Refresh and Reorganize | a mini studio makeover

{ Organized + Refreshed = Increased Productivity + Inspired Creativity }

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of cleaning, moving and tossing stuff in the trash. The glass studio is a work in progress, but I wanted to share a short video {kind of like a moving portrait} of the refresh and reorganization. All that's really left is some painting and then I can hang some shelves, a cork board and some art on the walls and be done with it. For now. Eventually I will paint the floor, but that will involve removing everything from the studio and I don't have time for that now. Maybe next January!

The area I have been reorganizing is my main workspace. We boxed in an area about 10 feet X 10 feet when we started working on the "Great ALM Photo Office|Studio Project" about 6 years ago and outfitted it with items we already had, like shelves, a desk, tables and even the wainscoting and window were things kicking around the garage. Yes, my glass studio is in what was once a boring detached two-car garage/workshop. During the "Project" we built up on top of it and out the sides to add another garage bay and a large porch. What I love most about my entire glass studio space is that I can open the overhead door in the gallery/classroom area and work pretty much outside. I will be sharing photos and updates on that area when I get it finished up. All of my reorg/refresh has to be done in time for the Dogwood Art DeTour on April 12th and 13th when my studio is open to the public. Who wants to see that I usually work in a messy, unorganized space?!

Here is a "before" photo:

Yeah, it was a mess. It's a happier space now!

Here is the short "after" video:

Here are some photos I found of the glass studio being constructed. Wow! Looking back on these photos, I really wish I had painted the walls before moving everything into the space so I could get working. The walls still look like this. Gross!

I'll share more photos and/or video as I work my way through this project. The gallery/classroom area will have a nice comfy couch so my mom can wander down to the glass studio and watch me work. {We moved my mom in almost a year ago and she has a hard time getting around so it will be nice for her to have a place to sit and hang out with me.}

Don't miss out on the fun of  celebrating National Craft Month in Sassy Style! March will be a fun month of crafty awesomeness!

{ON A SIDE NOTE}
There are still a few days left in the 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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Winter Warm Up!

Just when you thought it was warming up for Spring, good ole Punxatawney Phil sees his shadow and foretells six more weeks of Old Man Winter's visit. Sheesh! It's been too cold for me to comfortably work in the glass studio, so I've been focusing on what I consider to be the less creative side of my business. You know, exciting things like marketing, updating the Etsy shop and coloring. I might think they aren't creative, but they really are.

Do you need a winter warm up? I know I do!

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. Also, check out the all the heart pendants and rings available. Perfect for Valentine's Day!

A few of the heart pendants available in the Etsy shop

So, now that you are all warmed up, here's how I make marketing more creative:

1. Part of my marketing involves Pinterest. If you don't know what Pinterest is, you've probably been hanging out in the ground with Punxatawney Phil. Pinterest is a cool tool for anyone who likes to pretend they know how to cook, thinks they can operate a screwdriver or sewing machine, or dreams about winning the lottery so they can afford a fantastic new wardrobe. Some folks think it is a waste of their time. I don't. It's an easy way for me to find creative inspiration, share my artwork, plan my glass studio redesign, grow my business and plan a garden. {Take a peek at my boards if you are interested!}

2. Another important aspect of my marketing is my Etsy shop. I love doing the Dogwood Arts Festival Market Square Art Fair in April as well as the Market Square Farmers' Market from May to December. Thist means I'm fortunate that I only have a couple of months each year I have to rely on my Etsy shop more than usual to attract potential shoppers and turn them into buyers. Keeping the shop fresh and stocked with new items is very important to me. Nobody wants to visit my shop hoping to find something new only to see the same old stuff. So even if it is really cold out there in the glass studio, I have to suck it up and get out there and create. I usually do this when we have a "heat wave" and it's over 30 degrees. I'm not crazy!

3. Two other ways I market my fused glass art are by using Twitter and Instagram. Twitter is a great way for me to share what I am doing in the glass studio or in my personal life. It's how I let you know more about me. Yes, I am on Facebook, but my page there is more about Sassy Glass Studio and less about me. I use Twitter to give you a glimpse behind the scenes. I use Instagram pretty much the same way. But it's more visual since it is all photos and videos. Instagram is perfect for sharing images of what I just put into the kiln and then again when I take it out.

So, there you go. There are three ways I market my business that allow me to be creative. I get to pin cool stuff over on Pinterest, make my Etsy shop look nice and share photos and video of what I am doing. Take a moment and give me a follow on the social media platform{s} of your choice and see what is going on!

Psst! Here's the latest newsletter! If you would like to subscribe, you can do so in the box on the right.

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{Connect with us!}

Follow us on Twitter

Find us on Facebook

Pin us on Pinterest

Peep our snaps on Instagram

Is Your Holiday Shopping Done? We Hope Not! {one-of-a-kind fused glass art}

Sassy Glass Studio has been busy creating lots of fused glass goodness for everyone on your holiday shopping list! There are several new items already listed in the Etsy shop and many more will be listed very soon. Below is a sampling of what you will find in the shop.

