up the exclusive rights to be labeled Made in Lowell so we can collectively celebrate ALL the incredible local makers and their incredible work.<br />
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And pretty much as fast as I had originally chosen Made in Lowell, I claimed Smith Dry Goods and started to make the switch.
It's only been a few days and it's been disorienting so far but I know I'll grow into it. I was Made in Lowell for 8 years, I need to give the new name some time to settle in.<br />
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But I love my new name. Because to me it evokes an old fashioned shop with linens and housewares and people shopping for necessities but back when even necessities were beautiful and beautifully made. It will also allow me to sell more than just my handmade items all in one shop.<br />
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I'm working on a new website for <a href="http://smithdrygoods.com/">SmithDryGoods.com</a> and I'll be moving my blog over there eventually too. (For now that URL goes to my renamed Etsy shop.) Right now I need to go rename myself all over the world wide web, start using a new email, and remake all my product tags, my business cards, my show banner, stickers, OMG EVERYTHING.<br />
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In the mean time, my things are still proudly Made in Lowell. Now I am excited to share that distinction with all the makers in town.Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-41262027777892406012014-11-07T16:41:00.001-05:002014-11-11T10:49:53.845-05:00Stash Busting for Fun and ProfitI've been <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2014/03/learning-to-manage-clutter-at-home-and.html" target="_blank">clutter busting</a> this year and as I go through my studio I find supplies I had hoped to use someday but haven't yet, or used some of but then stopped.<br />
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Some of these things I've moved on to new creative homes. Some of them I'm still interested in. Like the way a writing teacher might use a prompt to get her students thinking in new creative ways, I'm finding enjoyment in the challenge of developing new items that fit with my current line of products from the supplies I already own.</div>
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This is one idea I started developing, It's a bud vase I made by covering a tall slender spice jar with a felted crochet sweater. I added vintage buttons too. From my existing stash this used: yarn, buttons, and clean spice jars I had collected because I loved the shape and could never bear to recycle them. </div>
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And I think it fits thematically with my current collection of coffee cuffs and felted bowls</div>
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I'll keep working on the bud vases, make a bunch in different colors and see if my customers are interested! </div>
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<br /></div>Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-60180317563460566202014-10-27T10:55:00.004-04:002014-10-27T10:56:05.702-04:00Vintage Made Modern giveaway winners!Last week I <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2014/10/craft-book-review-and-giveaway-vintage.html" target="_blank">reviewed a lovely book, Vintage Made Modern by Jennifer Casa published by Roost Books</a> and ran a giveaway for two copies, winners to be chosen at random from comments on the post. I numbered the comments 1-9 and used Random.org to pick winners. Here they are!<br />
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The winners are commenters 3 and 7! Congratulations <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18.1818180084229px;">Melissa Kagan and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18.1818180084229px;">Kerry @ effiehandmade! I'll contact your for your mailing addresses shortly :)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18.1818180084229px;">To all the other participants, thanks so much for playing and I hope you do take a look at this lovely book. Keep getting inspired by vintage textiles and have fun with the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3kaafnxpvXzRkdkcER2VnNlYUk/view" target="_blank">free project</a> I posted as well! </span></div>
Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-21813313681114863172014-10-21T14:43:00.000-04:002014-10-27T10:51:06.490-04:00Craft book review and giveaway: Vintage Made Modern by Jennifer Casa<b>Yay a free book!</b><br />
<a href="http://www.roostbooks.com/" target="_blank">Roost Books</a> contacted me recently about reviewing a new craft project book they were publishing, <a href="http://www.roostbooks.com/books/vintage-made-modern.html" target="_blank">Vintage Made Modern - Transforming Timeworn Textiles into Treasured Heirlooms by Jennifer Casa</a>. I don't normally do book reviews but I had to say yes to this opportunity because making new things out of vintage textiles is my current passion!<br />
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<b>Wait, this is scary!</b></div>
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OK I'll be honest, my very first thought when I heard about this book was "Oh no! I haven't even started selling the things I'm making from reclaimed textiles and now a book is coming out that will show everyone how to make everything and no-one will buy my new stuff!" Which is totally self-centered but, I think, a kind of common worry that makers might have in this age of copious tutorials, Pinterest, and thousands of up-and-coming makers getting online every year. </div>
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<b>Phew!</b></div>
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But, like most narcissistic worries, this one was unfounded and easy to cast aside as soon as I opened the book and read the introduction. I realized I'm not in <i>competition</i> with Jennifer Casa, we just happen to be on the same <i>wavelength</i>. And that's a great thing to discover and rediscover and remember and re-remember. There is room for ALL of us makers and even if we use similar materials and/or techniques as someone else. We bring our own unique eye and hand to each piece we make and that is the key. Being inspired alongside someone else who<i> </i>really <i>gets </i>why you are so excited about something like say, a tattered quilt, is really fun! And it feels<i> good</i>, not scary. So I settled into a comfy chair with a hot cup of tea and devoured the book in an afternoon.</div>
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<b>Yes!</b></div>
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I loved her words about finding that first vintage unfinished hand-sewn quilt top. I had experienced the very same heart thumping joy at realizing I was holding the careful hand work of a woman from a long time ago. Like Jennifer, I appreciated the beautiful result of an unknown person's sewing. I wondered who that person was and wanted to honor her efforts today, to take her forgotten work out of drawers and storage boxes and make something new for people to appreciate now. I wanted to collaborate with strangers from the past. </div>
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<i>"Making pretty things from vintage treasures is a way to write yet another chapter in stories composed long ago, with you becoming part of the narrative." -Jennifer Casa, Vintage Made Modern</i></div>
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<b>Eye candy!</b></div>
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This book is very pretty with gorgeous, evocative photographs on almost every page. The pictures in this book give me the same feeling of contented joy as my own vintage textile collection does. The projects are sorted by which type of vintage textile you will be using such as quilt blocks, vintage pillowcases, kitchen linens, etc. The projects are mostly small and accessible to every skill level including some that kids can do. They cover the gamut from housegoods to wearables to accessories. The book includes some no-sew items as well. </div>
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<b>Free project!</b></div>
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The project instructions are carefully described in detailed lists. I only wish the sweet instructional illustrations were more detailed and more numerous. The publisher provided me with a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3kaafnxpvXzRkdkcER2VnNlYUk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">PDF of a free project</a> from the book for you to try out. I was going to make this circle scarf myself before real life intruded and I ran out of time, but I do still intend to try it soon. It's just the kind of thing I would enjoy making and wearing.</div>
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<b>Book giveaway!</b></div>
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I also have <i>free copies</i> of the book to send to two interested readers! Leave me a comment below and tell me if you have a love affair with vintage textiles and how that manifests itself in your life. I'll choose two winners at random by 5 PM eastern time on Friday, October 24th, 2014. Please be sure your comment links to contact information so I can get a hold of you if you are a winner!</div>
Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-86108694243772979552014-08-29T14:00:00.002-04:002014-08-29T14:00:56.307-04:00Vintage feed sack quilt top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In July <a href="http://dellsmith.com/" target="_blank">Dell</a> and I went to Martha's Vineyard to stay with my folks and have a nice vacation, which we totally did! I'm so grateful we were able to do that. I used to vend at the <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2007/06/flea.html" target="_blank">Chilmark flea </a>and though it is in a different location these days, I wanted to go through and see how it looked, maybe see an old friend. </div>
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As my current interest is in vintage hand-sewn textiles, I stopped at the booth of my favorite lace vendor to see her wares. I was so excited to see she had this gorgeous, hand-sewn, vintage, feedsack, patchwork quilt top! It fits beautifully on our double sized bed and only had a few tiny holes. </div>
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I bought it! When I got it home I soaked it in <a href="http://retroclean.com/retroclean/" target="_blank">Retro Clean</a> then in <a href="https://www.soakwash.com/" target="_blank">Soak</a>. After I press it, I'll figure out how best to finish it so we can use it. Here are details of some of the patterns:</div>
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Have you ever finished a vintage quilt top from this era? How did you decide to do it? I've read lots of blog posts but I'm interested in your solutions too. Did you back it with quilting cotton? Flannel? Modern fabric or vintage? Did you use batting or were you too concerned with bearding? Did you quilt it? By machine or by hand? Or did you tie it? Let me know in the comments! </div>
Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-63018516427131038052014-07-02T13:14:00.000-04:002014-07-02T13:14:24.643-04:00Creating the Cover Art for Dream of the Antique Dealer's Daughter by Robin Smith-Johnson <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few years ago we got
the good news that my poet sister-in-law, <a href="http://rsmithjohnson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Robin Smith-Johnson</a>, was going to
have a book published! It would be a collection of her poems. Everyone in my
husband’s family is a writer so being published is a goal for all of them. We
were very excited and happy that Robin would have her hard work compensated and a dream fulfilled!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was humbled and
honored when Robin approached me to produce the cover art for her book. I am
trained in the fine arts of painting, drawing, and printmaking but I make my
living now producing mostly small 3-dimensional works. I have done some
invitations, brochures, and other graphic design projects over the years but
never something like a book jacket. Still, I wanted very much to be a part of
this exciting event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Robin </span><span style="font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> specify
what kind of cover she envisioned. She told me the title of her book, Dream of
the Antique Dealer’s Daughter, and I instantly pictured a pencil drawing. It
was Wendell and Moo, Robin’s parents, sitting in front of the antique shop
the Smiths ran for years, The Incredible Barn. I imagined myself drawing the
scene depicted in an old black and white photo we had in our collection, </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">it depicts the last day of the shop being open and evokes a melancholy feeling.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I knew
