Counting Blessings

Counting Blessings...

Another year has passed, and life is good.  Even though I work long hours, I am doing what I love and working for myself. I have an amazing husband who never judges me for my unreliable paychecks. He is the most supportive partner I could ever ask for. I have a beautiful, solid house, though over run with pottery, shipping supplies, and clutter. 

God has blessed me beyond what I deserve. 

Today I'm celebrating life and it's many blessings.

Last week my grandfather, Charles Bausch, passed away. While living in Columbus before I met and married my husband I stayed with my parents, and I was saving money and making art as well as working part time jobs and going to art school. During these years I regularly stopped by my "Nana and Daddy-da's" house for lunch time visits every week...sometimes 3 or 4 times. It wasn't that I was just a broke college kid, they live about a mile from my parent's house. My Daddy-da would always greet me with a big hug immediately upon walking through the front door. I'll miss those hugs. Every single one of those big bear hugs meant I was loved. As he became sicker in these past couple of years, this large man became more frail. Even in his "bad days", even if he was unable to get out of bed, until he was at his weakest these past couple of weeks, he still could muster up one of these wonderful, strong, warm, hugs I so adored.

After moving to the Macon area, I was unable to just swing by anytime for a visit. Every time I spoke to Daddy-da or my Nana over the telephone they both told me that they miss me, and I missed them too. Both of my grandparents regularly said that they were so very proud of me and my pottery and ceramic jewelry business. Nana still does. God blessed me with wonderful grandparents... I have wonderful parents too.

So many people attended my grandfather's visitation and funeral. Despite the rainy, blustery January weather we managed to pack the house. Daddy-da was an Eagle Scout, a Scout Master, and also a Chaplain for the Boy Scouts of America. I never knew of his role as a chaplain. Volumes should be written of my grandfather. He was a fine man. He touched lives. He was a blessing to me and many others. In spite of my grief I celebrate his life.

I know in daily struggles it's easier to complain about the cards we've been dealt. This year my resolution is to have an attitude of gratefulness, to recognize my abundant blessings, and regularly thank the Lord. Here's to 2013! I'm going to make my Daddy-da proud!

The Holiday Jingle Juggle!

                      Greetings, folks! 

Yarn Bowl Available on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/listing/94834638/pottery-yarn-bowl-large-knitting-bowl

Green Mugs:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/106932244/large-pottery-mug-ceramic-coffee-mug

First off, I hope everyone is doing well. In case you've been procrastinating, the holiday season has officially arrived! And just it seems like just yesterday I was grubbing on fresh veggies with my family at Thanksgiving dinner. This was my first Thanksgiving as a vegetarian, and I have no regrets! No turkey coma for me, thank you! Luckily my Nana understood and wasn't the least bit offended. Turning down food in a Southern grandmother's kitchen is a cardinal sin in Georgia.

In weeks leading up to today I've tried to prepare myself for the holiday rush by making extra work and stashing it away ahead of time. I planned for a big outdoor show in October (The Cotton Pickin' Fair) the same way, gathering a few ever popular coffee mugs and sponge holders over time to insure I had enough product.

Yet, it happens again. I'm out. After numerous hours slaving away, planning accordingly, nothing is going as planned. And that's fantastic! It's a wonderful problem to have. Today I celebrate a huge milestone for LaurenBauschOriginal ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurenBauschOriginal?ref=si_shop )...800 sales! I like the way the 8 looks. So much better than the 7. I know it seems petty, but it makes me feel like I've finally made it...Like maybe I've got this whole Etsy thing figured out. 

...And then I usually have a couple of slow days, and "BAM!"...

Off the pedestal I go! 

I'll be replenishing inventory in the next 2 weeks as soon as my upper respiratory infection goes away (Yes, I know...So convenient!). As for now, much needed rest is at the top of my list. To everybody out there, enjoy your holidays. Don't buy into all the rushing around and stressing over buying the perfect gifts. Enjoy your family and friends. They are truly the greatest gifts on Earth.

I Took a Break... The Value of "Me" Time...

I Did the Unimaginable...

I finally broke down and had to do it! Cigarettes? No! Alcohol? Nah! Crack? Nope...That's just whack! 

