Holiday show list

Hi all you out there in jewelry-loving land. Anna here.

I wanted to let everyone know about all the upcoming shows I'm participating in. They are all the perfect opportunity for holiday shopping, both by supporting local businesses and artists, and by avoiding traffic and the mall. Along with all these wonderful shows, the booth will be set up at Fremont Market every Sunday. Stop by to say hi to me, Rachel, Jamie, and our neighbors, Jim (handmade candles) and Janet (children's books).

This weekend: Unzipped Event
www.unzippedevent.com
Unzipped showcases the best Northwest emerging designers and brands. Meet the artists and get to know the latest fashion trends. Seattle Center Pavilion, Sunday, Nov 18, 12-6.
(There is also a buyer/press preview on Sunday 10-12, and a preview party and fashion show on Saturday, Nov 17. Check the website for details.)

Urban Craft Uprising www.urbancraftuprising.com
Saturday and Sunday, Dec 1-2 at Seattle Center
This is the largest independent crafter/artist show this season. Last year was a huge success for me, and I thank everyone that came to the booth. This year I'm sharing the booth with two of my favorite gals. KneLow Cosmetics - Jamie and Lisa - make the most scrumptious lotions, scrubs, and lip balms. Also, the first 50 people in the door each day get a swag bag.

Swank www.seattleswankshow.com
Seattle: Saturday, Dec 8th 10-4 at Magnusson Park
Bellevue: Saturday, Dec 15th 10-4 at Highland Community Center
These shows showcase an elite selection of Seattle area artists. This is the place to find the gift for the person who has everything or for the mother-in-law with impeccable taste.

Along with all those shows, I'm also available for in-home parties (think Tupperware but much more interesting). I've teamed up with Jim of Kaleidoscope Candles (my neighbor at the Market) and Jamie and Lisa of KneLow Cosmetics. We will bring an exclusive collection from all our products to you. All you need to do is provide the place and the customers. The host of the party will receive special discounts on all products.

As always, I hope to see all of you sometime before the holidays. If not, I hope yours are happy and safe.

Happy crafting,
Anna

Anna Perrone Designs
www.annaperronedesigns.com
www.annaperronedesigns.blogspot.com

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Total Bummer

Well, for all the hype and hard work I put into I Heart Indie Holidays, I will no longer be participating in the shows or the planning. Cassandra and I have different ideas on how the shows should be promoted and how business should be operated. As the business was originally hers, she has asked me to terminate my affiliation with IHIC. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

The good news is that I am still participating in many other holiday season shows. Swank Show www.seattleswankshow.com is putting on two shows: Seattle on Dec 8 and Bellevue on Dec 15. The organizers, Kim, Kristin and Julia, have put together two more exciting shows. The vendors are all fantastic and the crowds truly appreciate hand crafted functional art. Urban Craft Uprising, www.urbancraftuprising.com, is on Dec 1-2 this year. I will be sharing a prime location with Knelow Cosmetics www.knelow.com. Jamie and Lisa hand craft the most luxurious lotions, scrubs, perfumes, and lip balms. I've been wearing Jezebelle all week.

As always, I'll be at the Fremont Sunday Market every week, rain or shine. This is, by far, the best place to see me and all my jewelry. Every piece I have is out on display, and it's amazing. I have 40 square feet of pure earring overload. Fremont is a great place to spend a few hours on a Sunday, even in the rain. It is the mecca of independent business in Seattle. And the food at the Market is amazing. The crepes are my favorite.

Even though the holiday season preparation has to start now - for me at least - the fun continues to grow. I'm putting together some home parties. They're not your grandma's Tupperware parties, but similar. The idea is the same, get a bunch of friends together and shop at home - but now you can shop AND drink. So, if you, or anyone you know, want to do all your holiday shopping from the comfort of your home, and have access to wonderful hand-crafted items, just drop me a line. The party will be tailored to your specific likes - what products, how many people, blended or mixed drinks... We can also put together a similar party for fundraising. With your support, we can bring crafty goodness to the masses!

Happy crafting,
Anna

Punk Rock Flea Market, Sept 15

In case you were wondering, I'm still alive, just VERY busy, hence the delay in writing. I'd like to invite everyone to two events this Saturday. The Punk Rock Flea Market is taking place in Belltown, all day long, at the Underground Events Center. Also, Atlas Clothing on Capitol Hill is having a grand re-opening Saturday evening. Yours truly has a whole case full of jewelry, many of which are exclusive designs for the store. A fashion show starts at 9. See you there!

A.

IHIH Needs Sponsors, and junk...

There's not too much new here. I'm still busy with planning for the triple-threat holiday shows. Remember, there's still room for vendors but the app deadline is the end of the month. Check out the new site www.iheartindiecrafts.com for details and an application. And as always, feel free to ask questions if you're not sure about us, the shows, or vending in general. I'm always happy to help.