I could produce this drawing and do a good job. I said yes to Robin.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">She asked if I wanted to read the title poem. I admit, sheepishly, I was distracted at the time and I said it wasn't necessary, I thought I had all I needed just from the title! Later, I reflected further on the question and realized it was foolish not to read the poem so I emailed her and said of course, yes, please send me the poem.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bG5P13kxLKU/U7Q3zR4iT_I/AAAAAAAAEAY/KJszSQECPRE/s1600/Mannequin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bG5P13kxLKU/U7Q3zR4iT_I/AAAAAAAAEAY/KJszSQECPRE/s1600/Mannequin.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">Well. The title poem is not about the kind of dream I had assumed. It was not “dreamy” and nostalgic. It was powerful, intense, and dark. The dream was more like a nightmare. My heart skidded to a lurching stop. I immediately realized I was completely wrong about the art I had planned to produce. I realized I should read the whole book and start from scratch.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIDI9KoXdB4/U7Q8S430erI/AAAAAAAAEBM/xPW9JZh1w_8/s1600/Books_sq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIDI9KoXdB4/U7Q8S430erI/AAAAAAAAEBM/xPW9JZh1w_8/s1600/Books_sq.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">Robin sent me her manuscript. I stayed home, I put soft Brazilian jazz from the 60s on repeat and read all the poems. The collection Robin assembled is a journey through her life. Observations about emotions, life situations, are met with a clear and steady eye. She does not shy from the dark things, she appreciates beauty as well. The two extremes play off each other in many of the poems.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOdVb33ApTA/U7Q3zLfySZI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/ObLg-G8qVI0/s1600/Clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOdVb33ApTA/U7Q3zLfySZI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/ObLg-G8qVI0/s1600/Clock.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">As I read, a new image slowly formed in my mind. And to my dismay, I realized it was emerging in a medium I was not expert in. I knew the cover had to be </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">mixed media collage</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">, I could already see it! I read the poems again and this time I wrote down all the keywords that represented the essence of the book to me. I wanted the artwork to be specific with imagery but also abstract, like the poems, to represent a dream state anchored by real objects.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">The next thing I did was research mixed media collage techniques. I looked at tutorials online and downloaded e-books. I talked with textile and mixed media artists in the building where I have my studio. I bought books, I borrowed magazines. I studied.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnj8nej9xpE/U7Q34_fUyaI/AAAAAAAAEA0/TJmySwFtg-o/s1600/MapBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnj8nej9xpE/U7Q34_fUyaI/AAAAAAAAEA0/TJmySwFtg-o/s1600/MapBW.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then I started collecting materials and images. I borrowed a photo my husband snapped of a mannequin and made that the focus. I printed her on fabric. I had an old atlas with a map of Moldova which I copied and painted a wash over. I scanned a pastel that Wendell had made of the seashore. I used fabrics from my vast stash, including some vintage </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">calicoes</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> from my mother’s collection. I used real sand and shells I had collected on Cape Cod beaches. I added magazine clippings, a drawing of books my mom had made, lace, and more. I assembled the whole collage with acrylic medium on vellum and canvas paper then I drew on it and sewed and embroidered right through the whole thing by hand.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-sphw0Tdak/U7Q349BOI9I/AAAAAAAAEAw/AeuxxquyUPg/s1600/robins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-sphw0Tdak/U7Q349BOI9I/AAAAAAAAEAw/AeuxxquyUPg/s1600/robins.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">didn't</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> get it right the first time, it took several tries. But I knew when the last shell was glued on that I had echoed, at least for myself, the feeling I had when reading Robin’s powerful poems. I wanted a person picking up Robin’s book to get a feeling from the cover about what was inside, I wanted the cover to evoke an overall feeling that accurately represented the contents. A close reading would reveal the correlation between certain poems, individual lines of poetry, to the various symbols used in the cover image, like a little treasure hunt, a puzzle solved.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now that it’s
published and out in the world I feel nervous and excited. It’s been an
incredibly rewarding experience. I hope I was successful. I want to be worthy
of the trust Robin placed in me to create the face with which her book would
greet the world. And I hope you </span><a href="http://www.wordpoetrybooks.com/smith-johnson.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">pick up a copy of the book</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, it’s an amazing
collection that won’t fail to leave you moved and thinking about life, about both the darkness and the light.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></div>
Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-48295907198385952942014-04-30T14:01:00.001-04:002014-04-30T14:01:29.109-04:00I started a TumblrIf you enjoyed the last blog post, I wanted to let you know I started a <a href="http://madeinlowell.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> where I will continue posting the odd/silly/sweet things I find as I go through all the things I own. <br />
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This kind of thing:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QB5ig4C5TY8/U2E6Gfhl5kI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/_uobu11_Stg/s1600/1991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QB5ig4C5TY8/U2E6Gfhl5kI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/_uobu11_Stg/s1600/1991.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.81818199157715px; text-align: left;">Nooo!! Take it back, 1991, take it back!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ee8P5iKO6uI/U2E6Gf1xvpI/AAAAAAAAD_U/caJv1qlCz0k/s1600/Wrens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ee8P5iKO6uI/U2E6Gf1xvpI/AAAAAAAAD_U/caJv1qlCz0k/s1600/Wrens.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 17.81818199157715px; text-align: left;">Journal my mom published in the Vineyard Gazette some years back about wrens nesting in her clothespin bag on Martha’s Vineyard</span></td></tr>
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<br />Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-52495959592916672542014-04-16T13:14:00.001-04:002014-04-16T13:14:31.525-04:00Some things I ran across while clutter bustingI've been <a href="http://brooks-palmer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">clutter busting</a> in 3 locations; my condo in Lowell, my studio, and in my childhood home. The stuff I left behind in my old bedroom is the hardest because before I met my husband, things were pretty emotionally fraught in my life. I was young and, like most young people, full of angst and not great at making life decisions or navigating complicated relationships. That is unfortunately extensively documented in the papers and items I am going through and it's no fun to rehash.<br />
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Since I learned how to bust <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2014/03/learning-to-manage-clutter-at-home-and.html" target="_blank">using Brooks Palmer's methods</a>, I have been able to do it, and continue to do it without being thwarted by emotions that would have stopped me in the past. Don't get me wrong, the weird feelings still arise, they just don't stop me now like they used to. But I still have to feel them and work through them. Luckily, the freedom and energy that come from busting are stronger than the ickiness of revisiting a painful past.<br />
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One of the unexpected things perks of clutter busting is coming across fun/interesting things too! Here are some items I've found while going through my high school and college papers:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4UPNaUFvc8/U061doqgJDI/AAAAAAAAD90/S2VbC5P1_QY/s1600/80s+selfie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4UPNaUFvc8/U061doqgJDI/AAAAAAAAD90/S2VbC5P1_QY/s1600/80s+selfie.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A conte crayon selfie I did, probably in the late 80s. Check out that rat tail and that men's blazer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-tk7xPEvIE/U061XqmmTXI/AAAAAAAAD9U/MOCKssFCwwY/s1600/2014+04+16+iPhone+183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-tk7xPEvIE/U061XqmmTXI/AAAAAAAAD9U/MOCKssFCwwY/s1600/2014+04+16+iPhone+183.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness I found this! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOcvRblVQ2I/U061cOhtRnI/AAAAAAAAD9s/1vd6qeD__sM/s1600/2014+04+16+iPhone+187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOcvRblVQ2I/U061cOhtRnI/AAAAAAAAD9s/1vd6qeD__sM/s1600/2014+04+16+iPhone+187.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple's first attempt at the iPad 1993. Too soon!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9RgmwCBWx8/U061fog0F1I/AAAAAAAAD94/kufc4ipsGHk/s1600/Bias+between+arts+and+crafts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9RgmwCBWx8/U061fog0F1I/AAAAAAAAD94/kufc4ipsGHk/s1600/Bias+between+arts+and+crafts.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wherein I find out there is a bias against craft in the art world and vow to work to erase it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XaCZgivOic/U061hgdXO_I/AAAAAAAAD-I/s4rydnfKOcg/s1600/Can't+believe+I+didn't+invest+in+this.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XaCZgivOic/U061hgdXO_I/AAAAAAAAD-I/s4rydnfKOcg/s1600/Can't+believe+I+didn't+invest+in+this.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kicking myself for not investing in this treasure!! (early 90s) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUg7kQXZm-I/U061hWfexAI/AAAAAAAAD-M/VKskfQUfRdw/s1600/Hope+for+selling+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUg7kQXZm-I/U061hWfexAI/AAAAAAAAD-M/VKskfQUfRdw/s1600/Hope+for+selling+art.jpg" height="136" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early mission statement. Still true. (1989?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qtRtLUpRx5k/U061hIFi8AI/AAAAAAAAD-E/MNGraEldSv0/s1600/Lino+print+of+Converse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qtRtLUpRx5k/U061hIFi8AI/AAAAAAAAD-E/MNGraEldSv0/s1600/Lino+print+of+Converse.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lino print of my converse, I'm thinking this is from high school era (mid eighties)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyQ1gu1YqUw/U061YsDCJDI/AAAAAAAAD9g/MZ7DDlpPOv0/s1600/2014+04+16+iPhone+185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyQ1gu1YqUw/U061YsDCJDI/AAAAAAAAD9g/MZ7DDlpPOv0/s1600/2014+04+16+iPhone+185.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In college I drew my Doc Marten & printed it lithographically. Shoes were important to me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAVkQVNyPG0/U061lB2hPSI/AAAAAAAAD-c/bVTf3MXGGSA/s1600/Soldered+wire+sculpture+of+old+Converse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAVkQVNyPG0/U061lB2hPSI/AAAAAAAAD-c/bVTf3MXGGSA/s1600/Soldered+wire+sculpture+of+old+Converse.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then I sculpted my Converse by soldering wire. My fave part is the worn tread.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYO8fHUcbc4/U061mCZ7XyI/AAAAAAAAD-k/bGj4ewsmvmI/s1600/So+you+know+where+I+stood+on+the+matter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYO8fHUcbc4/U061mCZ7XyI/AAAAAAAAD-k/bGj4ewsmvmI/s1600/So+you+know+where+I+stood+on+the+matter.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just to let you know where I stood on the matter. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-91965834913275419992014-03-27T12:32:00.000-04:002014-03-27T12:32:15.741-04:00Clutter Busting for artists, an interview with Brooks Palmer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-770krhsMx7g/UzRN4en2vZI/AAAAAAAAD8w/RzmmRzFE0EI/s1600/ClutterBusting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-770krhsMx7g/UzRN4en2vZI/AAAAAAAAD8w/RzmmRzFE0EI/s1600/ClutterBusting.jpg" height="320" width="201" /></a></div>
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In my <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2014/03/learning-to-manage-clutter-at-home-and.html" target="_blank">last post</a> I talked about my recent success tackling clutter at home and in my studio using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Busting-Letting-Whats-Holding/dp/1577316592" target="_blank">Clutter Busting, by Brooks Palmer</a>. I emailed Mr. Palmer and he agreed to answer some questions specific to artists. </div>
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<b>Liz Smith:</b> Hi Brooks! Thanks so much for answering some questions
related to your book, Clutter Busting. I’ve found your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Busting-Letting-Whats-Holding/dp/1577316592" target="_blank">book</a>, <a href="http://brooks-palmer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, and <a href="http://www.clutterbusting.com/Home.html" target="_blank">videos</a>
very helpful, life-changing in fact, and I’m excited to spread the word so
others can purchase your products and services and experience the benefits I’m
enjoying as well as support your business so you can keep doing your helpful
work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A lot of my readers are like me and run small creative
businesses. I know you are also a creative person; an artist, musician, and
stand up comedian. I've found your clutter busting principles very helpful in
my home where it’s fairly easy to discern which objects and papers are clutter,
but it’s a little harder when it comes to my studio.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I read in
your book where the first glimmer of your abilities came from
finding truth in an art teacher’s suggestion to start with a clear work surface
so that ideas might have a place to come in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A
clear work surface is the aspirational goal of pretty much every artist I know!
