What is a Skittles?

Skittles is the name of our 12lb Chorkie puppy.  She will be two in January.  Yes, shes a little on the heavy side and shes very sensitive about it.  However, she is the cutest puppy in the world.  Yes, that’s right.  The cutest puppy in the world!

Besides, being the cutest puppy ever…….she loves the water.  Every time we go swimming, she would run around the pool making those annoying anxious sounds that are usually reserved for females in heat.  Female dogs that is.  I don’t think I’ve heard those sounds come from a………..never mind.  Back to the story.

Lets go Swimming!

So, she loves the water and runs around the pool when we swim.  The loving parents we are, we invite her to jump in.  But she wont.  She wont even get on the first step.  She just does this hesitation dance and acts like shes going in……..but……….no, just another dance.

Before the Dance Begins

If we put her in the pool (on the first step) she lifts one paw (her right front paw) out of the water and just holds it there.   I don’t know why.  But, she does it every time.   After a few times of that, she would step onto the boogie board….if……..you were holding onto it and cruised around the pool with her.  Now, this isn’t so bad………for her.  However, for us, all we get is her butt in our face because she wants to try and drink ALL the water out of the pool.  So, the first year, we swam around with her butt in our face.

There Has Gotta Be a Better Way

This year we were determined to find a solution that would allow all parties to enjoy the water at the same time without anyone feeling left out, ignored or with the overwhelming urge to perform the hesitation dance.   We knew she couldn’t sit on a raft because her nails would just puncture it.  So, we set out to find a bigger boogie board.  We looked high and low at Target, Walmart and Shasta Pools.   But no clear solution was to be found.  So, we improvised.  We know she likes the water, but wants to feel secure and be able to drink ALL the water. 

Here’s what we came up with.

Boogie Board-Raft Invention Hmmmm

Genius Right!?  NOT.  If you think she doesn’t look happy.  You are correct. 

With this contraption, she doesn’t get the cooling effect of the water, cant drink ALL the water in the world, and she floats aimlessly around the pool.  Shortly after this picture, started the annoying anxious sounds again. 

Back to the drawing board as they say.  Or, more like, back to her butt being in our face again. 

On A Mission

On a mission to resolve this butt in the face dilemma….I stumbled across this little boat with a mesh bottom so little children could float in the water, yet, not drown.  That’s IT!  The boat inflates, but the inflatable part is protected by this material.  And, the bottom is mesh.  So, her nails won’t dig in and puncture anything.

Perfect!  Right?  You tell me.

Gotta Smell It First

Oh, Cool Water!

Skittles the Living Skimmer

My favorite Toy

So, with this, I say goodnight.

Don’t forget to visit our shop at:

www.DiRoGlassStudio.etsy.com

Well, not really.  Just what he brings me. 

Nothing thrills me more than getting a package!  I’m usually at work when the UPS guy drops it off at my door.  However, when I expect a package, I cant wait to leave work.  I race home, I mean, drive home at a reasonable and prudent speed. 

I turn on to my street….. the anticipation builds…….my heart beats a little faster…..approaching the house…..OMG, is it there?  Did he come?  Just about to turn into the driveway…………and………..yes!  A package! 

I jump out of the car, run to the front door and cradle it oh so lovingly.  My package.  My beautiful, little package.  I fumble with my key, stumble in to the house and carefully put it in a place of prominence in my studio. 

Shortly after that, I usually hear the voice of my loving partner…..exclaiming “Are you gonna shut the garage door, or are we having a give away of all my tools?!” 

Oh, come on, that only happened once.    

So, why doesn’t she get excited about packages?  Sometimes, its stuff she ordered.  Why does she leave it outside the door?  These are things I ponder. 

Her answers: 1) its just a package of things we paid for.  If something free shows up, I will be ecstatic!  2) I’m busy and didn’t have time to answer the door, then I just forgot it was there. 

Ok, first of all, I have never seen her ecstatic about anything.  And two, she works from home, so maybe she is too busy to answer the door.  But, come on, its a PACKAGE!

