Thursday, November 3, 2011

Shop Local This Holiday Season!



I was just over on one of my favorite sites and one that I have been a supporter of for quite some time: The 3/50 Project. If you aren't familiar with it, go ahead and check it out.
Here's a link:
The 3/50 Project

This is a national project that has garnered quite a lot of attention in the past few years. I remember the first time I happened upon their site a few years ago and how illuminating I felt their philosophy was. I still agree with the message and truly appreciate all their campaigns throughout the year, all designed to promote local independent businesses of all kinds.

How many businesses that you really liked have closed in the past two years? I can easily say that at least 5 different businesses that I supported regularly have closed in the past two years. Show your support whenever you can. It really is everyone's job to do so and not someone else's job. I can't tell you how many people I run across that tell me they wish they could support more local businesses but things are just too tight right now. Believe me, I get it. Times are tough for a lot of people. But if you read the message behind The 3/50 Project it really is very simple. No one is asking you to spend your life savings to keep a business going. Just support it regularly, even if you make a small purchase every now and then. Stores are not museums that will be there regardless of whether you visit or not. They require our support.

The consequences are great if we all decide not to show support. I know here in the town I am in, the consequences have already been great and more great businesses will have to close if everyone doesn't really start getting out and making that support happen. I hope everyone keeps this in mind this holiday season--I know I will!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Creative Genius in Promotional Video

I'm excited to report that Creative Genius was one of the locations shown in a locally made video for a candidate for Medford Town Council. The candidate is George Youngkin who is running as an Independent in the upcoming election. He was in last week and we chatted about ways to improve business on Main Street here in Medford, NJ.


After an interesting chat, he and his videographer left and today I saw the video on facebook and recognized my store...nothing like a little extra publicity!
A big thank you to George!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Excited About Local History? We've Got A Photo Workshop for You!


We've got a great photography workshop program for beginners/intermediates coming up that is perfect for someone interested in getting more into photography and local history. 


The workshop program is called STROLLING THROUGH MEDFORD HISTORY and offers two different walking photography tours in Medford Village. Creative Genius is offering this workshop for students who want to learn more about effective composition, creativity, camera details and history all during a fun walking tour. Space is limited to allow each attendee to get the most out of the workshop tour.
 
Two workshop dates are available and the tour for each one is different.
 
Tour One is Saturday, October 1st from 9-11:30am
Tour Two is Saturday, November 5th from 9am-11:30am.
Each tour is a modest $ 30 per person which includes all instruction, tour highlights and information.

Pre-registration is required to attend the workshops. For more information, contact Julie at 609-714-1131 or via email at julie@creativegeniusonline.com


INFORMATION FLYER
 

Friday, September 2, 2011

September is Blueberry Month at Creative Genius...here's why...


My assistant Reece and I were checking out some holiday websites and came up with a fun idea for our September Sale. We discovered that September is Blueberry Popsicle Month. Naturally that has zero relevance to what we do here at Creative Genius but we molded things to fit what works for us...so Blueberry Popsicle Month turned into a SEPTEMBER BLUE SALE. Clients receive 15% anything BLUE in the gallery for the month of Sept (discounted treasures excluded since they are already on sale). 

And on September 20th from 6-9pm we're having BLUEBERRY NIGHT, an open house for those who can't make the sale or those who just want to enjoy some goodies. Blueberry themed baked goods will be the refreshment of the night (and maybe even some blueberry themed beverages too! ). Baked goods will be provided by CARTER CAKE CREATIONS. If you have never tried their baked items, all I can say is YUM! 
Blueberries seem like a decent excuse for a sale and an open house, don't they? :)


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Trash to Treasure in Upcycling Camp....a unique art camp experience

This week, I've had the unique experience of helping a great bunch of campers turn a bunch of discarded items into little treasures. They have done an outstanding job of creating in our first Upcycling Camp at Creative Genius. In fact, based on feedback we've received from both children and adults, a few of these projects will be added to our workshop schedule for ADULTS in Fall/Winter 2011-2012...stay tuned for more info soon!



Among the many pieces of junk that have been converted to artistic creations:
Old spools
Keys
Hemp
String
Ribbons
Assorted buttons
old books
bottle caps
water bottles
tape measures
cereal boxes
paper towel rolls
soda tabs
stickers
magazines
newspapers
vintage clippings
old lace
extra sequins
and much much more!

 
I have to hand it to these kids--they have taken some truly challenging projects and made them their own.  Great job, campers!