But it sometimes feels unattainable. Making art is messy! I have a studio where
I can walk away from work in progress and close the door. When I come back it’s
there, ready for further work. How can an artist tell if they need to start
with a clean slate and when leaving supplies out is inspirational?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Brooks Palmer:</b> Every
artist will have different things and ways that support the art that they do.
Some artists love to have their materials out and ready to go. Others like to
have them put away. It’s figuring out what works best for you. I encourage
people to go with what supports them rather than what would be ideal. Follow
your nature. What I found works best for me is to have a clean and open space
to work. Excess distracts me. Someone else works best with supplies around
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As far as a
clean slate goes, sometimes the work an artist has been doing changes.
Sometimes the style of what they do changes. Other times they change to a
completely different medium. I would ask yourself, “Do I like to still do this
work, or not?” Sometimes we don’t want to admit that we are tired of an old way
of creating because we are scared of change. But it helps to respect the
change. It will make your art more powerful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>LS:</b> I
think a lot of artists are magpies, collecting shiny bits that excite us. I
know I get a thrill when I see the hidden potential in discarded or found
objects where others might see only trash. Of course this leads to a studio
filled with boxes of other peoples’ trash. What advice do you have for folks
who actually do use found objects in their work but might have collected too
much?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, serif;">BP:</b><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"> I would
encourage the artist who likes to work with found art to go through each object
and ask if they still like it, do they want to create with it, or not. It’s
okay to say, “No” to something. You want to thin out whatever doesn't inspire
you. When we are overwhelmed with things that don’t serve us, part of us shuts
down, and we are less effective in our creativity and art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>LS:</b> When I
was younger the possibilities of what I could make seemed endless. I felt that
addictive high shopping for art supplies, any creative path was possible. Now
I’m older and for instance, I know I am not going to be a soapmaker so I got rid
of all the soapmaking supplies I collected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, serif;">On the
other hand, my sewing interest lay dormant for decades and seems recently to be
coming into full bloom. The fabrics I've been collecting may have seemed like
clutter before but now seem relevant. How should artists make decisions about
collecting art supplies so they aren't spending too much, going from exciting
purchase high to exciting purchase high, or drowning in unused materials, but
still leave themselves open to the possibility they may one day work in a
different medium?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>BP:</b> When we
collect things that we don’t use, it creates a stagnant effect in our living
space. There’s a dullness in the air that affects us. I encourage people to let
go of what they don’t use. You don’t want to live in a warehouse. When you let go of what you don’t love, it
makes the space more vibrant and alive and makes for better creativity. If and
when you need new things, there are plenty of places to get it. Even cheaply. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>LS:</b> So
many artists have told me stories about how they kept something they “Might use
someday” and then they did! This is a powerful reason a lot of them cite for
holding on to everything. What would you say to them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, serif;">BP:</b><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"> When you
hold on to everything, there is going to be a moment when you end up needing
something in your pile of things. But when hold on to everything, you live in a
very distracting environment. The silence that you need for creativity is
dispelled. That doesn't mean you live with nothing. Everyone is going to have a
certain amount of things that suits him or her. When you take an honest
inventory of your things, and let go of the things that don’t serve and inspire
you, you live and create in an environment that supports you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>LS:</b> I know
you give the excellent advice that a home should not be a warehouse, that it is
a space for living, but art studios do sort of become storage spaces for art
supplies. Is there a way to balance storage and workspace all in one room?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>BP:</b> Again,
that’s going to be a personal thing for each person. One person can creatively
live with more art supplies than another person. It’s figuring out what way
works best for you. That’s why I encourage the honest inventory. By looking at
how you work, you see what things support you and which don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><b>LS:</b> Except
for pieces I've sold or given away, I pretty much have all the artwork I've ever made from kindergarten through today. How do I let go of art that shows my
progression throughout my lifetime? Isn't this important information I should
keep and learn from? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>BP:</b> There are
no shoulds. You’re looking to see which things support, encourage and inspire
your creativity and which distract and get in the way. Some people get inspired
by seeing their old work, others get overwhelmed. I remember a documentary on
the painter Francis Bacon. He was feeling stuck and uninspired with his work.
So he destroyed all his old paintings. Out of that came a fresh and strong
period of new work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>LS:</b> In
your opinion, is holding on to old artwork detrimental to creating new work? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><b>BP:</b> It depends
on the person. From my own experience, when I let go of art that I don’t care about
anymore, I end up creating a fresh new batch of work. Take an honest look at
your art and see if it fits and supports your creative life or not. Sometimes
something that once made a positive difference in your life doesn't anymore. You’re not putting down the art by letting it go. It had a positive place in
your life, and now it’s time to move on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>LS: </b>Thanks, Brooks! I appreciate you taking the time to apply your Clutter Busting method to the artist's life. I hope people will take a look at your book and blog to learn how to do the things your suggest. For me, the most important thing I learned in your books is to approach all of this with kindness and compassion.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WmH5MxUBco/UzRN4bI8BWI/AAAAAAAAD8s/j_zPZulGByE/s1600/Brooks+Palmer+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WmH5MxUBco/UzRN4bI8BWI/AAAAAAAAD8s/j_zPZulGByE/s1600/Brooks+Palmer+headshot.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a></div>
In his fourteen years of Clutter Busting in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City, Brooks Palmer realized the intense emotional connection most people have with material possessions, and that internal clutter must be addressed before external clutter can be discarded. He created his Clutter Busting method to help people let go of those things they no longer need and to open the doors for new possibilities.<br />
<br />
Brooks Palmer's Clutter Busting business took off by word of mouth when people began calling, usually out of sheer desperation. He has since been featured on the TV show Raising Whitely on the Oprah Winfrey Network, in The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Business Journal and Daily Candy, and on Living Live, Chicagoing and the CBS Channel 2 Nightly News. Brooks travels between Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City, working with clients and offering seminars on getting rid of the clutter in our lives. He lives in Chicago.<br />
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Brooks speaks regularly to diverse groups around the country, including: businesses, women's groups, Rotary Club, health expos, senior citizens groups & yoga centers. Brooks also enjoys writing cartoons, drawing pastel paintings, and performing comedy at live venues. Brooks is also a singer-songwriter. His alternative folk albums, Brooks Takes His Time, and Shake the Sun are available on Amazon MP3 downloads.Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-24649248019756675202014-03-25T13:29:00.000-04:002014-03-25T13:29:23.272-04:00Learning to manage clutter at home and in my studio<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvZJqw1Z95M/UzG1i32v5TI/AAAAAAAAD7w/Bqj25pkZ4Fo/s1600/Studio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvZJqw1Z95M/UzG1i32v5TI/AAAAAAAAD7w/Bqj25pkZ4Fo/s1600/Studio.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My studio crammed with great stuff and also CLUTTER</td></tr>
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I've been reading <a href="http://www.clutterbusting.com/Home.html" target="_blank">Clutter Busting by Brooks Palmer</a> and it’s changed my life. Seriously. I have always been what I consider a pack-rat. I knew I collected too much stuff, but I didn't understand how living with so much stuff that I didn’t love or use was crushing my spirit, quietly, daily.<br />
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I admit I have been in a bit of a lull these past two years. Things have been status quo in my business and life, not unpleasantly so. I figured that maybe after <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-experience-on-martha-stewart-show.html" target="_blank">going on Martha Stewart in 2010</a> I had already peaked and my best days were behind me.<br />
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I have wanted to “Do something about the clutter” in my studio and home for years. I kept saying, ‘My thirties were for acquiring and my 40s will be for divesting!” Then I found myself 44 years old, galloping toward 45 and still not making major changes. In January 2014 I started cleaning efforts in my 434 sq foot studio, but it felt painful and like a miserable task. I worried I might be making mistakes letting some things go. I gritted my teeth through it and kept at it, but it was no fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--h4C-RnncyM/UzG2ooSiXHI/AAAAAAAAD74/vWfebzCHUmI/s1600/1320169329_c434bf7c3e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--h4C-RnncyM/UzG2ooSiXHI/AAAAAAAAD74/vWfebzCHUmI/s1600/1320169329_c434bf7c3e_z.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My studio in 2007 when I started moving in</td></tr>
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When I first moved into this space in 2007 I brought art supplies from my home in Lowell, MA and from my old home where I grew up in Newton, MA where my parents still live and where I had been storing things. I threw everything into the studio and said “Now it’s all in one place finally. Now I can go through everything and sort it!” But I didn't, I put it up on shelves in boxes and covered it with curtains and instead dealt with the day to day needs of my creative business.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IazgDV2RN-8/UzG3agbH-dI/AAAAAAAAD8A/RXQLZxav8nU/s1600/Lowell+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IazgDV2RN-8/UzG3agbH-dI/AAAAAAAAD8A/RXQLZxav8nU/s1600/Lowell+view.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our condo view Lowell, MA</td></tr>
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In 2000 my husband and I moved into a 736 sq ft condo in an old mill building. I love it. It’s got so much potential, nice open spaces, huge windows, and impressive 4th floor canal views of handsome downtown Lowell. Nothing has been updated since it was built out in 1988. I took to calling it “The before picture.” We never seemed to have the finances to start renovations. Plus we had so much stuff in there, it was a daunting idea even thinking about moving everything to redo the floors or paint the walls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGShYRWK5XE/UzG37-B-vKI/AAAAAAAAD8I/n3GfoogDF5k/s1600/Vintage+Fabrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGShYRWK5XE/UzG37-B-vKI/AAAAAAAAD8I/n3GfoogDF5k/s1600/Vintage+Fabrics.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my vintage fabric scraps</td></tr>