Anyway, I did manage to get her to photograph my package and its contents so I could share them with you.  Maybe, you get as excited as I do.  Maybe not.  Maybe, I need to up my meds and fit in with society.  Who knows?

So, here is the picture of my bundle of joy…..I mean package. 

New Packages!

Whats in it?

Glass Rods 104 COE

So these rods are COE 104 and considered soft glass.  I bought these colors to make some of my pendants imprinted with shapes from a brass stamp.   I also use the green for my turtles. 

Glass Rods 96 COE

I bought some 96 COE rods so I could make 3D things to be tacked fused onto some of our business card holders, plates and soon to be listed shadow boxes.

Pretty Dichroic

These dichroic strips will be melted on top of a bead.  These are 104 COE and will be used in making some pendants, focal beads or wine stoppers.

Etch All

Finally, this is some Etch All.  This is a solution that you can soak your glass in to give it an etched look.  I haven’t tried it yet.  But, am looking forward to soaking some glass rings and beads in it.  I will post some pictures afterwards.

So, that is basically what came in my package.  Its just so exciting!  Isn’t it?  Or, is it just me.  Maybe.

Next time, I will post pictures of the things I made with the contents of this package.  Maybe that will excite you?   See you then!

Sites worth visiting:

www.delphiglass.com

My website:

www.DiRoGlassStudio.etsy.com

Torches with the technology to properly mix propane and oxygen to produce the appropriate flame needed to melt and manipulate the glass.

Torch Bench

This is my torch bench in our studio.  You can see the oxygen tank in the back of the photo on the upper, right side.  In front of the tank is my kiln with a bead door for easy access. 

Now, there are two types of torchwork techniques that I am practicing:

On Mandrel:  That is to say, you wrap the molten glass around a stainless steel rod called a mandrel.  The mandrel allows you to maintain a hole in the bead while you are forming the glass.  Once the glass is cooled enough to touch, you pull the mandrel out and you are left with a hole for stringing your bead or pendant.

On Mandrel

Now, you have to wear special glasses to protect your eyes and allow you to actually see the glass (instead of the orange glob you see in this picture).

Off Mandrel:  This is a technique where you use a rod of glass (punty) to hold the piece of glass you are manipulating.  With this technique, you can work the glass in the flame, then punty another rod to the manipulated side so you can work the opposing side.   This technique is used to make marbles and pendants.  You can add and remove the punty as needed to form the glass pretty much however you want.  Since there is no hole, you need to add a loop of glass or a wire bale.  Or, you can have the piece sit or stand on its own.

Off Mandrel

This is a switchback pendant.  The loop for the pendant is shown in the flame.  The glass rod on the opposite end (top) will be removed when the loop is complete.

For me personally, I prefer to use the ‘off mandrel’ technique.  Its easier to control the glass and touch up the area once the punty is removed.  Where as with a mandrel, if the glass gets out of control, the hole being maintained by the mandrel can get distorted.  Distortion can cause the glass to become loose from the mandrel ruining your piece. 

However, practice makes perfect I suppose. 

P.S. I promise to do better at posting more frequently and consistently.  Nothing is more annoying than finding a blog……only to see the writer has abandoned it for whatever reason they can conjure up (Liz Fuller…….I’m too busy working in New York, London and visiting my house on the lake…whatever!)  I need my fix!

For more photos, you can click on my etsy site at:

www.DiRoGlassStudio.etsy.com

For a link to an exceptional blog, please visit:

www.morethanweknow.com

Since setting up shop on Etsy, I have come across another wonderful find!

As I mentioned in the last blog, Etsy has a great “Community” section.  Within this section is “The Storque”, containing news and articles involving Etsy.  A November 2007 article titled Etsy Team Spotlight:  First Fridays with the Arizona Crafty Burrito Collective described a collective of Etsy members who reside in Phoenix, Arizona.

Who knew?

It highlights the success of yet another part of the Etsy Community section called ‘Teams’.  Teams are Etsy members united by craft, location or interests.  In the case of the Arizona Crafty Burrito Collective, it is a team united by location.

