Planning the Way to My Success | Finding the Perfect Day Planner

This post started out as a way for me to share my frustration obsession with finding the perfect day planner. You see, I created a draft of this post a week or so ago, but never finished it. In the meantime, I not only designed my perfect planner, but found out it would be expensive to print and that Whitney English had already pretty much designed the perfect planner for me. So, yesterday I ordered my 2015 Day Designer from Whitney English's Etsy shop and printed out the free daily planner page she offers on her website so I could get up to speed by the time it arrives. Of course, the dates don't start until January 2015, but that won't stop me from writing in all the important stuff and getting my plans on paper.

For those of you who aren't big into planning or prefer to do it digitally, the big fuss over finding the perfect planner probably seems quite trivial. But for someone like me who has carried a planner for as long as I can remember, it's a big freaking deal. I need to know what is going on every minute of my day and what I have to accomplish, but more importantly I have discovered I need to be able to better plan, or as Whitney English says, design my day.

This is the daily planner page I designed for myself. I added the Social Media box because I have a bad habit of forgetting to write or post my blog posts and other social media updates. The Day Designer doesn't have this, but I think I found a workaround.

And this is the awesome Day Designer free daily planner page I downloaded. The actual planner I ordered will have all the dates filled in and it has a super fabulous floral cover {see below}.

This is the Day Designer cover I chose. Isn't it perfect for me?!

I'll be sharing more about my adventures with the new planner after it arrives, you can count on that. Sometimes I wonder how I manage two established businesses- ALM Photo and Sassy Glass Studio; my creative business mentoring biz; a household complete with a dog, a parrot, six cats and my mom; being co-chair of Fantasy of Trees; being Captain of the Knoxville Creative Hands Street Team; being a wife and friend, teaching fused glass classes and all about social media; and a lover of fitness and biking. I know it's a lot, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Here's my question for you: How do you manage your time and life? How do you create balance between your business/work and personal time? Share with a comment below or tweet me @AllThingsSassy. I'd love to have your suggestions!

Oh and be sure to pop over to the Pinterest board I created to document this planner adventure! I've been pinning some fun accessories and printables that may come in handy as I plan 2015 and beyond!

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ON A SIDE NOTE:
Now is the time to sign up for Fused Glass Classes! The weather is perfect to work in the studio and open the doors to cooler temperatures and the sounds of the birds. Click the links to find out more information on Beginner Fused Glass Class and Intermediate Fused Glass Class!

Mini Classes are here! Give the gift of handmade this holiday season and make your own fused glass goodness! The Holiday Ornament Class has three different ornaments you can choose to create and the Jewelry Class offers your choice of four pieces such as pendants, earrings or rings. Limited spaces, so don't wait to sign up!

Classes are all four hours so you can even schedule them in the early evening during the week. Pack your dinner before work or grab some fast food before class. The first hour or more is class time so you can have a snack or dinner while you learn!

Now booking speaking engagements! I am available to speak to your small or creative business group on the topics of social media and turning your passion into a successful business. Contact me for details on these topics, cost and scheduling.

Creative business mentoring is available one-on-one and in small groups. I will work with you to overcome obstacles, help guide you to reach your small/creative business goals and lead you to success. Let me show you how to unleash your inner superhero!

______________________________________

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What's New at Sassy Glass Studio?

As you know I am not just a fused glass artist and instructor. I am also a photographer working with my husband, Allan, at ALM Photo and over the last few months I have been working on the launch of my creative business mentor program {more on this in an upcoming blog post!}. Just recently I began my first semester as a business coach at University of Tennessee for the BA353 class.

I have one section of students that I will coach as they progress through a business simulation game. The game allows them to start and run a business for eight quarters and they make tactical decisions, present their business plan to investors and try to remain profitable along the way. 

Even though I am only into the fourth week of class, I am loving it. As a newbie business coach, I also have to play the simulation a few quarters ahead so I know what the students face as they move through the simulation. The students form teams of five students, but I am a team of one. It's a challenge for sure! My organizational and motivational skills are getting a workout both in and out of class!

But that is not the only super awesome thing that is going on over at Sassy Glass Studio.

What else is going on? 

Over the last few weeks I haven't had much time to work in the glass {no surprise, right?} so I will be spending more time creating new pieces for the holiday season starting next week. If you have been waiting to place an order for a custom creation, don't wait too long! Also, this is the best time of year to take a fused glass class. The weather is getting cooler and you can give your class projects as gifts.