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I make things out of felt and polymer clay in my studio. I knit and crochet at home. Then in the past two years I started hand sewing as a hobby, also at home. I collected box after box of beautiful designer quilting fabric scraps from other makers. I bought little pieces of gorgeous fabrics at <a href="http://www.gatherhereonline.com/" target="_blank">Gather Here</a>. I unearthed my vintage fabric collection from my studio. I sorted them all by color into clear plastic boxes with lids. These boxes started to take over the living room. I wracked my brain: “How could I find better storage for these fabrics in my home??” No area, no furniture seemed to work for the purpose.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Busting-Letting-Whats-Holding/dp/1577316592" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjWbhEd7LRM/UzG67ZGgz6I/AAAAAAAAD8U/VhbiicYSRuM/s1600/ClutterBusting.jpg" height="320" width="199" /></a></div>
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Then I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Busting-Letting-Whats-Holding/dp/1577316592" target="_blank">Clutter Busting</a>, and busted a few pieces of clutter unrelated to my art supplies. I was inspired by his anecdotes of working with actual people and their struggles. I started with the junk drawer in my kitchen. Brooks tells us that when we start to let clutter go, any amount, it creates room in our heads for new ideas to come in. That clutter, even clutter hidden away in boxes or closets, emits a low distracting hum that fogs our thinking, saps our energy, and makes decisions difficult. With clutter gone we can think clearly again. But what I find so amazing is that you don’t have to <i>finish</i> clutter busting to get the benefits! You just have to start.<br />
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The biggest relief for me is that deciding, and actually letting things go is not upsetting like it used to be. I used to get rid of things but it felt awful and at the first difficult decision I would abandon the task and never return. I still have feelings associated with my belongings, but the emotions move through and don't leave me traumatized. I am able to return to the task day after day with more and more energy and purpose. Making decisions about EVERYTHING has become easier, even what to make for dinner! If something I'm trying to bust proves too tough to deal with, I set it aside and work on something easier, then I go back to the difficult thing later and it's usually doable.<br />
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With my new clutter busting vision switched on, I could decide which items I loved and/or found useful in my life right now, and which items I could let go. I knew I loved those fabrics! I wanted to keep them and make things from them. <i>But not in my house.</i> Suddenly I thought “I have a STUDIO, for MAKING things. Why aren't I sewing in my studio??” That’s when I realized what anyone else could have seen from miles away: my studio clutter was making me reluctant to create there. Now I knew my fabric wasn't a storage problem in my home, my reluctance to make things in my studio was a clutter problem in my studio.<br />
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So begins my journey! I've emailed Brooks Palmer and asked if he would be willing to answer some questions about clutter busting issues specific to artists. I'll post that interview later this week. In the mean time, check out his <a href="http://brooks-palmer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and see if the information and methods he uses are helpful to you. If so, let's support his one-man business and buy his books! He even does phone consults at very reasonable rates. </div>
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Note: I'm not receiving anything for this endorsement, I'm spreading the word all on my own because I'm so excited about my new improved life!</div>
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I’ll see you soon, I gotta go bust some clutter.<br />
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-70058744648398056822014-03-20T13:37:00.000-04:002014-03-20T13:37:10.161-04:00Fresh start, new beginnings, spring cleaning!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PeVL74A62I/UysjsElMasI/AAAAAAAAD6s/7x51Gg4gXIQ/s1600/Tulips+IG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PeVL74A62I/UysjsElMasI/AAAAAAAAD6s/7x51Gg4gXIQ/s1600/Tulips+IG.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Hi there,<br />
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So I just wanted to thank you for watching/listening to my TV interview show, Makers in Business for the past two years! Along with Catherine Zaker, and all the fine folks at local access TV in Lowell, <a href="http://ltc.org/">LTC.org</a>, and my fantastic artist guests, we made 22 episodes and I could not be more thrilled with them!<br />
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When I started the project I was in a bit of a personal funk. Making the show was an attempt to snap out of it. I wanted to try something scary, new, outside my wheelhouse. It was very effective and I enjoyed it tremendously. And I met some amazing people, got to record the stories of makers I admire greatly, and enrich the community with their experiences.<br />
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But Makers in Business as a TV show has ended. My interview with the charming <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2014/03/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep.html" target="_blank">Mark Fisher</a> is the last episode for this run. I may bring the series back in another format in the future as a podcast only, or in print. But for now Makers in Business is on indefinite hiatus.<br />
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Of course this tugs my heart! But it is also the right thing to do right now and I am pleased with my decision. I will leave all the video episodes up and available on <a href="http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/videos" target="_blank">Vimeo</a> and the Audio on <a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/" target="_blank">PodBean</a>/<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">iTunes</a> at least through the end of the year 2014. But I do pay for these services and I don't know how much longer I will do that beyond this year. We'll see.<br />
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Soon I will share the exciting things I am doing in 2014 including telling you about a life-changing book that is helping me finally clear clutter and feel better at the same time! I never dreamed that was possible. I'll post about my personal experience then run an interview I did with the book's author asking him questions specific to artists and clutter. Stay tuned! I think you will find it very interesting.<br />
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Thanks again!<br />
Liz<br />
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-76404484710687666922014-03-04T12:47:00.000-05:002014-03-04T12:47:35.913-05:00Makers in Business with Liz Smith Ep 210 Mark Fisher<div>
Mark Fisher is a sculptor AND a graphic designer with a long, interesting career. Listen in as I find out how he incorporates both disciplines into his making life.</div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/markfisher" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UP2jQXX3pNg/UxYKtiOvjFI/AAAAAAAAD4E/wfMVXbDApws/s1600/LizMarkScreenshot.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Link to the video on Vimeo:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" /><a href="http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/markfisher" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/markfisher</a><br />
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Find the audio only version of this interview here:</div>
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<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2014/03/04/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-210-mark-fisher/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Audio only Episode 210</a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Or subscribe on </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Find mark Fisher online here:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" /><a href="http://marksfisher.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">marksfisher.com</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">My</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">http://LTC.org</a></span></span><br />
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<br />Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-11148082027899183832014-02-03T17:11:00.000-05:002014-02-03T17:11:40.035-05:00Makers in Business with Liz Smith Ep 209 Salley MavorThis interview I did with Salley Mavor was so much fun! I had never met Salley before. She is a friend of <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2013/09/MakersinBusinesswithLizSmithEp205MimiKirchner.html" target="_blank">Mimi Kirchner's</a> though, so I knew my audience would love learning more about her work. Salley's wee worlds are intricate and gorgeous. Watch our fascinating interview and find out how she got started on her current path and how she sells her work nowadays.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/salleymavor" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZCJEJIBwmY/UvATBqxoYoI/AAAAAAAAD2U/SRT3rKb89B8/s1600/Liz+and+Salley+screen.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Link to the video on Vimeo:</span><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/salleymavor" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;">http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/salleymavor</a><br />
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Find the audio only version of this interview here:</div>
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<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2014/02/03/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-209-salley-mavor/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Audio only Episode 209</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Or subscribe on </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Find Salley Mavor online here:</span><br />
<a href="http://weefolkstudio.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">weefolkstudio.com/</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">My</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">http://LTC.org</a></span></span><span style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://weefolkstudio.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a><br />
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<br />Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-4937943533874450592014-01-17T12:31:00.002-05:002014-01-17T12:31:23.924-05:00January update including quilt progress pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">Hello!</span><br />
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My interview show, Makers in Business is taking a break for January 2014, and will return in February with a brand new episode I know you are going to really love :)<br />
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In the mean time please check out previous episodes of my TV show on my <a href="https://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/videos" target="_blank">Vimeo page</a> or listen to an audio-only podcast <a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/" target="_blank">online here</a> or in <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">iTunes</a>.<br />