We're also looking for sponsors. If you, anyone you know, or any of your suppliers are interested in a great advertizing opportunity, let me know. We have incredibly affordable advertising packages that will be on the website all year and in print for all the shows. Just because we are crafters and artists, doesn't mean that our advertisers have to be. For instance, my chiropractor is a sponsor. He believes in well-being through natural avenues, and is a true "hand-crafter" in his own right. He keeps me sitting up straight which results in very happy crafting!

You should also check out the Fremont Market. The summer vendors are all out and the market is fantastic. Be sure to check out the delicious candles (in the booth next to me), the delicious crepes, and the delicious T-shirts and original art at Partybots. The market runs every Sunday from 10am-5pm.

OH!!! I almost forgot. It's SUMMER SALE for me. I'm clearing out some pieces from last fall. Get them while they last, at amazing prices. I'm gearing up for having jewelry in three new stores, so there will be huge turnover in stock over the next few weeks. If you saw something at the market you liked, come back and get it before it's shipped of to the East Coast or Los Angeles.

Happy crafting!
~A.

I Heart Indie Holidays UPDATE

I have some exciting news! We just finalized the venues for all three I Heart Indie Holiday shows. There have been some scheduling changes, but we were able to book all our first choices. Check it out:

I Heart Indie Holidays Seattle: Saturday Nov 24, Seattle Pavilion
I Heart Indie Holidays Portland: Sunday Dec 2, Wonder Ballroom
I Heart Indie Holidays Bellingham: Sunday Dec 9, The Majestic

I'm so excited about these shows. It is our goal to provide the best opportunities for local crafters and create a sense of community in the Northwest.

There are still spaces available for vendors of all types. So far we have jewelry, bags, paintings, clothing, soap, cards, housewares, candles, and even chain mail. But we're still looking for more of you. Every hand-crafted item is unique and special and we want to give you an opportunity to show off your creativity.

Don't forget about booth shares, too. We have no limit on how many crafters share a booth. If you have some crafty friends, band together for a 10' x 10' space at all or just one of the shows. Everything is better with a friend! And you double your customer base at the same time.

We also want to encourage everyone to think about ways to expand their businesses. We know that IHIH shows are not the only ones offered during the holiday season (although they are the most affordable). We don't want you to feel like you have to make a choice between shows - we encourage you to do them all, even if they fall on the same day. This will just make you think about your business plan a little harder. Start thinking about ways to do two shows on the same day - how you will create displays and split inventory.

My first two-show day was about 10 months ago, when I decided to do IHR for the first time. I had to figure out how to keep my booth at the Fremont Sunday Market but also participate in Seattle's longest-running and most-talked-about indie craft show. I thought about how to divide inventory and how to leverage my friends and family to help me out. Not only did I double my customer base but I instantly saw the value of expanding my business to accommodate every show I could possibly get in to. And look at me now - co-directing 3 great shows at the forefront of the indie craft world.

If anyone is hesitant to double up on shows or needs some guidance on what shows to participate in, I'm more than happy to help. Since I've been there, recently, I have some insight that you might not. And although I'll push for you to participate in the IHIH shows, I'll offer sound business advice for your specific situation.

Stop by Fremont on Sundays or shoot me an email if you have questions or need some friendly crafty advice.

Happy crafting!
~Anna

ACK! It's been far too long...

I've been incredibly busy with pulling together some new shows in conjuction with I Heart Rummage. Cassandra Lanning, the indie craft goddess, has asked me to co-direct I Heart Indie Holidays. This is a group of shows - Seattle, Bellingham and Portland - aimed at providing new, affordable retail opportunities for local artists and indie crafters.

I'm also swamped with filling orders for summer weddings, restocking for Fremont, and putting a class together. That's right - a class! This Saturday I'm running a BYOS (bring your own stuff) class for beading at the Capitol Hill library. And IT'S FREE!!! If you want to participate, email Cassandra at iheartrummage@hotmail.com. The class will focus on helping students design and complete beadwork projects that they "thought" they could do themselves. So, if you bought a bunch of beads, but have no clue where to start or how to finish, bring them along.

Hopefully I'll be better at keeping you informed in the future. As always, you can come see me at Fremont Sunday Market every week.

Happy crafting!
A.

...so I'm super lazy...

...well, super lazy at updating this thing at least...

So the picture is from last summer, but some of the pieces have been re-made with only slight variations. The reason the blog hasn't been updated in months is because I've been going CRAZY trying to get enough jewelry together for all the summer shows. So far, I've participated in Thread and Unzipped, as well as the regular IHR shows. It's been great!

