JPD Mom

Being Good to Employees

May 17, 2008.

As I ran through my list of things to do for my trip this past week, this children's rhyme ran through my  head:

The Cupboards Were Bare

Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to get her poor doggie a bone.  When she got there, the cupboard was bare, so the poor doggie had none.  If you read here you can see where the song really came from....not what I was actually um thinking but interesting.   Anyway, maybe it is because I have had puppy on the brain, but I think it has more to do with my work environment...working so hard I have um neglected the cupboards.  I was looking for a snack, a soda, a water the other day.....I found an old piece of candy from Christmas.

I filled the cabinets in the break room, or well maybe not totally full (I gotta eat too you know), but stocked them with snacks, drinks and some treats.  I cleaned the office, I got flowers for the table....made it perty.  We moved into this space almost 2 1/2 years ago and I think it needs an update.  I tend to get itchy with decorating my home, gardening, table settings - the same thing every day bores me to tears.  I think when I get back I will spruce up the place a tad.

Small Tokens of My Appreciation

We had no Christmas party in 2007, it was not in the budget, or more honestly we could not pull it off.  The end of the year was tough and well I think have been pretty clear about how 2008 has been.  So I went and got gift cards for everyone - left them a little gift while I am out of town with apparently every other artist in the country.  I am pretty sure life at the ol' JPD office will be just fine without me.

The Ad Was Chosen

I know I posted about this ages ago, but thought you would like to see the one that was chosen.  I think the colors are bright, cheery, hopefully it gets me some business.  The Jungle one we used for the press release, so all in all - I think we used the best art.

I am furiously working on new art for a company we license with....and a few other surprises.  I will keep you posted on how Surtex was, who I saw, any other artists that went....and my over all thoughts, observations and you know any snarky comments I may have.   

Once A Sell Out....Always?

May 13, 2008.

I am not dumb, I am not stupid and I do not run around with my eyes covered refusing to acknowledge design trends.  Sometimes though, I like to sit back and watch and wait to see if it is a fad or just a trend.  Othertimes I realize that if everyone is doing it, maybe I should not.  The fact still remains - I watch trends, whether I act on them or not I get it.

I knew the brown trend was here to stay - I love brown, I have brown all over my home - and with the pastel colors, fabulous for baby.  I love me some brown, I just had no need to add it to my line, and it felt everyone would think , oh there she goes, just like everyone else.   I assumed my work was classic and it was like the canvas art - everyone was already doing it, and doing it well, so why bother?  Until today that is:

Brown is the New Black

Which brings me to a few new designs......designs that were asked of me by others, um maybe more than once.  And, if I am getting paid to paint new designs for people, you better believe I am going to paint the colors they like.  My product is an accesorry, an add-on if you will - so I really should consider taking their suggestions.  A certain person I um, shared a booth with last July also was pushing for this color combination.  Again, I am not dumb - just stubborn.

Not Bucking the Trend

So here is my version of "Pink & Brown", I had to add some butterflies.  I also could not just do polka dots and stripes, not my style or my thing.  Wait, let me rephrase that - I don't draw those things, not my strong point.  Sounded like what my graphic desinger started calling me after she designed our ad last year "Jamie Hates Polka Dots". I don't know what it was, but the polka dots were not working for me.....yet they were for another person.  Anyway - here we are today.

I give you my first sample.  I like the colors, sort of kicking self for not doing this sooner.  However, I have NO idea what the Just Because Plaque should say or if it should be a new Name Plaque?  Thoughts? Advice?  Stuck in a pickle, so to speak.

Second sample with a brown ribbon you can see below.  Again, I can not decide which one to go with.  I always want to try a new ribbon color, however anyone in this industry knows pink sells, and pink sells well.  If pink is the predominating color in a product we know it will sell better than any other color combination.  Even though I continue to try other color combinations from time to time, anything with pink trounces the others.  Thoughts on the brown or pink ribbon

My Art History

When I was in one of my beginning art classes I made a self-discovery at one of our critiques (critiques are common in art classes, where you show the class your piece or work and they pick it apart).  I have found that these critiques (that were nerve wracking at times) have helped me to develop a thick skin when someone does not like my art.

Anyway - what I announced to the class as they were dissecting some piece or work, was I hated to have the art fall off the edge.  I could not stand it over to the side, not centered - made me crazy (can you say I had some control issues? Or have?).  For the rest for the semester I was forced to push my drawings, paintings, anything to edges.  I hated it.

So now that I am the boss of me I hardly never, ever push the art to the sides.  I like it pushed to edges, but not off the edge.  Oh well, now that I am on that I jumped on the brown train, maybe I will attack my "edge" issues.  I am feeling like a sell-out with the brown and pink color combinations for sure....oh well, takes one to know one, right? 