The article describes the teams’ participation in the Phoenix First Friday art walk.  This team worked together to set up an organized display of wonderful creations from a variety of artists and their many mediums.  They had arranged for press in several local publications, visible signage and visitor participation in the form of a raffle. 

Note to self:  organized, press and signage

The team also lends ongoing support to one another in relation to using Etsy, posting of items, navigational pointers, and highlighting opportunities for success.   Please read the article yourself by clicking on the link below.  Very worthwhile reading.

http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/spotlight/article/etsy-team-spotlight-first-friday-with-the-arizona-crafty-bur/362/

My Space Az Crafty Burrito

This link will take you to the My Space page set up by the Arizona Crafty Burrito Collective.  This is a site you could easily spend 4 or more hours perusing.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=316837174

They also have a link to Etsy site tips. 

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=316837174&blogID=356870137

As of this moment, I feel a kinship with the Burritos.  I will be contacting them today to join and participate in future events.

Hopefully, I too will be able to say “I am a Burrito”

As for now, go forth and do good things!

When you think of selling something on the web, eBay quickly pops into your mind.  However, they are not the only game in town.  In comparison, there are many resources for starting a web based business that does not require you to be a techie.

ETSY.com

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling handmade arts and crafts.  It has an eBay look to it as far as being easy to navigate, purchase and sell.  The “Community” section breaks the site down into neat little categories.

·        Forums

·        Chat

·        Virtual Labs – live workshops and online classes

·        Teams – members united by craft, location, or interests

·        The Storque – news and articles to keep you up-to-date

·        Resources – tools for promoting your Etsy shop and more

Your Very Own Etsy Store

You can open your very own Etsy store for free!  You can introduce yourself through a bio, create a personalized banner across the top of your store and even have a store announcement on your storefront page.

However, if you want to sell your arts and crafts, you must pay a minimal fee.  To list an item is a mere 20 cents per listing.  This listing can have up to five pictures, a description of your creation, a listing of the materials used and the price.  Each listing can be posted for up to 4 months.

For ease of selling, you can choose the payment method you prefer.  PayPal is available and recommended for instant transactions and their anti-fraud protection.  When an item is sold, both the buyer and seller are notified via email with all the transaction details.  Once you make that sale, you pay 3.5% as a fee to Etsy. 

Most importantly, Etsy will refund fees associated with a failed transaction if the buyer does not pay.  That’s not all!  You can re-list the item again for free. 

Diroglassstudio.etsy.com

www.diroglassstudio.etsy.com

Presenting the Grand Opening of DiRo Glass Studio!  We actually opened an Etsy account back in February.  It took us this long to jump in completely and actually list an item.  The delay was not on Etsy’s part.  It was our own indecision on identifying a worthy creation for our web debut. 

We have many more items we will be listing.  Please visit our store and check back often. 

We are open to comments, special orders and of course the honor to serve you as our customer.

100th Mothers Day Celebration!

The Mighty Cup and Spoon invited us to come out the Saturday before Mothers Day to participate in the 100th celebration of Mothers Day.  The City of Glendale was publicizing this celebration would take place in Downtown Glendale’s Historic District.  This is an area of historical buildings and homes that have been turned into shops, coffee houses, restaurants and art galleries. 

There were adds all week in the local paper inviting people to partake in the celebration, receive a free tote bag and 15% off at participating merchants.  The City of Glendale even provided a shuttle bus along the art walk scheduled every 15 minutes or so.

Sounds promising!  Sign me up!

Wednesday, May 5th

The Mighty Cup offered us a space in their front yard parallel to the sidewalk.  All we needed was a 10′ X10′ tent and a 6′ table.  These are those items you always see in Target, Costco, Walmart etc…. until you actually need one.  We looked every where and could not find a tent or a fold up table.  At least, not in the same place, or even on the same day.   Finally, at Walmart, they had one 10′ X 10′ tent left in a tan color.  Not the white we were hoping for.  Target had a few 6′ plastic tables to choose from.  However, one in particular folded in half with a handle for carrying ease. 

Saturday, May 10th:  Lets get there early!