Don't forget about the Fused Glass Jewelry and Holiday Ornament Classes! Space is limited!

Even though my time has been limited in the glass studio, I have created some new pieces. Take a peek below and be sure to drop by the Market Square Farmers' Market on Saturdays or visit the Etsy shop to see all the fused glass goodness.

Here are a few new pieces that came out of the kiln this week...

A bowlful of Fusography pieces that will soon be pendants!

A rainbow of future mustache pendants

Turquoise Coral Collection votive holder

Green Coral Collection votive holder/ring or trinket holder

Teal Coral Collection business card/eyeglass holder

White Coral Collection bowl

Green and purple bubbly soap dish

ON A SIDE NOTE:
Now is the time to sign up for Fused Glass Classes! The weather is perfect to work in the studio and open the doors to cooler temperatures and the sounds of the birds. Click the links to find out more information on Beginner Fused Glass Class and Intermediate Fused Glass Class!

Mini Classes are here! Give the gift of handmade this holiday season and make your own fused glass goodness! The Holiday Ornament Class has three different ornaments you can choose to create and the Jewelry Class offers your choice of four pieces such as pendants, earrings or rings. Limited spaces, so don't wait to sign up!

Classes are all four hours so you can even schedule them in the early evening during the week. Pack your dinner before work or grab some fast food before class. The first hour or more is class time so you can have a snack or dinner while you learn!

Now booking speaking engagements! I am available to speak to your small or creative business group on the topics of social media and turning your passion into a successful business. Contact me for details on these topics, cost and scheduling.

Creative business mentoring is available one-on-one and in small groups. I will work with you to overcome obstacles, help guide you to reach your small/creative business goals and lead you to success. Let me show you how to unleash your inner superhero!

______________________________________

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Fresh Fused Glass Goodness | Late Summer Edition - Part II

This is Part II of the Late Summer Edition of Fresh Fused Glass Goodness! Take a peek at Part I here. Lots of new designs are available, such as the Coral Collection business card holders, the large wavy edge vases, the hanging panels created using upcycled windows and the super handy coaster/dry erase boards that are perfect for your desk.

There is always something new at the Market Square Farmers' Market, so if you are in the Knoxville area come Downtown to the Market on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm and check it out. Don't forget that the holidays are fast approaching and now is the time to get your custom orders in!

{Click on the photos to view the items in the Etsy shop!}

New larger size coaster/dry erase board that is perfect for jotting notes
 at your desk while you enjoy your morning coffee!

This coaster/dry erase board is perfect for your favorite cat lover!

Tweet tweet! This cute birdie will get the message out for you!

Wavy edge large vase is truly one-of-a-kind

Wavy edge vase in shades of green and teal

A new addition to the Coral Collection - business card holders

Did you know this design was actually a suggestion from a customer? Pretty cool, huh?

Business card holders can also be used as eyeglass holders!
Now you'll always know where they are!

Surf's up! This is a versatile piece that can be a votive holder, a vase or a catch all for your trinkets.

Another versatile piece! This one reminds me of the lavender growing in my garden.

This piece is sold, but I will be making some similar pieces soon!
Design is created with frit {crushed glass} for a unique look.

How do you upcycle a window frame?
I turn it into a cool work of art by adding some fused glass panels!
Plus it doubles as a dry erase board!

Add a splash of color to your porch with a large art panel specifically designed
 to be hung outdoors on your porch or even from a tree branch!

Be sure to visit the Etsy shop to view all of the fused glass goodness currently available!

ON A SIDE NOTE:
Now is the time to sign up for Fused Glass Classes! The weather is perfect to work in the studio and open the doors to cooler temperatures and the sounds of the birds. Click the links to find out more information on Beginner Fused Glass Class and Intermediate Fused Glass Class!

Mini Classes are here! Give the gift of handmade this holiday season and make your own fused glass goodness! The Holiday Ornament Class has three different ornaments you can choose to create and the Jewelry Class offers your choice of four pieces such as pendants, earrings or rings. Limited spaces, so don't wait to sign up!

Classes are all four hours so you can even schedule them in the early evening during the week. Pack your dinner before work or grab some fast food before class. The first hour or more is class time so you can have a snack or dinner while you learn!

Now booking speaking engagements! I am available to speak to your small or creative business group on the topics of social media and turning your passion into a successful business. Contact me for details on these topics, cost and scheduling.

