Nicolette’s Design Diary

Just last night I wrote that this weekend marks the end of the outdoor show season for me. Then I get a call from the wonderful people from Hope House to offer me an open spot in the Stockely Gardens Arts Festival on October 15 through 16. This is a very well-known show in the Hampton Roads area and it is always full of artists vying for a spot. I had managed to get on the alternate list back in August, but as most artists know, getting off the alternate list when a show is that popular can be pretty slim. So imagine my surprise at getting that phone call this afternoon when I had written only last night that this weekend was my last outdoor shows! Just goes to show that things are never set in stone!

So, just a reminder, take a look at the 2005 show schedule here. This list reflects all of the shows I’m currently confirmed for. I am also in the process of finalizing my schedule for 2006 and will be posting that within a couple of weeks. You can return to the show schedule page to keep up to date, but a simpler way is just to sign up for my mailing list and get updates every time the schedule changes.

This weekend during the 26th Annual Princess Anne Festival, I received an honorable mention for my work. While I always have a great time at shows, it’s always a thrill to get some recognition. My thanks to Caroline Ansel of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Special Events and all the volunteers who made this a great show.

It’s been a long while since I’ve written in my design diary. A lot of time and a lot of changes have taken place between now and then. Including a brand new lines of jewelry, two brand new retailers and and a schedule of retail shows.

In late March and early April, I’ve acquired two new retailers, Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota, Minnesota and woodbloom in Portland, Oregon. These two retailers are particularly exciting for me because up until now, most of my retailers have been located on the East Coast. With these new retailers located in the Midwest and West Coast, I have the opportunity to introduce my work in these areas. Much thanks to Marie Marvin of Crossings and Ken Kane of woodbloom for this opportunity!

I’ve also created a new line of jewelry and expanded the Ojos Series. The new line of jewelry, tentatively called the Beaded Chain Series is a line of bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and earrings of handmade beaded chain. Beads in the chains encompass a variety of materials, wood, Czech glass, Swarovski

I’m pleased to announce that my work has been accepted by a new retailer, The Leaping Lizard, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The Leaping Lizard is located on Shore Drive minutes away from the beach and only 15 minutes away from the popular Virginia Beach boardwalk. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, millions of tourists visits Virginia Beach and the boardwalk. Shore Drive is one of the main roads leading to the beach and is lined with a variety of shops and great restaurants. If you’re summer plans include a visit to Virginia Beach, be sure to take Shore Drive and stop by The Leaping Lizard!

February seems to be a rather good month so far. I’ve just received word that my jewelry has a mention in the March 2005 issue of The Crafts Report.

No…I’m not on the cover (can’t have it all I suppose…), a photo of one of my bracelets, Untitled #1 and a brief interview is on page 14.

The Crafts Report is the trade magazine for the professional crafts art industry…yep..we’re an official industry Each month, the magazine focuses on one particular medium, be it ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, etc and invites working artists to participate in showing their work. I’m one of 11 jewelry artists being featured in the jewelry issue for 2005. Take a look if you happen to see a copy of The Crafts Report at your local bookstore.

I’m pleased to announce that my work is now being displayed at The Peninsula Fine Arts Center Gift Shop located in Newport News, Virginia.

The Peninsula Fine Arts Center or PFAC as it’s known in Hampton Roads is a fabulous world of sculpture, paintings, photographs and ancient artifacts. Once a week, PFAC host’s the PFAC Cafe, an evening of music, wine, and conversation. For those of you interested in naval history, The Mariner’s Museum is located right beside PFAC, so you can make a day of cultural and historical fun. If you happen to be in Newport News, be sure to swing by PFAC for some culture and art and don’t forget to stop by the Center gift shop!

P.S. Thanks to the wonderful managers at the PFAC gift shop!

I’m happy to say that I just got a new retailer to carry my work. The new venue is the Chrysler Museum of Art Museum Shop located in Norfolk, Virginia.

For those of you who love taking cruises, you may already know that Norfolk, Virginia is a port of call for all kinds of cruise liners. If you happen to be taking a cruise and your ship stops in the fair city of Norfolk, shake out those sea legs and visit the Chrysler Museum for some of the most fabulous art collections around. And on the way out, don’t forget to visit the Museum Shop, which is filled of all kinds of beautiful goodness, not the least of which, some of my work!
P.S. Thanks to Diane of the Museum Shop for taking the time to check out my stuff!