We woke up at 7AM thinking we would get down to the Mighty Cup by 9AM and set up for the festivities scheduled to begin at 10.  Saturday morning, our friend and fellow artist Betsi called to say that all the artists (17 of them) were saying they were going to set up at 8AM to get the best spots. 

 The Night Before

The Mighty Cup and Spoon held a grand opening for the gallery portion of the coffee shop the night before.  All the artists showing in the gallery were invited to a meet-and-greet.  We were too busy making our creations to stop and drink wine with our fellow artists.  As it was, we didn’t get to bed until after 2AM. 

Anyway, Betsi said all the artist were talking about showing up early to get the best spot.  Well, if I know artists, they are rarely on time.  So, panic we did not!  We stuck to our plan, ate a leisurely breakfast, showered, loaded the car and headed over at 9AM.

We arrived at 9:15, as it was just down the road from us.  And wouldn’t you know it…………….Betsi was the only artist there.  I knew it! 

Fast Forward

We set up our tent, put out our merchandise and here comes the shuttle bus.  What!  Its not 10AM yet.  Oh, just a trial run.  What? Oh, you’re gonna stop by right here in front of my tent every 15 minutes.  Cool!

That she did.  The bus came by every 15 to 20 minutes.  Sometimes the bus had up to 6 people on it.  Mostly, just one though.  They never got off.  We waved, smiled and gestured for them to GET OFF THE BUS.  But, no.  They did not.  No one.  All day….no one.

Walker Byes

Yes, I mean walker byes.  As in they walked up, looked at everything we had, commented on the beauty of our work, smiled and said goodbye.   This happened for two hours.  Now, its lunch time.  I’m hungry.  What are we going to do?  I don’t want coffee or a danish from the Mighty Cup.  Who, by the way, sold something to almost everyone who walked passed us.

To top it off…..it was 83 degrees of freaking hot with a slight wind of ……hot.  This cant be good for anyone.  Especially me.  I don’t like to sweat. 

Note to self :  I may have to rethink this outdoor in the summer thing.

Lennys Burgers

One of the artists walked away from their table and returned with a bag of food.  Not just food.  A Lennys Burger bag!  That can mean only one thing……………

OMG!  There is a Lennys Burger on Glendale Avenue and 57th Avenue.  These are the best burgers EVER!  Many years ago, I would stop at the Lennys on 35th Avenue and Thunderbird Road.  I would order the Ranch Burger, Cheese Fries and a soda.  It was heaven.  But, I moved away and its too far to drive.  So, I haven’t had one in almost 4 years. 

What a blessing!  This day was a bust!  But no more.  There is a Lennys Burger in sight.  Oh, we must eat there.  Happy dance ensues for all to see and admire 

The link is below.  However, it talks about the one on 35th Avenue. 

http://www.lennysburgers.com/index.htm

My Friend Dianne

My friend Dianne is someone I work with and share a love of beads with.   What I mean is, I love to make glass beads and Dianne loves to make necklaces out of all kinds of beads.  Our friendship started over bead conversations.  She is always so supportive of my glass bead creation attempts.  She never laughs and always finds something nice to say about them. 

Dianne is the only friend we invited to the Mothers Day celebration.  She was kind enough to show up.  She was even kinder to buy something.  Not just something, but 3 somethings.  That’s a friend!

Dianne was our only sale.  In fact, she was the only sale at our section of the event.  Oddly enough, Dianne said it was hard to find, there was no advertising and she had to ask 3 different people before anyone could direct her to us.  Hmmm.  No wonder! 

No advertising, hot weather, no one on the bus, no one buying anything…………Arggggggggggh!

I know, Lets sell on the web!

Pardon my ignorance.   But, being new to the ‘art’ thing… I was not aware of the monthly events the art community has in Arizona.  I’m mainly speaking of Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale.  They all have one evening a month dedicated for a heavily advertised art walk.  Well, maybe not heavily….since I never heard of it.

