Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Transom Project
A recent project included 7 transom windows for a new home in North London. It was a real thrill for me to work on this project. Hope you enjoy the photos.
For a free custom quote call Carol at 519-461-0004.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Testimonial from the McLean Family of Lucan
We were looking for help to create authentic pieces to go over our windows. Our house is a hundred plus years old so we wanted to go with a traditional yet creative panel. In one window we wanted to use our family crest as the focal point.
We were also able to incorporate some of the glass from the original window that was there. Carol suggested adding two Celtic knots to accent the design. It was exactly what we were looking for.
For the front window we didn't have an idea of what we wanted except it had to incorporate our house number. Through consultation we ended up with a design that perfectly suited the house.
We appreciated Carol's input as she helped us design pieces that will last for years to come. We love our stained glass. The colours and craftsmanship are wonderful.
Thanks Carol!
Andrew & Mary McLean
We were looking for help to create authentic pieces to go over our windows. Our house is a hundred plus years old so we wanted to go with a traditional yet creative panel. In one window we wanted to use our family crest as the focal point.
We were also able to incorporate some of the glass from the original window that was there. Carol suggested adding two Celtic knots to accent the design. It was exactly what we were looking for.
For the front window we didn't have an idea of what we wanted except it had to incorporate our house number. Through consultation we ended up with a design that perfectly suited the house.
We appreciated Carol's input as she helped us design pieces that will last for years to come. We love our stained glass. The colours and craftsmanship are wonderful.
Thanks Carol!
Andrew & Mary McLean
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Classes - Winter/Spring 2010
To reserve your place in a class, the class must be paid for. You may purchase through PayPal, at http://www.trickettglass.ca/classes.html, no account is necessary. Or you can pay by cash, cheque or credit card at Trickett Glass Studio or mail payment to PO Box 200, Thorndale, ON N0M 2P0. This payment is non-refundable and ensures commitment to participation.
The classes listed below are for adults; however, there are classes available for kids age 10 and up also.
One Day Beginner Stained Glass - Saturday, Feb 20, 2010, 9am-4pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Cost is $75.00 plus PST ($81.00 CAD). Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
One Day Beginner Stained Glass - Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9am-4pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Cost is $75.00 plus PST ($81.00 CAD). Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Beginner Leading Class - Saturday, March 27, 2010, 9am - 4pm
Learn to construct a leaded glass panel using the traditional leading and cementing methods. No previous experience is necessary but a beginner class first is preferred. Cost is $90 plus PST ($97.20 CAD).
One Day Beginner Stained Glass - Saturday, April 10, 2010, 9am-4pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own
stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Cost is $75.00 plus PST ($81.00 CAD). Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Fused Wind Chimes Class - Saturday, Apr 24, 2010, 1 - 4 pm
This is a fun, quick introduction to fusing. You will learn how to cut the glass strips, prepare them for the kiln and fuse them. Cost is $50.00 plus PST ($54.00) and includes all materials and tools. Please bring comfortable shoes. Windchimes can be picked up at the studio during the following week.
One Day Beginner Stained Glass - Saturday, May 8, 2010, 9am-4pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Cost is $75.00 plus PST ($81.00 CAD). Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Bevelled Candle Shelter - Saturday, May 15, 2010, 12:30-4pm
A previous class in soldering is necessary to take the Bevelled Candle Shelter course. Register soon as four students is the limit. Cost is $50.00 plus PST ($54.00 CAD) and includes all materials and tools. Please bring comfortable shoes. We will all be making the same design as pictured here.
The classes listed below are for adults; however, there are classes available for kids age 10 and up also.
One Day Beginner Stained Glass - Saturday, Feb 20, 2010, 9am-4pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Cost is $75.00 plus PST ($81.00 CAD). Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
One Day Beginner Stained Glass - Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9am-4pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Cost is $75.00 plus PST ($81.00 CAD). Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Beginner Leading Class - Saturday, March 27, 2010, 9am - 4pm
Learn to construct a leaded glass panel using the traditional leading and cementing methods. No previous experience is necessary but a beginner class first is preferred. Cost is $90 plus PST ($97.20 CAD).
One Day Beginner Stained Glass - Saturday, April 10, 2010, 9am-4pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own
stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Cost is $75.00 plus PST ($81.00 CAD). Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.Fused Wind Chimes Class - Saturday, Apr 24, 2010, 1 - 4 pm
This is a fun, quick introduction to fusing. You will learn how to cut the glass strips, prepare them for the kiln and fuse them. Cost is $50.00 plus PST ($54.00) and includes all materials and tools. Please bring comfortable shoes. Windchimes can be picked up at the studio during the following week.