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BTW: This is what I'm working on lately: hand sewn quilts! These are for my personal enjoyment. I need to take time to play after an intense holiday sales season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IamH6PUy72Q/Utlmx3zyYKI/AAAAAAAAD18/9O4MGmwhF74/s1600/IMG_5233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IamH6PUy72Q/Utlmx3zyYKI/AAAAAAAAD18/9O4MGmwhF74/s1600/IMG_5233.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am thoroughly inspired by this vintage hand sewn log cabin quilt made with old clothing. I bought it as a pick me up after a dentist appointment a few years ago. Its unmatched seams and hand stitching got deep into my heart. I decided to make one of my own.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gu28Z1u5KLY/UtlhYS3F_JI/AAAAAAAAD1A/eng8nPGmlJo/s1600/2014+01+17+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gu28Z1u5KLY/UtlhYS3F_JI/AAAAAAAAD1A/eng8nPGmlJo/s1600/2014+01+17+001.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First I got a large, warm cat to press my fabric</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXMdTPAG4As/UtlhYdwqxUI/AAAAAAAAD0w/MvD4QIkT7PE/s1600/2014+01+17+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXMdTPAG4As/UtlhYdwqxUI/AAAAAAAAD0w/MvD4QIkT7PE/s1600/2014+01+17+003.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting old shirts into 1 1/2 inch strips was a bit tedious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emExevQajGM/UtlhZkcX71I/AAAAAAAAD04/GGVtCyMlsR4/s1600/2014+01+17+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emExevQajGM/UtlhZkcX71I/AAAAAAAAD04/GGVtCyMlsR4/s1600/2014+01+17+004.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14 vintage and new shirts cut into strips and a stack of 2 1/2 inch red squares cut only from fabrics I had on hand, the reds don't all match, which I love.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YzsIm_v2Xb4/UtlhaE8x77I/AAAAAAAAD1I/CWUgl9MDntU/s1600/2014+01+17+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YzsIm_v2Xb4/UtlhaE8x77I/AAAAAAAAD1I/CWUgl9MDntU/s1600/2014+01+17+005.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first log cabin square! Turned out more mod than vintage looking. More preppy than I had imagined. Looks good to me! Now calling this my Cape Cod quilt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JA3KEEtFFH0/Utlha5_FtII/AAAAAAAAD1Q/iDX-bfV4ffU/s1600/2014+01+17+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JA3KEEtFFH0/Utlha5_FtII/AAAAAAAAD1Q/iDX-bfV4ffU/s1600/2014+01+17+006.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand sewing all the pieces together. I hand sew only because I love it. Very relaxing and I'm in no hurry. I'm not creating any overall pattern. I'll eventually tie it in white.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9Uo_kscj_Q/UtlhYeFN-oI/AAAAAAAAD0s/BMe6SltzRLk/s1600/2014+01+17+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9Uo_kscj_Q/UtlhYeFN-oI/AAAAAAAAD0s/BMe6SltzRLk/s1600/2014+01+17+002.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is part of another quilt top I'm working on at the same time. It's a patchwork from vintage and modern yardage in blues and whites, stripes, checks and solids, including some fabrics from my mom's stash. This one is going very fast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhZI3auGe_w/Utlk_iT5uyI/AAAAAAAAD1o/_7h2Nz5TKwk/s1600/2013+07+20+1780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhZI3auGe_w/Utlk_iT5uyI/AAAAAAAAD1o/_7h2Nz5TKwk/s1600/2013+07+20+1780.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought this bundle at a thrift shop on Cape Cod in the summer. New-old stock. Yardage purchased years ago at B. Altman & Co in New York and never used, tags still attached.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz4Gr4fKi9s/Utlk_zxGocI/AAAAAAAAD1s/SJ2rCB2ItFk/s1600/Quilt+squares.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz4Gr4fKi9s/Utlk_zxGocI/AAAAAAAAD1s/SJ2rCB2ItFk/s1600/Quilt+squares.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the fabrics for the patchwork cut and counted so I could make a pattern on my computer which I printed out on 4 sheets of paper.. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HipbIvCC3fg/UtlhbM_-eUI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/nTuesC-8WdE/s1600/2014+01+17+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HipbIvCC3fg/UtlhbM_-eUI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/nTuesC-8WdE/s1600/2014+01+17+007.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sewing squares into rows, then sewing rows together. I've divided it into quadrants. This is the top left, or what I'm telling Dell is "his section". I'm calling this my Martha's Vineyard quilt. I'll eventually tie it in red.<br /></td></tr>
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Now I've never made a quilt before so I will have a lot to learn when it comes time to add batting, backing, and binding. Luckily there is ALL THE INFORMATION available in books, online, and in at least a dozen people I know in real life and hundreds online.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
LizLiz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-15677284580321967162013-12-03T12:00:00.000-05:002013-12-03T13:40:18.037-05:00Makers in Business with Liz Smith Ep 208 Question and Answer<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For this month's episode of Makers in Business I did something new, I requested questions from folks on the internet and answered them! I wasn't sure how it would go, I was nervous like it was my very first episode. I thought ahead about what I wanted to say but when I got in front of the camera I ad-libbed the answers. I hope you find this episode interesting and helpful. And if you asked a question I answered, I want to send extra thanks! Please share my show with your friends and fellow makers.We are all part of a great community that helps and encourages each other and that is my favorite thing, basically ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">xo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liz</span><br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/78269455" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGuHXy3IjO4/Up4JVRfI-TI/AAAAAAAADyo/t2G54-Dj8jo/s320/Liz+screenshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Link to the video on Vimeo:</span><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/78269455" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Makers in Business with Liz Smith Episode 208</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Find the audio only version of this episode here:</span><br />
<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2013/12/03/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-208-question-and-answer/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Audio only Episode 208</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4">iTunes</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">My</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">http://LTC.org</a></span></span></span><br />
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-18396032857733115112013-11-27T10:07:00.000-05:002013-11-27T10:07:14.121-05:00LTC Producer of the Year!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFlcR8j92Lw/UpTtpUU_sBI/AAAAAAAADx4/gjDyjuDe_P4/s1600/Me+with+award.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OFlcR8j92Lw/UpTtpUU_sBI/AAAAAAAADx4/gjDyjuDe_P4/s320/Me+with+award.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my award</td></tr>
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I could not be more honored and excited! <a href="http://ltc.org/" target="_blank">LTC</a> recently held their annual potluck dinner where awards were handed out. I was so fortunate to be chosen Producer of the Year for <a href="https://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/videos" target="_blank">Makers in Business</a>! I am overjoyed and over the moon. I could not have done it without my director/editor, Catherine Zaker. She is an awesome person and the other half of this two person TV show team. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRQMKgqSwQ0/UpYJYlVeZfI/AAAAAAAADyU/EOKz6j4ekjw/s1600/2012+04+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRQMKgqSwQ0/UpYJYlVeZfI/AAAAAAAADyU/EOKz6j4ekjw/s320/2012+04+19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catherine, me, and Jessica at the beginning of Makers in Business</td></tr>
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<br />Jessica Wilson, the executive director of the TV station, is the whole reason I have a show at all! She is the best cheerleader, hand holder, and general force for awesomness!<div>
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And of course I wouldn't have a show without all my amazing guests! Thanks to everyone who has been on my show, and also to everyone who watches, listens to, and spreads the word about Makers in Business!</div>
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-58786032653263109232013-11-05T16:35:00.001-05:002013-11-05T16:35:30.025-05:00Makers in Business with Liz Smith Ep 207 Maxine Farkas<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had fun sitting down with Maxine Farkas, the manager at <a href="http://westernavenuestudios.com/" target="_blank">Western Avenue Studios</a> in Lowell, MA where I have my studio. I found out how she got started in her textile and mixed media arts and we talked about the significance for artists of having a studio space.</span><br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/77714413" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wY57DL12K8/UnlfFCld5NI/AAAAAAAADw0/_HddhZnA_XY/s320/Liz+and+Max.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Link to the video on Vimeo:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/maxinefarkas" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.796875px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/maxinefarkas</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Find the audio only version of this interview here:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2013/11/05/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-207-maxine-farkas/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Audio only Episode 207</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">Or subscribe on </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.796875px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">Find Maxine Farkas online here:</span></span><br />
<a href="http://maxinefarkas.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; line-height: 20.796875px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://maxinefarkas.com</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Western Avenue Studios in Lowell, MA:</span><br />
<a href="http://westernavenuestudios.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://westernavenuestudios.com</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Western Avenue Lofts:</span><br />
<a href="http://liveatwas.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://liveatwas.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">My</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">http://LTC.org</a></span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jICorch-L0Y/Unla0gP5HRI/AAAAAAAADvo/Pf86DrycTYM/s1600/TV_Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jICorch-L0Y/Unla0gP5HRI/AAAAAAAADvo/Pf86DrycTYM/s320/TV_Studio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A corner of Maxine's Studio</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IUQSLWzmIY/UnlarGQ1xaI/AAAAAAAADuw/Z5x3yZ77cNg/s1600/TV_First+Art+Quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IUQSLWzmIY/UnlarGQ1xaI/AAAAAAAADuw/Z5x3yZ77cNg/s320/TV_First+Art+Quilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early art quilt</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9f0W1UG4QE/UnlayLSVNAI/AAAAAAAADvc/gtyY-wOeaJM/s1600/TV_Group+Quilt+Lowell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9f0W1UG4QE/UnlayLSVNAI/AAAAAAAADvc/gtyY-wOeaJM/s320/TV_Group+Quilt+Lowell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group quilt from Lowell</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ko8TJr0iMhE/Unla5JWzHYI/AAAAAAAADwY/zqikMMgAsF4/s1600/TV_Wall+art_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ko8TJr0iMhE/Unla5JWzHYI/AAAAAAAADwY/zqikMMgAsF4/s320/TV_Wall+art_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Textile art</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FlQ45NCgE8Y/UnlayEr3fwI/AAAAAAAADvU/MyhVkcnmo4M/s1600/TV_Lowell+Quilt+in+Catalog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FlQ45NCgE8Y/UnlayEr3fwI/AAAAAAAADvU/MyhVkcnmo4M/s320/TV_Lowell+Quilt+in+Catalog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lowell art quilt</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3X_vwDWbts/UnlaxuyOdhI/AAAAAAAADvQ/sES0QI42VIc/s1600/TV_Quilt21_Catalog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h3X_vwDWbts/UnlaxuyOdhI/AAAAAAAADvQ/sES0QI42VIc/s320/TV_Quilt21_Catalog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt show catalog</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWzqtn_1VXo/Unla5G-EbqI/AAAAAAAADwc/-R48wFdo28I/s1600/TV_Wall+art_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWzqtn_1VXo/Unla5G-EbqI/AAAAAAAADwc/-R48wFdo28I/s320/TV_Wall+art_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed media assemblage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdBPLIX6ASg/Unlar0qqyII/AAAAAAAADu8/YVuUsfkNUBk/s1600/TV_Assemblage_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdBPLIX6ASg/Unlar0qqyII/AAAAAAAADu8/YVuUsfkNUBk/s320/TV_Assemblage_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed media assemblage</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv2aPguXfNc/UnlarmTzdeI/AAAAAAAADu0/gHuH-Bvz_0I/s1600/TV_Assemblage_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv2aPguXfNc/UnlarmTzdeI/AAAAAAAADu0/gHuH-Bvz_0I/s320/TV_Assemblage_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed media assemblage</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flTQGZHA0wI/UnlavOJenMI/AAAAAAAADvI/LQn1IABeD2s/s1600/TV_Loft+Apartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flTQGZHA0wI/UnlavOJenMI/AAAAAAAADvI/LQn1IABeD2s/s320/TV_Loft+Apartment.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An apartment in the Western Avenue Lofts</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6v6Vaz3OC90/Unla1UHKZDI/AAAAAAAADvw/1TLW3Y3xmoc/s1600/TV_WALofts+art+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6v6Vaz3OC90/Unla1UHKZDI/AAAAAAAADvw/1TLW3Y3xmoc/s320/TV_WALofts+art+studio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A studio at Western Avenue Lofts</td></tr>