Thursday, July 14, 2011

Blueberry or Cherry?










The hardest decision made in Clay Camp today? Blueberry or Cherry!

Today's clay camp project was a combination of sculptural and slab work along with lots of practice scoring and slipping. The group created individual pieces of pie. With lots of coaching and direction, each camper made their own little piece of pie on a plate. and then got to the fun part--choosing blueberry or cherry! And once they got to work glazing, their creations really took shape. These pieces are greenware and still need to be fired, clear glazed and fired again. But if they look cool right now, they will look even better when they are shiny!


This year's Clay Camp projects have been really fun...from rattles to vases to wheel pieces to wall hangings, we've covered all the methods of creating in clay and learned a lot too. Everyone has been really focused on creating but also on scoring and slipping so their creations actually make it through the kiln firings and make it home safely.


As usual, Clay Camp here at Creative Genius, which is our 8th Clay Camp, has been a blast. The group this year is fantastic. Not only are the kids creative but they are so well-behaved that I can't believe a good majority of them are under the age of 10. They are an amazing group- very focused and really fun to work with. Awesome job, campers! See you tomorrow morning for the finale of Clay Camp 2011!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

The Meaning Behind Spoon Rings...

Just came across an interesting blog post about spoon rings and wanted to share. The artist who posted is someone we work with at Creative Genius. Her name is Jennifer Northup and she makes wonderful silverware jewelry. Actually her jewelry is like no other silverware jewelry I have ever seen (and in my 8 years working in this industry, I have seen quite a bit!). Her necklaces and rings are welcome additions at Creative Genius and our clients really like how unique her take on silverware jewelry is. Her blog post is below...who would have thought that spoon rings were so romantic?

*****************

The many meanings of Spoon Rings...

Spoon rings originated in 17th century England. There are some things that retain their general meaning across centuries and across oceans. Made from spoons that servants had stolen from their masters’ homes, the rings were used as wedding rings by those who could not afford the “real thing”. Spoon rings still represent the meaning of love and commitment that they once did.

The centuries old Welsh custom of giving "love spoons" meant a would-be suitor gave a spoon to a girl he wished to court. A practice that originated in the 15th century, the suitor often carved the spoon himself or commissioned a spoon. Spoons became very ornate with symbols of love and promise.

Give that special someone that you love a Spoon Ring and let the tradition continue.







*******************
Photos shown ©2010 by George Post for Silver Spoon Jewelry

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Keeping Your Creativity Alive

It's a busy world we live in. People have kids/jobs/spouses/hobbies/chores (and in many cases, all of the above) and it is a real struggle to remain true to oneself and stay in the moment while enjoying one's own spirit of creativity. I have often found myself and many other creative people often need to take time to re-energize their inner selves in order to continue to be as creative as they are fully capable of being.  It is a difficult thing to choose to do, especially these days. But it can be done!

I came across a blog from a Brooklyn blogger named Eleanor Traubman about maintaining creativity in the crazy world in which we all live and thought it relevant enough to share some of the highlights. A big thank you to Ms. Traubman of Creative Times, a blog for artists and entrepreneurs.


1. Live simply and live deliberately. By choosing not to get caught up in the details of this fast-paced world, you are doing your part to slow down the . You will also discover that you have more time to enjoy being alive.

2. Stay in touch with yourself. Soul searching, meditation, and journaling are just a few of the many activities you can take part in to stay aware and learn as much as you can about your emotions, reactions, likes, dislikes, dreams, and fears. Having a solid sense of self gives you a firm foundation for living in this world.

3. Support or teach others as often as you can. This can help you form connections with people while also giving you an opportunity to make the world a better place.

4. Consciously choose what you will allow into your being. The media bombards us with visions of hate, war, and pain. Be judicious about what you read, watch, and listen to.

5. Acknowledge the beauty that resides around you. Whether you live in a sprawling metropolis or a stereotypical suburb, there are natural and man-made wonders just waiting to be discovered by you.

6. Nurture your ties to your tribe. If you don’t have one, create a community that you can belong to. Modern life can be isolating. When you have a tribe, you have a circle that you are a part of. Its members – loved ones, friends, or neighbors - can be a source of support, caring, guidance, and companionship.

7. See the larger picture. Remember that the way that you choose to live is not the only way to live. Widen your perspective by exploring other modes of being through research, travel, and discussion.