The Might Cup Coffee House and Spoon Gallery

We received an email from an artist involved with a coffee house in downtown Glendale, Arizona.   She is inviting local artist to come down and tour the shop to see if there is interest in renting display areas.  The coffee shop owner’s staff will man the shop, sell the merchandise and alert the artist of each sale made via email.

The Might Cup also participates in the “That Third Thursday Thing” which is the art walk sponsored by the City of Glendale.  The art walk takes place in downtown Glendale which has just been beautifully restored. 

Tour of the Mighty Cup

We responded to the email and the invitation to come down to check out the coffee shop.  It’s located in historic downtown Glendale.  This historic area is preserving the original homes that have been remodeled and turned into retail shops, galleries and restaurants.

Might Cup Coffee House

7021 N. 57^th Avenue

Glendale, Arizona, 85301

It’s really very cute.  They apparently have poetry readings, live music and even Karaoke.

We met the owner of the coffee shop, Ray.  He’s this old hippie dude….very laid back, very ‘for the people’ and ‘anti government’.  Ilese, is a photographer who is working with Ray to convert his coffee house into an art gallery/coffee house.  Ilese is a special education teacher who moonlights as a photographer.  You can see her work at the link below. 

http://www.laughingmoonarts.com/mighty_cup__spoon_coffeehouse__crafts

Ilese is a very cool, artsy type who is very passionate about this….her latest adventure!  We were very excited about working with her and Ray to get this thing up and running.  In fact, we called our friend who makes fused glass jewelry to see if she would be interested in renting space and the 3^rd Thursday art walk.  She came down, she liked what she saw and she is going to tell her friends.

That’s how it all starts.  Word of mouth. 

The gallery portion won’t actually be ready until May.  With our first Art Walk under our belt, we feel pretty confident about participating in this one.   Except………..summer is here.  The average temperature in mid 90’s.  Not sure what the temperature will be at night between 6PM and 10PM.  I guess we will find out on Thursday, May 15^th!

Stay tuned!

Wow!  Its been a while since I last wrote on this blog…….

About 4 weeks ago, I threw my back out just sitting in the car driving home.  I was off my feet for about a week.  I was in way to much pain to write a blog.  And if I did, it would have been to complain about the doctor office not being able to schedule me in for a few days.  Or, the fact that I had to go to Urgent Care and wait 4 hours to be seen, while sitting in the most uncomfortable plastic yard chair I have ever had the privilege to sit in. 

On the bright side, during that time, we were received and invitation to participate in an Art Walk on April 19^th sponsored by the Scottsdale store that is carrying our pieces. How exciting!  Nineteen (19) artists were going to display and sell their artwork on the sidewalk of the strip mall.  Only rule….cant sell the same stuff the store is carrying.

At first, we were excited to be asked.  Then, the reality set in.  We need to create some pieces to sell.  With my back hurting, I wasn’t going to be able to make anything.  Luckily, we had three weeks to prepare for the show.

Go Lady Vols

However, the following week (April 6^th through the 8^th) was the Women’s Final Four and we had tickets in Tampa.  I made sure to pack my pain and anti-inflammatory pills just as a little insurance.  I was going to enjoy the games, drugged or not.  And, I did!  Awesome games!  In case you don’t know, Tennessee’s Lady Volunteers won the title.  That gave them back-to-back wins!  Eight titles in all.

The Saturday before the games, I stood in line for two hours waiting for the Lady Vols autograph session.  My back was feeling pretty good. The funny thing is….I live in freakin hot Phoenix, Arizona…….and traveled all the way to Tampa, Florida to get a sun burn.  It didn’t feel hot and it was cloudy and breezy.  Who knew?  In Arizona, you know when your burning………..you feel it.

Thursday, April 10^th

My back is back to normal.   Feeling good, feeling inspired.  Now its time to make some glass! But first, we ponder this……………

What do we make?

What will they buy?

Do we advertise?

What kind of advertisement?

We decided to make a diverse selection of pieces ranging from cabochons to business card holders, oil diffusers to wine bottle stoppers.  We were busy every night.

Now we turn our attention to marketing.  Marketing is very important for any business.

