Sunday Market Artist Feature: Liz Soll and Jean Wolter

Sunday Market Artist Feature: Liz Soll and Jean Wolter

Look chic for work, shopping, entertaining, a night out, or hanging out with friends. Wear jewelry by Liz Soll (The Beading Nutritionist, booth #116/117) and hats, bags and other accessories by Jean Wolter (Knits and Glitz, booth #?). Jean makes elegant and sophisticated felted wool hats, superb for looking stylish and keeping warm in the fall and winter. She also creates beautiful felted bags, including stadium bags perfect for caring essentials to the big game. At Jean¡¯s booth you will also find knitted scarves, belts and bookmarks. Much of Jean¡¯s work is adorned with antique buttons and/or beads making her pieces extra special. And, speaking of beads, Liz creates sterling silver beaded jewelry. She makes rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and charms. Liz uses unique combinations of colors and types of beads including porcelain, Swarovski crystal, metal, freshwater pearls, mother of pearl, Czech glass, stones (including semi-precious), and shell. Much of her work involves wire-wrapping and dangles of crystal. Liz makes matching sets as well as separates and all pieces are sold individually. Stop by the Sunday ARTsan Market and visit Liz and Jean, you will very pleased with what you see.

Liz¡¯s web store: http://beadingnutritionist.etsy.com

Market Finds

Sunday Artisan Market Finds

Set a spectacular table and impress your guests with these colorful treasures, found at the Sunday Artisan Market.

(please click on photos for a closer look)

Glass Platters by Dawn Foerg of Foerg Glassworks, Stall #94, FoergGlassworks.com

Place Mats and Table Runners by Ann Sheppard of Such Pretty Colors, Stall #118-119, SuchPrettyColors.com

Gourds by Tammy Braunscheidel of BET Baskets, Stall varies each week, email: betbaskets@sbcglobal.net

What will *you* find this week?

Shameless Self-Promotion #3

Now let's explore some free or inexpensive Websites we can use.

First, of course...Etsy.
http://www.etsy.com/

Why have an Etsy shop?-First, for your Artisan market customers. Many customers ask if I have a website so they can look at my products later. But I usually take the initiative. When someone looks at my items but doesn't buy, I finish up my 'sales pitch' by saying, "And, you can look at them from home, here's my business card with my website". When someone buys something, the last thing I say is, "I put my card with my website in the bag" or, if I know it's a gift, I say, "I put two cards with my info and website in the bag, you can give one with the gift and keep one for yourself".

-Your Etsy shop will help your business come up in a Google search.

-People might buy things from your Etsy shop. ;) [But, if they don't, don't be discouraged. It usually takes more effort than just listing your items, to get sales. We'll keep talking about that in the future.)

-Loading an Etsy shop is MUCH easier than creating your own website if you aren't experienced, and much cheaper than hiring someone to build a website for you. AND you can also buy a .com and simply have it FORWARDED to your Etsy shop. You can just put the .com on your business card. That's what we do with our Saturday market collective shop. I bought http://www.saamaa.com/ and had it forwarded to http://saamaa.etsy.com/, so I don't even have to tell people the etsy address, just the www.saamaa.com. That way, later on you can build your own awesome website, ditch Etsy, but your old business cards will still take people to your new site.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Etsy is like Ebay in one way - it's a "venue" site. That means you list your own items and you deal with the customer directly. It's different from Ebay in a couple of important ways - on Ebay, anything goes, but Etsy only allows Handmade [by you], Vintage, or Commercial Supplies. And, instead of auctions that last only a few days, your Etsy listing lasts for 4 months [or until the item sells].

You choose a username, register as a seller, and then you can start adding items, and fill in your store front with a banner, avatar, Shop Announcement, Profile and Policies. The shop front is free, and each item costs 20 cents for 4 months. You get to list 5 pictures for each item.

I'm going to go into detail about the Username because you can't change it later. Everything else, you can work on as you go, change and improve.