Creative business mentoring is available one-on-one and in small groups. I will work with you to overcome obstacles, help guide you to reach your small/creative business goals and lead you to success. Let me show you how to unleash your inner superhero!

______________________________________

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Create Your Own Fused Glass Jewelry and Holiday Ornaments | Class schedule and info

What? Why am I talking about Christmas in August? Well, one reason is because the holiday season always seems to creep up on me and then I am scrambling to fill holiday orders and create plenty of fused glass goodness for the holiday markets. The other reason is because you need time to find the right day to take these awesome ornament and jewelry classes! Last year, I waited too long to offer these classes and it made me sad, this year, I decided to start earlier. A lot earlier!

This year Sassy Glass Studio is offering classes for three different fused glass ornaments and a jewelry class! Holiday Ornaments to choose from this year include snowflakes, Christmas trees or picture frame ornaments and there are four class dates available. Jewelry Class is the perfect opportunity to create your choice of four jewelry pieces, such as pendants, earrings and rings, to give as gifts or keep for yourself.

Holiday Ornaments

You choose the ornament you would like to create and the date. All classes must be prepaid. Class size is limited to five students, so don't wait to book! Classes are about an hour {no more than two} and are perfect for anyone over the age of 10 {with adult present}. Depending on the ornaments you choose, you may be handling glass that has not been fired which could be sharp. You will not have to cut any glass! Ornaments will be ready for pick-up within one week.

{Snowflake}
These are the most popular Sassy Glass Studio holiday ornament of all time! Fused glass snowflakes are created from strips of glass, which will be pre-cut for the class in a wide variety of colors. All you have to do is choose the colors, assemble and we'll fire them for you! We'll even finish them with a silver bail and ornament hanger.
Class is only $75 and includes all materials and instructions to complete five snowflake ornaments

Snowflakes in the kiln ready for firing

Finished snowflakes

{Christmas Tree}
The Christmas Trees are super fun to make because you get to choose tiny colorful glass bubbles to decorate your tree! The fused glass trees will be ready for you so all you need to do is decorate your tree and then we will fire it for you. We'll finish each of your ornaments with a silver bail and ornament hanger too.
Class is only $75 and includes all materials and instructions to complete four Christmas Tree ornaments

The design process

Cutting out the pieces

Decorating the trees

Trees in the kiln and ready to be fired

Christmas trees fresh out of the kiln

{Picture Frame}
New for 2014! This ornament is a little different than the others because you get to decorate it with your own photographs. Your will create 3 inch square fused glass photograph frames in your choice of colors, then you can use an adhesive, such as E6000, to attach photographs to the frames when you get them home. You simply assemble the the pre-cut pieces in your choice of colors and we'll fire them. A silver bail and ornament hanger will also be attached for you.
Class is only $75 and includes all materials and instructions to complete four photo frames

Frame design process

Frames in the kiln ready to be fired

{Class Dates}
October 21, Tuesday at 6:30 pm
October 25, Saturday at 4 pm

Have a group of friends, family members or co-workers that would like to have a class at a different time? Let me know and we'll schedule a private class!

Jewelry

Choose the jewelry pieces you would like to create and the class date, it's that simple. All classes must be prepaid. Class size is limited to five students, so don't wait to book! Classes are about an hour {no more than two} and are perfect for anyone over the age of 10 {with adult present to assist with glass cutting and assembly}. You will not have to cut any glass, but will have the opportunity to if you wish! Pieces will be ready for pick-up within one week.

Each participant will create four jewelry pieces and can choose from pendants, rings and earrings. All materials, findings {necklace hanger, earring posts, or ring bases} and instruction for four jewelry pieces will be provided for only $150.

Layered pendant

Cocktail rings

Orange and white flower pendant

{Class Dates}
October 29, Wednesday at 6:30 pm
November 8, Saturday at 4 pm

Call me at 865.406.3870 or email me at lisa@sassyglassstudio.com to reserve your spot in class today! Remember, classes are limited to five students, so don't wait.

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ON A SIDE NOTE:
Now is the time to sign up for Fused Glass Classes! The weather is perfect to work in the studio and open the doors to cooler temperatures and the sounds of the birds. Click the links to find out more information on Beginner Fused Glass Class and Intermediate Fused Glass Class!

Classes are all four hours so you can even schedule them in the early evening during the week. Pack your dinner and bring it to class or grab some fast food before class. The first hour or more is class time so you can have a snack or dinner while you learn!

