1000 Woodcuts: November 2015

Friday, November 27, 2015

NEW shop Amazon Handmade - Making plans for 2016

Shop Handmade!

This year I decided to try out a new venture in Amazon Handmade. The reach of Amazon globally, the handmade label, sounded enticing; anyway you know what "they" say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Here is the shop link, I liked their layout very much:

http://www.amazon.com/handmade/1000woodcuts

I also just added some framed items to my Etsy shop, have to keep renewing inventory and all those "stale" woodcuts need new homes. Great bargains in the Framed section and be sure to use the coupon on my front page HAPPYSEASON for a generous (I'm nothing if not generous) discount.
Here is my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/1000woodcuts

An online shop isn't as satisfying as being in a happy festival but there is no wind and no set-up bruises at the end. Also there isn't any contact with collectors but sometimes they send me a nice note after I rehome my woodcuts. Two days and I already made sales so that is a good thing!

Hiatus?!

I confess I am really not very good at sitting still. Adrenaline from the last festival still flowing I am planning my next year adventures already. First and foremost, clean my studio to get the creative blood pumping. I might rearrange some things and a little birdie told me I have a new toy coming for my birthday so I can't wait to play!

Good festivals are competitive and the application process begins about a year to six months in advance. I am leaving the first months of the year open for hiking and travel adventures but thereafter I hope to get into a few select good ones.

I am looking at Arizona, Utah, Washington, Colorado and maybe California for Labor Day. Some local festivals too of course, maybe even an open studio in the works.

I will also be applying for a residency in a National Park or three! Why not, with several other residencies under my belt, I hope I get to go to a beautiful place and make art with visitors of the park.

A Closer Look, Red Rock Canyon residency image 2014

Stay in touch!

1000woodcuts Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/1000woodcuts
Maria's Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/maria.arango.diener
Maria's Twitter Profile: https://twitter.com/1000woodcuts
1000woodcuts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/1000woodcuts/videos

Monday, November 16, 2015

Peace out! and a gig coming up

So busy forgot to report

I have been so wrapped up in finishing the Peace Puzzle that I neglected my blog reports, although my Facebook page(s) have been updated very often with all the excitement. Since last blog post, I finished the book, sent to publishers, got it back with posters and mailed out the entire print and books to all the participants. Easier said than done!

I am also very pleased to report that due to the upgrade to Priority International mail seems nearly all packages have now arrived at their destinations. At least I don't have any complaints as of yet.

Here are some pictures of all the exciting mailing and such. First I got the books, and immediately rolled up prints and books and mailed them out. Good thing the USPS sorting facility now accepts many packages straight in their bulk hub.

Gadget I built to sort the puzzle prints

books are here! books are here!

one of several loads

last load! to USPS bulk mailing

Gig alert!

And of course the upcoming gig! Scottsdale ArtFest 2015 is coming up this very weekend and I have been matting and framing and loading the truck. The wind is howling right now and I am hoping for calm sunny weather this coming weekend.

Scottsdale ArtFest is held downtown Scottsdale in the Arts Center/Museum beautiful grounds with walkways, water fountains and the famous LOVE sculpture right across from my booth. Booth number is 158 across from the Arts Center.