Username
Choose your username carefully. *You can't change it later.* [you can start all over with another one if you use another email address]. It will be your Etsy shop's web address. So it's important. I also recommend buying the .com for your Etsy username. For that matter, use the same username everywhere on the web - then customers can find you everywhere, and you'll be subtly promoting your business everywhere you go. Mine is Such Pretty Colors, so my Etsy shop address is http://suchprettycolors.etsy.com. Yours will be http://whatever-name-you-choose.etsy.com.
Points to think about:
-Does the name reflect positively on what you do?
-Does it leave room for change if you branch out, change or add mediums?
-Can the spelling be confused by customers? Sometimes clever names can backfire. If I picked "SewPretty", I'd have to spell my website every time I tell someone about it.
-Use something easy for a customer to remember - just a memorable phrase, not Jenny8764.
-Avoid possible apostrophes - "Ann's Quilts" - you'll always be saying "no apostrophe in the web address".
-Pick something which has an available .com. Avoid a situation where you'll be stuck with a .net or .us because another business already has your .com, it's just one more little confusion for customers, and it's hard enough for them to remember how to find us already. You can buy the .com affordably at GoDaddy.com.
-Think about registering the name with Washtenaw County. That helps avoid a name that's already in use, and helps prevent a new person taking the same name in the future. You can do it at the County building at the Registrar of Deeds, I believe it's $10. Beware - the county sells your name to every junk mail sender on earth. :(
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is the Etsy Wiki.http://www.etsywiki.com/index.php?title=Main_PageIt is chock full of page upon page of help and advice for selling on Etsy.Some of the links go to another page full of links, so there is really a ton here. It's worth really getting into and exploring, if you want to make a go of it on Etsy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When you get your shop running, or if you already have a shop, put your Etsy web address in the comments here on the blog. Then we can all network with each other.

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by Ann Sheppard

Art Walk 2008

Hi all! It has a busy season at the Market. On Oct. 5th we hosted 27 local Etsy sellers for a special Super Market Sunday. And this Friday, Oct. 17th, we are taking part in the Ann Arbor Art Walk. There will be over 50 of our Sunday vendors hanging out at the Market from 5-10 p.m. to show off their wares and talk Art. Several of our vendors will be giving demonstrations. There will be light refreshments and music performed by one of our vendors. We are all really excited about our first time participating in the Art Walk. Hope to see you there.

More Shameless Self-Promotion

Shameless Self-Promotion by Ann Sheppard [of Such Pretty Colors]

Sometimes Self-Promotion can be hard for us. We are taught not to 'brag'. But you can positively and enthusiastically promote yourself without bragging.

This column will give a tip each week, just little ways you can promote your business in your daily life.

Tip #2 - Things to do with your business cards

1. Put one in every customer's bag. Say, "My business card is in the bag in case you need me again."

2. Give one to every customer you talk to, even if they don't buy something. Say, "Would you like my card in case you decide you'd like to get one [of my items] in the future?"

3. Keep a few in your bag or pocket, ready to give out in unexpected situations. :)

4. Put them on the bulletin board at cafes, coney islands, Whole Foods, the Co-op, etc. Restock them as needed.

5. Give a stack to your mom. When she is bragging about you to the lady behind her in line at Meijer's, she can give her your card. Give some to your best friend and your spouse, too.

6. Make them into bookmarks and give those to your customers. Then they will keep them around and see them often.

7. Put a magnet on the back so your customers can put them on the fridge.

8. If a repeat customer tells you that her friends constantly ask where she got the item she bought from you, ask her if she'd like a stack of your cards.

9. Ask your suppliers if they keep business cards on hand. For instance, the JoAnn fabric on Ann Arbor Saline Rd. used to keep business cards in the drawer under the register, in case their customers inquired about seamstresses for hire. Ask the local beadshop or scrapbook store, or whatever is appropriate to your craft, if they keep cards on hand for this reason.

10. Trade a stack with a fellow crafter. Put his on your table, and ask him to put yours on his table.

11. What NOT to do: Litter. Some people suggest you stick your cards in random library books or put them on counters and shelves in stores and other public places. This is just littering and won't get you a good return. Think about the planet and skip this one.

Go give 'em! Next time, let's stick our toes into the internet. :)

Our wonderful Ann (aka Such Pretty Colors) has volunteered to put together a series of articles on ways that artists can promote themselves. Here is the first, hope you find it useful.
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Shameless Self-Promotion by Ann Sheppard of Such Pretty Colors [in spots #118/119]

Sometimes Self-Promotion can be hard for us. We are taught not to 'brag'. But you can positively and enthusiastically promote yourself without bragging.This column will give a tip each week, just little ways you can promote your business in your daily life.