• Business Cards
• Website – ETSY  (www.diroglassstudio.etsy.com)
• Brochure – with website, email address and picture of the variety of pieces
• Post Card – invitation

Last year we went to the Glass Craft Expo in Vegas.  All the glass artists had these beautiful postcards made up with colorful pictures of beads and sculptures.  So, we made a postcard displaying some of our pieces on the front and the address of the Art Walk on the back.  Using Publisher, we were able to put something fairly professional looking together.  However, we opted to have Kinko’s print them up on glossy card stock.  The price was not too bad.    

April 14th

The week of April 14^th, we handed our postcards out to all of our friends and family.  They loved the card and pledged to be there.  Then we panicked!

What if nobody shows up?

What if they all show up?

What if they don’t like our stuff?

What if they buy everything?

Every night we worked late into the night to make more pieces.  Bottle stoppers, hair bands, fan pulls, small bowls, small trays, sushi dishes, business card holders, night lights, pendants and cabochons.  Did I forget anything?  Oh yeah, oil diffusers and trivets.

Friday, April 18^th   No Sleep

It’s the night before the Art Walk.  What about the display?   We had bought some pretty black satinish fabric with colored speckles throughout.  Our plan was to cover the 6 foot table with it.  However, we didn’t plan out the actual display. 

We had some boxes in the garage that we stacked and taped together to form tiers under the fabric.  It worked really well.  This way we could maximize the space and display all the various pieces unobstructed.

We set everything up and then took a picture of it.  That way we could refer to the picture instead of panicking when we were trying to set up. 

April 19^th ArtWalk

The Art Walk didn’t start until 2PM.

We go there at 1:30PM.  Some of the artists were already set up.   There were painters, photographers and a couple of guys playing the guitar and singing.  We set up as quickly as we could.  Nervously, we kept referring to the photo we shot of the display.  This was a real time saver.

Our First Sale at 1:45PM

Our first sale!  A coworker of mine showed up with his wife and flowers.  That was the sweetest thing ever!  I was so touched.  And to top it off………..they bought a wine stopper and a pendant. 

Several friends and family members showed up throughout the four (4) hours we were there.  They remarked about our creativity and actually bought our stuff.  In fact, some requested special order items. 

It was a success!  I was feeling pretty good about being an artist.  Then Diane reminded me.  We can’t count on our family and friends to buy from us all the time.  We need to get strangers to buy.  That will be the real test. 

How do you get a stranger to buy your stuff?

Marketing?

Networking?

Hmm.  Our work has just begun.

My last post I told you I was going to write about my experience trying to open a business checking account. 

But first, I pose this question: Do the newest additions to the workforce appear to be getting younger?  I mean, you go to Home Depot, the grocery store or gas station and the help is often in their teens.  That’s expected.

But, when you go to a ‘professional’ like a doctor, pharmacist, insurance agent or ‘business specialist’ of a bank……I want someone attempting to hide gray hairs or facial wrinkles to indicate that they truly are an ’specialist’!

This leads me to my bank story.

Still on a high from making our unexpected first sale, we decided we better get a business license and open a bank account.  We applied for and received our federal EIN number and our stat license (all via the web). 

Anxiously, we met at the bank one day after work with the intentions of opening a business checking account.  Immediately after entering the double glass doors, we were met by a well dressed woman who asked if she could help us.  “We would like to open a business checking account”  said.

Smiling, she escorted us to the an 8′x8′ carpeted area with four chairs surrounding a coffee table, off to the side of the roped off teller line.  “Our business specialist will be right with you” she said as she motioned us to sit down.

From the back room emerged this 6′ figure wearing a dress shirt and tie.  As the figure became clearer to me, I began thinking that was the biggest 12 year old I have ever seen!  I found myself looking past him for his Father.  Is it bring your child to work day?

There he stood with his young face and nice tie.  I don’t think he even shaves yet. 

“You’d like to open a business checking account?” he said.    “Please step into my office.”  Did his voice crack?  I think I heard his voice crack.

“Yes” I said hesitantly.  “We would like to open a business checking account.”

“Ok, do you have your paperwork?”

