News For and About the Artisans and Retailers of the Adirondack North Country Region

Buyer Days Exhibitor Show Specials

2011-03-25T13:30:00.003-05:00

Eighteen of the 65 Buyer Day Exhibitors have provided their show specials below - Other exhibitors will be offering specials at the show - Come to the Show to Maximize your Purchasing Amount

http://www.hillnhollow.com/
Show Specials: Free display crate with labels when you order a mixed case of either product (plus a jar for tasting).

http://www.orchardbeat.com/home.cfm
Show Special: Free shipping for orders written at show.

http://www.damomics.com/
For the 25th anniversary, Ron Friedman will be presenting an educational seminar "Learn about the psychology of gift certificates and gift cards. Receive samples of Vendor sponsored programs with a 30% response rate." Thursday, April 7, 9 - 10am, show floor. Free.

Claire Design
Show Special: For every dozen pendants ordered, included is a 15 in. and 18 in. choker cable.

http://www.sundaesbest.com/
Show Special: "Little Diggers" single serving snacks.

http://www.northwoodsanimaltreats.com/
Show Special: 300.00 free shipping.

http://www.redfoxfarm07.webs.com/
Show Special: Cash & Carry while supplies last $33.00 per case, 12(10 oz.) jars per case. Orders for later delivery $36.00 per case.

Houghton Mifflin/ISBN Sales
Show Specials: Free freight. 50+ units gets 54% off retail.

http://www.welldressedfoods.com/
Show Specials: Free shipping on all orders over $250 placed at the show.

http://www.newenglandbells.com/
Show Specials: Free shipping on orders over $250.00.

http://www.whitefacemountainmaplesyrup.com/
Show Specials: 5% cash and carry discount at the show. Buyers can preorder.

D and Crafts
Show Specials: Free shipping on any switch plate order placed at the show.

http://www.fawn-ridge-pottery.com/
Show Special: Free gift with order.

http://www.immeltingglass.com/
Show Special: Christmas ornaments preordered 10% discount and free shipping.

http://www.bluebirdcountrystore.com/
Show Special: Buy 11 soy candles - receive the 12th free.

http://www.ourdailyeats.com/
Show Special: 15% off cases of bagged product when ordered before April 15, 2011.

http://www.funnyrivertrading.com/
Show Specials: Free testers for products ordered with cash and carry payment.

http://www.adirondackchandler.com/
Show Special: 1/2 shipping on orders placed at the show.

Barkeater Chocolates, Buyer Day Exhibitor, featured in Albany Times Union

2011-03-02T14:55:00.000-05:00

Great indepth article - learn more about this chocolate maker before meeting her at Buyer Days.

http://blog.timesunion.com/lifeathome/locavore-barkeater-chocolates/2228/

(the following is the last 3 paragraphs of article - note Buyer Days is mentioned - thank you to Morris)
Morris is intent, however, on maintaining the personal, handmade aspect, and in keeping costs down for the customer as well as her overhead. Truffles can be purchased in single flavor boxes ($9), as part of a collection ($6 for no sugar, up to $16.50 for The Elite Collection, which is organic, fair-trade chocolate in lavender and pomegranate), as party favors, in gift baskets or tins, as well as a 50-piece truffle platter ($90).
Collections have names like The Champagne or Coffee House or Umbrella Collection. The Barkeater operation doesn’t require much except a cooling room, which is on their hopeful list. “Humidity can kill chocolate,” Morris says. “We don’t need a lot of equipment, because we do handmade stuff. It’s the personal touch.”
Then her passion flares. “Everybody should be able to enjoy chocolate,” she says. And when they do eat her truffles, she wants them to think, “It’s nirvana.”

Barkeater Chocolates owner Deb Morris would never contemplate a life without chocolate.

Barkeater Chocolates is available online at BarkeaterChocolates.com and Chocolate.com, as well as at retailers scattered around the Adirondacks:
Rock Hill Bake House, Gansevoort and Glens Falls
Café Sarah, North Creek
Chapman Museum, Glens Falls
Adirondack Museum, Blue Mountain Lake
Hudson River Trading Company, North Creek
Indian Lake Theater, Indian Lake
The Annex, Northville (summers)
Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, Chestertown
The Bear’s Paw, Speculator
Barkeater also offers opportunities for fundraising to schools, sports teams and other non-profits, which get a percentage of sales). The company also works with wine and liquor stores, pairing a truffle tasting with a wine tasting. Morris also appears at shows and farmers’ markets, and will be at City Center in Saratoga Springs at the annual Adirondack North Country Association Buyer Days Gift Trade Show (as a regional producer where buyers can pick up stock) on April 6-7, 2011.

Buyer Days show invitational postcards have been mailed out to the exhibitors

2011-02-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

The Buyer Days show invitational postcards and/or labels you have requested have been mailed out to you.

Please note that the 5 x 7 size does cost .44 cents to mail rather than .28. We felt that the 25th anniversary of the show desired a bit of splash but understand if you must reduce the amount you mail out. Please choose who you invite wisely.

Note that some of you will be receiving postcards with a bulk mail imprint. Cover the bulk mail imprint with a stamp - the printer made an error and printed these but we do not want them to go to waste.

For those of you with Facebook accounts please do consider friending and/or supporting the Adirondack North Country Association Buyer Days page. Post new products and show specials on the page.

E-invitations are going out regularly to shopowners featuring your show specials and new products. Have you submitted yours yet? Please do - to nkorths@adirondack.org.

Looking forward to the show on April 6 and 7 in Saratoga Springs at the City Center.

Nadia

Exhibitors New to Buyer Days as of 2.21.11

2011-02-21T14:09:00.003-05:00

Crazy as a Loom
Weaving - Rag Rugs, Solmate sock rugs, blue jean rugs, Adirondack Lodge rugs. Back for the first time since their 2006 debut. Hudson Falls, NY.
New Product: Hip to Be Square Looper Loom. A 9" square potholder loom made in Kingsbury NY from recycled wood, made especially for the recycled loopers from Solmate Socks. Kit comes with the loom, two hooks, and enough loopers to make 8 large potholders. An old time craft, with a new twist. Think zero waste.

mfm designs
New to Show. Recycled Paper Jewelry - Earrings made from vintage sheet music/newspapers/greeting cards/magazines/cookbooks, photographs and more. Sterling silver and nickel findings. Schenectady, NY.

VT Made Richard's Sauces, LLC

New to Show. Food - Award winning Barbecue Sauces in Mild, Hot and Hottest made with no gluten or fructose and no preservatives, marinades for game, Basil Pasta Sauce with no added salt, VEGAN Barbecue Sauce with a cajun kick. St. Albans, VT.

Our Daily Eats
New to Show. Food - natural roasted nuts, seeds and granola. Each recipe is unique including varieties like Mexican Cocoa Almonds, Maple Crunch Granola and Spicy Maple Pepitas. Albany, NY.
Show Special: 15% off cases of bagged product when ordered before April 15, 2011.

McFlashpants
New to Show. Jewelry - My main line--Eat with Your Hands-- started out as jewelry and small housewares made from silverware, but rapidly spiraled out to include chafing dishes, teapots, candle sticks, old lamp pieces, found objects such as rubber tile samples, old cookie tins, and olive oil cans. Callicoon, NY.

Adirondack Rockware
New to Show. Pottery - Hand crafted pottery using original glaze recipes made with 100% pure crushed Adirondack rock. Rainbow Lake, NY.