Tip #1

Make sure you have a good, professional looking business card. Your business card represents you, and it's a little piece of you that people keep around to remind them of you. You want it to look good. It's part of your 'brand', so try to keep it in line with the aesthetic and level of your work. :)

Things to include:

• Business name
• Your name
• What you do - my card says 'Patchwork and Other Goodies'
• Phone number [although some people might not want to share this with strangers]
• Email address
• Website
• Where you can be found - for instance I put 'Sat Sun & Wed at A2 Farmer's Market April-Xmas' right on my card
• Any other info you want to give customers - my cards say "custom work available"

Some resources:

Go in and talk you your local neighborhood printer. Supporting local is great, and remember, you will save shipping. Ask to see examples of finished work to make sure it looks good.

http://www.copymax.com - I couldn't get onto this site because I have a Mac. :( But, I believe you can get a basic business card from Copy Max [in Office Max] at a great low price.

http://www.VistaPrint.com - be careful with these guys. You get 250 free business cards and only pay $5.65 shipping and handling. They offer GREAT prices, but they do it by trying to trick you into accidentally signing up for 'FREE' offers that charge you $20 or $30 per month on your credit card. DO NOT accept any free offers [other than their product] or check any boxes. You can order 1 of each free product on each order [sometimes magnets, sticky notes, pens, etc]. 250 color business cards costs $5.65 total. You can also upload your own graphic for an extra charge, $4.99 I believe.

http://www.overnightprints.com - people who want to stay away from VistaPrints shady practices often like Overnightprints. :) I've heard some minor complaints about the colors being off, but have heard other folks say they are perfect.

http://www.moo.com/ - these are the Cadillac of business cards. Moo cards have your photos on the front and your info on the back. You can use a different photo on each card, or any mixture you choose. You can upload the images directly from your computer or from a variety of image-hosting sites like Flickr or even Etsy. [Flickr and Etsy will get their own columns later!]. They are narrower [and more exciting] than regular business cards.

If none of these are right for you, you can always Google for other online printers...Go get 'em! Next time, we can talk about what to do with them once you have them.

A Quilt for a Soldier

One of our vendors, Rose Clawson, comes from a family that has a long history of military service. Right now she has two sons in the military and a daughter-in -law as well. Her youngest son served in Iraq for a total of 26 months. Her eldest son and his wife are scheduled for deployment overseas in 2009. Rose is justifiably proud of the service her family has given to our country. She also cares deeply about the individuals who serve in the Armed Forces.

Last summer Rose asked her fellow vendors at the Ann Arbor Sunday Artisan Market to help her create a quilt that would be donated to a wounded soldier. The quilt would be about our wishes for that soldier's healing and our thanks for his or her service and sacrifice. Many of us created the squares that Rose then sewed together. Each square was a wish or a hope or a thank you. It gave each of us a chance to connect, to do something tangible to help one of someone who had put their life on the line. It seemed a very small thing compared to what our soldiers were doing.

Rose pulled all the pieces together. Each artisan had created something unique. Rose pulled those pieces together to create a really lovely quilt. There was a problem, however. The organization that had originally recruited the quilts, for some reason, no longer wanted this one. It became an orphan of sorts. The quilt was filled with love and care and hopeful thoughts and wishes, but there was no one to offer those sentiments to.

Rose knew better. She knew she only had to wait and the right use for the quilt would come forward. Her son, who had already served in Iraq, told her it was lovely. He told her it needed to be used. Rose waited. She didn't say if she waited patiently or not, only that she knew the right use for the quilt would happen. And, she was right.

She learned of a soldier serving in Iraq, in Sadr City. She learned, from his mother, that the soldiers there did not go out during the day. They rarely saw blue sky. Not only were they in danger from those who saw them as the enemy, but they also lived a life that was demoralizing and discouraging. These soldiers could use all the cheer and good wishes they could get. Rose handed the quilt over, knowing it was going where it had found its purpose. The Sunday Artisan Market Quilt was going where it would do the most good. It was going to Iraq, to Sadr City. Most importantly, it was going to give some guys a badly needed morale boost. It was going to say 'thank you' directly to the people who deserved and needed that 'thank you.'

I made one of those small squares that Rose stitched together. At the time I did it because it seemed a small thing to do. After listening to Rose tell me the quilt's story and where it had ended up I was very glad that I had taken the time to decorate a square. Such a small thing. Only a few minutes of time. If it would help someone help great. Now, however, I feel as though I have been given the opportunity to really touch some lives. Hopefully, in a small way, to make those lives a little bit better. In a war that is, in so many ways, so far away and so incomprehensible, there is a human connection. I am grateful to Rose for that opportunity. It is a very special thing to make even such a small connection.