“We have our federal EIN and our state license”

“Ok, is this a sole proprietor, or partnership, or…”

“Its a partnership”

“Do you have a partnership agreement?”

“Partnership agreement……no”

“Ok, let me check with my manager” he said as he exited the office.

“Ok, my manager said you need a ‘fictitious name’ certificate”

“What is a ‘ficticious name’ certificate?”

“Um, it says here (as he places a piece of paper on the desk in front of me) that you need a ‘ficticious name’ certificate, and a partnership agreement.”

“Ok, what is a ‘fictitious name’ certificate?”

“Um, I don’t know, but my manager said you need one and this paper shows it right here.”

WHAT!  I was furious!  I wanted to ask for his mother.  How can you ask me to provide something when you can’t even explain what that something is?  Would you know one if I gave it to you?  Where do I get if from?

 Next day, we research the Internet for two days and found some information.  A ‘fictitious name’ certificate is also know as a DBA (Doing Business As).  This is required by some states when a business is formed under a name other than your legal name.  When a ‘fictitious name’ is used, the intent to use the name must be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation, blah, blah, blah, red tape, red tape.

However, after calling the State of Arizona and being referred to Maricopa County and re-referred back to the State of Arizona, we discovered that as a General Partnership we were not required to file such a thing.  Nor, could anyone direct us as to where we would go if indeed we wanted to file one.

Four days later, we received our first check in the name of our business for our unexpected first sale.  We return to the bank with our partnership agreement (which is just a written agreement between parties that does not have to be filed or notarized or mean anything to anyone except the bank).  Don’t ask, just do it.

The same well dressed woman greeted us and seated us in the carpeted square to the side of the roped off teller line.  The same 12 year old emerged from the back.  WAIT, he took a look at us and without missing a beat, spun around on his heel and returned to the back room and sent out a 16 year old girl.

Hmm, a good indication that I am seen as ‘difficult’……or challenging.  Yeah, that’s it, challenging.  On the bright side, at 16 she has a few more years experience.

We of course accompany the 16 year old into the same office and rehash our request from our earlier visit.  She asks to see our business license, federal EIN, partnership agreement and (drum roll please) the ‘fictitious name’ certificate.

Here we go…….

We advise her that the State of Arizona does not require such a thing.  She of course counters with the same piece of paper and points to the ‘fictitious name’ requirement so clearly spelled out.  This time, my partner lost her cool.  “This is ridiculous!’ she shouted.  “We’ll just take our business elsewhere!”

“Let me check with my manager” the girl said as she exited the office quickly.

After confirming with the manager and the banks legal division, it was determined that as a general partnership, we did not need the ‘ficticious name’ certificate.  Whew!

Finally, we spend 15 minutes answering some questions, signing a few things, picking out the pretty little checks and wham bam……..we are done. 

Only Four days and 15 minutes to open a business checking account. 

All is well with the world. 

Except………………Are 12 year olds taking over?  Or, am I just getting old?

Now about our glass adventure

So, we have been working on making some little glass pendants to sell at the Scottsdale store.  We experimented with different colors and sizes.  Even put some of the dichroic glass in them to add some extra rainbowish colors.  We made quite a few, then realized, we needed to put them on a satin or leather cord.  Which means you have to purchase the cord caps, the clasp and of course 2″ of chain to put at the end of the cord (gives the wearer an extra 2″ of length to play with).

 Oh yea, I forgot.  You also have to make the hole in the pendant big enough to thread the cord through.  Hmm, learned that the hard way.  And………..apparently, you can buy the cord with the end caps, clasp and 2″ of chain……pre- made. 

Who knew.  I guess if we hadn’t had the unexpected first sale……..we would have had time to actually research the bank requirements, the material availability and how to take a picture of your product.

Its all a journey.  A wonderful, exciting, and delightful journey.

Take a look at the pendants at the top of the page.  Not too bad for a first try.

Welcome to our journey…. the last few weeks have been a blur.