Painting, Working & A Request

March 17, 2008.

I am seriously so behind on blogging and so far removed I am not sure where to begin.  My posts are down, my comments are down, my visitors are down and my readers are waaaay down.   In fact I am not sure anyone is reading this now....anyone?  No, seriously, I have just been super busy on way to many projects.  I am NOT having another pity party for myself, I just may have to admit I have bitten off more than I can chew - and I have a big mouth you know?

Painting New Designs

Maybe if I can get it together I can show you a little of what I have been working on.  It's not that exciting, and I have some more paint stained shirts, but it has been a ton of work:

That is one of like 20 new painting that I am trying to figure out how to put them on....well everything.  Licensing is a full time job in itself, not to forget the other 45 things I do (or make that 78 if you are a mother too - you know what I mean?). 

I am so used to working on ceramics, with lots of white space and no borders.  Licensing opens up so many avenues, possibilities and options it is, at times very overwhelming, oh and they loooove borders.  This past week it took up all of my time at the office - only to find out after a consulting meeting I needed to do more. 

Yep - more.  Well - more work is good, it is a must and I like to know how to do things perfect, or close to perfect.   I hate coming to the game (meeting) unprepared, unsophisticated and looking like a total hack.  I swear by the quote.,"You only get one chance to make a first impression."

So, since I am in a blogging sort of um vortex, and totally busy with other projects, I am hoping to help some other entrepreneurs out there, I got this email a few weeks ago and I apologize to Rina for not posting it sooner:

An ABC Exhibitor Requ

Dear Jamie,

I've enjoyed reading your blog and your insights on the ABC Kids Expo.  I am a new business owner and I am still in the manufacturing process of my product.  My product is a handy clip that keeps a blanket or stuffed animal from falling from a stroller. 

I will be a first time exhibitor this year at the ABC Kids Expo.   I am new to the children's industry and am looking to find someone to share a booth with.   I believe that sharing a booth with help defray costs, since I only have a single product.

If you know anyone interested, please have them contact me directly.  Again, thank you for helping a total stranger!

Rina Yano

Serial Entrepreneur

So, not wanting to just put somebody's information out there without know anything about them, I googled Rina (I am still amazed when I meet people that don't know how or refuse to use a search engine to find out information).  It really is an invaluable took for a small business owner, especially if you work alone or you want information fast.

So as I was saying - I found Rina and she is a successful entrepreneur already - her and her sister started a company called Omma Yoga, they create stylish, yet functional yoga bags.  Being the yoga novice (um, actually read totally ignorant, never did it but EVERYONE says I should) I had no idea what this product was.  After closer inspection they seem to really be on to something, it is a great looking bag they have designed that all of your yoga (or Pilates) stuff (again, I have no idea what that would be).  See how that google thing worked out, took two seconds and I have a plethora (love that word for some reason) of information.

If anyone is interested in sharing a booth with Rina, or speaking with her please feel free to comment on the blog (you know how I love that!) or send me a direct email and I will forward your information on to Rina.

Searching the Internet

The funny thing about this 'request' is that The ABC Kids Expo is one of the most frequent searches for people finding my blog.  I have not even attended in 3 years, yet my recent posts last year show up soon after the actual ABC Kids Expo site. The second most frequent search is my post on "What Happens in the Garage Stays in the Garage", just in case you wondered - and here is that post. 

That's all folks....I swear I have a Saint Patrick's Day post for tomorrow, or tonight, um okay give me till Tuesday and I will post on Wednesday, I promise.  I hear they might revoke my ol' blogger badge (that I have been wearing so proudly for two years) if I don't post more frequent, and relevant, and more pictures, and links...and how I need to update my flickr.....better yet if you have any more questions I am happy to answer them, Wednesday, yes I will get to them Thursday, or Friday? 

 

Art for Art Sake

March 3, 2008.

Um, Top 'O' The morning to you, Erinn Go Brach, Don't touch my lucky charms.....Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  Yes we are all enjoying some corn beef and cabbage and some potatoes over here.  It is March! March is here and we are knee deep in Leprechaun Traps, four leaf clovers and lucky for me the kids are too young to know what green beer is.  And, yes Abby and I did us some painting this weekend.....

Painting for the Irish

I did an anchor man for the blog and a stress monster, but that is it.  How sad is that?  2 drawings in 4 months just for fun?  I started to realize, I never just paint to create, just for me.  I never, ever just paint what I feel like painting.  I don't know if I lost that desire, or I just don't have the time like I used to.  I usually paint due to deadlines, exclusive designs, new products that customers have asked for or a bedding designer needs something to compliment their products.  Last July I created 20 or so new Christmas designs because our line of products was so limiting, and did not have a lot of diversity....this was lots of research, and lots of painting.  I enjoyed doing it - but it was to sell the ornaments, not to just make art for me.