As for Rose, well, she cares deeply about many things. What I know of Rose is that she cares. She cares about her family. She is proud of her family's military heritage and she is oh, so proud of her children and their willingness to serve in the armed forces of the United States. When she puts her mind to something she wants to do it right. She cares that something is the way it is suppose to be. She cares about her baskets and her quilts. And, right now, she cares deeply that the quilt she envisioned and brought to fruition is serving those who deserve to be served. Thanks Rose, for letting the rest of us be a small part of your caring and vision. Thanks for letting us touch someone else's life, to make that life, maybe, just a little better.

Featured Artist Carole Fletcher

Over the next few months we are going to be featuring the different artists at the Sunday Artisan Market. The enteries are in their own words.

Carole Fletcher, Photography, The Sunday Artisan Market

Never in a million years did I imagine a photography workshop trip into the Okefenokee swamp in 1994 would end up leading me down the wonderful, wacky path of photography. To paraphrase one of my photography friends from this trip, “I went into the swamp with four men, and came out a changed woman.” Changed indeed with a love for photography and to the magnificent artwork that surrounds us daily but goes unseen by most--the beauty of nature.
During the next few years, I attended at least one photography workshop a year which offered a wide-range of opportunities to see many magnificent areas of the good ole USA. From the sands and monuments of southwest to the lush green mountains of northwest, the everglades and abundance of flowers in the southlands, to wilds of Alaska and ultimately a marvelous sailboat photography outing in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. I was hooked.
Then came a few exhibits, and ultimately retirement in 1998 from the UM to work in a gallery in Kentucky. Upon returning to Ann Arbor, I applied for the Farmers Market, and enjoyed very much socializing with the “producers” and “artists.” Then ultimately became a member of the Artisan Market in 2001 -- and, now I can mingle with a marvelous unique group of artists. Even on a day when no dollars come my way, it’s just “plain fun” spending the day with so many creative folks.
Over the years the Artisan Market has provided a marvelous opportunity to share my photography with folks strolling through the market, encouraging others to “go ahead and try it out” one never knows, sharing information with other artists, and just plain feeling the creative energy that is abound in the market atmosphere. Being a board member of the market also affords me the opportunity to meet and assist new artists who come to the market to “try it out.” Sometimes the market can be an ever changing affair with new daily artists attending market to complement those who are annuals and come almost every week. So, I would encourage folks to “come on down and check us out” -- the perfect item may be waiting for you.
Added to having a love for photography, I’m a childcare provider for the Lakewood Elementary aftercare program where each spring and fall I host a “photography special” for the children. We start out with just watching the clouds and seeing what there is to see - then off to the woods to discover the wonders of nature. In addition, we do a lot of art work and this year will be doing an exhibit at the Artisan Market on Sunday, 5/18/08 featuring art projects using recyclable items. To date, we have made magazine holders out of cereal boxes, purses out of egg cartons, and hanging planters.
So then, kick back, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Plus, come on down to market and check out the unique, diversified art and mingle with the artists. Good times for all.

Next Vendor's Meeting

Just a reminder that the next Vendor's meeting is this coming Sunday, May 4th. We will meet shortly after the Sunday Artisan Market closes at 4:00. We always give people time to close up shop and put things away. With May our year will really start to pick up. Yes, even more fun than the last month! So, if you can, please plan on staying after market for the meeting. Nope, I haven't seen the agenda yet. Sorry, but we are trying very hard this year to make these meetings about you, the vendors and about how we all can make this year's Artisan Market the most fun and prosperous yet.

Spring is moving quickly

Hi there, Jane here.

I am scrambling and laughing at the same time. I can't believe how quickly April has come and now, almost gone. It was a really exciting month for Ann Arbor's Sunday Artisan Market. Opening Day, on April 6th, was a perfect Spring day and we had lots of vendors and and lots of customers. April has traditionally been a slow month, perfect for getting booths and product organized and set to go for the rest of the year. But, at least this year, we started off with a bang.

Perhaps too much of a bang because Michigan's winter weather returned the following Sunday. There were 16 brave vendors and a few sturdy customers all thinking very hard about sunny skies and blooming flowers. That must have worked because the following Sunday was gorgeous and the Sunday Artisan Market was packed with both vendor's and customers!! Who knew the difference that 6 short days could make. I believe that if I lived in some place with more predictable weather I'd probably be bored in no time. Actually, I once lived in Southern California and I found my self getting up each morning complaining about "another blankity blank crystal clear morning." So I guess it's a good thing I live in Michigan. Never boring here.