Adirondack Aroma Therapy
New to Show. Soap, natural perfumes and fragrances - We craft scented glycerin soaps as well as naturally derived botanical perfumes and essential oil blends. Corinth, NY.
New Product: Aromatherapy bathing bars.

ILNY Features North Country Crafts on Plan Your Trip Section

2011-02-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

http://www.iloveny.com/Plan-Your-Trip/Itinerary/The-Adirondacks-North-Country-Crafts.aspx

Thanks to Susan Fuller, Fuller Communications, for the email.

Intensive Seminar for Artists & Craftspeople

2011-01-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

PRESS RELEASE
FROM:
St. Lawrence County Arts Council
51 Market Street
Potsdam, NY 13676
(315) 265-6860
arts@slcartscouncil.org
Contact: Hilary Oak – Executive Director
Date: December 31st, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE through January 14th, 2011

Intensive Seminar for Artists & Craftspeople

The St. Lawrence County Arts Council will host a very special development opportunity for artists this spring. Artists and craftspeople can apply to participate in the 2011 MARK Program in Potsdam – which is part of a statewide professional training series developed by NYFA - The New York Foundation for the Arts. The 2011 MARK Program in Potsdam will select up to twenty-five participants from across the North Country region.

The deadline for applications is Friday, January 14, 2011. All application materials must be received at the NYFA office in New York City by 5:00pm on January 14th.
Application guidelines and forms, and information about the seminar schedule, is available online at the NYFA website www.nyfa.org and clicking on: For Artists > NYFA Learning > NYFA MARK. You can also find direct links to the NYFA site on the homepage of the SLC Arts Council website www.slcartscouncil.org . Questions about the application process should be addressed to Felicity Hogan, Program Officer, NYFA Learning/NYFA Consults, (212) 366 6900 x 242. For additional questions about the 2011 MARK Program in Potsdam please call the SLC Arts Council at (315) 265-6860.

MARK is designed for artists who want to focus on developing the professional and business aspects of their art careers. Artists who are selected for the program will participate in two weekend-long intensive seminars (one in March and one in April) and a follow-up day of training in June. Participants will receive hands-on training on relevant topics, including: career planning, financial issues and budgeting, copyright and intellectual property law, and developing a strategy for marketing their artwork. MARK accomplishes this training through a rigorous blend of formal classes, individualized training, networking, and group interaction. Applicants must be visual artists or crafts people who reside in New York State, have a reliable internet connection, and who will not be enrolled as students in other institutions while participating in the MARK Program.

Artists from Northern New York who are selected to participate in the MARK program will attend workshops at the St. Lawrence County Arts Council – Crafts Studio. The SLC Arts Council is one of four statewide partners with NYFA. The other sites for the MARK Program are located in Woodstock, Ithaca, and Buffalo. Funding for NYFA MARK is made possible with generous support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation and Golden Artist Colors.

##############END PRESS RELEASE#################################

All Registered Exhibitors are posted at Buyer Days page on Facebook

2010-12-15T15:20:00.000-05:00

Go to Facebook and search for Buyer Days of the Adirondack North Country Association. Exhibitors and buyers will see your product descriptions, show specials and links that you included in your online or pdf applications.

Exhibitors are welcome to add new product shots and show specials as comments.

If we each reach out to appropriate shopowners who are friends and invite them and ask them to spread the work we can anticipate new shopowners coming to the show.

You can send them individual messages.

You can select your shopowner friends to create a contact group and invite them to view the products at Buyer Days.

You can link to the Buyer Days page from your wall.

You can like all the BD exhibitor postings.

Add your ideas of how to promote Buyer Days appropriately with Facebook

Five have already signed up via online registration for Buyer Days!

2010-12-09T08:37:00.000-05:00

Adirondack Chandler, Glimmer Glass Gifts, Peter Shrope Pottery, Earth and Fire Pottery and Crazy as a Loom rag rugs have registered and paid to become 2011 Buyer Days exhibitors using the new online registration option using Paypal.

Buyer Days will take place Wed., April 6 and Thurs., April 7, 2011 at the City Center in Saratoga Springs. For more details visit the Buyer Days page at www.AdkNCcrafts.com and download the show application as pdf to view terms and facts.

The two others who have signed up and have chosen the option to send in a check will be officially registered and posted online as soon as their checks come in.

Since the email blast to 328 of you went out only yesterday morning it's very exciting to see you taking advantage of the online option. Those who do so receive an instant email confirmation. Those new to the show will need to go through the jury process as usual. The jury will view your website so make sure your product shots are current and reflect lines that are wholesale appropriate.

Both the online registration and the pdf (print it out and mail in with check) are linked to the left navigation bar on the Buyer Days page at www.adknccrafts.com.

For those of you new to wholesale there is a link to the How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts workshop registration as pdf also on the left navigation bar on the Buyer Days page at www.adknccrafts.com. The 4 hour 40$ workshop with 45 page packet on procedures and terminology of wholesale takes place on Jan. 22 from 10 to 2 at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake with Nadia Korths, ANCA's artisan program coordinator, and Josh Pratt, Wild Center Giftshop Manager and Buyer as copresenters. We will send out an email blast with online registration for the workshop the first week of Jan., 2011.

Post your event in the Times Union by submitting directly

2010-12-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

From: TUCalendar [mailto:tucalendar@timesunion.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 6:32 AM
To: anca@adirondack.org
Subject: New Way to share!

Tired of waiting for your public event to post online? Want to reduce the turn-around time for your event to be available for print publication?

Try submitting directly to our calendar database at http://events.timesunion.com

Click the link for calendar and fill out the form.

Questions or difficulties? Call the Newsroom at 454-5420.

November 3, 2010 - Wholesalecrafts.com Reports October 2010 Sales Results: All-Time Record Breaking High

2010-11-24T10:51:00.000-05:00

Wholesalecrafts.com, the premier web service for sourcing American and Canadian made crafts, reports October 2010 sales results an all-time record breaking high, with the largest dollar amount and number of orders ever placed online in a single month.

Total online orders placed by retailers to artists through Wholesalecrafts.com's shopping cart for October 2010 came in at $446,977, a 13.96% increase over last year, and a 12.09% increase over the previous recorded high in September 2008. The total number of orders placed online was 1,841, a 5.44% increase over last year, which at that time was the highest number of orders ever recorded in a single month from the Wholesalecrafts.com web site.

"This is very exciting news," said Nancy Vince, President, Wholesalecrafts.com, Inc. "We have been focused on personally contacting retailers to remind, assist and recruit them to the benefits of using Wholesalecrafts.com, and these sales figures prove that buyers are heavily relying on our online service for their holiday shopping." Vince continued, "With this pattern continuing and over $3 million in total sales for the year already recorded, we are well on our way to breaking our highest annual sales record this year, which currently stands at $3,121,063 set back in 2008."

Wholesalecrafts.com reports "up-to-the-second statistics" on their site, which can be accessed by its members. The site reports total sales, number of orders, and number of inquiries made to artists. It is estimated that only 30% of retailer transactions are placed through their online shopping cart; the rest bypass their system by placing phone, fax or email orders directly with the artists. Considering this fact, it is more likely that artists receive $1 - 2 million in total sales revenues each month from the online marketplace provided by Wholesalecrafts.com.

Congrats to the small biz full back page color cooperative ad in Adirondack Daily Enterprise

2010-11-17T16:21:00.001-05:00

I've been impressed at the full back page ad that has been running now for at least 4 weeks in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. Great product shots, brief but succinct descriptions and contact info for each of the following businesses.