Now booking speaking engagements! I am available to speak to your small or creative business group on the topics of social media, turning your passion into a successful business, planning for success and defining your customer. Contact me for details on these topics, cost and scheduling.

Creative business mentoring is available one-on-one and in small groups. I will work with you to overcome obstacles, help guide you to reach your small/creative business goals and lead you to success. Let me show you how to unleash your inner superhero!

______________________________________

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Social Media Marketing | Sharing the Love!

Last week I had the opportunity to speak to other artists and creatives about Social Media Marketing on behalf of the Art & Culture Alliance of Knoxville. I was thrilled to see so many creative business people come out during the middle of the day to learn how they could use social media to grow their businesses. It made me so happy! So did this quote below from the son of one of the attendees.

"You've inspired folks! Even J who is 11 said "I know about FB, twitter, tumbler, and sharing the love, but it was good!" For an 11 year old to say that, it really was a good session! "

Teaching. Speaking. These are two things I would never have thought I would be doing 15 years ago, before I moved to Knoxville and changed my whole life. I have been teaching fused glass classes for many years, but teaching creative business people, such as photographers, artists and graphic designers about social media is one of my passions. One reason I love sharing my passion for social media is because most artists have a difficult time promoting themselves and the other is because it is a relatively low-cost way to spread the word. And there are lots of ways to incorporate images, which can be so incredibly important when you are an artist. I also love to speak about turning your artistic passion into a successful creative business.

So, I wanted to share over here on my Sassy Glass Studio blog about what is going on over on the Creative Business Learning Center blog. I've created a page to share the presentation and I'm working on a document that will include some additional information and tips that I didn't have time to include in a 60 minute presentation. If you are interested, you can view it here. The Creative Business Mentor Program has also been retooled a bit, and you can check that out here. I'll also be answering some of the questions I am receiving from attendees on the other blog.

I would love to share my passions with your creative group, class or business! Contact me for availability and rates at lisa@kittyfantastic.com.

#ShareTheLove {social media is all about sharing not only about you but others as well}
#BeAwesome

{ON A SIDE NOTE}
Don't miss out on the fun of  celebrating National Craft Month in Sassy Style! There are still a few days in March to enjoy the crafty awesomeness! This will be the only time this year that Fused Glass Classes will be discounted!

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Celebrate National Craft Month in Sassy Style

Did you know March is National Craft Month?

Yes, I know there is a month or a day for just about every interest, but let's be honest, who doesn't love to craft? Over here at Sassy Glass Studio we are celebrating National Craft Month in several of ways. Pick one or two and join in the fun!

Fused glass class discount: Save $50 off Beginner or Intermediate Fused Glass Class

Beginner Fused Glass Class is a fabulous opportunity to learn more about fused glass and expand your artistic skills, plus you create a set of fused glass coasters in the process. How cool is that? Intermediate Fused Glass Class if offered to students who have taken the Beginner class. Call me at 865-406-3870 or email me at lisa@sassyglassstudio.com to schedule your class today. Just mention you want to take advantage of the National Craft Month special!

Share your National Craft Month photos with Sassy Glass Studio on Instagram and Twitter

Post your crafting photos on Instagram and Twitter during March and tag @AllThingsSassy and #SGSCraftMonth. I'll retweet, share or comment on your photos and choose someone and their craft to be featured on this blog. Fun! I love being inspired by other creative people!

Sign up for the Creative Business Mentor Program and grow your creative/craft business

The Creative Business Mentor Program is perfect for artists, craftisans and other creative folks who want to launch their own business. Whether you want to venture into your creative biz part-time or full-time, there is never a better time than now! Enroll in the Creative Business Mentor Program during the month of March and receive a bonus hour of mentoring, a $50 value. Call me at 865-406-3870 or email me at lisa@sassyglassstudio.com to schedule your class today. Just mention you want to take advantage of the National Craft Month special!

So there you go, three different ways to celebrate National Craft Month in Sassy Style!

Click this link to find out more about my crafting journey!

{ON A SIDE NOTE}
Wow! It's warm in Knoxville, Tennessee today and tomorrow will be 70 degrees! But don't worry, that doesn't mean the Hot Winter Sale is over yet! Warm up with the Hot Winter Sale going on through February 28, 2014 in the Sassy Glass Studio Etsy shop! Save 20% with coupon code HOTWINTERSALE.

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