8..
Embrace the challenges that life presents to you, and challenge yourself often. After a time, even the most exciting jobs or lifestyles can seem routine. Never stop assimilating new knowledge about whatever you are doing, and your life will never seem dull.

9. Move your body. In this busy world, it can be easy to live a sedentary life. Movement reacquaints us with our bodies and connects us to the earth in a visceral way. It also restores our vitality.

10. Make time for stillness, silence, and solitude. The world can be noisy, and we are subject to all kinds of noises nearly every waking hour. We are also often "on the go" and unable to relax. Being alone in a peaceful place and making time for quiet can help you stay in touch with yourself.

Friday, June 3, 2011

New Permanent Mosaic Exhibit at Creative Genius!



I am going to start this post by saying a great big thank you to Diane Emerson, the wonderful artist responsible for the permanent mosaic exhibit, now displayed on the outside of Creative Genius Art Gallery & Studio.

My husband Chris spent yesterday evening installing the exhibit and I am so excited about how it turned out, I can't even begin to describe it. I took some pictures to share how our evening went and show the progression of things being installed. Thank you, Chris, for doing such a great job with those wonderful works of art!

I am especially excited about this because it showcases one of my favorite local artists who is also one of the nicest people around. She deserves every bit of praise she receives because she truly is a talented and professional individual. We're proud to showcase not only this exhibit but other works of art available for sale from her on a regular basis. She is going to be creating some smaller mirrored mosaics for sale at Creative Genius. The exhibit is not for sale but those smaller ones will be. I have a feeling they will be like candy for the eyes and folks won't be able to get just one. The look of mirrored mosaics has always been a favorite of mine so what better pieces of art to showcase on the outside of Creative Genius...

Chris during installation


















Lots of drilling needed for this install!


















Lots of stuff needed to make the install happen!



















Here's the press release that describes the exhibit:
Medford Gallery Installs Permanent Exhibition by Local Artist

MEDFORD, NJCreative Genius Art Gallery and Studio welcomes permanent mosaic exhibition by Medford artist, Diane Emerson.

Side view of part of the exhibit
Creative Genius Art Gallery and Studio, located at 32 North Main Street in Medford, NJ, has just installed a unique permanent exhibit you won’t want to miss. The outside of the gallery is now the home of nine one-of-a-kind mirrored mosaic tiles by Diane Emerson. The tiles depict various unique creations and unique class offerings that describe all that Creative Genius Art Gallery and Studio offers. All the scenes on each mosaic were created using custom ceramic tiles individually crafted by the artist as well as a colorful combination of ceramic, glass and mirrored tiles. Each tile is a true work of art and shows the creativity, color, design elements and attention to detail that Diane Emerson is known for in all her creative works.

Diane works out of her Medford home studio. A retired art teacher, she began working with tile over 30 years ago at Pemberton Township High School. Her students have created many of the mosaic murals and tile pieces that still adorn the school’s walls today.

The artist likes to use handmade tile pieces and mirror in her designs in her mosaics. The handmade tile adds another dimension to the work…glazes that puddle, raised uneven surfaces and a one of a kind look. The mirror adds a little eye-catching whimsy. To quote song writer Stephen Sondheim“ bit by bit, piece by piece…putting it together, only way to make a work of art ”. 

The exhibit sees the light of day!
In addition to her unique mosaic creations, Diane is also a skilled ceramic artist. Her works are available for sale in many venues throughout the region and proudly, one of those venues is Creative Genius Art Gallery and Studio.

For more information about Diane Emerson or the permanent exhibition at Creative Genius, please contact Julie Basello-Holt at jbaselloholt@verizon.net or by phone (609) 714-1131.


Creative Genius Art Gallery & Studio is on the web at www.creativegeniusonline.com

Thursday, June 2, 2011

10 Important Reasons to Shop Local

The latest buzz in recent years, in the face of our country's economic woes on many fronts, is how important it is to shop locally whenever possible. Personally, I couldn't agree more. In fact, eight years ago, when I opened Creative Genius Art Gallery & Studio, it was because I believed in shopping locally and wanted to create a store that I would want to shop in, located in the town I lived in.

There are so many varied reasons, depending upon who you speak to, as to why shopping local is better for everyone and for the local community and economy. Just visit www.the350project.com if you aren't quite sure about the details and the statistics related to shopping locally. It is all quite an education and one I think we all need, even if it is just  refresher course for some of us. Right now the downtown suburban Main Street on which Creative Genius resides is dangerously in need of more local shops and places to visit and it is scary how quickly a small area can go from a thriving business district to a not-so-thriving business district. The lesson is that it is all of our responsibilities to support the local economy.