And great tagline. "Looking for a gift? How about these Locally Made products?"

Included in the full back page ad is Well Dressed Food Company, Tupper Lake; Moody Tree Farm, Gabriels; Scotts Florist and Garden Center, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid; Leather Artisan, Childwold; Two Horse Trade Company, Saranac Lake; Adirondack Reflections/Taxidermy, Keene; deMilo Cosmetics, Chazy; The Bakery at Conroy Organic's, Point au Roche; Friend-Chips, Lake Placid; Hohmeyer's Lake Clear Lodge and Retreat, Lake Clear, and Mary Ballou Design, Lake Placid.

Was the initial contact among you done by email? Can other businesses duplicate your approach easily?

$25 on the 25th" Buy From Local Merchants Campaign

2010-09-21T10:36:00.004-05:00

Local giftshop and studio owners can participate in the $25 on the 25th Campaign by downloading banners and logos for shop windows. This campaign, sponsored by the New York Press Association, encourages local businesses to create special shopping incentives for the day.

"New York's independent businesses are the heart and soul of this state, and the New York newspaper industry is doing everything it can to stand behind our small businesses," said Michelle Rea, executive director of the New York Press Association. "Twenty-five dollars may not seem like a lot to spend, but it can make a real difference for a Main Street merchant. Community newspapers across the state already are working with mayors, shop-owners, and business associations about making September 25th a significant shopping day in New York State. So spread the word."

Sponsored by the New York State Conference of Mayors, the New York Press Association and the New York State Economic Development Council, the "$25 on the 25th" campaign will be repeated if successful. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, 9.18.2010

Studio Promotional Events from the Hudson Valley

2010-09-02T16:05:00.005-05:00

The Art Times - such a great publication! I discovered these two little gems of promotional event ideas that could easily be adopted in this region.

"Helen Schofield celebrated her 80th birthday by showing her work in her studio. Tired of "playing the gallery game" she set each of four weekends with a theme: Portrait Retrospective, Full Moon Celebration, Gathering, and Left Over Sale.

Nine/Nine at Clove Creek Studio in Saugerties, NY. Owner Fay Wood and husband Skip gathered eight artists and sculptors (plus Fay) to participate in this nine-day event. Each day a different artist would hold a demonstration, offer a lecturer, or invite a performer. FMI, www.faystudio.com and to see images and videos of the show, www.faywoodstudio.blogspot.com. The Art Times, from either March/April or July/August issues

Buyer Days is Identified as Great Show for Regionally Made Product

2010-09-02T15:54:00.005-05:00

In the Adirondack 2010 Business Showcase, this week's featured business, Adirondack Decorative Arts & Crafts, Rustic Style Goods, (of Lake Placid) identified Buyer Days as the show to go to to "make sure that (the store) is stocked with a wide variety of contemporary rustic goods, many of them made in the Adirondack North Country region."

On the first floor, one of three set up department style, some of the specialty food producers from the region are; South Meadow Farm maple syrup from Lake Placid, products from the Well Dressed Food Company in Tupper Lake, chocolate treats from the Candy Man in Wilmington and Taste of the Adirondacks coffee.

Adirondack Decorative Arts and Crafts is located at 2512 Main Street in Lake Placid. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, p. 22, Friday, August 20, 2010.

Harnessing the Economic Engine of the Arts, Culture and History - ANCA's Annual Meeting

2010-09-02T15:47:00.003-05:00

On Sept. 23, at Great Camp Sagamore, participants of the Adirondack North Country Association's Annual Meeting will learn from eight panelists about the economic, social and community building impacts of their events and programs. The eight panelists represent a mix of businesses and organizations from across the region. To learn more and to register, visit www.adirondack.org.

Lake Champlain Wines sponsors first wine tour

2010-08-16T08:55:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to another group of producers collaborating - this past weekend four wineries and two vineyards in Clinton County had their first Summer Wine Tour. Read more at http://berdie.wordpress.com/.

Shipping Containers Triple in Cost in Last Year and A Half

2010-08-12T13:50:00.003-05:00

Another sign that product made regionally is becoming more and more competitive in the global economy...

Doug Green, president of Green Design Furniture in Portland, ME, invented a fastener-free assembly system for making high-quality furniture in 1991. The patented system uses a series of precision-engineered self-locking joints cut directly into the wood parts, which eliminates the use of screws and glue. ...

He says changes in industry dynamics are what prompted a series of calls from interested companies.
"Essentially, what's changing in the furniture world is that the industry is in turmoil. Foreign competition has led to manufacturing going overseas. When you talk to industry experts, it turns out that the cost of doing business overseas is not as great as they'd hoped. The cost of shipping containers has tripled in the last year and a half, and then there is damage to the product in the shipping process."

From the NewsDesk, p10, August 2010, www.woodshopnews.com

Free and Easy Online PDF Forms, Faxs and Shopping Cart

2010-07-30T08:28:00.004-05:00

Fillanypdf.com enables your accounts to complete orders online on interactive pdf forms. You upload your form (up to 5 is free) and they fill them out and digitally sign them.

Interfax.net is cheap outbound fax and efax is free inbound. Combine them for a no-print fax solution.

I ran into a free ecommerce shopping cart (6,000 users as of late July 2010) which is hosted on their servers but integrates seamlessly with your website. They rely on third party payment systems to process credit cards: Google Checkout, Paypal, Authorize.NET, and 2CheckOut.

New This Year - Art Walks in Old Forge and North Creek

2010-07-08T14:41:00.002-05:00

New this year! North Creek's Art Walk take place on the third Thursday of the month. The Old Forge one takes place on the first Friday of each month from June - October.

These communities join Saranac Lake, Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs in celebrating the arts on a monthly basis.

Does your community have a monthly art walk?

Free Yourself from Merchant Credit Card Services

2010-07-02T09:56:00.003-05:00

Free yourself from merchant credit card services payments, fees and processes

The following tools and others similar are already available to cut down on expenses and save time to both the artisan and the shopowner:

The Future of Money, cash, checks and credit cards - who needs them? The new global currency is flexible, frictionless, and (almost) free by Daniel Roth, Wired, March 2010, p. 7 (excerpts from seven page article)

About 20 percent of all online transactions now take place over so-called alternative payment systems according to consulting firm Javelin Strategy and Research. Hundreds of engineers and entrepreneurs are attacking the payment ecosystem, seeking out ways small and large to tear down the stronghold the banks and credit card companies have built.

Square
Square, a new company founded by Twitter cocreator Jack Dorsey, lets anyone accept physical credit card payments through a smartphone or computer by plugging in a free sugar-cube-sized device - no expensive card reader required.

Twitpay
"What if people could transfer money over Twitter for next to nothing, simply by typing a username and a dollar amount." Using Paypal's X.com platform, Ivey linked users' Twitter accounts to their Paypal accounts, and his new company, Twitpay, took off (summer 2009). It now has 15,000 users.

Obopay
A startup called Obobay, which has received funding from Nokia, allows phones to transfer money to one another with nothing more than a PIN.

Zong
Instead of entering credit card information anew for every online purchase, users fill in their phone number and the charge shows up on their monthly bill.

GetGiving
This mobile app uses PayPal to enable charities to accept small donations without the usual exorbitant credit card transaction fees.

Hub Culture
Travelers can avoid the hassle and fees of swapping dollars for euros by transacting in virtual currency in this international network of workstations.