I took a break! That's what I did. I didn't make any pottery today, and I didn't glaze pottery either. Nope. I did other important things. 

I got an hour long Swedish Massage. This was needed! According to Marcy, my massage therapist, my back "had ripples". The long studio hours were making my back and shoulders feel as if they were knotted in a pretzel. This massage was no mere luxury...it was necessity!

Then I cleaned the house. Our humble abode had become a cluttered, dusty mess. My husband has been terribly ill with allergies, and his contribution to household cleanliness has been none. He's a clean freak too! So I chased our poor little chihuahua, Gatlin, AKA Turd and Momma's Little Hemorrhoid, with my vacuum. I also cleaned bathrooms and our kitchen. Now I can stress out about the busy season around the corner and my huge show next weekend, not the messy house. 

It felt good too! Really good! 

Next week will be seven days of hell though. Glazing time...UGH! I HATE glazing pots.

A Little Over A Year...And What Have I Learned?

So it's been a little over a year since I've last posted. I'm ashamed it's been so long. Much like many New Year's resolutions my goal to start blogging and reflecting on my work has fallen to the wayside. I've forgotten the value of self-reflection and the importance of stepping back and taking a break.

In a little over a week and a half I will be participating in one of the larger craft shows in Georgia: The Cotton Pickin' Fair. I used to attend this show when I was a kid. I never imagined I would be a vendor there. Here's the link:

http://www.cpfair.org/

If you've never done a craft festival let me tell you, it is nerve wracking! Even though I've done quite a few in the past 6 years the tummy butterflies and feelings of apprehension always find a way to creep back into my atmosphere. My husband finds it humorous when I get "into the zone". It's always at its worse when setting up the tent, tables, shelves and the pots. "How does this look? Is this the proper representation of my brand? Did I bring enough inventory? Will people like my work?"

I should have developed some confidence by now! In a little over a week and a half the emotional roller coaster will ensue.

In a little over a year this hasn't changed. I'm not sure if it ever will. Should it? 

When I stop caring about branding, quality, and appearance I should probably give up pottery. I know I am a perfectionist though...

In a little over a year and a half my husband has grown tired of the outdoor festivals and all the hard work and expenses involved. After a few shows that were definitely more trouble than profits, we cut back to Cotton Pickin' twice a year. We both really love the show, and the organizers treat us very well. This does matter! Heat, dust, portable toilets, and bugs can kill an enthusiastic spirit.

Scott is proud of how Etsy is working out for me. My shop, Lauren Bausch Original, is finally beginning to look professional, and I'm proud of my little online gallery. With the holidays just around the corner I've been keeping long hours in my garage shop... I know studio time will be a luxury during the craziness of Nov.- Dec.. Hold on tight! I was amazed at the amount of business I had last holiday season...especially considering how much better my shop looks now. I cringe when I look at my product photography in the beginning. 

I've also learned that people buy coffee mugs over the internet...Lots of mugs! I always thought about the tactile experience of buying pottery. How does the pot feel in my hands? That still amazes me.

The expression of thankfulness is most important though. I've learned that a thank you note means the world to a buyer whether the purchase is little or huge. I appreciate every little bit of business. 

Even though I feel like I can begin to give others good, sound advice on Etsy I also know that I've gotta keep on learning. As long as I'm eager to learn and work hard there's nothing that can stand in the way.

Until next time... Not another year though,

Lauren

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurenBauschOriginal?ref=si_shop

Bausch Designs

Just a Minor Bump in the Road. . .

My husband's family and I have been totally overwhelmed with dealing with family life this past week. My dear mother-in-law has undergone major back surgery. Anyone would struggle with the recovery, but Sue is in her seventies. My husband, Scott, has been distant these past few days, but his face reveals the immense pressure and anxiety he's facing with his mom in this condition. I feel totally helpless right now. All I can do is show my support and stay with her at the hospital. I've married into a wonderful family.

As far as art goes, I'm too drained to even think about it. After spending a day at the hospital, helping in every way that I can, it was all the energy and strength I could muster to complete an etsy listing and reload a kiln. We're keeping Sue in our thoughts ad prayers, and the art can wait!

