Our Unconventional Life

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Sweetheart Sale

just thought i should let you know :)

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Seventh & Stone... an artist showroom

If you didn't already know, I am a jewelry designer and have been for roughly five years. When I began making jewelry, I learned the basics from a friend of mine and mostly made earrings for myself and relatives using pretty beads from our local bead shop. It wasn't long before I decided to sell my items so I could save up for my first 'real camera'... a DSLR. I participated in a local craft show and opened and Etsy store, but soon after, I decided my work needed something special to make it stand out among the other thousands and thousands of jewelry designers. That's when I began using Lake Superior rocks in the majority of my work.

I soon saved enough money for my camera and then put my art on the back burner. I did a few more art fairs, had my second child, and then we moved out of state. Over this entire time period, I expanded and evolved my skills into what I am today, and I continue to learn new techniques and add to my collection of tools and equipment, . There's always something new I want to try, a new tool that would improve my product, or a class I'd like to take. It really never ends, and you will continue to see my product evolve in the years to come... I can guarantee that. :)

Since moving back to MN and buying my parent's house, I knew at some point I was going to use the commercial space in our basement to open my very own studio/showroom for my jewelry as well as other artists work... I just wasn't sure when. With a huge outpouring of positive feedback and a nice following of supporters, I knew my plan was going to be as successful as I wanted it to be.

I've been saving my pennies over the last year, and I'm happy to report that the renovation has begun. There's still a lot of work to be done, but the rooms are empty and the floor is ready to be resurfaced... something that my husband Scott will be doing next week. We took a trip to the home improvement store (Menards) to price out supplies and found that all of my lighting was on sale... I was extremely happy since my savings is quickly disappearing.

I have a meeting with a friend next week to talk about sign designs, and I think I found a local sign maker (Silver Creek Signworks) to construct it. I've began scouting out other artists that would possibly be interested in showcasing their artwork with me, but that has proven to be harder than I anticipated. All in due time I suppose.

Because my savings is quickly disappearing, I have decided to list several pieces of jewelry on my Facebook page Seventh & Stone. I'm hoping to sell off the remaining inventory from last summer so that I continue to make the necessary improvements to make my showroom impeccable.

I also sell my items at Trail Fitters in Duluth's Fitgers Brewery Complex, so if you're in the area, stop in and see what's there. I would love to get a call from them saying that they need another order. :)

I have a trip planned to Tucson, AZ in February to check out the HUGE gem show they have every year. I'm hoping to find lots of beautiful beads to bring home to add as accents to my designs. It will also be a chance for me to get away, visit family, and relax before coming home and working my butt off.

My projected Grand Opening is Memorial Day weekend. I'm hoping that still gives us plenty of time to get things completed, including LOTS of inventory. As of right now, I'm completely overwhelmed and see no end in sight.

If you are a fine artist and are looking for a place to sell your artwork on consignment, send me an email at seventhandstone@yahoo.com or send me a message on my Facebook page Seventh & Stone.

Also, if you feel so inclined, head over to Seventh & Stone and like my page to stay updated on any new developments. You can also check out my FOR SALE album to see if anything tickles your fancy.

Friday, January 4, 2013

another renovation is in progress

I thought I'd share with you a little bit of the renovation process for my studio/gallery that will be opening this summer. There is still a lot to be done and finding a nice stretch of time for Scott to work on it hasn't been so easy... but a lot of progress has been made.

These first two photos are where my studio will be. I am able to access the shop by heading down our basement stairs and going in through the back door... that is the position I was in when taking this picture. This space used to be a beauty shop that my dad had, and before they left town my dad removed the sinks and the majority of the cupboards. Scott took down all of the existing paneling and barn wood that was covering much of the walls throughout the entire space and anything else that was left behind.

and he managed to get all of the linoleum and carpet out as well. I'm considering a dutch door to separate the studio from the gallery area... we'll see.

The next few photos are taken from inside the gallery space. I haven't quite figured out what the layout will be, but I have quite a bit of space to work with.

White walls, lots of lighting, and a refinished stained/painted cement floor are what I'm envisioning.

It's a bit overwhelming to be designing a space from scratch. I tend to have too many ideas so it'll be challenging to edit them all out and choose what will work out best on my budget.

Scott says that once the floor is done and the walls are painted, things should come together easier. I think we'd better get on that if I'm planning on a Memorial Day weekend grand opening. Yikes!!

**I am looking for a great graphic designer who would be able to help me out with a design for my outdoor sign, business card, and a simple website. Please feel free to leave a comment here or send me an email at seventhandstone@yahoo.com if you know of anyone. thanks!**