As a special treat to those of you who read my blog I am offering a special one time only coupon code for 20% off in the Etsy shop. To receive your unique code, simply sign up to receive our newsletter {click here}if you are not already receiving it and send an e-mail to lisa@sassyglassstudio.com and I will create the code and send it to you. Simple!

Also, don't forget about the Fused Glass Holiday Ornament Classes scheduled for December 1 {7-9p}, December 8 {7-9p} and December 12 {12-2p} and the Sassy Glass Studio Open House on Sunday, December 12 from 3-6p. There will be a special giveaway and raffle for a portrait session from ALM Photo.

Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with All Things Sassy!

All Things Sassy! :: February 2010 Newsletter {one-of-a-kind fused glass art | Knoxville, TN}

Stay up-to-date on All Things Sassy! with the latest edition of the Sassy Glass Studio newsletter and find out where we will be and what we are doing.

:: Click on image to view full-size ::

All Things Sassy! :: December 2009 Newsletter {one-of-a-kind fused glass art, Knoxville, TN}

Happy Holidays from Sassy Glass Studio!

Here's the December 2009 edition of All Things Sassy!

Sassy Glass Studio 3-Day Open House Extravaganza

Holiday Gift Guide

Fused Glass Classes

:: Click on image to view full-size newsletter ::

:: Click on image to view full-size invitation ::

Click here to visit the Sassy Glass Studio website

Click here to become a fan of Sassy Glass Studio on Facebook

Click here to follow us on Twitter

All Things Sassy! :: August 2009 {one-of-a-kind fused glass art | Knoxville, TN}

Fresh off the press! Here's the August 2009 edition of All Things Sassy! Please share it with anyone you think might be interested in Sassy Glass Studio's one-of-a-kind fused glass art. Enjoy!

:: Click on image to view full-size ::

:: Quick links ::

Etsy shop

ArtFire shop

Fresh Off the Press :: July Issue of All Things Sassy {one-of-a-kind fused glass art | Knoxville, TN}

Here's the latest edition of the Sassy Glass Studio newsletter, All Things Sassy. Check it out to see all of the latest news.

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The Fabulous Announcement You Have Been Waiting For {One-of-a-kind fused glass art, Knoxville}

Sassy Glass Studio has been busy creating new pieces, some will be available for sale in the Etsy shop and others are custom creations. Several exciting new designs will soon be available for pet lovers! I have also been working on fused glass class lesson plans and will be holding my first fused glass class next week. Are you interested in participating in one-on-one or small group classes? If so, contact me for details and to get on the schedule. It's a great opportunity to learn how to create functional and decorative glass art.

So...maybe you are really here to see what the fabulous special announcement is and you are wondering when I am going to get to that. How about, now!

I am offering a 10% discount code (FAN10) for purchases through the Sassy Glass Studio Etsy shop to all fans of All Things Sassy until July 31st, 2009. For this special discount a fan is considered to be anyone who follows this blog, follows me on Twitter, is a fan of the Facebook page, or subscribes to the newsletter. Fans in Knoxville will also receive free shipping or delivery (KNOXSHIP)! Follow the instructions below to receive the 10% discount / free shipping.

How to use the code(s):
First add an item(s) from my shop to your cart and start the check out process.
Enter the code "FAN10" for the 10% discount and "KNOXSHIP" for free Knoxville shipping in the 'notes to seller' and the email address where the revised invoice should be sent.
Complete the order but do NOT go to Paypal to pay.
You will receive a revised invoice, and a link to complete payment, via email reflecting the discount.

Note: If you have any questions or concerns about using the codes and completing a purchase, e-mail me or call me (lisa@sassyglassstudio.com or 865-406-3870).

Don't see just the right piece in the shop? Sassy Glass Studio loves custom creations. Contact me to discuss your design and colors and I will create a fabulous, one-of-a-kind fused glass work of art.

Oh, by the way...feel free to pass this on to your friends and family members who may be interested! Just ask them to become fans of Sassy Glass Studio through any of the above mentioned socla medias. New items will be added during the discount period so check back often. Custom orders are not subject to a discount, but are eligible for free shipping/delivery in Knoxville.

Happy Valentine's Day {Knoxville Fused Glass Artist :: One-of-a-kind fused glass art}

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

Did your sweetheart present you with a bright and shiny fused glass pendant inlaid with hearts or one in the shape of a heart from Sassy Glass Studio? If so, that is fantastic and I hope you love it as much as I loved creating it. If not, don't despair or get angry with your sweetie, there are still a few heart-inspired designs available in the shop. I love custom creations, so if you don't see just the right piece in the shop, contact me for a creative consultation :: your idea + my talent = a true labor of love.

More Sassy News ::

...Fused glass goodness is being listed in the shop every couple of days until the end of the month

...February Newsletter will arrive one day very soon

...Schedule a Sassy Glass Studio @ Home Show in the month of February and receive a free pendant ($25 value) and receive a free pendant for each show booked at your show. A great way to accessorize for free!

...Be sure to check out the blog for our photography business, ALM Photo, to see what else I do

Enjoy your day and have a chocolate or two!

All Things Sassy! :: January 2009

The latest issue of All Things Sassy! is available. Take a moment to read the newsletter and find out how you could win a free Sassy Glass Studio pendant and easily shop Sassy Glass Studio on Etsy. Check it out!