Let me start from the beginning.  About 3 years ago, my partner and I took a stained glass class as an introduction to a stress relieving hobby.  The class was every Saturday for six weeks.  While the stained glass process was relaxing, we were soon drawn to the ‘dark side’ of glass.  That is to say……….fusing!

Fusing is the melting of glass to other glass or into shapes such as bowls, soap dishes, candle holders etc.  This became very addicting.  We soon found ourselves with a large 220 volt kiln sitting in our garage.  We called an electrician, and $750 later, we had a working kiln (in our garage).  Oh, I forgot to mention………we live in Arizona.  Freaking hot Arizona.  Where no living thing can survive in the garage during 100 degree weather (except whatever that smelly thing growing in your garbage can is). 

So, here we are working in our garage for hours at at time making fascinating creations in 100 + degrees.  We were thrilled… for about 2 months.  Then we could sweat no more!

 Did we stop?  Of course not!  We went to Home Depot and bought this little evap cooler thing.  We hooked it up to the hose, closed the garage door and….and…..yes!  Cool air!  But, only if you stood right in front of it.  Problem is……there was two of us and only one cooler. 

Fast forward………….Christmas time.  We decided we were going to each make a unique ornament to give to family and friends.  I made this adorable little angel using two triangles and a circle for the head.  Diane (my partner) made a Christmas tree with multi-colored dots representing Christmas lights.  They were a big hit.  From those humble beginnings we created our famous ‘Christmas Ornament Club’.  Every year we make two unique ornaments and send them to the people who received them the prior year. 

People seemed to like our ornaments…….no, not just my mom.  So, we ventured into making small bowls, dishes, and plates.  Again, everyone liked them!  “I would totally buy this!” my daughter-in-law exclaimed.    REALLY?

Fast forward again……….. Now we have been making things for 3 years.  Our most requested gift item is a business card holder and matching desk tray.  We like making them and people like receiving them.  However, for a birthday gift, we made a candle holder for a friends 48th birthday party.  Party guests loved it! 

As it turned out, one of the couples was in the process of opening a store in Scottsdale, Arizona.  They were selling ‘chakra’ items such as soaps, candles and crystals.  What a coincidence, we make candles holders and soap dishes.  After two beers, Diane made her pitch.  “You know, we make candle holders and soap dishes”.  “We would love to show you some of our stuff”. 

Game on!  We spent the next week making 17 pieces fitting the parameters of: use chakra colors and keep the retail price around $20.  A quick visit to Borders and we were able to read up on pricing, entrepreneurship and making a living selling crafts. 

Well, we are NOT looking to make a living……..as we both have 40 hr a week day jobs.  With retirement just 7 short years away.  I love the sound of that.  Retirement.  C’mon, say it with me….Retirement.  At this point in life, it’s like looking forward to a cruise or something.  It’s a wonderland just waiting for you to enjoy.

Long story short, we take the pieces to the Scottsdale store, they look, they love, they buy it all!

OMG!  They bought it all!  The amazing part was….we had a plan.  We were going to go in, show them the stuff…discuss consignment vs selling… take an order for each piece they wanted…..make them and return with an invoice. 

You see, I had this wonderful matrix of numbers we would use for each item.  The item number would tell us the size, color, shape and cost of each piece.  What happened!?  We had a plan! 

The problem is, I went to the bathroom………….when I came out……Diane was showing all the pieces, taking orders, shaking hands and we walked out of there empty handed.  What I mean is………..she sold them all the pieces that we made!  That wasn’t the plan.  We didn’t take pictures, sign them or even identify them using my matrix.  How are we going to know which ones they want duplicates of?  How will we know what the piece is to look like?  We don’t have pictures, measurements or the matrix!

Rookie mistake!  We walked out to the car…..kinda of stunned.  We made our first sale!  We better get a license, an EIN number………business cards, merchandise tags with our logo, and a logo, a bank account and business credit card (insert swirling head here).

There is sooooo  much to do when you start up a business.

Yesterday, we registered with a few companies that sell glass wholesale.  We made our first purchase as a business. 

Breathe in, breathe out………………….

Next time, I will tell you about our adventure at the bank.  Apparently, you cant just open a business checking account…………