I think somewhere between 2002 and today I lost the ability to just paint for the heck of it - just for fun.  I never ever draw for fun, I never sketch for fun, I never paint for fun.  I doodle with my daughter, I show her how to draw things, I give examples, I sketch....I do not create.

I Am A Sell Out

Years ago, when I was in college (okay not that long ago but I did graduate in '93) the mantra of the SJSU Art Department was something like this:

• Don't go work for the man
• Do not ever do what the industry wants you to do
• If doing an installation, do it naked
• Come out of the closet some artistic creative way
• Never be a sell-out

Now, dont' get all upset with me, these were not the rules, they were unspoken but Iwas not the  most popular girl in the art department.  I did not color my hair purple, I did not have a nose ring, I did not wear black leather and I uh, did not fit in.  We are talking the start of grunge, the heart of Silicon Valley - before the dot com boom.  I hate to say it, I always knew I would sell-out.

I liked cartoons, I liked animation, I enjoyed cutesy (not a real word, I know) characters.  I majored in Computer Art but I focused my time on cartoons, t-shirt designs and posters.  I used "bubble letters" for every "project".  Not sure if other art departments across the country were so dark, goth and non-conforming as mine was, but I am guessing they were. 

The Children's Industry

I love this industry, I do love creating art for children's rooms.  I create art though, I do not create themes.  I know my strengths and weaknesses.  I create accessories, add-on's, nice to haves - I compliment the popular bedding styles of the day.  I mean who would have thought 5 years ago Pirates would have been popular? 

Sometimes I create themes, tile designs that I think will sell, sometimes I am right.  Other times I am wrong.  I now (only took 5 years) know what my job is - to make accessories to help accessories a child's room.  I love my job, no really I do.  But I am not going to cure any diseases, I am not going to re-energize some long lost over-looked design.  I sort of go with the "there are no original ideas" theory on this one.  Whether I change the industry or not, I know that until I get to design bedding and wall paper (no I am NOT doing that....yet) I just have to go with what is popular.

When I started a popular store told me to "NEVER, EVER do Dinosaurs, because they are so 1980's".  Yes....well, I did "dinosaurs" a couple of years ago and our Name Plaque and Just Because Plaque are both best sellers....thank you very much.  Sometimes I do choose to buck the trend, but for the most part I just do as I am told and I follow the lead of my large accounts.

Just Paint

So, yesterday I got to paint just to paint.  The blogs header is just for fun, it is just for me - I will not use it again, wait I may use it  again - don't quote me.  I designed the cute little guy, I actually got to paint a rainbow, I have not painted one of those since 4th grade - I LOVE rainbows!  No one told me what the new "hot" theme was, no one demanded I do a <in the blank> product.  I just got to paint, with my daughter - just paint.  She painted a birthday card for her Papa - I painted St. Patrick's day art.

I have been reading many a blog for about two years.  At first I laughed at all the "art for art sake" and the old "just create" days.  I mean, I am not able to dilly dally with my acrylics on a Wednesday and bake a cake, sew a skirt, plants some flowers and um well fool around.  Don't get me wrong, I love these blogs and I wish I could just paint somedays.  So, I digress - it was nice yesterday, even it was only for a couple of hours to just paint to paint.  I hope you enjoy my little March Madness header....because you know in about two weeks I'm going to have to switch to Easter.  I know, I know I have a real problem, I am working on it. 

Licensed Artwork by Jamie R. Lentzner

February 29, 2008.

It's Official

Well, well, well - it really is not a big deal at all, but I am excited.  I was told back in December two of my licensed designs would be available at a large department store the first week of February.  I am lucky because we have one store about 20 minutes from my home.  I don't have a problem or anything.I mean I only went to the store once like the end of January......I mean twice, okay four times tops, if you count the first three weeks of February.  And, I may have um, sort of asked some family members, friends and anyone that had one of these stores in their vicinity to go look and see if they saw my products.  I finally saw them (on my fifth trip maybe?) at the store.  I am not proud of it - but it true, I have been sort of stalking this store just so I could touch and see , my "licensed products".  For whatever reason it was not real until I saw them at the store - until I touched them and got to see my signature in the corner.  I will now be able to add Licensed Artist to my long list of things I am (it will be number 47, right after Martha Stewart wanna-be)

It is Different

Licensing artwork is different than producing products, manufacturing them and selling them to stores (and a lot less work ).  I actually license my artwork to companies that then give me a percentage of any products they sell with my "images" on their products.  This has been a goal of mine for 2007, and more importantly for 2008.

So, I sort of kind of need to eat my words - no it is okay, I am doing it gladly.  Not sure if anyone recalls my rant, well it was more than one, it was a number of posts about  success (or not) regarding  the Atlanta Gift Show.  I went on and on about how bad it was, how I did not do well, blah blah blah.  I must say months later, looking back at the experience - I only focused on the negative. 