I came across this interesting list of "10 Important Reasons to Shop Local" and figured it would be worth it to share it. Thank you to www.10slate.com for the interesting article (and if you want to visit it for yourself, I've included a link)....



A person who shops locally, often known as a “locavore,” helps to sustain not only the environment, but also the economy. Buying locally not only supports your community but also reduces the amount of carbon emissions and pollution because goods do not need to be transported across wide areas and consumers do not need to travel as far to obtain their items. Consider becoming a locavore. As a conscious consumer you will live a more sustainable life and help your community grow. 

1) Local Economy
Your own neighborhood will benefit when you choose to shop locally. Local small business owners tend to keep more money in the community than nationally owned businesses. They also tend to source from other local business, services, and farms, continuing the local trend.

2) Job Growth
Local businesses provide local jobs. This has a chain reaction effect on sustainability and economy. When people are employed, they have more money to invest in the community. They will not have to commute to far away jobs, thus reducing pollution. 

3) Community Support
Local businesses invest heavily in the community. They are more likely to support charitable organizations. When you shop locally, you are helping to support your community through your purchasing power.

4) Better Service
If a small business or farm is trying to earn and maintain your business, chances are they will treat you really well. What is the motivation for a big-box store to make you happy, when millions of other shoppers will replace your business should you choose to shop somewhere else?

5) Environmental Impact
Aside from your food transportation causing pollution, when you have to drive across town to run errands, you are polluting the earth. If your local area has a diverse array of businesses that you can walk or bike to, imagine the potential positive environmental impact. Go green! By supporting these businesses, you will help maintain a thriving local community for everyone.

6) Maintain Diversity
Part of the charm of local businesses is the diversity and uniqueness that it provides to a neighborhood. Big chain stores have taken this away and Main St. America has started to die. Bringing back community supported businesses restores this charm and diversity to neighborhoods and cities.

7) Save Money
Shopping locally can save you a lot of money and time. Gas is expensive, and so is repairing and maintaining a car. Plus, you are more likely to get in an accident in crowded Saturday morning traffic than if you stroll to your neighborhood downtown area. 

8) Know your products
Local businesses are providers of services are experts. Do you remember the last time you walked into that large store looking for expertise? Did you find it? What about when you asked your grocery store produce person when something was in season or if it was fresh. Local providers tend to be able to answer these questions more successfully than the big box people.

9) Competition
There is nothing worse than a monopoly coming into town, driving up prices and diminishing customer service. Local businesses keep competition higher in order to ensure the best prices and highest quality service. Your dollars mean a lot more to a small business than a large store. You can vote with your dollars when you shop locally.

10) Entrepreneurs
Store owners are living the American dream, and by supporting them, you are helping to keep the dream alive, and to maintain a strong and thriving middle class in your community. 

The best lesson from this article: Be a locavore!

To visit this article on the web, got to 
http://www.10slate.com/2011/03/10-important-reasons-to-shop-local/



Thursday, May 5, 2011

Why We Hesitate to Buy Art

Just read a fantastic article this morning sent to me by one of my artists (thanks, Eric!). The article speaks about how we experience a natural hesitancy to purchase art and it mentions some very specific points on how to handle the process. I found it really interesting because it covered some points that I often mention to my clients.

Like the author of the article, I have managed a gallery for almost eight years and still find it amazing that people hesitate to purchase things when it is obvious that they really want a piece and they really love it. Some points to consider when we stand in our own way before an art purchase:

Don't be afraid to buy art on impulse. Most art is purchased on impulse and one should not beat themselves up about this. This is absolutely okay. Art evokes emotion and emotion is what attracts you to the piece. Over-analyzing that emotion is pointless. It's like trying to over-analyze any other emotion-generally it doesn't work. You're also supporting a local gallery and an artist with your purchase and both of these entities will continue to be around because of this support. Every little bit helps.

Now, let's say you don't go for the impulse buy. If you are still thinking about a piece the next day, call the gallery back and purchase it. You will kick yourself if a one of a kind work of art escapes you because you hesitated. Creative Genius offers clients the ability to hold a piece for 24 hours with no deposit to help you avoid this pitfall. And you might not realize how many times someone has called back for a piece, only to find that it went home on an impulse buy. If you like it and you are thinking about it after leaving the gallery, buy it. Most galleries, including Creative Genius, offer payment plans like layaway and other methods to make purchasing the piece easier. 