Paypal
In November 2009, Paypal opened its code. Two months later, 15,000 developers had used it to create new payment services, sending $15 million through the company's pipes. It provides developers the cloud-based processing power and storage space they need to build applications and services.
Two payment service applications developed as a result are adding a "quick pay" button into the program ShopSavvy by software developer Big in Japan and a streamlined payments tool which turned invoicing and time-tracking into an automated process for LiveOps, a call-center outsourcing firm.

Amazon and Google
Amazon.com and Google are both distributing their shopping cart technologies across the Internet, letting even the lowliest etailers process credit cards for less than the old price, cutting out middlemen, and figuring out ways to bundle payments to sidestep the credit card companies' constant nickel-and-diming.
Amazon's Web Services provides developers the cloud-based processing power and storage space they need to build applications and services.

Google
Google created a platform that lets anyone buy or display online advertisements.

Facebook
Facebook is building its own payment system for virtual goods purchased on its social network and on external sites. It allows any developer to write applications for its social network.

Apple
Last March (2009), Apple gave iTunes developers the ability to charge subscription fees through their applications, making iTunes the gateway for an entirely new breed of transaction. It allows any developer to write applications for iTunes.

First Rustic Artisans Gallery a Success

2010-06-29T16:03:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Kate, ANCA's executive director, and I attended one of the events at the First Annual Rustic Artisan Gathering at the Lake Placid Lodge. Caroline Welsh, director of the Adirondack Museum, gave a short powerpoint presentation illustrating the roots of rustics in the Adirondacks.

Among many orginal photos depicting the many styles and trends leading to Adirondack Rustic it was fascinating to learn that an Englishman wrote a book about the Chinese art of rustic furniture making in the late 1700's.

The presentation ended with painter Rhea Costello offering Caroline a deep felt thank-you with a gift of a print of one of her original works celebrating last year's exhibit celebrating the modern in rustic. The rustic makers are deeply appreciative of the importance of the Museum's annual Rustic Fair in renewing interest in the genre since its first year in 1987.

The artists I spoke with; Larry Post, Barry and Darlene Gregson and Michael Ringer enjoyed the appreciation and recognition shown to them by the Lodge during the four day gathering. All expressed a belief that as an annual event it could only become bigger and better. All rooms were booked at the Lodge for the weekend.

After the presentation, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served on one of the Lake Placid Lodge's balconies. The afternoon light of the late June sun changed into evening over the lake's mountain views.

It was a delight to meet Larry Post, who with his large detailed furniture pieces has rapidly achieved a rare level of recognition and appreciation among collectors.

Darlene Gregson was happy to say that their gallery on Rte. 9 in Schroon Lake continues to be open to feature the works of her husband and other fine makers who have been with them since the first year which is at least 10 years ago. For those looking for a fine gallery building it is for sale.

Barry's tall two tier table of cross cuts of root base was soft and silky to the touch with a wonderful dark hue to the interior wood complemented by his trademark gnarly, curly legs.

Michael Ringer took the time to show me the process of "lost wax" sculpture creation. Having known him particularly for his timeless scenes of the St. Lawrence River, it was, as usual, wonderful to realize that for many years Michael has been creating sculptures of breathtaking beauty as well.

I asked him how his gallery in Clayton was doing to find out that not only was that gallery now 10 years old surviving the recession well but also his original gallery in Alexandria Bay and the one, run as a franchise, in Fort Lauderdale, FL since 2003. Out of the galleries in the neighborhood of the Fort Lauderdale one, it is the only one still open. Michael made sure to say that is, in part, because of the owner running some 150 events each year, many as fundraisers for charities.

I wish the best to the Lodge, the Museum and the represented artisans in growing the annual gathering.

CODA - Partnership Potential Amazing

2010-06-24T12:49:00.004-05:00

On behalf of ANCA, I attended the annual Craft Organization Development Association on April 6 and 7, 2010. It was held in a riverside factory building restored by the Savannah College of Art & Design. Lovely big windows to admire the tankers coming into the Savannah port and the clean line of that arched bridge into South Carolina.

As hosts, the college and Camille and Bill Ronay, of Georgia Made Georgia Grown LLC, should be very proud of this year's conference.

In addition to the always anticipated networking of craft program administrations from across the North American continent and a great slot of speakers, the conference, this year, brought together a number of key players in the craft industry. In a time when continued funding from typical sources is less and less likely, partnerships between public and private, and between craft organizations, is key to providing ongoing great service to our artisans and retailers.

My hats off to the board. Their partnering beyond the traditional started at the 2007 annual CODA conference held in Calgary, Canada. Tom McFall, executive director of the Alberta Craft Council and host of the 2007 conference, was elected to the CODA board during this year's annual meeting held at the conference.

The board offered the opportunity to many public and private and craft organizations to collaborate.

They invited Wendy Rosen, founder of the Rosen Group. She is such a dynamo. She is so ready to share with everyone. It was just a joy to meet this fiercely focused, cut out the bull and let's get down to it woman who has built a business empire out of her deep love of the crafts industry.

I hope that many of the craft organizations take her up on her offer to provide an issue or was it a subscription to American Style as a gift for those who sign up as members during fund-raising drives. It's a package - it costs only $8 per new member. Contact American Style. And she had another program of interest - rubber stamping $10 bills with "FindAmericanMade.com. 600 craft galleries are participating.

I sat in on the World Craft Council North American meeting and became a member. There are five chapters. While the North American one has been dormant for 20 years, all the other chapters, but especially the Asian one with its 2,000 active members, have been collaborating on an incredible number of activities.

As well, an board member from the American Craft Council came to be part of the presentation of CODA's annual Leadership Award Presentation to "honor Andrew Glasgow; whose leadership, creative thinking and outstanding service have had a significant impact on the crafts field."

In these changing times, I commend CODA board members for giving us all an opportunity to sit at the same table.

News from the Region's Retailers and Artisans

2010-05-18T13:51:00.003-05:00

During ANCA's Buyer Days I caught up with many retailers and artisans. Here are some of their stories.

Steve Bowers, Bald Mountan Rustics, Keene Valley, has his home/studio/retail property up for sale and has been renovating a much larger building where he and his partner will be able to have more elbow room - across from the Noonmark Diner if I remember correctly. baldmountainrustics.com.

Betty LeMay, Betty's Funny Farm, Minerva, will, this summer, open her brick and mortar shop back up. She continues to sell product year round from her website, bettysfunnyfarm.com.

Anna Hay, Hayfield's Gifts, is renting the back of another retail business (a cafe if I remember correctly) in Schroon Lake where she will be selling her product lines, clothing with original embroidery, some great lines for babies and enfants, as well as product from other artisans. Anna was a delight to meet at ANCA's How to Wholesale workshop held at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake in mid Jan., 2010. With her husband, they have 4 - 6 children to raise and here she has the energy and focus to bring her product to market. Amazing! She came to Buyer Days to buy product from some of the other artisans that she had met at the workshop as well as from others. 518.532.7231.

And what a inspiration to meet Will Rubar and Shaun Wedrick, of Rubar Ceramic Studio, 7002 West Main St., Port Leyden. They have renovated an old Victorian into a shop where they sell their pottery and the work of other artisans from the region. They, and a woman who is opening up an antiques place just around the corner, are leading the way in their community to attract residents and visitors to Port Leyden. They were one of the great examples of those exhibitors who also have retail spaces and who are involved in their community. At the show they were taking orders for their pottery and, at the same time, ordering product from other exhibitors. rubarceramicstudio.com.