Something positive did happen, I did get something good.  A company approached me about licensing my artwork for their wood plaques.  I did a few designs....and they pretty much sucked (no it's okay, they did), and then I did some more - and well, two (that did not suck) sold to a store.  They are now available to the public at this specific store - only these two designs.  I have worked on more, we will see what happens - I am optimistic (now I am).

It just goes to show you that you can not judge something right after the fact - you (me) needs sometime to let it settle, chew on it and wait and see the outcome.  This is just the start - not a huge deal, but a start none the less - I am finding this "owning your own business thing" is about the long haul, baby steps.  I am still not going to spend all that $$$ and exhibit - but I am thankful I got something good....something really good from the show. 

Your First Time

Oh my first time, I remember it so well.  My palms were sweaty, my heart was beating rapidly.   I held my breathe as I walked into a store looking around, but trying not to be to obvious.  There they were I finally saw my ceramic birth certificates hanging on the wall, and in the cabinets.  It was pretty amazing, it was humbling, I loved it. 

One time it even happened by accident, my husband and I were on vacation and we found a store that had my products - I knew there was one in the city, just not where.  I still remember every store's name, every website and every catalog - not best use of my brain, and I am not sure of the city every time - but I know the store name.

We were walking around downtown Napa and happen to find the store.  So, anyway I walk in, see my stuff and I am all giddy (yes geeked up for sure) and I tell the woman working that I am the artist that makes the ceramic art she has.  The woman was busy folding blankets, she looked up from what she was doing and then she grunted at me.  To my husband's credit he did rush me out and take me to a nice romantic lunch (with drinks).....I mean she grunted, she actually grunted at me.

Put it in Perspective

Looking back now, over a year and a 1/2 later the fact that she grunted is pretty funny.  Anyone who makes anything, or creates art - it is just cool to see it for sale.  It is not that I am a legend in my own mind, I just enjoy seeing my products for sale. I guess I can not be too impressed with myself when someone who sells my products grunts at me.  It isn't a big deal, it is just what I do, and to quote Popeye, "I am what I am."

Oh Etsy, Etsy, Etsy....Ah, Ah, Achoo!

February 20, 2008.

So....if you have noticed my posts have been, um a tad bit "lacking" and not as frequent as they used to be.  What you did not notice?  You did not wonder what happened to me?  Well, if you are interested, hold on uhum, uhuuum (clearing throat), "I AM STILL FRICKING SICK!"

That is right two weeks and three days after attending the infamous Crab Feed with many a friend, many a dancing and many a (um maybe just two) margaritas I am officially still coughing, sneezing, blowing my nose, coughing fits, blowing nose, more sneezing...and lots of whining, and a double ear infection.  I went back to the doctor today (with another $35.0 co-pay thank you very much) to have them finally give me some antibiotics:

I am Watching You Etsy....Now

I think I have mentioned before that I had sort of ignored Etsy, not given it much thought, then one Sunday morning I woke up to a fire storm of emails that had my heart racing and my fingers a typin'.  Etsy was brought up in the frenzy, so I started to poke around Etsy, and quick like and I kept on poking, and listening to what others had to say about Etsy.

From my very technically sophisticated research, or you can read: me on Etsy for two hours this morning waiting for a doctor's appointment....I found the following out:

• Etsy let's your customers list you as a "favorite" (now this time not me doing air quotes, my on line friend who has been very successful on Etsy, gave me some information), and this helps with your listings and your standings.  Etsy shoppers are like Ebay Shoppers, they are loyal and they shop all the time.
• Etsy is a community of crafters and artisans that seem to loathe (watch the video) Wal Mart and products not handmade.  They make everything themselves (though this is open to interpretation).
• Etsy is international and products can be sold to people in countries all over the world.
• Etsy's sellers charge about $2.00 to $5.00 for shipping ANY WHERE in the country - GAH!
• Etsy uses PayPal and takes a percentage of every sale, as does Etsy - it works out to only about 2-2.5% per sale for the two companies, combined.
• Etsy does not follow up on copyrights (oops how did THAT one get in here?)     
• I am actually considering using Etsy....there I said it, I might.

Let me dissect and explain every "bullet point" for you.....um kay?