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-66150216125666838602013-10-23T11:37:00.002-04:002013-10-23T11:37:56.694-04:00Thanks for your questions!In my last post I solicited questions that I might answer on the December episode of Makers in Business. Thank you to everyone who asked a question!<div>
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I chose 8 questions from those left here on the blog and posted on Twitter. As promised, I used a random number generator to choose a winner for a Makers in Business mug. And the winner is...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZk5G3bpNTg/UmframuRFcI/AAAAAAAADt4/pZc_njNQT0o/s1600/MakersinBusiness+mug+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZk5G3bpNTg/UmframuRFcI/AAAAAAAADt4/pZc_njNQT0o/s1600/MakersinBusiness+mug+winner.jpg" /></a></div>
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Lucky number 8! That's the number I assigned to Brian Hogue's question, <a href="http://twitter.com/bhoguesun" target="_blank">@BHogueSun</a> on Twitter. Congratulations Brian! The mugs are being made locally here at <a href="http://westernavenuestudios.com/" target="_blank">Western Avenue Studios</a> by <a href="http://www.wrenandrosestudio.com/" target="_blank">Wren and Rose Studio</a> and I'll contact you about how to get your prize to you when I have them in hand.</div>
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I still haven't seen the footage of my questions show, we're editing tomorrow, I may have trainwrecked it, if not, it will be available in December!</div>
Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-60567853727807733322013-10-11T12:04:00.000-04:002013-10-23T11:24:51.533-04:00Ask me a question!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kmw7bb8l1U/UlgfHT7HSLI/AAAAAAAADtU/rISpAWJJmTE/s1600/QandA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kmw7bb8l1U/UlgfHT7HSLI/AAAAAAAADtU/rISpAWJJmTE/s320/QandA.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello,<br />
<br />
I hope you are well. As you know I am deep in the throes of holiday inventory production. But I am also still creating new episodes of my TV interview show, <a href="https://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/videos" target="_blank">Makers in Business</a>. In each episode I talk with people who make things and sell them for a living. For December I'd like to do something fun and different. I'd like to post an episode where I answer any questions you'd like to ask me on the topic of making things and selling them!<br />
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Your question can be to me specifically or just a general question you think I might have some information/insight about. To make it more universal I won't be mentioning who asked each question so you don't have to worry about it if you'd rather be anonymous!<br />
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Whenever I participate in Open Studios or do a show, I often engage with other makers at different stages of their businesses. Everyone has questions about the next steps they should take. What do other people do about this and that? Everyone is unique in their situation, but I think all the discussions, like on my show, have universal themes and practical information that could be helpful to anyone on this creative business path.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4eDf19y-hw/Ulggn2hDZ0I/AAAAAAAADtg/sqfFczFIt_I/s1600/2013+07+20+1727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4eDf19y-hw/Ulggn2hDZ0I/AAAAAAAADtg/sqfFczFIt_I/s320/2013+07+20+1727.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So please post your question in the comments or on <a href="http://twitter.com/madeinlowell" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and let folks on social media know that I'm putting this out there as well. To make this even more fun I'm offering a free Makers in Business mug #swag to a random participant!<br />
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IMPORTANT: Questions must be in by Monday, October 14 at 5 PM to be eligible for the TV show and the giveaway.<br />
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Thanks,<br />
LizLiz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-1589465367571059682013-10-01T13:54:00.001-04:002013-10-01T13:54:52.885-04:00Makers in Business with Liz Smith Ep 206 Swirly Designs by Lianne & Paul Stoddard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meet Paul and Lianne Stoddard, the married couple behind Swirly Designs by Lianne and Paul! I had so much fun interviewing them both about how they run their business, what they did to accommodate a creative business while raising a family, and which kinds of advertising and promotion turned out to work for them. I think there's so much to learn in this episode plus Paul and Lianne are just good company. Take a look or listen!</div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/swirlydesigns" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wtPrsXsG08/UksKdwYM7FI/AAAAAAAADtE/P45ycIaIBtQ/s320/Liz+Lianne+and+Paul+screenshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Link to the video on Vimeo:</span></div>
<a href="http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/swirlydesigns" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/swirlydesigns</a><br />
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Find the audio only version of this interview here:</div>
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<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2013/10/01/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-206-swirly-designs-by-lianne-paul-stoddard/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Audio only Episode 206</a></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Or subscribe on </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Find Swirly Designs online here:</span><br />
<a href="http://swirlydesigns.com/">http://swirlydesigns.com/</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">My</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">http://LTC.org</a></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0c-KpCWkEaQ/UksItj8jM9I/AAAAAAAADrg/EKxuY-sBs6M/s1600/LianneandPaul_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0c-KpCWkEaQ/UksItj8jM9I/AAAAAAAADrg/EKxuY-sBs6M/s320/LianneandPaul_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Lianne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcux5U58iI8/UksI4kTkRHI/AAAAAAAADs4/aK29ZQYLJ-o/s1600/process_steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcux5U58iI8/UksI4kTkRHI/AAAAAAAADs4/aK29ZQYLJ-o/s320/process_steps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steps in the process</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJisO0jSQm4/UksItryyDXI/AAAAAAAADrk/0rUw88zWoKU/s1600/SD_Polyform_HowTo_halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJisO0jSQm4/UksItryyDXI/AAAAAAAADrk/0rUw88zWoKU/s320/SD_Polyform_HowTo_halloween.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ti0n3dwhIo/UksIuW7KhoI/AAAAAAAADrw/g43Mvbz8J7E/s1600/SD_Polyform_HowTo_spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ti0n3dwhIo/UksIuW7KhoI/AAAAAAAADrw/g43Mvbz8J7E/s320/SD_Polyform_HowTo_spring.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-8NsrpuYc8/UksIvBwmUEI/AAAAAAAADr4/vgM6GgMb3v4/s1600/SD_Valentines_birdcage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-8NsrpuYc8/UksIvBwmUEI/AAAAAAAADr4/vgM6GgMb3v4/s320/SD_Valentines_birdcage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentine's Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtPsjv5YICA/UksI2bD3ABI/AAAAAAAADso/CEm7kdTGfbk/s1600/Swirly_craft_show_booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtPsjv5YICA/UksI2bD3ABI/AAAAAAAADso/CEm7kdTGfbk/s320/Swirly_craft_show_booth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swirly Designs at a craft show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1rg1TND5SM/UksI1SziU3I/AAAAAAAADsg/ztXU6qeQePo/s1600/Swirly_Halloween2011_group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1rg1TND5SM/UksI1SziU3I/AAAAAAAADsg/ztXU6qeQePo/s320/Swirly_Halloween2011_group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting together a Halloween collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsStyT1l8IM/UksI0b4LWAI/AAAAAAAADsQ/apLWnc_O22A/s1600/Swirly_Lianne&Paul_working.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PsStyT1l8IM/UksI0b4LWAI/AAAAAAAADsQ/apLWnc_O22A/s320/Swirly_Lianne&Paul_working.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Lianne at work in their home studio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnIxOsA9ZIE/UksI4WaiZrI/AAAAAAAADsw/fa-0q6sGgFs/s1600/Swirly_process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnIxOsA9ZIE/UksI4WaiZrI/AAAAAAAADsw/fa-0q6sGgFs/s320/Swirly_process.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From concept to creation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvL5xsdH3gE/UksIx-sKMcI/AAAAAAAADsA/JHwn-ojJkV4/s1600/SwirlyDesigns_collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvL5xsdH3gE/UksIx-sKMcI/AAAAAAAADsA/JHwn-ojJkV4/s320/SwirlyDesigns_collection.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A holiday collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mT9IlbLILjQ/UksIxw7s1iI/AAAAAAAADsE/ty5VCU8bD2w/s1600/SwirlyDesigns_Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mT9IlbLILjQ/UksIxw7s1iI/AAAAAAAADsE/ty5VCU8bD2w/s320/SwirlyDesigns_Santa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyGJGcBOUw4/UksI0mcNt6I/AAAAAAAADsU/d1-f-3ZPeSo/s1600/SwirlyDesigns_Xmasornaments_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyGJGcBOUw4/UksI0mcNt6I/AAAAAAAADsU/d1-f-3ZPeSo/s320/SwirlyDesigns_Xmasornaments_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful handmade holiday ornaments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-88589856913188524172013-09-25T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-01T13:28:54.017-04:00Prepping for holiday craft shows<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksBt6SKp8Yg/UkH_XNBqbgI/AAAAAAAADrM/HU_HPDU2_l4/s1600/bigproject_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksBt6SKp8Yg/UkH_XNBqbgI/AAAAAAAADrM/HU_HPDU2_l4/s1600/bigproject_250.jpg" /></a></div>
First, an UPDATE to add thanks to <a href="http://www.lisaclarke.net/" target="_blank">Lisa</a> and <a href="http://www.craftypod.com/" target="_blank">Diane</a> for inviting me to be part of this fascinating and helpful blog hop!<br />
<br />
I've been selling my work at craft shows since the late
1980s and I should feel like an expert at this point but I
don’t! Sure, I know how to do all the tasks associated with applying to, making