After Buyer Days, I returned a call from Laura George, who with her husband who also makes furniture, hopes to have their new shop, Buy George! in Bolton Landing, 4960 Lake George Dr./Rte. 9, open by Memorial Day. Both her and Janet, of Owls Nest Rustic Furniture of Keene, missed the show. It's great to be able to refer them to the web. Laura was spending 2 to 3 hours a day reviewing the product at each of the exhibitor links posted on the Buyer Days and American Handmade Wholesale directory web pages at www.AdkNCcrafts.com since I had suggested it to her. And putting in orders. She had found everyone to be prompt in returning her phone calls. She was delighted.

The following is brilliant. The model is regionally based, collaborative, and driven by the producers themselves.One of the exhibitors, Mike Fitzgerald, Saratoga Sweets, 1618 Rte. 9, Halfmoon, and a retired town supervisor who has been helping him out (sorry, name not at my fingertips) are developing a cooperative distribution model. Eight artisans were already participating before Buyer Days (March 31/April). The one page flyer introducing the distribution model that exhibitors found in their show packet had another 12 talking with Mike during the show about their interest.
From what I understand rather than one rep representing many lines, the artisans share the responsibility of introducing their product and the product of the other folks involved to the shopowners along the routes that they are starting to develop. They are also timing their visits and grouping their stops to show seasonally based product to the shopowners just when they need to order it. mike@saratogasweets.com saratogasweets.com

2010-05-06T13:04:00.003-05:00

Regional Wood Products Consortium offering workshops

Thanks to Woodshop News Posted on May 06, 2010

The Regional Wood Products Consortium, a collaboration between Sustainable Forest Futures and the wood products manufacturing industry in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and northern New York, will conduct specialized one-day innovation workshops on marketing in May and technology in June...

To find the dates and locations in NYS of the very reasonably priced workshops go to:
http://www.woodshopnews.com/component/content/article/127-may-2010-1st/498976-regional-wood-products-consortium-offering-workshops.

Made in China …

2010-05-06T12:53:00.002-05:00

Fine woodworker David DeCristoforo writes the following:

After reading the comments from my last post, I thought it would be a good idea to clarify some points. First of all, I have nothing against China. In fact, I admire their determination and drive. Those are qualities that made our own country great in the first place. And I also admire their ability to see the “big picture”...

Read the remainder of the short article at http://blog.woodshopnews.com/tbaw/?p=178

This article is brought to you thanks to Woodshop News.

Buyer Days exhibitor Thousand Islands Winery showing incredible growth

2010-03-19T09:03:00.004-05:00

SYSTEM BOOSTS WINE OUTPUT

THOUSAND ISLANDS WINERY: New machines raise bottling capacity

By NANCY MADSEN

TIMES STAFF WRITER

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010
http://watertowndailytimes.com/article/20100305/NEWS03/303059969

COLLINS LANDING — A new bottling system at Thousand Islands Winery, Seaway Avenue, brings the business's capacity in line with large commercial wineries.

The new system raises the bottling capacity from 400 bottles to about 2,000 bottles an hour.

"The little machine couldn't keep up with production," owner Stephen J. Conaway said. "We have taken away market share from the larger commercial wineries."

On Thursday, the first time winery staff used the new wine-filling machine and labeler after training, about 850 gallons of Riesling were poured into blue bottles in five hours.

The new wine-filling machine, called a monoblock, takes sterile bottles and first turns them upside-down and sprays them with a sanitary rinse. After that is blown off, the next station in the machine sucks out oxygen and injects nitrogen.

"Oxygen makes wine go bad," Mr. Conaway said. "Nitrogen injection is a natural way to keep oxygen out. We don't want to add chemicals to the product."

The next piece of the monoblock fills the bottle with the correct amount of wine. Then the bottles are topped with corks or screw caps.

The old wine filler didn't have the sanitary rinse or the screw-cap machine.

"We put the screw caps on by hand before," Mr. Conaway said.

The labeling machine can cover the corks with any capsule type — tin, polylaminate or PVC — and heat shrinks them to protect against tampering.

Then the machine adds the bottle's label. With the new machine, the winery will add back and neck labels to the standard front label, Mr. Conaway said.

"The machine has a touch-screen display," he said. "It's state of the art."

The old filling machine isn't going to waste — it was bought by a startup winery.

To increase productivity, the winery also purchased a Lees filter, which filters more wine out of the bottom of tanks, where it settles with sediment.

"This separates the sediment from the wine, which gives us less waste product," Mr. Conaway said.

The new system and a new filter comprised more than $250,000 in capital investment in the winery's production.

The winery also added a glycol chilling system, which has pockmarked jackets around sections of tanks. The winery had cooled wine during the winter in an unheated storage area. The chilling system allows cold stabilization to occur year-round.

"We plan to continue to use Mother Nature to the maximum extent possible," Mr. Conaway said. "But we're getting to the point where we can't afford to cold stabilize just in the few months when the weather cooperates."

And the reason for that is that demand keeps growing.

"People are looking for quality, locally made products right now," he said. "We're competitive even on a price basis with a lot of the bigger wineries."

Cornerstone promotes locally produced gifts

2010-03-18T11:38:00.001-05:00

Published March 13, 2010 10:39 pm - Kristen Hardman expands her business venues by opening the Cornerstone Gallery gift shop in Elizabethtown.
http://www.pressrepublican.com/0113_business/local_story_072223923.html

By ALVIN REINER
Staff Writer

ELIZABETHTOWN — With an emphasis on locally produced artwork and culinary specialties, Kristen Hardman has opened a sister emporium to her Cornerstone Gallery in Willsboro.

"I feel I'm filling in a niche in Elizabethtown and providing a venue for local products while helping build the community," Hardman said of her rationale for the enterprise.

Subtitled "Handmade Luxuries for Every Day," the Cornerstone offers a plethora of items including gourmet foods, yarn, jewelry, paintings, ceramics and gadgets that are not only utilitarian but enhance the home's décor as well.

"Nothing here is too precious," Kristen joked. While there are antiques, modern creations line some of the shelves. One does not have to be concerned about lead glazes from foreign pottery on the locally made mugs, serving dishes and vases. Then there's the ingenuity of using nature to create perpetual rock candles, which are hollowed out to hold an oil reservoir.

Among the gourmet delights is A Taste of the Adirondacks' Puttanesca Pasta Sauce made in Morrisonville by Cindy Bates and New York produced Growling Grizzly BBQ sauce. There's a variety of granola mixtures concocted in Tupper Lake that are perfect for hikers and those who work in the woods; it's also a healthy snack.

Unique quilts created by JoAnne Denton of Lewis are ready to be taken home to provide comfort as well as decoration. Baby hats knitted by 15-year-old Jessica Lynn from Peru show youngsters can be creative as well.

"There are so many intriguing women around here, women of advanced age who have lived here all of their lives, and then some in their 20s. It's a diverse group, but they have a lot in common. It's a cross section of Adirondack women," Hardman says of her clientele.

Hardman added that men do find items of interest and, of course, gifts for others. "I want to create a general-store atmosphere where men can come and hang out and have a cup of coffee while the women shop," Hardman said.

The informal knitting assemblage that meets at the Elizabethtown Cornerstone has woven helmet liners for soldiers in Afghanistan. Unlike most of their creations, which are colorful, these have to be of drab wool. However, the scarves they have made for cancer patients are of "yummy" colors, she said.