Etsy All Naked and Exposed (well gosh, we hope not literally naked)

• Etsy seems to have figured how to get customers to an international Craft Bazaar if you will.  They use key words, RSS feeds, blog rings and get a ton of visitors, buyers and sellers.  The place has tons of original product, beautiful artwork, jewelry and looks like some very creative people.
• Why I wonder are they so angry and hateful of big box stores?  I mean I am not a fan of Wal Mart (really can't stand the store), but I don't have to bad talk it every chance I get.  Why be a hater?  Can't you just make your nice little drink cozy or knitted pot holder and be happy?  I am a sometimes closet crafter and I am an artist, but I don't despise either sector.
• Okay NOT a fan of shipping over seas - it costs me roughly $20.00 to ship to Alaska and Hawaii, must I ship to Italy for $46.00? I found almost all artisans charging $3.00 or $5.00 for shipping - who do they use?  Pigeons?
• The post office was $6.75 for the coasters I shipped, Fed Ex is $10.95, and don't even get me started on my UPS charges.  Who makes money on shipping when they charge $3.00?  The customer saves, this is good - but those of us that have overhead costs like rent, employees, insurance - I personally can not afford to lose $8.95 on shipping.
• Not a fan of Pay Pal myself - but I guess I could use it.  The fact that they take such a small percentage is great, and seemed like a good deal.  Then I noticed you pay a fee to post every new product - not a big fee at all, but a fee.  I found artisans on some blogs a bit peeved at the fee they were charged, claiming Etsy did nothing.  I just had to laugh out loud - come on they host the site, they advertise, they get publicity, they drive traffic to your site, they process the order, blah, blah, blah.
• I happen to know they do not follow up on copy rights when you send them a nice email that someone is copying you.  Oh wait, they do but you must jump through 14 hoops, send 32 emails and prove to them beyond a reasonable doubt that it is your design before they will pounce on someone.  Then they have the gall to suggest you contact the artist direct - okay?  This would not be such a big deal had they not um stood behind copyrights, and had it all over the site....Psst, the one on the right is the real one, the left - copy cat lady on Etsy.

   

• The ceramic community I call "my industry or my peeps" is all up in arms, and Etsy has some serious offenders(um look at the photos).  They are a very, very close rip-off of our designs that are copyrighted.   I wish they would be a bit harder on these culprits - yes, they are the few and far between - but still frustrating.

Could You Etsy?

Don't shoot the messenger, I have a line of products that does not kill it, really I don't give it any attention.  I would call it my red headed step-child, but um I have a red head at home, and she may read this some day.  The pet line started two years ago, Posh Pet Gifts by Jamie has never done much in revenue.  We were even featured on The Ellen DeGenneres Show late last year - and to use my favorite word, this division is not making a bunch of money.  So, I figure what do I have to lose if I post the pet products?

I think the traffic is good, I think the "concept" (somebody STOP me before I hurt myself with these air quotes, I am getting a cramp in my right pinkie) is great, and some success stories are hard to ignore.  I do not have the time or energy to focus on Pet websites and stores, really I have to draw the line somewhere.  I want the pet line to succeed, I really do and I feel like it may succeed in this venue. 

I am thinking that I can approach it like an experiment, and post on it (well duh) to let you know how I am doing.  I am very curious to get in there and really embrace the community, like I stated earlier there seems to be some great things going on there....minus the copyrights, ripping of Walt Disney and the uh $3.00 shipping charges.

A New Copy Cat On The Fence

Which, brings me to a real "gem" of a find I found today.  I found someone using my artwork, I did, I did.  It was not actually on Etsy, it was on her (you knew it was a her) site that was linked directly to Etsy.  She took one of my copyrighted pieces (from 2004 none the less) and put it on a light switch thingie plate. 

She even listed it as "new products" - come on now, be smart and list it as old from 2003 if you want to copy me!  She even had the gall to do my lines I use - you know dot, line, dot, dot line thing...my signature, she did do it.  I would not be so concerned, well ya I would, but I would not be so ready to send a letter had she not listed her sales channels on the site...um 5 of them that I am on, and I am ALL over these sites.  Gee, wonder where she got the idea?

So readers I would love, love, love (willing to pay even) for some advice, thoughts? Comments?  Etsy good or Etsy bad?  And go ahead, you can tell me if I am crazy and that carriage does not look a thing like mine.....really, I swear I will listen.  Right after I finish painting light switch covers, I am almost finished with them....

I am still not sure about Etsy, I do know I am very intrigued by it and would love some feed back from others that used it, liked it, hated it - any information.  I only have so much free time to poke around on these sites, and this one has me scratching my head and saying....maybe I could join this site, it could be a good thing.

 

Lack of Communication

February 11, 2008.

I am sort of in a blogging tunnel, or I am blocked on blogging, or for black of better word (oooh too many B's)....I am bummed 'bout not blogging.  I don't know when it exactly happened, somewhere between yet another blog with no comments and my fall on the ground coughing fit...ya that must of been when it happened, I got seriously down on the blog.

I either made the mistake or had my eyes opened by reading other blogs, lots of other blogs that is, and that got me more down.  Maybe it was blog envy......well no, I know it was not that - having read one more "look at my cute kids cupcake" post I might just choke on the damn cupcake - no really your photos are amazing but GAH, I can not handle the saccharine.  So, um forgive me while I digress - it's comment envy, really it is.  Some blogs get 72 comments when they post - I am trying to figure out why.