And I can say the same thing about the Artisan Market, it's never boring either. Each Sunday is a little different. Already, we have a core group of almost 50 annual vendors, most of whom are at the market almost every Sunday. On top of that we have another 15 to 20 "Daily" vendors who come to the market as their schedules allow. Our customers range from locals to neighbors from close by counties to way-out-of-towners. One group last weekend was from Italy. I suspect visiting the Artisan Market was not their main reason for being in Ann Arbor, but they all seemed to be having a great time visiting with various artisans and picking up a few pieces of local art. We've already had one special event focusing on Earth Day and more are planned for future Sunday's. Gads, it's not even May yet ! No wonder I'm behind.

Yes, I am very excited about how the Sunday Artisan Market is filling out and up this year. The energy every where is very positive and exciting and everyone seems to be having a really good time. I don't think we could ask for anything more for our start up month.

Here's to a joy filled and prosperous season!

Opening Weekend Poster

One week to go!

Hello! Kate here. I am going to be sharing blog duties with Jane. I have been a little slow getting going, but I promise to do better in the coming weeks. My goal is to introduce you to our vendors and let them have their say about the Market, Art and anything else that strikes their fancy.

The Board went through the latest bunch of applications this afternoon and I have to say I am really excited about the coming Market season. There is so much talent that I am in awe. There are lots of fun events planned for the coming months, including an Earth Day celebration and 2 different groups of young artists setting up at Market.

Opening Day is next week!!! (I am not sure where the time went. I had such plans for being creative over the winter break, but alas that was not the case.) Official hours are from 11-4 in the Kerrytown Market. Pleas come down to see us.... and prary that it doesn't snow!

Next Vendor Meeting

Yikes! I just came out from underneath a bunch of accounting stuff...yes, I'm still at it, but I have been in my fabric studio dyeing so I've had some fun this month also. Anyway, I realized that I hadn't posted about the upcoming Vendor's Meeting.

It is this coming Sunday, March 2nd at the Ann Arbor Library. 12:30 pm is the time. We will be meeting in the "meeting room" on the third floor. The applications are finally ready. We are really sorry for the delay. They have been emailed out to everyone whose email addresses we had. They will also be available at the meeting. We also have a very full tentative marketing/advertising schedule to discuss with everyone. Joan and Cheri have been really busy getting things pulled together. Besides that there will be the usual President's report and Treasurer's report and Manager's report and...well, luckily I think that is all the reports. However, we also already have some other pieces of business to discuss with everyone. So, as the saying goes, 'come on down.'

Community Art News..

Thank you 'Arts Alliance' for continuing to unite and strengthen arts in our community! If you aren't from this area, or haven't heard of The Arts Alliance, here is the scoop: The mission of The Arts Alliance is to support efforts to increase participation in arts and cultural activities, and strengthen the cultural community and organizations that provide these programs, thereby ensuring that all citizens benefit from our outstanding cultural resources. (again, Thank you, Thank you Arts Alliance.)

Following is information compiled by this group.. I hope that you can find it as helpful as I did.
1) Artists' Census - April 1 launch date How many artists live and practice their art in Washtenaw County anyway? We're launching an Artists' Census on April 1 to try to answer just that question. And, we're going to need all the help we can get to spread the word out to the creative community of Washtenaw County. For more information about the census and how you can assist our promotional efforts contact Angela at angela@annarborchamber.org. We're looking to partner with artists and cultural organizations to include the census link on your websites, e-newsletters, programs materials . . . etc. Help us create some Artists' Census buzz!

2)Creative Connections, March 10 - Save the Date Mark your calendars for the next Creative Connections on Monday, March 10. We'll be taking a field trip to the Saline Picture Frame Company. Our theme for March is collaboration. We hope to see you there!

3)Free Frames, Free Frames & More Free Frames:We have a variety of large professional frames available at the Arts Alliance for pick-up. Please let Angela know if you're interested in these frames and we'll schedule a pick-up time. (They are metal frames, and many already include the matte).