One Day Beginner Stained Glass - Saturday, May 8, 2010, 9am-4pm
Introduce yourself to a new craft! You will learn all the skills to create your own stained glass project using the copper foil technique. This is an entry level one day workshop. No prior experience or artistry is required. Cost is $75.00 plus PST ($81.00 CAD). Materials for the project and the use of the tools are included. Please bring safety glasses if you have them, suitable shoes for standing and a bag lunch.
Bevelled Candle Shelter - Saturday, May 15, 2010, 12:30-4pm
A previous class in soldering is necessary to take the Bevelled Candle Shelter course. Register soon as four students is the limit. Cost is $50.00 plus PST ($54.00 CAD) and includes all materials and tools. Please bring comfortable shoes. We will all be making the same design as pictured here.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
From Hobby to Business
You never know where life will take you. Be sure to enjoy the journey, make a conscious effort to drink life in. Remember it’s not just about the destination. Each day and each relationship has purpose. Life has its challenges. Some of them will bring you to your knees. Hard decisions and devastation are opportunities for redirection and growth.
Allow me to share with you what this looked liked for me.
After working at Bell Canada in customer service for 15 years, the department I worked in closed. For many of my co-workers this was devastation. For me, this was the golden opportunity I had longed for. Without this forceful push, I never would have left a regular pay cheque, pension plan and medical benefits to fully follow my dreams.
After accepting the buy out, there have been no regrets. For the first three years I worked a secretarial position part time to help adjust to the financial and lifestyle change.
Depending now on stained glass for my sole income satisfies my free spirit. I do understand now what it means, “robbing Peter to pay Paul”, but I’ve not gone without any essentials. As a matter of fact, I’m growing quite fond of a simpler lifestyle. Arranging my own schedule is a very liberating experience. Yes, there may be 14 hour days at times, but there are also days off when desired and often pleasure mixed with business.
Transitioning from a hobby to a business could be one of the most rewarding events of your life. You can make money doing what you love. You can arrange your own work schedule. You can be free to express your own creativity and abilities. You can be your own boss.
Allow me to share with you what this looked liked for me.
After working at Bell Canada in customer service for 15 years, the department I worked in closed. For many of my co-workers this was devastation. For me, this was the golden opportunity I had longed for. Without this forceful push, I never would have left a regular pay cheque, pension plan and medical benefits to fully follow my dreams.
After accepting the buy out, there have been no regrets. For the first three years I worked a secretarial position part time to help adjust to the financial and lifestyle change.
Depending now on stained glass for my sole income satisfies my free spirit. I do understand now what it means, “robbing Peter to pay Paul”, but I’ve not gone without any essentials. As a matter of fact, I’m growing quite fond of a simpler lifestyle. Arranging my own schedule is a very liberating experience. Yes, there may be 14 hour days at times, but there are also days off when desired and often pleasure mixed with business.
Transitioning from a hobby to a business could be one of the most rewarding events of your life. You can make money doing what you love. You can arrange your own work schedule. You can be free to express your own creativity and abilities. You can be your own boss.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
20 questions Your Buyers are asking
Here is an article I found on Etsy by Sparklerama. So, it is not original with me but I do think it is well written and worth the read if you list items for sale on the internet or are considering this. It's always good to step into the shoes of your clients and this will help you do that.
20 questions YOUR BUYERS are asking!!
Sparklerama says:
Etsy is full of amazing and beautiful things.It would be a shame if your beautiful work didn't sell because your description of the item left your customers scratching their heads.
This is a list to jump start your thinking when you write your next item description. Remember that your customer cannot see the item in person. Don't assume that the qualities of your item are obvious to your customer or that your photos say it all. (I have seen more than one item that I couldn't even figure out what the item WAS!). You might even consider describing your item as if you had no pictures for your customer to look at. Really make them feel like they are right there with your item.
This is not an all inclusive list and some questions may not be appropriate for all items or sellers. This list is just to get you thinking about some of the things your customer might want to know about your fabulous work.
1. What IS it? (It may be totally obvious to you what the item is, but it might not be obvious to your customer).
2. What color is it? (The color on your computer monitor may not be the same as mine).
3. How big is it? (As a buyer I don't want to guess if that painting will fit over my fireplace or if those earrings are going to hang past my shoulders).