The Girl Can't Help It 

Not to worry, I am sure I can pull myself up by my very lady like bootstraps and come up with something worth reading again soon....I have been over concerned that the blog was becoming too polarized and too "industry specific".  So that got me thinking, and I started toying with the idea with more "real life experiences" and show you the day in my life, but that is not a pretty picture people. 

So, as I was doing much research and I about fell off my chair reading about potty-training, eating chocolate, husband troubles, craft Tuesday.....too much for this girl to add to her blog, I think that is when I started whimpering and mumbling and my husband pulled me away from the computer for a few days of R & R.  I have been toying with a few hot topic and a polling device, that way you can give your opinion without you know, letting me know who you are.

So, just so you did not think I totally lost it - just so you can see what I have been up to: Back in the beginning of January Darin and I well, we split up.  NO, no not like that - we finally after 13+ years of sharing an office space, we separated our space.   I got a pretty studio to paint in with light green walls and my collection of urns and roses.....he got the extra room in the back of the house.  He did get the couch, the TV and stapler (damn I need the stapler) but I think I got the better deal. 

New Work Space

The first few weeks of January were a lot of us stomping (well mostly me stomping) down the hall to give back or re-claim items from each other's "new work space".  I was real sad at first - missed him, and kept yelling down the hall when I worked at home to see if he was okay.  Now, a month later - I am lovin' my new space!  I can spread out, I can have Abby in here to paint with me, I can email, blog, paint and do my make up all at the same time......well I could you know!

The New Studio

It really is quite girly, with the green and brown walls.  Yes I did go out and buy fresh flowers, and as my husband said, "that was necessary" - no it was not, but it looks purty.

The room is still this clean, and I have tried to not mess up the pretty painting table, but I have been putting it to some good use.  I have been painting for some exclusive designs I am working on for some companies, and I have been working on some new projects.  I will keep you posted - I have been dying to show you show you some products in a particular store....

The dresser to the right is one of my favorite projects, it was free.  I painted it green, then white then I sanded the heck out of it.  I got the new handles on it and it is by far one of my favorite pieces in the house.......and it stores tons of my crap...I mean art supplies.

Moving On Up

So, that is where I have been....literally and my frame of mind.  I apologize for skipping out and not telling you where I went (my mother would lead me to believe that is just rude, and she is right).  I did not plan on going on a "blogging vacation" or a "sabbatical from blogging" I just got bogged down on blogging.  But I am back.... I swear, I am listening to some Fergie...sorry! 

Where in the world is Wald....Jamie?

Okay, so I have not been blogging and I have actually been at home or holed up in my office - painting and researching new products.  Instead of taking a sabbatical from blogging I am going to let you see what I have been working on.  I have been painting my "you know what off", see the new Birth Plate to the left there (hint, pst there is one right there).  I kind of like him...or her!

I have been working on some new door hangers, new ornaments, new name plaques, new products.....um, painting new tile ideas.  Even a new product that I am so exicted about I can not stand it - it should be great, the "frame work" is all set to go....

I have been painting my fingers to the bone and I am pooped.  I need to get all this done by the time our ad drops for the Atlanta Gift Show, which we will be attending July 13-18.  The ad is supposed to be dropping last week of May and hitting buyers first week of June.  If, ah you can do the math that leaves me very little time for the last 8 paintings I need to do....by tomorrow!

Here is a quick gander at my little penguin.  I have wanted to do a penguin ornament for quite a while.  Last year we got so caught up doing exclusives for other companies that we (me) had no time to paint more than like 4 new ornaments....that is why I have been painting, and painting and painting.

So, should be done soon and then I will post my normal, cranky, amusing, sarcastic, voyeuristic view of my crazy life!

Organization+Throw Away = Inspiration

IMG_0653
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

So...this is my latest "project" at home. Our garage, became my studio for the company, then it went back to being a garage, now it's a play room. I took control over the garage for....um, my kid's sake. To be honest, they love to play out there. Most of the big bulky LOUD toys are out in the garage, and during the winter I am willing to let them (gulp) throw balls around the garage.

Then I got this brilliant idea from Pottery Barn Kids.....they had these old fashioned candy jars with toys in them in their latest catalog. I thought to myself:

a. I know I can buy those at Target
b. Why not put arts and crafts in those candy containers?
c. Husband is out of town on business....
d. If I can't find the cute containers I will just throw the craft supplies away (this would have been hard for me to do)

Our problem is I am so organized no one can actually see what they are looking for. I had all the art and craft supplies in bins, in drawers, and in cupboards....and they were never used. No one could find them, no one knew what we had.  I know I have a problem...I am just not ready to admit it out loud.