4)President of National Women's Caucus for Art (WCA) to speak at Ann Arbor Art Center Date: March 13, 2008 - Ann Arbor, MI The Michigan Chapter of the WCA, a nonprofit organization is proud to announce that Marilyn Hayes, the new President of the National Women's Caucus for Art will speak at The Ann Arbor Art Center. Hayes' will talk about her experience in the Women's Caucus for Art and about her own art work. All are welcome to attend. Contact: Brenda Oelbaum 734-645-9024; email address: boelbaum@yahoo.com

5)I'd Rather be in the Studio! Workshop Dates: March 15 & 16, 2008 - Ann Arbor, MI Alyson B. Stanfield is coming to Ann Arbor to teach her workshop for visual artists. Alyson is known as one of the top Art Marketing experts in the nation. This two day workshop will cover Self-Promotion Essentials and Promoting Your Art Online. For information and registration visit: http://www.annarborwomenartists.com/stanfield.htm

6)Chelsea Cooperative Gallery Small co-op gallery has openings for a few new members and guest artists. Very generous commission split. Send resume and a few small jpeg pictures to westmoonart@gmail.com for more information.

7)2008 Kalamazoo Community Empty Bowls Project We are seeking handcrafted bowls (of all mediums) to be displayed at a silent auction during the 2008 Annual Kalamazoo Community Empty Bowls Event on March 8, 2008. To participate and contribute to this year's event, contact Jennifer Johnson at Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes: Jennifer@kzoolf.org.

8)The Ann Arbor Art Center Deadline: February 29, 2008The Ann Arbor Art Center seeks submissions for its annual exhibition, The Print. The Print invites artists to showcase experimental print techniques encompassing those of contemporary standards as well as those of time honored tradition. A prospectus including rules, application procedures, and a calendar of dates can be found on their website, http://www.annarborartcenter.org/docs/2008_printprospectus.pdf. For questions or more information, contact Irene Gelbord at 734-994-8004 x 110 or igelbord@annarborartcenter.org.

Due to space issues, I can't list all of the great information that Arts Alliance has.. so for more, go to http://www.annarborchamber.org/community/arts/ or contact angela@annarborchamber.org to get on their direct mailing list.

End of January Blues

Hi All,
Jane here.
I'd rather be in the studio dyeing beautiful silk. I'd rather be making photographs. I'd rather be doing almost anything other than what I'm doing. What I'm doing is learning an accounting program on my computer. Little did I know last January, when I decided to become part of the Ann Arbor Sunday Artisan Market, what I was getting into. I thought, I'll try selling my photography and dyed scarves at the Sunday Artisan Market. I'll probably hate it. I'm more of an introvert than and extrovert, but I'll give it a try. Who knows, I might like it. I might even be successful at selling. People might like what I have...

And the rest is history...or at least a year of history. I loved being part of the Artisan Market. I like the people I sell with and I like the people who wander through each Sunday. I love talking with everyone and watching the various interactions that happen between people. And, I love selling my work. I didn't hate it at all. So now what? What does a person do next? Eventually, I realized that I needed to treat my business like a business. Among other things I needed a good bookkeeping system.

Do you hear the deep moans? I am somewhat computer phobic and quite a bit accounting phobic. This part I hate. The only thing that keeps me going is remembering what it's like each Sunday when the Market is open. Yes, I tell myself, it's worth every frustration and every difficulty. This is what I want to do, so I might as well just sit down and get it done. You might notice how I am, at this particular moment, "getting it done." Yes, well I need a break every now and then to keep from pulling all my hair out before April 6Th.

So that is my End of January Blues. I suspect I am not the only artist and craft person
struggling with accounting right now. We're doing the drudgery part instead of making wonderful and creative work to enjoy and to sell. I'm sure that the effort will be worth it. Besides, I have to have it done by April for both the IRS and the Market and April is only 2 months away! I'd best get back to it.

My condolences and sympathies to everyone out there singing the End of January Blues along with me. May we get these chores done quickly so we can get on with the pieces of this business that we love.

General Vendors Meeting-Jan. 27th

The board had its first 2008 meeting on Sunday, January 20th. That meeting was close to three hours. Yes, we were tired at the end, but I think everyone felt we had accomplished a great deal.

Now we have lots of things to pass on to the rest of our Artisan market group and anyone interested in vending this year. As usual, we are also hoping to have continued input from all of you. I know it is a cliche, but the Artisans Market really does belong to all of us and those of us on the board really do count on and appreciate your input and help.

The season is coming up on us quickly. Believe it, really, believe it!

There is a general vendor's meeting this Sunday (January 27th) at 12:30 at the Ann Arbor Library. The meeting is in the conference room on the Third floor of the library.

Everyone is invited-even if you are just thinking about joining us down at the Market this year. We'd love to see you at the meeting.