4. What is it made from? (What materials and techniques are used?)
5. How do I care for it? (Can I wash and dry that wool sweater?)
6. Who should buy it? or Who should NOT buy it? (Is it appropriate for pregnant women? Children? Pets?)
7. What is it used for? (Is it decorative? Does it have a function? Both?)
8. What does it feel like? (Is that scarf soft to the touch? What's the texture like? Is that necklace very heavy?)
9. How does it work? (Does it slip over my head? Is there a clasp? Do I tie it around my waist?)
10. Why is this one better than the one in the next shop? (What special skills, materials, or ideas do you use that make your item the best?)
11. Do I get everything in the picture? (I see 12 items in your picture, do I get them all? Only one? Does that lovely bauble in the background come with it or is it just for display?)
12. Will it fit me? (When I shop in a brick and mortar shop I might try on 12 things and find only 1 that fits well. I am taking a BIG chance on buying clothes online. Please make it easier for me by offering extensive measurement and sizing information. Don't assume that your customer will know what you mean by "small" or "Large")
13. What if it doesn't fit? (Am I stuck with it? Will you exchange it? Who pays to ship it back?)
14. Is it ready to use? (Is that painting ready to hang? Do I need to frame it first?)
15. How does it arrive? (Is it gift wrapped? Is it ready to ship or is it made to order?)
16. Will I get the EXACT item in the photo? (Is it a stock photo or do I get the exact item?)
17. Is it gonna stink? (Does that vintage item have a funky, musty odor? Does the seller smoke while he creates that item?)
18. How do I know it's "vintage"? (What kind of research did you do to determine how old that item is? Is it marked? Is there a date on it? Are you experienced with vintage and antique items?)
19. What do those fancy terms mean? (Don't take for granted that your customer knows what a cabochon is or what giclee or gocco means.)
20. Can I live without this item? (Chances are your customer can easily live without your items. It's your job to SELL it to them. Let them know why owning this item is so wonderful. Are they gonna feel like a princess with that lovely bracelet? Is that platter not only functional, but makes a wonderful work of art? Is that item the perfect gift for hard to buy for people? Does the item evoke certain emotions? Tell us what's so great about it!)
Hope this was helpful! :)
20 questions YOUR BUYERS are asking!!
Sparklerama says:
Etsy is full of amazing and beautiful things.It would be a shame if your beautiful work didn't sell because your description of the item left your customers scratching their heads.
This is a list to jump start your thinking when you write your next item description. Remember that your customer cannot see the item in person. Don't assume that the qualities of your item are obvious to your customer or that your photos say it all. (I have seen more than one item that I couldn't even figure out what the item WAS!). You might even consider describing your item as if you had no pictures for your customer to look at. Really make them feel like they are right there with your item.
This is not an all inclusive list and some questions may not be appropriate for all items or sellers. This list is just to get you thinking about some of the things your customer might want to know about your fabulous work.
1. What IS it? (It may be totally obvious to you what the item is, but it might not be obvious to your customer).
2. What color is it? (The color on your computer monitor may not be the same as mine).
3. How big is it? (As a buyer I don't want to guess if that painting will fit over my fireplace or if those earrings are going to hang past my shoulders).
4. What is it made from? (What materials and techniques are used?)
5. How do I care for it? (Can I wash and dry that wool sweater?)
6. Who should buy it? or Who should NOT buy it? (Is it appropriate for pregnant women? Children? Pets?)
7. What is it used for? (Is it decorative? Does it have a function? Both?)
8. What does it feel like? (Is that scarf soft to the touch? What's the texture like? Is that necklace very heavy?)
9. How does it work? (Does it slip over my head? Is there a clasp? Do I tie it around my waist?)
10. Why is this one better than the one in the next shop? (What special skills, materials, or ideas do you use that make your item the best?)
11. Do I get everything in the picture? (I see 12 items in your picture, do I get them all? Only one? Does that lovely bauble in the background come with it or is it just for display?)
12. Will it fit me? (When I shop in a brick and mortar shop I might try on 12 things and find only 1 that fits well. I am taking a BIG chance on buying clothes online. Please make it easier for me by offering extensive measurement and sizing information. Don't assume that your customer will know what you mean by "small" or "Large")
13. What if it doesn't fit? (Am I stuck with it? Will you exchange it? Who pays to ship it back?)
14. Is it ready to use? (Is that painting ready to hang? Do I need to frame it first?)
15. How does it arrive? (Is it gift wrapped? Is it ready to ship or is it made to order?)
16. Will I get the EXACT item in the photo? (Is it a stock photo or do I get the exact item?)
17. Is it gonna stink? (Does that vintage item have a funky, musty odor? Does the seller smoke while he creates that item?)