So, I have been organizing and dividing...and throwing stuff away. My children have been in the garage every day since the big 'Craft Organization Separation Put-in Jars' night. We even had friends over last night to make Easter Egg Bunny Rabbits...with all of our un-used craft supplies.  Now they can see what we have and they can bug me to get it down....

Don't know why, or how but this one act has brought me some inspiration, and some changes:

• Started planning our booth for our next trade show (July Atlanta Gift Mart)
• Finished a new painting for distribution or submission
• Ordered 3 amazing marketing books
• Found two new possible ceramic items to add to our product line
• After interviewing Independent Sales Reps need to send out an email with job offer
• Figured out a way to let everyone in the office recognize a special order with customer requests or changes
• Started actually thinking of new Christmas Products and Ideas (oh gosh, that is not right!)

I don't know why when I focus on something other than the business, it always sparks great creative ideas, and inspirations.  I do know yesterday I had to pull myself away from my painting to get the kids from school and sitter.  Making a mess is fun....creating stuff is fun....getting organized and cleaning up the clutter....is productive, for me. 

My Little Duck Distraction

IMG_0585
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

I have three ducks, male ducks to be exact, that come by my office for a little bite, or a snack. They visited us last Spring also. Not sure where the girl ducks are (I don't ask) but they come every day to visit.

They quack when they see me drive up, they circle around the door when I am there. They even rap the door with their beaks when they are irritated with me for not feeding them quick enough. Oh....and they leave the nicest 'droppings' for me right in front of the front door.

I look forward to them coming by in the morning...they even take naps after their snack time with me, under a tree right near my office. I get to run from place to place and they take nice little naps...the ducks are a nice little distraction when you don't want to work.

Maybe it's spring fever, maybe it's a real fever, but I find myself easily distracted these days at the office. I am at 4 1/2 years in business....and it is seriously starting to wear on me.

Now, don't worry I am not becoming Debbie Downer, however I am starting to wonder what can I do next? What should I do next? What do I want to do next?  I literally can visualize Anthony Michael Hall from the Breakfast Club with a pen clipped to his lip mumbling, "Who am I?  Who am I?  I'm Wally the Walrus...." I love that movie!!

Burn out hits every January, I have come to expect it. March? Still burnt out at the end of March? Maybe it is not burnt out so much as easily distracted......it's like I have senoritis (remember that? it was like your given right to cut school and go to the beach or prom dress shopping....or drink beer at the tanks, oh sorry that was MY senior year) Or it could be that my daughter is nearing the end of nursery school, I had to refinance the house to pay for two sets of summer camp for the kids.....and the weather here is gorgeous, maybe I just want a vacation.

Well, at least we are doing an 'upgrade' to our web sites, that ought to cheer me up. Something new and shiny (preferably diamonds, but this will have to do) always makes me happy. Don't get me wrong, I am not unhappy....just not sure what to do next...

There was a song that was out when I was pregnant with my son ('99) and it was about a bar closing and drunks going home with someone....but it resonated with me, uh maybe because I was not drinking and an emotional basket case, NO, NO it was this lyric....

Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end....

Use Your Imagination....Get Creative

IMG_0613
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

Grant and Abby made a Leprachaun Trap, but did not catch one, whew that is all I need is Leprachaun to take care of! Anyone with children in school know that Leprachauns can cause havoc on the classroom.....That little bugger made a mess of my family room and boy were the kids excited. He was a creative little leprachaun leaving green foot prints all over the place....and um THOSE were tough to clean up!

I love my children's creativity and their ability to use there imaginations. Without any outside influences it is amazing how creative you can be....When you are not afraid of what others will think, or the "Ya but...." questions, it is amazing what you can accomplish:

Which made me think of some challenges I have faced and I see others face, running a business:

The Band Aid
Do you ever have a problem that you just keep adjusting and making small adjustments to? Not addressing the problem and finding a solution? In a sense you just keep adding more band aids....

This was me after our first year in business, painting all tiles and cooking them in my oven. I was even ready to put an oven in my garage, add more artists, farm out work, babysitter...leave more time for me to paint, but I could not grow the business.  My husband is the one who found out a way for us to press the art into the tile....and I did NOT believe it would work. We spent an entire year researching and preparing for the change, before finally jumping on the band wagon and changing our process.

I was scared and I was convinced our channels would balk at the new products, even sending samples to our largest channels. Well, you all know how THAT worked out.....

I took a risk, I had to or my company could never have grown to what it is today. It was honestly sink or swim....I ripped off the band aids and started new, problem solved.

My Way of the Highway
Being an entrepreneur (and a mom for that matter) I have had this philosophy one um, time or another...okay three times tops!!!  Being the entrepreneur this is an easy thought process, you have been the one from the begining you way SHOULD be the best....but sometimes you get so deep in the minutia of running it you lose track of what is really important.