God bless to all!

Increasing Pace! This Train is Coming!

Staying motivated during slow business is a difficult situation to conquer! Planning ahead for upcoming craft shows is like shaking that Magic Eight Ball and hoping for positive answers. Will my items fly off my booth shelves? "Ask me again later. . .". Will I be successful or strike out miserably and leave with my ego bruised and low spirits?

I listened to a wonderful podcast last night about successful marketing for art and craft vendors. This advice applies to more than just online sales, and it really added some insight into the inner fears artists face while promoting their goods. Nobody likes rejection. It's just that simple. Do my fears of success hold me back? Am I my own worst enemy?

As I ponder these questions, I think back to the days of art school and critiques. I would pour all my energy and creativity into a painting or sculpture, present it with a feeling of accomplishment (and shaky confidence), hoping for positive feedback and a good grade. And suddenly, my bubble bursts. . .Despite my best efforts, sometimes the outcome wasn't as planned. :(

Creating art isn't like passing a math test. If I made an F on a test, I was the only one to blame. Poor planning leads to poor results. Art is much more subjective. Add in personal experience, style, composition, color choice, mix them up, and find the combination you're looking for. Put all of you into your work, your spirit, your energy, your soul, and put yourself out there!

That's some scary stuff! As I approach upcoming art shows, it feels like I'm looking out over a cliff, gazing into the horizon in front of me. My husband always gets onto me for being so nervous. . .I get wound up into a ball of nervous energy before every show, dwelling on the "what ifs".

I'm participating in more shows this year than I've ever done, and  four of these shows are my first time attending. Nothing stings more than a bad show. I wince thinking back to my last one, watching the vendor next to me make bank, faking a smile. Scott, my husband, says, "There will be bad shows. It's not you." Easy for him to say.

And as for keeping momentum, preparing for success is key. While things may be slow right now, I'm gonna be a busy girl in the next few months. Now my fear is running out of inventory, and that's a good fear to have! Juggling gallery inventory and shows, starting an online store, and preparing for what lies ahead are my current goals. This train is chugging along. Slow and steady will win this race, but in order to succeed, I've gotta pick up the pace!

Regards,

Lauren

Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/people/LaurenBauschOriginal?ref=si_pr

Upcoming shows:
Power's Crossroads: Newnan, GA: Labor Day Weekend
Governor's Tourism Bureau Conference Show: Macon, GA
Shakerag Festival: Peachtree City GA
Cotton Pickin Fair:Gay, GA
Merritt Pottery Festival: Roberta, GA

So New to the World Wide Web!

So, here's my first ever blog...Be patient with me! Afterall, I'm a newbie!

As a crafter and full-time artist in this dwindling economy, one must evolve and pursue unfamiliar territory to reach a larger audience!

A wise man once said, possibly in1920, "If they build it, they will come!" Well, I think he would say today, "If you promote it, they will come!" And promoting wisely is a must! This can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with online sales.

I'm an expert at online purchasing though!:)

I started an etsy shop a little over a month ago.Of course I assumed it would be far easier than planned...And my momma always said, "If you assume. . .". You can finish that one for me! I've been thoroughly researching tidbits for crafters and newbies to etsy like me. I've joined teams, posted in forums, and created treasuries ( a collection of favorite items by other sellers). I was thrilled to be included in a couple of treasuries! I felt like I had won the etsy lottery!

Through all my research and inquiries in chat rooms I discovered a common theme. . .Well, besides SEO, analytics, and all that mumbo jumbo...Patience! Everyone preaches the importance of being patient. In this high tech generation, it's not good enough to sell a product you love and support. Online sales is not an instant gratification kinda thing. . .And let's face it, it's far easier to click out of an online shop than to go to an actaul "geographically-located" store and leave abruptly without being noticed!

I'll be persistent and patient and see where this train takes me. Fingers crossed! Full speed ahead!

"Today is the day!" -Mel Fisher

Regards,

Lauren Bausch

http://www.etsy.com/people/LaurenBauschOriginal?ref=si_pr

Follow me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=50500544