Click on the image of the newsletter to view full-size

Shop Local...Shop Unique...Shop Handmade...Shop Sassy Glass Studio

Sassy Glass Studio Newsletter - November 2008

Sassy Glass Studio's November 2008 newsletter is now available. Click the image below to view the newsletter. We hope to see you at the Sassy Glass Studio Open House!

Sassy Glass Studio Newsletter - October 2008

It's here...the latest newsletter from Sassy Glass Studio. Please click on the image below for a full-size image of the newsletter. There are still some dates available for Sassy Glass Studio @ Home Shows for personal, fun and stress-free holiday shopping! Call to schedule yours today!

Sassy Glass Studio Newsletter - September 2008

The September issue of the Sassy Glass Studio e-newsletter went out today. Not on the e-mailing list? Send an e-mail to lisa@sassyglassstudio.com with your name and e-mail address to be added.

Click on the images below to view the newsletter.

Art in the Park in Blowing Rock, NC Update

Blowing Rock lived up to its name, dishing up a blustery wind and temperatures in the low 40's during the early morning set up for the art show. We were not geared appropriately for the weather and tempers ran hot while attempting to set up the tent with frozen digits. It appeared that none of the other artists were prepared for the weather either as many were attired in short-sleeves, shorts and Crocs. The wind was merciless and a few artists had to wrangle their wayward tents back into place and a couple of pieces of pottery were noisily dashed to the ground in a splintery splash of hardened clay. Thankfully Sassy Glass Studio's fantastic new tent weathered the wind with little disruption and we didn't experience any shattered glass. Whew!

Shortly after we had the booth ready for the art-loving public our prayers were answered and the sun broke through the clouds and the temperature climbed to that critical point where everyone begins complaining that it is too hot. It was the perfect day to venture out, head to the Park, wander around, look at the creations of the many artist's, and search for that perfect piece for a gift or just something new to display in the home. Many of our customer's were looking for unique wedding gifts and we were able to help them choose just the right piece. (Don't forget Sassy Glass Studio can custom create gifts for any ocassion!)

Sassy Glass Studio will be back at Art in the Park in Blowing Rock on June 14th so come back and visit us again or check out our schedule on the right to see where we will be next. Also, look for the newsletter later this month. Sassy will be hitting the beach in Jacksonville, FL for a little relaxation over the Memorial Day weekend. Relax and enjoy your holiday weekend too!



Allan makes friends with Marie

The booth

Martini glass suncatcher

Faithful sidekick Allan

Some Sassy Glass Studio creations

Spring has sprung!

Everywhere I look, whether it is around the yard, on the road or in the market; bright colors and flowers look right back at me. I love color and flowers almost equally and have worked to incorporate both into my glass pieces. I created a collection of plates, bowls and art panels embellished with a flower motif that are sure to make your Spring, well, Springier. Here are of a couple of the pieces as well as a couple of new ones. Allan and I are on our way to Blowing Rock, North Carolina for the Art in the Park show on Saturday. The weather should be wonderful which will draw a great crowd. Be sure to check back for my show recap early next week. If you see any pieces on this blog that you would be interested in purchasing contact me and I can let you know if it is still available and if it isn't I can custom create a similar (or whole new) piece for you. Don't forget to send me your e-mail address to be added to the e-newsletter mailing list!

Flower art panel

Flower art panel

Flower plate

Margarita suncatcher

Martini suncatcher

Sunshine open-weave bowl

Independence Day woven plate

Dogwood Arts Festival Artist's Marketplace Recap

Allan and I had a fantastic time at the Dogwood Art's Artist's Marketplace which ran from April 11th through 13th. Our booth location was superb, right across from Abode and Trio (very difficult working the booth watching people relax with great food and drink) and even though our tent blew up on Saturday afternoon and the weather was less than appealing on Sunday our spirits couldn't be dampened. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone who visited out booth and especially those who liked my fused glass creations. If you put your name and e-mail address in the sign-up book in the booth you will be receiving an e-newsletter in May and if you aren't already signed up for it, please send me your name and e-mail address to sassyglass@comcast.net to be added. The newsletter will have the Sassy Glass art show schedule, new products and designs, as well as a class schedule for Beginner Fusing and Advanced Fusing which I plan to begin offering this summer (dependent upon interest).

Allan and I are headed to The Art Market at Historic Honey Horn on Hilton Head Island, SC this weekend and we are looking forward to the warm weather as well as a visit from our Jacksonville, FL friends, Carol and Denise. Mary Jane (former Sassy Glass Studio artist and my sister-in-law) and her husband, Allen, will be putting us up for the weekend and MJ might even stop by the show and check out how the "new face" of Sassy Glass Studio is doing. She certainly doesn't miss the early rising and the long hours of an art show. Nothing better than a great art show with friends and family around to keep your enthusiasm up after a long day!

Here are some photographs from the Dogwood Arts Festival...

Friday- getting the booth set up

The pendant tree and the sign-up book etc.

Fused glass!

More fused glass!

Saturday's Sassy shirt...yes, I was attacked by a Bedazzler...