inventory for, setting up at, and selling at a show. But each time holiday show
season comes around I am gripped with the same manic/panic energy. Will I have
enough inventory? Will my right people show up at this event? Do I have new
items for repeat customers? How can I make my display work to my best
advantage?</div>
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Preparing for holiday shows is a big project that spans many
months. In order to handle all these questions I take them in bite sized
pieces. </div>
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<b>Setting up my show
schedule:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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There’s so much I could say about choosing which shows to
apply to, what it’s like relying on unpredictable and juried holiday shows for
a large chunk of your income (I generally make HALF my entire year’s revenue
between October and December), and what happens when you don’t get in or the
show is discontinued, or two great shows are scheduled for the same weekend, but
that’s for another post. </div>
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I’ll just mention applying to shows. A lot of big holiday
shows that don’t happen until December will put applications online well before
August. It’s good to be on their mailing lists as well as keep an eye on social
media for when applications are up so you don’t miss deadlines. Not that that’s
ever happened to me, ahem. (Yes it has.) </div>
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If you get in, (not everyone gets in!) there’s a moment of
euphoria and relief which lasts about 15 minutes. After that the manic/panic
probably sets in. Or if the show date is far enough away, a blissful denial
will wash over you instead. Until roughly September 15<sup>th</sup>.</div>
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If you aren't sure if your right people, customers who will
connect specifically with your products, will be at the shows you are thinking
of applying to, you can either apply and take a chance or you can spend a
season just attending, as a buyer, all the shows you are considering and see
for yourself before you make an investment.</div>
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<b>My inventory
struggles:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9aPeD7owe8k/UkH44pZB9HI/AAAAAAAADp0/vlDgQtaZwbM/s1600/InventoryProduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9aPeD7owe8k/UkH44pZB9HI/AAAAAAAADp0/vlDgQtaZwbM/s320/InventoryProduction.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inventory making in process</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here’s the thing, my product line is WAY TOO BIG. I make too
may different things. I have a lot of trouble keeping my super labor-intensive
inventory stocked fully. But I have not appeared to have learned anything from
this painful fact. Everything I make sells pretty well and I only <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2011/07/creating-hits-and-misses.html" target="_blank">rarely discontinue items</a> that really just will not move. Each year I swear I will start making things earlier in the season but it’s my
experience that without the threat of a date certain, a looming deadline, I
will mosey along making things here and there until about September 15<sup>th</sup>
(as noted above). That’s when I will get serious and start crying when I
realize the size of the workload I've saddled myself with and vow to start in
April next year. Rinse, repeat.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J_euZSnwVQ/UkH5cU28-wI/AAAAAAAADq8/2sD0Rdoh1nA/s1600/Overwhelmed+by+Production.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J_euZSnwVQ/UkH5cU28-wI/AAAAAAAADq8/2sD0Rdoh1nA/s320/Overwhelmed+by+Production.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am overwhelmed by inventory making</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That being said I haven’t really figured out the best way to
stock efficiently. I've tried making only one thing for one week (say full
sized pincushion cupcakes), but in a job of production craftwork which is all
about being OK with repetition and a certain amount of tedium (salved with hundreds
of hours of podcasts and intravenous caffeine) that method really tests the
limits of patience and focus. So I've tried broadening out and working in one
medium (needle felting, for example, or polymer clay) for a few weeks at a
time, completing a few of each item every day, thereby getting a variety of
items made, keeping from going batty and/or really getting sick of something, but
giving up a bit of that production mode efficiency.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_hRo6CgEt8/UkH5NQuZTHI/AAAAAAAADqs/8wYqpoFlUY4/s1600/SleepySheepInProduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_hRo6CgEt8/UkH5NQuZTHI/AAAAAAAADqs/8wYqpoFlUY4/s320/SleepySheepInProduction.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy Sheep ornaments in progress</td></tr>
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This year I’m trying something slightly different. I've
started a bunch of needle felted items and I've been working this way for a few
weeks. The idea is to get the base parts made and embellish a few to the end
here and there when I get bored making the starter pieces. But this makes me
worry I won’t be able to finish making each item to the final step and still
leave time for working in another medium because I could spend a month making
just base parts and still not have any finished product. I’ll let you know how
this works out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOTjg2YQTug/UkH4-qo41AI/AAAAAAAADqE/1phRa5Ku6zI/s1600/Liz+Felting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOTjg2YQTug/UkH4-qo41AI/AAAAAAAADqE/1phRa5Ku6zI/s320/Liz+Felting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, gleefully felting wool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I’m still never really sure how much is enough. Each maker
has their own inventory level that makes them feel like they have everything
under control. No-one else can see it though. You’ll come across a table filled with
goods and tell your maker friend “Wow, looks great! You got so much made!” and
they’ll cringe and sigh and say “But I’m missing ____”. In general I want a base minimum of
a dozen of each product for each show, idealistically 36+ so there’s plenty of
overstock and color variety. Not sure I've ever achieved that but you gotta
have goals.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-De-8CMLaNac/UkH5DiogSfI/AAAAAAAADqU/lKLks6nprDo/s1600/MadeinLowellInventory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-De-8CMLaNac/UkH5DiogSfI/AAAAAAAADqU/lKLks6nprDo/s320/MadeinLowellInventory.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished inventory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Any maker will tell you it is super hard to predict which
item will be the big hit at a show. And what might be a hit at one might be a
dud at another. It’s exhilarating to realize one of your products is selling like
hotcakes (mmmm, cake) but totally agonizing to run out of it before a show is
over knowing you could have made more sales if only you’d known. This is
probably the primary panic-fuel that production crafters operate on.</div>
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Another thing I think about is making new items for repeat
customers. If I don’t come up with fresh goods I know I will get a lot of
friendly folks walking by my table with arms folded and warm smiles saying “Oh
I love those, I got one last year.” And that’s the end of the exchange. Boo. A
lot of my ideas for new items or even just fun new variations on existing
products come in October when inventory making is at its peak frenzy (and I am
not yet a November production zombie). That point in the season seems to be when the
creative ideas part of my brain is really cooking but there’s no time for new
product development because INVENTORY. </div>
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I've tried writing the October ideas down to tackle in quiet
February but that hasn't worked for me. Apparently I need that frenzied
production energy to follow through on new ideas because production is research
and development and is not always successful. That takes time and it takes a
mental toll. Now I try to allow time to sneak in product development in the
midst of everything else I’m doing. If I can’t get the items to a finished
state for the current season at least I’ve got more to start with next October
when I’ll undoubtedly get ideas for tweaking them to success or it will be
clear I can ditch them and try something else.</div>
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<b>My displays</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duK8YsPpZ9Y/UkH47kXW_KI/AAAAAAAADp8/gxDdihzV2v4/s1600/Made+in+Lowell+Craft+Show+Display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duK8YsPpZ9Y/UkH47kXW_KI/AAAAAAAADp8/gxDdihzV2v4/s320/Made+in+Lowell+Craft+Show+Display.jpg" width="240" /></a>I have a habit in my home, and also in my studio and with my
table set up, of finding something that works and just sticking with it
forever. I might tweak it or add new display pieces over time but I’m not big
into a total display overhaul each season like I know some makers are. I just
don’t have that kind of brain. Do I wish a Display Optimizer Fairy would alight
on my shoulder and guide me to the perfect craft show table arrangement? I
might. On the other hand, I do like my display and it works just fine. </div>
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If you are setting up for the first time or want to test a
new arrangement I recommend setting your table up in your studio or home and
taking a picture when you get it where you like it. Check out Flickr for craft
show display inspiration but DON’T COPY SOMEONE ELSE’S LOOK. Goodness, sorry, I
didn't mean to yell there. You already know not to copy. <br />
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jAkXhN1-pXY/UkH5G8m3UwI/AAAAAAAADqc/yoEu9mP5klM/s1600/MadeinLowellBooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jAkXhN1-pXY/UkH5G8m3UwI/AAAAAAAADqc/yoEu9mP5klM/s320/MadeinLowellBooth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six foot table craft show set up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpWXRIUJaiY/UkH5Kl_CSNI/AAAAAAAADqk/RTQyJ37xors/s1600/MadeinLowellStudioDisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpWXRIUJaiY/UkH5Kl_CSNI/AAAAAAAADqk/RTQyJ37xors/s320/MadeinLowellStudioDisplay.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 foot studio gallery set up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One thing to keep in mind is you might have everything
perfectly arranged for a 6 foot space but arrive the morning of the show to
find you've got 8 feet. Or a corner! Which is all good, but totally changes
everything you planned. Alternately I saw a vendor completely thrown because
she only had 6 feet when she thought she had 8. Bring extra table covers and
display pieces. You might have to improvise on the spot.</div>
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<b>Selling what I make<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I enjoy interacting with customers. I worked in retail for
decades and learned the rhythms and language of sales. I am proud of my creations and confident that people who like what they see on my display will enjoy
owning my work or giving it as gifts. I have my prices configured so I can afford
to keep being a maker and <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2012/12/paying-for-handmade-gentle-rant.html" target="_blank">I’m not afraid to gently, kindly defend them to people who don’t quite understand how handmade is priced. </a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSF-zskWJdg/UkH5YuYDlMI/AAAAAAAADq0/wHxj1us6QjE/s1600/TheCrowdAtAHolidayCraftShow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSF-zskWJdg/UkH5YuYDlMI/AAAAAAAADq0/wHxj1us6QjE/s320/TheCrowdAtAHolidayCraftShow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insane crowd at a good holiday show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That said, selling is a skill, and it’s work. Very few items
sell themselves. I know a lot of makers are introverts and selling their things
is excruciating at the same time it is so gratifying to get that positive
feedback. It can also be crushing when people say rude and thoughtless things.