Although it costs her more, Hardman has made a concerted effort to have all packaging materials made of recycled materials, which in turn can be recycled and/or are biodegradable.

A vast used-book collection contains mostly recent publications, but if one wishes to compliment antiquated volumes in his or her home, a 19th-century edition of Don Quixote can be found.

Hardman also functions as an interior designer and will visualize a project through color, texture, furniture, fixtures and light to achieve the desired effect. She specializes in preparing homes and other real estate for sale by bringing out the facets that will intrigue prospective buyers.

To take a break from the kids and housework, one can partake in the next informal pot-luck brunch/lunch, knitting/crocheting/quilting circle, held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 20. Call 873-9130 for details. The circles are a way to make friends, learn from one another and, in one instance at a recent gathering, one participant looking for work found employment with another.

The versatile Hardman also operates the Cornerstone in Willsboro during the summer. She and husband, Jim, also run the Woodruff House Bed and Breakfast (thewoodruffhouse.com), which features a gourmet country breakfast. Amid the splendor of a completely refurbished 19th-century home are modern amenities such as Wi-Fi. Visitors are welcomed by three friendly cats.

Hardman may be reached at 873-6788 or kbhardman@charter.net. The Cornerstone Gallery is located at 219 Water St., just west of Route 9 at the blinking light.

Buyer Reception, Photos from Newest Exhibitors, Specialty Food Producers, Three Farm Wineries

2010-03-12T14:36:00.002-05:00

You're Invited to Preshow Buyer Breakfast Reception! View Photos from Eight Latest New-to-Show Exhibitors! Many Specialty Food Producers! Three Farm Wineries may be coming! http://www.adknccrafts.com/newsletter100312.php (latest e-news for buyers). Preregister to receive preshow e-news about latest exhibitors to sign up.

Buyer Days Gift Trade Show - where shopowners have been buying handmade product and specialty foods from regional artisans and producers for 24 years. Wednesday, March 31 and Thursday, April 1, 2010 at the City Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. Sponsored by the Adirondack North Country Association.

Did You Fax Exhibitor Application on 3.11.10?

2010-03-11T17:22:00.002-05:00

We may not have received it. Here's another fax number 518.891.5931. Write to Attn: Nadia. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Acorn Designs Introduces Mini Journals

2010-03-09T16:22:00.004-05:00

Media Contact
Steve Sierigk
Acorn Designs
800 299 3997
info@acorndesigns.org
March 5, 2010

Acorn Designs Introduces Mini Journals. In keeping with our other eco-friendly paper products these are 100% post-consumer recycled!

Our new Mini Journals are priced right and are entirely made in New York!

Trumansburg, NY - Acorn Designs announced today the release of its new Mini Journals at the 24th annual Buyer Days. These are the latest and smallest incarnation of our popular journal lines. Acorn Designs has produced eco-friendly paper products since 1981 and has sold to stores around the country that include nature imagery. Our new Mini Journals are sized just right, and priced affordably.

"I created this product because I wanted customers to have access to environmentally-friendly products at very affordable prices" explains Steve Sierigk, owner of Acorn Designs. "Our products have the highest quality art and papers with special attention given to the natural environment. In fact the 100% post-consumer recycled paper is sourced right within our home state of NY. All manufacure of these journals also happens right here!"

"We represent the artwork of over 20 nature artists so the offerings are quite diverse and have something for everyone from fine botanicals to more whimsical fare! These have been so popular that we are in the midst of designing the next 20 images for release later this spring!"

By attending Buyer Days on March 31 and April l in Saratoga Springs, giftshop, lodging and eatery owners can see in person the works of Acorn Designs as well as those of many other regional artisan-producers. Shopowners, lodging owners and chefs who know the importance of the story in making sales, have the time to absorb the story in person from the makers at the show.

The two day show provides a great opportunity to freshen displays, whether store shelving, room accessories or menu listings, with new product. Attend Buyer Days to view 1000s of competitively priced product lines all made in the region. View the new product and show specials online at the Buyer Days page at AdkNCcrafts.com.

Steve Sierigk is the founding artist and owner of Acorn Designs. He is still producing art for Acorn but takes great pride in working with many great artists to produce the Acorn line. All Acorn products are accompanied by descriptive text to add a nice final touch to the product. You can visit their website at www.acorndesigns.org.

Acorn Designs
5066 Mott Evans Road
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Phone......(607) 387-3424
Toll-free....(800) 299-3997
e-mail... info@acorndesigns.org
web... www.acorndesigns.org

The MooseMan introduces Moose Magnets

2010-03-05T11:36:00.007-05:00

For Immediate Release

Rick Libbey, The MooseMan
MooseMan Nature Photos
603 735 5323
hlibbey@tds.net

The MooseMan introduces Moose Magnets souvenir line as the 2010 North Country tourist season draws near

Andover,N.H…. MooseMan Nature Photos announced today the release of it’s new MooseMagnets souvenir line at the 24th annual Buyer Days. The line features moose, loon, & bear magnets, keychains, & bookmarks of area wildlife. These souvenirs are great impulse items and are attractively priced.

Rick Libbey created this line because our area needs a souvenir line that depicts OUR OWN area’s wildlife but more importantly; the images were shot from a kayak with love and respect for their world.

MooseMan products include the souvenir line, matted prints, rustic framed wildlife art, and notecards with stories of MooseMan’s adventures.

By attending Buyer Days on March 31 and April 1 in Saratoga Springs, giftshop, lodging and eatery owners can see in person the works of MooseMan Nature Photos as well as those of many other regional artisan-producers.

The two day show provides a great opportunity to freshen displays, whether store shelving, room accessories or menu listings, with new product. Attend Buyer Days to view 1000s of competitively priced product lines all made in the region. View the new product and show specials online at the Buyer Days page at www.AdkNCcrafts.com.

My journey with wildlife spans over three decades and MooseMan works exclusively from a kayak in a non-intrusive manner. I also present powerpoint shows on moose, loon, and bear. Visit www.moosemannaturephotos.com and www.moosemagnets.com or contact owner Rick Libbey at hlibbey@tds.net or 603 735 5323.

Pricing and Product Dev't Workshop on April 22

2010-02-25T15:32:00.002-05:00

Hilary Oak is presenting her annual workshop "Pricing and Product Development" on Thursday, April 22 from 6 to 8pm. $25. 51 Market St., Potsdam NY. www.slcartscouncil.org.

Until March 12, Photo Documentary of Ten Artists

2010-02-25T15:17:00.003-05:00

On exhibit until March 12 at the Gallery at the St. Lawrence County Arts Council is North Country Hands at Work: a photographic study by Hannah Stevens. The photo documentary focuses on the hands and art of 10 artists from Northern New York where H. Stevens is from and has come back to after her undergraduate work. She works part-time at the art council and is Velma Bolyard's daughter.

Photographs of North Country artists in this series include silversmiths Pat and Butch Bramhall, weaver Cait Throop, boat builder Everett Smith, fiber artist Jody Horowitz, blacksmith John Scarlett, printmaker and book artist Mark McMurray, jewelry artist Mary Harding, calligrapher Veigh Lee, and fiber artist Velma Bolyard. SLC Arts Council Art News Winter 2010, p. 11.

Chicken Coop Forge in the News

2010-02-25T15:14:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to:

Jeannette Brandt and Mike Parwana of Chicken Coop Forge for the two page story with 5 photos of how their business started. Written by Paul Grondahl for the Adirondack Explorer Jan/Feb. 2010 issue.