Next weekend, May 19-20, I'll be at the University District Street Fair. This is a HUGE two-day event that has the most amazing vendors, activities, and food - especially food! You should really check it out. I'll be on the east side of University Ave between 49th and 50th, across from Smokin' Dick's BBQ. Not only will you be able to see exclusive new designs, but you'll be able to vote on your favorite booth display. (I intend to win, of course.)

As always, I'm at the Fremont Sunday Market. I have a new permanent spot, right next to Jim the Candle Man. If you love (or even like) candles, color, or amazing aromas, check him out. His candles are all hand-made and have the most wonderful colors and fragrances.

Drop me a line at anna@annaperronedesigns.com if you have any questions. Even if they're not jewelry related, I'll do my best to come up with an informative and/or amuzing answer. Lately, all answers are "12".

Happy Mother's Day
~A.

Jewelry Class at IHR

Hi all,

Sorry about the tardy post. I've been busy preparing to teach a jewelry-making-basics class at April's IHR. Stop by the Croc on April 1 to sit in on the class and even have a chance to make your own Sterling earrings. There will be supplies for all and tons of fun. I'll be bringing brand new beads as well as some classics from my signature jewelry line.

There are a few shows coming up that you should check out, too. Thread Show Seattle is at Fremont Studios on April 22, UNZiPPED Event will be at Seattle Center for TWO days May 5 & 6, and U-District Street Fair May 19-20. As always, I'm set up at Fremont Sunday Market, rain or shine (but I always pray for shine).

ON-LINE SHOPPING UPDATE: Click on over to www.elementjewelry.com to grab up special, limited-edition pieces. Kathy runs a great website and is my exclusive on-line sales guru.

Special tidbit: Amy Tavern has just released her new line of hand-made precious metal jewelry. She's one of my favorite designers - I wear her jewelry more than I wear my own! www.amytavern.com

Thanks folks. Until next time,
Happy crafting
~A.

It's snowing!!!

What?!? That's right. It snowed in Seattle all day long. There's about 2 inches piled up on my car, and the street is totally covered. I'd post a picture of it, but I don't have a digital camera (hint, hint). I know this shouldn't be shocking, but snow on the ground in March is pretty depressing. Luckily, I've been keeping my spirits up by creating fantastic new cuffs. Everything is bright and new.

I'm also excited about all the upcoming shows. Unzipped, Thread, U Distric, Solstice, and the monthly IHR. I'll be at IHR, in the back room, this Sunday. And, weather permitting, Rachel will be manning the booth in Fremont. She's such a trooper. Be sure to stop by and wish her warm thoughts. No pressure, but she loves hot chocolate. Stay tuned for show updates and info.

Ohh, and I'm super excited for Persnickity's new line. Rebecca has been very mysterious about it and I've been dying to see it since Dec. Check out her site for more info www.persnickitydesign.com

Happy crafting,
A.

Sunday Market Fun

Hi all, just an update. The Fremont Sunday Market is in full swing. Come see me and all the other great craftspeople on Sundays, 10am - 4pm. Jenna, of Bella Sisters, is back and most of her coats are on sale. Check her out at www.jenna-rose.com. Also, there is a booth that sells chocolate truffles. They're pretty good, and I hear you can get "special" chocolates, too.

The weather should be decent this weekend. Stop by and say "Hi".

Cheers, Anna

This week in jewelry

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I Heart Rummage was fun. It was great to see everyone again. We all signed a big card for Amy, of DarBeka. She's been ill for a while now but is on the road to recovery. We also got to meet Cole, Kristin's new baby. I've never know her not pregnant. He is a precious little baby, and didn't mind all us touchy-feely people.

Next Sunday I'll be at my usual spot in Fremont. Make sure to stop by for all your Valentine's gifts. And don't forget to get your Frequent Buyer card punched. Don't have one, just ask!

Cheers, Anna

Hey there everybody...just checking in to see if this whole thing is working. Yep, it is.

Come see me and all my crafty buddies at I Heart Rummage next weekend (Feb 4) at the Crocodile Cafe in Belltown. It's the first IHR this year and should be fantastic!

A.

Here's the new BLOG!!!

Here's the newest addition to my super low-tech website. I'm a blog! It will probably be updated way more often that the website, so check back every week or so to find out what's happening with Anna Perrone Designs.

Thanks to all. 2006 was a GREAT year, and I hope to make 2007 even better. I took a month off from Fremont Sunday Market because of the frigid Arctic weather Seattle has seen and have been working on new designs, new prices, new displays, new shows, and a new website.

I'll be at I Heart Rummage this Sunday, Feb 4. Stop by the Croc to see me and all my crafty friends. I'll be set up in the back, so be sure to wander back there.

Cheers, Anna