I don’t have much advice on being more comfortable with selling if that really
is not fun for you. But I will say if you really hate it I give you full
permission to never do shows! Sell online or through shops. No need to torture
yourself. But if you don’t hate it, you just feel awkward, keep at it, you will improve over time. </div>
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So that’s what I've been thinking about lately as I prep for
3 big holiday shows plus <a href="http://www.lowellopenstudios.org/" target="_blank">Open Studios</a> this year. Check out my schedule in the sidebar and stop by if you’re local! Or
find me in my <a href="http://madeinlowell.com/" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> or at the shops listed to the right that carry my work.</div>
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Please check out these other posts on the topic of tackling
a big creative project!</div>
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-9902962450487993222013-09-03T15:01:00.000-04:002013-10-01T13:29:08.437-04:00Makers in Business with Liz Smith Ep 205 Mimi Kirchner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k8OQtNPGVSc/UiYskWxPR6I/AAAAAAAADoo/lPaSOEVBwCY/s1600/2013+07+20+2122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k8OQtNPGVSc/UiYskWxPR6I/AAAAAAAADoo/lPaSOEVBwCY/s320/2013+07+20+2122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hello! This month I'm featuring an interview I did with Mimi Kirchner. Mimi makes amazing art dolls that are incredibly collectible. Her work is distinct, meticulous, and lovely with a sense of humor that delights. Although she has been a maker all her life, she she did not start out making dolls for a living. <a href="https://vimeo.com/70885499" target="_blank">Watch</a> or <a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2013/09/03/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-205-mimi-kirchner/" target="_blank">listen</a> to this fascinating episode to hear all about her artistic journey.</div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/70885499" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8DAa69hth4/UiYsaeSWoXI/AAAAAAAADoE/tu1IBHHsz6I/s320/Liz+and+Mimi+screen+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Link to the video on Vimeo:<br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/70885499">http://vimeo.com/madeinlowell/mimikirchner</a><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
Find the audio only version of this interview here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2013/09/03/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-205-mimi-kirchner/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Audio only Episode 205</a></div>
<br />
Or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br />
<br />
Find Mimi Kirchner online here:<br />
<a href="http://mimikirchner.com/blog/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MimiKirchner.com</a><br />
<br />
My<span style="line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span><span style="line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">http://LTC.org</a></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_o3_iozEpZg/UiYso981XoI/AAAAAAAADpU/ApurLp5rLV4/s1600/pottery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_o3_iozEpZg/UiYso981XoI/AAAAAAAADpU/ApurLp5rLV4/s320/pottery.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Examples of Mimi's ceramics work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDP7wCWrGoU/UiYsmycD9PI/AAAAAAAADo8/JiIvqhZi7Bs/s1600/painted+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDP7wCWrGoU/UiYsmycD9PI/AAAAAAAADo8/JiIvqhZi7Bs/s320/painted+doll.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early doll</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-KZIMM9D5I/UiYsejQKWzI/AAAAAAAADoQ/A4YwsfOZZGE/s1600/buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-KZIMM9D5I/UiYsejQKWzI/AAAAAAAADoQ/A4YwsfOZZGE/s320/buttons.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choosing buttons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99yZOqSGufU/UiYsjZhJy-I/AAAAAAAADog/3JfIqcO9tfY/s1600/desk+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99yZOqSGufU/UiYsjZhJy-I/AAAAAAAADog/3JfIqcO9tfY/s320/desk+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimi's desk crowded with works in progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_bdl7FBulQ4/UiYsh9P67RI/AAAAAAAADoY/pvCeJXUn1vA/s1600/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_bdl7FBulQ4/UiYsh9P67RI/AAAAAAAADoY/pvCeJXUn1vA/s320/desk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Works in progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWmIKgje9wA/UiYsoLq8csI/AAAAAAAADpI/4HRX10OBwok/s1600/process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWmIKgje9wA/UiYsoLq8csI/AAAAAAAADpI/4HRX10OBwok/s320/process.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinning a beard on a doll before hand sewing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-theAlFMz6ag/UiYsl3EG4uI/AAAAAAAADos/EaqvV_UZ4RA/s1600/lumberjack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-theAlFMz6ag/UiYsl3EG4uI/AAAAAAAADos/EaqvV_UZ4RA/s320/lumberjack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Mimi's fabulous lumberjacks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WUBAl1zpt8/UiYsov6RV8I/AAAAAAAADpQ/_2lWM76Gaz8/s1600/tattooed+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WUBAl1zpt8/UiYsov6RV8I/AAAAAAAADpQ/_2lWM76Gaz8/s320/tattooed+lady.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful tattooed lady</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Owd22_soTG4/UiYsmPnwzmI/AAAAAAAADow/9JzqhSKFX7A/s1600/fox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Owd22_soTG4/UiYsmPnwzmI/AAAAAAAADow/9JzqhSKFX7A/s320/fox.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dapper Mr. Fox</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhZMzAa-jQc/UiYsZRiALII/AAAAAAAADn4/tlNEWfxMKts/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhZMzAa-jQc/UiYsZRiALII/AAAAAAAADn4/tlNEWfxMKts/s320/baby.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet swaddled baby</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjJuaD3ZUQg/UiYscz6bZXI/AAAAAAAADoI/OH94XIkpGmk/s1600/booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjJuaD3ZUQg/UiYscz6bZXI/AAAAAAAADoI/OH94XIkpGmk/s320/booth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimi's craft show set up</td></tr>
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<br />Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-84461713861164880162013-08-01T14:23:00.000-04:002013-08-01T14:23:26.473-04:00Makers in Business with Liz Smith Ep 204 Melissa Gruntkosky of Pressbound<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this episode of my interview show, Melissa Gruntkosky talks about making paper goods using new designs on old letterpresses. She discusses making product in volume and selling wholesale vs. retail.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Link to the video on Vimeo:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/69253741">https://vimeo.com/69253741</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/69253741" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pjDR-sFSR9A/Ufqk2G_zkWI/AAAAAAAADmk/RHRwLa175Zc/s320/Liz+and+Melissa+screenshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
Find the audio only version of this interview here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2013/08/01/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-204-melissa-gruntkosky-of-pressbound/" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Audio only Episode 204</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Or subscribe on </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Find pressbound online here:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><a href="http://pressbound.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pressbound.com</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">My</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;">http://LTC.org</a></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wPx5FsYtfM/Ufqk0IN2MHI/AAAAAAAADmc/YKg4zewcHQ0/s1600/Coasters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wPx5FsYtfM/Ufqk0IN2MHI/AAAAAAAADmc/YKg4zewcHQ0/s320/Coasters.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letterpress coasters by Pressbound</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUCUsZZmhT8/Ufqk2UeemkI/AAAAAAAADmw/v2_Zps3LvLk/s1600/Example+of+a+Vandercook+press.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUCUsZZmhT8/Ufqk2UeemkI/AAAAAAAADmw/v2_Zps3LvLk/s320/Example+of+a+Vandercook+press.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of a Vandercook press (not Melissa's)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRAwinPbjmA/Ufqkx-2pdRI/AAAAAAAADmU/3_F8t4Qnf4Y/s1600/Greeting+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRAwinPbjmA/Ufqkx-2pdRI/AAAAAAAADmU/3_F8t4Qnf4Y/s320/Greeting+Cards.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letterpress cards by Pressbound</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG_I_U_IWdw/Ufqk2aWOXKI/AAAAAAAADmo/oFvoIynLu84/s1600/Interior+of+Melissa's+studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG_I_U_IWdw/Ufqk2aWOXKI/AAAAAAAADmo/oFvoIynLu84/s320/Interior+of+Melissa's+studio.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa's studio</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDkn31vcNac/UfqlEIKAAII/AAAAAAAADnE/6Dlpvu6jF3Q/s1600/Melissa+printing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDkn31vcNac/UfqlEIKAAII/AAAAAAAADnE/6Dlpvu6jF3Q/s320/Melissa+printing.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa printing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J84sTBO9VLo/UfqlLMKM6hI/AAAAAAAADnM/IqdbP74AgsM/s1600/New+Greeting+Cards+for+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J84sTBO9VLo/UfqlLMKM6hI/AAAAAAAADnM/IqdbP74AgsM/s320/New+Greeting+Cards+for+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Pressbound designs for 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhOff2UlKMw/UfqlV2oKu7I/AAAAAAAADnY/azrhHJMh_64/s1600/Melissa's++booth+wall+at+the+Stationery+Show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhOff2UlKMw/UfqlV2oKu7I/AAAAAAAADnY/azrhHJMh_64/s320/Melissa's++booth+wall+at+the+Stationery+Show.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pressbound display at the stationery show</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq5E7jfcCRo/UfqlVFaQeyI/AAAAAAAADnU/dKjtJwKE_5A/s1600/melissa's+presses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq5E7jfcCRo/UfqlVFaQeyI/AAAAAAAADnU/dKjtJwKE_5A/s320/melissa's+presses.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa's presses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzaGx-wk2os/UfqlXfWQU3I/AAAAAAAADnk/RaStZXXt28o/s1600/Notecard+sets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzaGx-wk2os/UfqlXfWQU3I/AAAAAAAADnk/RaStZXXt28o/s320/Notecard+sets.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letterpress cards by Pressbound</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-12222278711549323072013-07-02T12:50:00.000-04:002013-07-02T12:50:11.562-04:00Makers in Business With Liz Smith Ep 203 Melissa Chao of To Boldly Fold<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.453125px;"><a href="http://toboldlyfold.com/" target="_blank">Melissa Chao of To Boldly Fold</a> makes exquisite blank books by hand. She meticulously folds and tears paper then sews the pages together and creates covers for sketchbooks and journals that artists treasure. Learn how she came to be a bookbinder and what her business model is in such a niche market.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.453125px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.453125px;">Link to the interview video on Vimeo:</span><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/68786957">https://vimeo.com/68786957</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.453125px;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/68786957" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-FNT_kEjBI/UdMEKJ-LRpI/AAAAAAAADl4/O7q5Z8e1VBY/s320/Liz+and+Melissa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Find the audio only version of this interview here:</div>
<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2013/07/02/makers-in-business-with-liz-smith-ep-203-melissa-chao-of-to-boldly-fold/" target="_blank">Audio only Episode 203</a><br />
<br />
Or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">iTunes</a><br />
<br />
Find To Boldly Fold online here:<br />
<a href="http://toboldlyfold.com/" target="_blank">ToBoldlyFold.com</a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">My</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/">http://LTC.org</a></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoLBVYdrjLs/UdMCZS_JUiI/AAAAAAAADlQ/5FRZmJHGxys/s720/TV_ToBoldlyFoldShowSetUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoLBVYdrjLs/UdMCZS_JUiI/AAAAAAAADlQ/5FRZmJHGxys/s320/TV_ToBoldlyFoldShowSetUp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810466599498707869.post-33307440145494954322013-06-04T15:48:00.000-04:002013-06-04T16:24:39.199-04:00Makers in Business Season 2 Episode 2 - Marilyn Rosenfeld Part 2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom painting on the deck on Martha's Vineyard</td></tr>
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So here is the long awaited part two of my interview with my mother, Marilyn Rosenfeld! (Here's a <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.com/2013/05/makers-in-business-season-2-episode-1.html" target="_blank">LINK</a> to Part 1 if you missed it). I find this 2nd episode fascinating. After an exploration of her struggle with what didn't work for her as a maker in business, we discuss the solution that came out of it! A feeling that things aren't working right, a need for a shift in gears, a collaboration, these are experiences I know a lot of makers can relate to.<br />
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I hope you enjoy Part Two! And please share my show with people you think are interested in the business of creative pursuits. Thank you :)<br />
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Vimeo link to video of the interview here: <a href="https://vimeo.com/65093551" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/65093551</a><br />
<br />
Find the audio only version of this interview here:<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="http://madeinlowell.podbean.com/2013/06/04/makers-in-business-season-2-episode-2-marilyn-rosenfeld-part-2/" target="_blank">Audio only Season 2 Episode 2</a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Or subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/makers-in-business-liz-smith/id524409370?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" target="_blank">iTunes</a></div>
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Find my mom's cards in my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/madeinlowell?section_id=5042350" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">My</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"> show airs locally in Lowell on LTC Comcast Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Thursdays at 8:30. New shows monthly. For more information about Lowell Local Access TV, visit<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1385408174"> </a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.78333282470703px;"><span style="color: #cc6600;"><a href="http://ltc.org/" target="_blank">http://LTC.org</a></span></span></div>
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Liz Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06082326421765682661noreply@blogger.com1