Don't worry about what others think about your choice of art. Your choice is what speaks to you. It is truly irrelevant if it speaks to anyone else. There are plenty of genres of art that some folks find confusing, disturbing or just plain weird. Those same genres attract many collectors. You just never know what will appeal to people and therefore, when choosing your own, stick to what appeals to you. Your neighbor/sister/ best friend can worry about what appeals to them and should not have anything to say about your choices.

When it's time (and you'll know when), give the piece away or sell it to someone so that someone else can enjoy it with a fresh set of eyes.Sometimes art will stay with you forever and sometimes it just won't and either way is okay.

Thank you to  Meegan Holland | The Grand Rapids Press
Great article!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

One of my new favorites...

I definitely have a lot of favorite artists and a lot of interesting choices to pick from. My list is a long one...because I DO have a ton of really great choices. 

The latest addition to my favorites list is an artist named Tari Zarka. Her work has been at Creative Genius for the past year or so and has become a new favorite among our clients. Her works have been purchased as gifts and as impulse buys. They are one of a kind and the price is right which instantly translates well for all kinds of people. It also makes it very easy to convince yourself you just NEED to have it. And lots of folks do just that!


An except from Tari's Bio:
What drives me to create is what motivates me to be the best person I can me: mood enhancement. When I create something – whether it is a piece of glass, a painting, or a smile on someone’s face – my life’s burdens are lifted. I am also driven by the knowledge that my creations enhance the moods of those who receive them.

I find inspiration everywhere – in the glorious landscape, through the face of adversity, within the cashier at a convenience store, etc. Everything and everyone offers a chance for us to learn and grow.

Ever since I started creating art in the far away corners of my family’s hosiery mill in Bucks County, I have searched to find ways to love what I do each and every day. If something from me inspires another to move toward a life of happiness then I feel that I have done my job. This is the current in my artistic evolution. 


Another artist on the list is Abbe Gold, who recently brought in some new mosaic works from her large collection of creations. These are interesting, decorative or functional and well-done. We appreciate adding more of her works to our assortment of American creations. She splits her time between Colorado and New Jersey and perhaps next time she is in NJ for a while, we'll ask her to be a guest mosaic workshop instructor. Here's a peek at some of her latest creations...


     

Monday, April 4, 2011

A new way to look at wood...

We're very lucky here at Creative Genius because we get to work with some truly high level folks who excel in their craft. Today's selection of additions come from Andy DiPietro. We already carry his hollow forms and now we've added his wall art to the mix. And folks, this artist's work is quite an assortment to view and appreciate.



We've already featured some of his hollow forms on our facebook page and today's blog entry features his wall pieces, which are fabulous and right up any collector's alley. There is a fluid quality to the wood in these pieces that is even more striking in person than any photograph could really depict. The inspiration was from sails and it is evident, especially when viewing the pieces together that this is the case.

A little glimpse of Andy's wood turning resume includes featured articles in WoodTurning Magazine, Creative Wood Magazine and the Burlington County Times. He has exhibited in shows from New Hope and Philadelphia, PA to Delaware to MN to Trenton to right here at Creative Genius in Medford, NJ. He has provided instruction at numerous workshops and wood turner events and also provided demonstrations. And his professional affiliations are listed below:

2006 – Present, Member of the American Association of Woodturners
2008 – Present, Executive Vice President, Del-Val Woodturners in NJ.
2010 – Present, Collectors of Wood Art
Member of Bucks Woodturners in Newton Pa.
Member of First State Woodturners, Delaware
Member of the Wood Turning Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

And Andy is no slacker by day either....by trade he is a Senior Mechanical Engineer!



I have seen a lot of engineers succeed in the arts...it must be something about attention to detail that attracts them to art forms like wood turning, pottery and photography where there is a measure of science entwined with the art medium itself.

We're happy to have the new additions from Andy and we're sure some very lucky collectors will be very happy to take these new additions home.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Fun with Glitter, Glue and Cardstock (or why Thursday morning turned into a craft project!)

Most people who know me know that I am not a crafty person. There's nothing wrong with being crafty but it just isn't how I roll :)  We tend towards fine craft in all of our class offerings, etc and I just don't have a lot of excess time with which to dabble in assorted fun projects. That being said, I took a look at my gallery window this morning and knew that a little craft project was in order.