Two Regional Artists Chosen as 2010 Niche Award Finalists

2010-02-24T17:02:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to:

Mary Gwyneth, fiber artist, from Colton NY
http://www.marygwyneth.com/2009/11/mary-g-holland-of-marygwyneth-llc-named-2010-niche-awards-finalist/ whose White Peacock Coat was selected.

and to:

Stephen LeBlanc, jewelry artist, from Argyle NY
http://www.dransfieldjewelers.com/designer_leBlanc.html
whose Mokume Continuum Hoop was selected.

The 161 Niche Award Finalists were selected by a panel of experts from nearly 1000 entries in 36 categories. Works were judged on technical excellence, both in surface design and form; market viability; and a distinct quality of unique, original and creative thought.

Niche Winter 2010, p. 45, www.Rosengrp.com

Consumers Increase Home Improvement Purchases

2010-02-24T16:55:00.002-05:00

Top home-improvement chain Home Depot Inc. reported its first quarterly same-store sale rise in nearly four years and gave an upbeat full-year forecast as customers begin bigger renovation projects. The Gazette, p. b16, 2.24.2010

Regional Foods, Wines, and Gift Items Featured at Buyers Days Trade Show

2010-02-16T09:15:00.003-05:00

Are you a fan of locally produced foods? Do you like to support regional producers? Then share this with your favorite chef or cook!

Tell them to go to ANCA’s crafts community website, AdkNCcrafts.com to sign up for Buyer Days. Producers experienced with wholesale sales such as Whiteface Mountain Gourmet Maple Products, Bear-Man Specialty Foods, Hill 'n' Hollow LLC and B. Creative will be there to inspire them to create that new dish you’ll be the one to enjoy.

The increasing number of tasting events celebrating locally based foods and beverages reflects the growing appetite of the consumer for food with flavor and local roots. Savoring a meal prepared with regional foods, whether in a restaurant, or local diner, or at your own table doesn’t just taste good, it feels good! A locally prepared jam or jelly can add just the right zing to a meat platter or that slice of homemade toast. Pancakes with local maple syrup dribbling down the sides! Fruit chutney with a soft cheese and crackers. A sip of wine.

Driven by this increasing customer demand, more chefs, cooks and giftshop owners are searching for regional foods. New this year the Adirondack North Country Association is featuring farm wineries from upstate New York at its 24th annual Buyer Days, the region’s only gift tradeshow. 25% of the exhibitors at the show, held at the Saratoga Springs City Center on March 31 and April l, 2010, are specialty food producers. Ten years ago there were none!

Restaurant and lodging owners can sample, and order, jams, jellies, chutneys, sauces, seasonings, wines and other foods. They can also order dinnerware, room accessories, bath and beauty products, furniture, stationery, books and other lines directly from the other 75%. All made in the region. Meet the artists and producers, learn what makes their products special, and how they reflect the inspiration of the Adirondack North Country. -- All in one day. No crowds. Competitive prices. Private labeling. Show specials. Buyer Days is a cash and carry show so no shipping costs. Plan for orders later.

Show your favorite chef or cook this article!

Buyer Day Exhibitors Easily Create Their Own Publicity

2010-02-15T10:22:00.005-05:00

One of the tools which artisans rarely use as a means to generate publicity is the use of the press release. Since increased visibility creates a stronger likelihood of sales, ANCA is creating a press release for each Buyer Day exhibitor to use as well as providing the media's email, fax and direct mail info.

It is hoped that as small businesses experience the rewards of increased visibility, that the media will be receptive to featuring more stories from and about the region's makers and sellers of product. It is estimated that a surprisingly high percentage of the local economy is based on these sales.

Exhibitors who have already signed up as exhibitors for ANCA's gift tradeshow, Buyer Days, March 31 and April l, at the City Center in Saratoga Springs, will be able to introduce themselves, and the show, to their local media, within a few days.

N. Korths, show coordinator, is creating a press release template that, with just a few keystrokes, will be ready for each exhibitor to submit to their own regional media list. The media list is sorted into four geographical based lists to make it as easy as possible for craftspeople to distribute the press release to the most appropriate contacts by email, fax or direct mail.

Survey of 10 most popular ecommerce shopping carts - Dec. 2009

2010-02-10T14:20:00.001-05:00

http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/essentials/shopping_carts/article.php/3855641

Some Northeastern Gift Trade Shows To Consider

2010-02-10T13:47:00.003-05:00

Northeast Market Center January Premier Show, January 16 - 20. Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, 9:00AM - 6:00PM; Wednesday, 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Northeast Market Center, Billerica, MA

Upstate New York Gift Expo. February 22 - 24. Monday and Tuesday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Wednesday, 9:00AM - 3:00PM (Cash and carry after noon). Turning Stone Resort & Casino Conference Center, Verona, New York

Cape Cod Resort Gift Show. March 7 - 9, Sunday and Monday, 9:00AM - 6:00PM; Tuesday, 9:00AM - 3:00PM. The Radisson, Route 28, Hyannis, MA

New England Products Trade Show. March 13 - 15. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00AM - 5:00PM; Monday, 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Portland Sports Complex, Portland, ME. Preregister at nepts.com for free admission.

Adirondack North Country Association Buyers Days. March 31, 12 - 6:00PM and April 1, 9:00AM - 4:00PM at the Saratoga Springs City Center, Saratoga, NY.

Thanks to Sandy of Classic Calligraphy, who did very well in her first year at last year's Buyer Days. She is looking forward to coming back this year.
http://www.classiccalligraphy.com

Buyer's Market in Philly On Despite Record Snowfall

2010-02-10T10:56:00.002-05:00

See how show promoter, buyers and exhibitors are making the best of show despite record snowfall. http://www.buyersmarketblog.typepad.com/wholesalematters/.

Note how exhibitors are using the show's Facebook section to promote their product. You will be able to do the same shortly at ANCA's Buyer Days section on Facebook.

The Buyer Days section at www.AdkNCcrafts.com has posted all of the exhibitors who have signed up up to Jan. 18th, 2010 - there's 31 of you, 8 are new.

Buyers have already received one email invite to the show which listed the 8 new exhibitors. Two more will be going out before the show. Send me your success stories so I can include them in one of those emails.

Send me your show specials and images of your new product lines. Posting those on the website helps buyers prepare for show.

butternut, maple, ash and basswood available

2010-01-11T15:08:00.002-05:00

IIs there a link to artisans in the northcountry who may be looking for local supplies of wood such as butternut, maple, ash, and basswood?

Would like to communicate with such if possible. Have supplies of the above in Brushton, NY

Murray Beidler 518-529-0204 / received email 01.11.10

Two free "Buy Local" Posters and Self-Help Co-op Marketing

2009-12-11T14:23:00.005-05:00

If anyone is interested AMIBA (American Independent Business Alliance) has provided two free "Buy Local" posters for anyone's use. The first is perfect for this time of year titled "Give a Gift to Your Community", the other is a brief description of Why to buy local.

Just click on the link below to download the posters.

http://amiba.net/educational_comps.html

Wishing you a Happy and successful Holiday Season.
from Mary Vanouse, Director, City of Oswego Community Development. Send out as a group email, Dec. 11, 2009

Published in December 2009, the link below is a Cooperative Marketing Self-help Module downloadable as a pdf (46 pgs/4.04MB). Case Studies galore. Very readable. Funded by the government (Australian).

http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/726EF4B2-F3FA-48DD-9BA1-AD98C49AB416/0/self_help_module15_cooperative_marketing_20091203.pdf
Found while researching for a client, Nadia Korths, 12.11.09

Artisans Talk About How the Year Has Been

2009-12-09T14:43:00.003-05:00

The Sparkle Christmas and NCCC Craft Fair were held, respectively, on Dec. 5 and 6, in Saranac Lake.