I especially had this philosophy when we were processing orders...I was convinced we did not need a system (December of 2005 proved me wrong) for processing our orders. With upwards of 100 different themes for five different products my system (chicken scratchings on binder paper....stop laughing!) was not working. So, we had meetings we discussed....I thought NO way would we change..it could not be done...it should not be done.

I finally just threw my arms in the air and said fine....(or my husband pulled me aside and said do you want to paint designs or do you want to run the company?)....not um sure which happened. But we started processing using Excel, SKU's, specific product names....again you heard the story.

I now have a office that runs itself.  I no longer have to manage the processing of orders, the making of shipping labels, the shipping of orders, the ribbon purchasing, the purchasing of tiles, I have fabulous employees to do this!  I get to do...other things.

As the business owner you HAVE to make the tough decisions, even when they are not popular. When a problem keeps coming back and coming back and coming back....you need to find a solution. I would think your goal would to succeed....and grow, and with growth comes change, it just has to. You are going to see your competition start to take over your space if you don't.

If you aren't willing to make changes, or grow you don't have a business....you have a hobby.

What do you want to be?

IMG_0434
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

February 7, 2007.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

"....an Entrepreneur."

Uh, what honey?  What did you say?

Well, I am pretty sure that was not what I said all those years ago, however it is what I am.

I have a really hard time filling out those questionnaires to 'define' what it is I do: Artist? yep Designer? ya  Manager?  uh huh Home Maker? sometimes Mother?  all the time Wife? yeeess Business Owner? absolutely Wholesale Business? check Manufacturer? mmm do that too  Arts? yesirrree Children's Industry? ya Pet Industry? okay sort of

AHHHHHHHH!! Too many answers, not enough space for my answer.

I read this book earlier this year , "How to Start a Creative Manufacturing Business" by Pamela Barsky (http://www.pamelabarsky.com/books.php?). It really put everything into perspective for me, and I so wish I had found this book, one, two, three, even four years ago. It would have saved a lot of head aches for me. The quote to describe her book, "it is the toughest job you'll ever love..." ya that is it. Anyone that reads this blog that wants to start her own business or his making things - it is a must read!

Today was NOT the mostest, bestest day by far, we had a few snags to say the least. Thank God, not all were our snags - some were just life, some were other people, and some were two people I work with (yes two) getting called to jury duty.....

• Three tiles need to be re-done
• We ran out wheels, screws and brown suede, oh and stamps and paper towels
• Kitting, gift wrap and gift cards were not done before shipping started
• UPS and Fed Ex had not yet come when I left the office
• A company kept me on hold for 22 minutes regarding a lost order (they lost the order)
• I spilled hot pink paint on the carpet in my office (um yes we rent)
• My daughter uttered a word I can NOT repeat here while playing her brothers gameboy
• Snafu with flight to trade show that I thought was cancelled

However, while driving home today my daughter stated out of the blue (minus the profanity used earlier in the day), "Mommy when I grow up I want to be an artist, like you.  That way I can work with you and help you make things"

Ahhh...to be 4 1/2 again, and the fact that she wants to spend time even work with her mother, "Don't cha just LOVE it?"  Things aren't so bad after all.

An artist? Really?

September 20, 2006.

Main Entry: art·ist
Pronunciation: 'är-tist
Function: noun
1 a obsolete : one skilled or versed in learned arts b archaic : PHYSICIAN c archaic : ARTISAN 1
2 a : one who professes and practices an imaginative art b : a person skilled in one of the fine arts
3 : a skilled performer; especially : ARTISTE
4 : one who is adept at something <con artist> <strikeout artist>

Okay truth be told this is one of my biggest pet peeves.  Uh, notice the definition from Websters' Dictionary.........it says skilled.  Skilled to me means you have a degree!  Or, have taken some college courses eh?  A 2 week course maybe?

Considering that I went to school, got the degree I consider (as many others do too) myself an artist.  However, many er I say 'women or moms' that are crafters or crafty or not, call themselves artists.  I like to decorate, I have been complimented many times on my skills on decorating my home.....yet I do NOT consider myself an interior decorator.

In my industry this 'term artist' seems to be thrown around quite a bit.  It makes me crazy, really it does.  So I recommend if you claim to be something - be it, own it, live it, or by all means fake it so we do not know (and we always know)  that you are faking it.

And secondly, own something unique, try and make it your own.  Do not just rip off what an other artist/entrepreneur has already done.  I swear, this happens time and time again.  When starting a business do you want to be known as a fake or a copy cat? 

Okay, I got that off my chest, now my husband will not have to hear me pontificate tonight about it.....I may complain about something else though ;).