Although I am creative and have big, life-sized ideas, I am always on a budget. So this morning, out came the glitter, glue and card stock. I had to dig through a box to find the hot glue gun-yes, we do own one here, although it doesn't get much use. I had to rummage through another box to find the glitter-my least favorite artistic substance on the planet. Why, you ask? Because I am a photographer and glitter is the arch enemy of camera equipment. Then on to the idea......hmmm....

So I came up with an Easter/Bunny theme but Creative Genius style. That means it is not over the top in terms of easter whimsy and has a slightly (and in this case, slightly is the key operative word) modern edge to it. The idea came from a line drawing of bunny ears I came across in someone's cutesy email signature. The bags someone gave me and they were colorful and color attracts attention. In fact, I got more attention for my gallery window when I put white boxes with blue and purple tulle bows on them in my window than with anything else I have done. Incredibly simple but color pops and gets noticed.

Okay, so it is a little crafty but who doesn't love little bunny ears, right? So here's to Spring/Easter...warm weather and sun would be great but for now I will settle for colorful bags and bunny ears...and now I'm off to pack away the glue and glitter...hopefully for a while....

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Spring awakenings...

I know a lot of artists who hate winter...they literally feel like it saps all of their creative energy. Hating winter as an artist has to be particularly tough if you rely on your creativity and productivity to make a living. Naturally, you have no choice but to muscle through and make things happen, even if you just feel like crawling under a blanket until the weather hits 60plus degrees.

One of my personal favorite jewelry artists (and one whose work I wear a lot) hates winter. Yet this past winter she has been very creative, participating in a Ring A Week Challenge and making all kinds of new goodies. She sells her work all over the country so it isn't like she is having fun with her little hobby. This is her livelihood and she is very good at it.
Even better is that we have all new work from her fresh out of the studio. The new pieces have just arrived and can be found in her jewelry case here at Creative Genius. Here's a sneak peek but certainly come out and see them in person...the rings are my personal design favorites and even more amazing up close.



















Saturday, March 19, 2011

Art that speaks to me...

As you can imagine, I am in front of A LOT of art and creative creations all the time. Yes, it is an integral part of my job but even beyond that, I am always on the hunt for something hand-crafted, WELL-CRAFTED and super cool. Believe me when I tell you, hand-crafted and well-crafted are very often NOT the same thing and don't always exist in the same piece of art. I am choosy and tend to be very picky about the level of quality and the overall feel of what I bring in for my clients to see. I think high standards are important and I believe my customers have come to expect and appreciate those standards.
Even after almost eight years of choosing art and interacting with artists, something will surprise me. This week's surprise came from an artist named Tracy Stannard from Georgia. My assistant recommended bringing in Tracy's work and I was on the fence but the jewelry was different than anything else we carry so I decided to give it a try. I am overwhelmingly pleased with the results of that decision. We brought in a small assortment, including a bracelet made from vintage tins. I posted the bracelet on our facebook page and got such a great reaction.

When the box arrived, I was helping a good customer select a birthday gift for a friend and happened to open the box and show her this cool new bracelet. And off the bracelet went-gift wrapped in our standard gift wrapping to it's new owner. Wonderful, I thought, I will definitely get in touch with Tracy and get a few more.  Yesterday, a few more arrived. I was showing them to a friend when another good customer saw them, checked them out and the next one went home, again out of the box, with it's new owner. Terrific! I still had one and figured I would get a few more in the next few weeks. A third good customer came in and asked to see "her bracelet", the one she had seen on facebook and wanted. And the last one went home with it's new owner! More are on the way...reserve yours today or it will end up going home with someone else--I can almost guarantee it at this point  :)


I was also fortunate enough yesterday to get in some new art blocks from one of my favorite local artists, who lives right around the corner from Creative Genius. Her name is Abbie Mylod Galie and her company name is Original Abbie Designs. I have helped her with growing her business from a wholesale standpoint and she continually helps me with technology and resource things. Truly a mutually beneficial working relationship...plus she is very cool!


Yesterday's new editions are wall art blocks with reproductions of her original art on them. Very well done and these new ones really speak to me. My favorite is the artist one but I also like the drummer one too. The art is whimsical and fun and would work for just about anyone, regardless of the type of home or display area they choose to put it in. At $ 20 per art block they are a great gift...thanks for the new ones, Abbie...I am sure they will be going to new homes really soon...maybe one might even be going to MY home!