18. How do I know it's "vintage"? (What kind of research did you do to determine how old that item is? Is it marked? Is there a date on it? Are you experienced with vintage and antique items?)
19. What do those fancy terms mean? (Don't take for granted that your customer knows what a cabochon is or what giclee or gocco means.)
20. Can I live without this item? (Chances are your customer can easily live without your items. It's your job to SELL it to them. Let them know why owning this item is so wonderful. Are they gonna feel like a princess with that lovely bracelet? Is that platter not only functional, but makes a wonderful work of art? Is that item the perfect gift for hard to buy for people? Does the item evoke certain emotions? Tell us what's so great about it!)
Hope this was helpful! :)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Promoting Business at Shows
The more shows I do, the more I learn. Well that's a good thing isn't it? It's very important to be able to identify with your clients and adjust to their needs.
The first major thing I've learned is that it's not all about sales. Now maybe for many vendors, it is about the bottom line. For me, it's important that place my business before the public in a variety of avenues. Print and internet advertising are necessary but so is physical presence. And for me, working long hours in my studio, it's a welcome opportunity to have conversation with the public and feel their pulse on visual art. It's at these gatherings that people tell me what their interests them.
Home shows, rural fairs, art shows, studio tours and Christmas Craft shows are all quite unique. At a Christmas show I will basically sell small seasonal items, but also take medium priced pieces that could be enjoyed year round. At an art show, I love to introduce new and creative ideas. The prices tend to be more upper end. At a studio tour it's nice to be able to demonstrate with a project that you're working on, promoting custom work. It's also a great opportunity to promote classes as many people who do artisan tours are creative themselves. Fairs and home shows are good places to show some custom ideas to give people ideas and to plant the seed for a personal project for their home.
Shows are a networking opportunity with other small business owners. What a chance to meet and share ideas with other like minded (and some not so like minded) people. Vendors are mostly there for the length of the show and sometimes if you do a number of shows you might greet them on a regular basis. Get to know them, ask questions, introduce other entrepreneurs.
And most liberating for me, I've learn to relax and enjoy the shows. Sometimes it can be stressful packing and unpacking, especially when your product is glass. But try to enjoy the setting up and each aspect of the show. I personally don't do alot of them however there are show seasons. I found by the time the last show came, I had a good idea of how to load the van and set up the booth. Well, better late than never.
The main purpose for my shows this season was to help people dream of possibilities. I took exhibits that helped them to see what could be done. Pamphlets for custom work and classes always graced the end of the tables along with my business cards. One day I actually ran out - try not to let that happen!
Have you done shows with your artwork or craft? Let me know, I'd love to hear your ideas.
The first major thing I've learned is that it's not all about sales. Now maybe for many vendors, it is about the bottom line. For me, it's important that place my business before the public in a variety of avenues. Print and internet advertising are necessary but so is physical presence. And for me, working long hours in my studio, it's a welcome opportunity to have conversation with the public and feel their pulse on visual art. It's at these gatherings that people tell me what their interests them.
Home shows, rural fairs, art shows, studio tours and Christmas Craft shows are all quite unique. At a Christmas show I will basically sell small seasonal items, but also take medium priced pieces that could be enjoyed year round. At an art show, I love to introduce new and creative ideas. The prices tend to be more upper end. At a studio tour it's nice to be able to demonstrate with a project that you're working on, promoting custom work. It's also a great opportunity to promote classes as many people who do artisan tours are creative themselves. Fairs and home shows are good places to show some custom ideas to give people ideas and to plant the seed for a personal project for their home.
Shows are a networking opportunity with other small business owners. What a chance to meet and share ideas with other like minded (and some not so like minded) people. Vendors are mostly there for the length of the show and sometimes if you do a number of shows you might greet them on a regular basis. Get to know them, ask questions, introduce other entrepreneurs.
And most liberating for me, I've learn to relax and enjoy the shows. Sometimes it can be stressful packing and unpacking, especially when your product is glass. But try to enjoy the setting up and each aspect of the show. I personally don't do alot of them however there are show seasons. I found by the time the last show came, I had a good idea of how to load the van and set up the booth. Well, better late than never.
The main purpose for my shows this season was to help people dream of possibilities. I took exhibits that helped them to see what could be done. Pamphlets for custom work and classes always graced the end of the tables along with my business cards. One day I actually ran out - try not to let that happen!
Have you done shows with your artwork or craft? Let me know, I'd love to hear your ideas.
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