Though shoppers seemed to be cautious overall, a number of artisans such as Lisa Nortz, Silver Bench; Lis Barsuglia-Madsen, Heirlooms; Carol Clarridge, Whiteface Mountain Gourmet Syrup; Rose Bartiss, Rose's Goats - Goats Milk Soap, and Sharon Benesch, Benesch Creative Enterprises (via recent phone call) all had a good year.

Lisa Nortz' skilled and creative jewelry worksmanship has this exquisite handmade feel/look that has customers coming back each year to find her at the shows she regularly attends. She wears a beautiful collection of her work including a bracelet and ring she made during high school and a pendant necklace with free form glass stone on sterling silver triangle. She has received custom orders from her collection, particularly of the pendant necklace. Sadly, she will probably not come to Buyer Days (March 31/April 1, 2010) this year. She is making practical and sensible choices. Buyer Days had become more of a occasion to catch up with others while escaping cabin fever in Saratoga Springs than a show where she was making money the last few years.

Her niece, Emily Mae Widrick, Silver Streams Jewelry, a jeweler for the last few years, shows similiarities in style with Lisa, and Butch and Pat Bramhall, her grandparents as well as Lisa's parents, from whom she has learned yet she is already finding her own style. I see I had already picked up her card last year as well someplace along my travels.

All of the above make their own chains. And the richness of that silver work sets them apart.

Another jeweler who was a delight to find at the NCCC Craft Fair was Edison Collections. While training to become an airplane mechanic and laid-up last early winter, he decided to make jewelry out of found materials as Christmas presents. Now he and his girlfriend already have a number of accounts in the Lake Placid area!
Their style, presentation (ie., business card is also earring display) and use of found and recycled is distinctive. The jeweler showed me how he had polished the ironslug residue from the mines of yesteryear to create pendants. I have myself collected these pieces for their beautiful blue color and was delighted to see it used.

I'll be back tommorrw to post a few more tales from the front-line.

Career exploration in the fine arts - photographer speaks

2009-11-05T12:11:00.002-05:00

Refresh your approach - listen to how others have made it - free - in Montgomery Co. - Sat.

Career exploration in the fine arts
Saturday Nov. 7, 2009, 9-12 am

For immediate release - The Montgomery County Educational and Cultural Council on the Arts (MECCA) will be conducting a free Seminar on the topic of exploring and starting a career in the fine arts including music, performing and visual arts.

The seminar will be held at Fulton-Montgomery Community College on Saturday Nov. 7 from 9-12 am at the campus theater.

This seminar will focus on starting and maintaining a viable career in the fine arts. A panel of three successful regional artists will be discussing their experiences on how to navigate a career in the arts. The three panelists will be: Musician Sara Milonovich, recording artist and international touring folk singer and violinist; Byron Nilisson, actor, playwright, and writer with 39 years of experience in the performing arts; and Harry Wirtz, visual artist, photographer, and art book maker.

The seminar will start at 9 am in the FM campus theater with a panel discussion for one hour followed by break out groups where participants can choose an area of interest to gain more in-depth information. A question and answer session will take place at the conclusion of the event. Refreshments will be provided by the Student Art Guild of FM. The seminar is free to all. For further information please call Joel Chapin at 518 762-4651 Ext. 4111

Harry
--
Harry Wirtz
Words & Pictures
phone: 518 863 8636
email: harry@harrywirtz.com
web: http://www.harrywirtz.com

News For and About Artisans and Retailers

2009-10-22T16:23:00.003-05:00

Lake George Arts Project is requesting original video shorts of 3 to 5 minutes to be submitted by Nov. 20, 2009. Three awards will be presented in each category with a screening of all award winners on February 6, 2010 at the lst annual Peoples Pixel Project. Craft artisans could submit video of creating their work under two of the six categories, Get Reel: documentary video, and Narrative: Tell a story, but make it quick. Your video can also be posted at YouTube and linked to your website to help promote your story. www.lakegeorgearts.org.

Community newspaper readership is growing at an unprecedented rate. 44% of all active Internet users visited a newspaper Web site last month. 95% of U.S. adults report that the recession has imported their shopping in some way. 76% report doing fewer shopping trips. Adults also plan purchases more (67%). Actual purchases continue to be predominantly made in stores (79%) though shopping information channels have dramatically expanded. Newspaper Association of America ads, Scarborough Research 2008, How America Shops and Spends/MORI Research 2009, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, October, 2009.

"Cristina Lussi, whose family owns the Crowne Plaza Resort and Golf Club (Lake Placid), said occupancy, as well as rates her hotel is charging, are down about 10 percent on the year. But that amount is not too bad compared to other hoteliers in Westchester County, whom she said have told her business is down, in some cases, 40 percent...."Thank goodness Lake Placid is an events-driven community," Lussi said...
Jenn Holderied, whose family owns the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort on Main Street, said her hotel's business was down about seven or eight percent from 2008, but added that 2008 was a banner year that would have been hard to beat under any circumstances. She said the resort's 2009 numbers are running about five precent above 2007. The Golden Arrow maintained their rates as much as possible this year; however Holdereid said she promoted some value packages during times that she normally would not have in order to encourage business.
The biggest change in tourism trends, Holdereid said, is in travel patterns. Since December 2008, visitors have been booking rooms at the last possible moment and shopping around for the best deal, she said.
"People are a little bit more cautious about spending their money," she said. "They are spending more time planning their vacations and really thinking it through before they committ." LP/Essex Co. Visitors Bureau cut two employees, by Heather Sackett, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, 10.15.09, p. 2

The Marketing Your Product for Profit Seminar will be held Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 to 8:30 pm starting Nov. 7 through Jan. 7. $50. "This is a timely opportunity to turn your idea for a farm- or home-based enterprise into a profitable business venture.," said series co-organizer Molly Ames, a farm business management educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County. The Internet training equips business owners with a low-cost way to build their brand and relationships whether they want to sell over the net or not. The training involves online, face-to-face and distance-learning delivery methods. CCE Office, Plattsburgh, video conference. FMI and to register; Peter Hagar, CCE of Clinton Co., 518.561.7450. Press Republican, 10.11.09 and Essex County CCE monthly newsletter, Sept. issue

Profits at Panera (PNRA), best-performing major restaurant stock of the decade, were up by 33% in the first half of this year, with annualized growth of 31.5%. The strategies can be used by craftspeople as well as food producers: unfussy presentation, unpretentious atmosphere creating community gathering space, fresh, customizable, convenient, won't break the bank. "Panera's target audience is more Food Network than fast food. '"We hit a chord with people who understand and respond to food, but we also open a door for people who are on the verge of that," says chief concept officer Scott Davis. "We run an idea through the Panera filter and give it that twist that takes a flavor profile closer to what you'd find in a bistro than a fast-food joint."..."To consumers, the brand is family-oriented but also sophisticated."' `Rising Dough How Panera is thriving by selling real food - and a gathering space - in suburbia by Kate Rockwood, Fast Company, October 2009, p. 79

The Food Show at North Country Community College featured a new company Sustain Brand which markets locally owned and locally grown food products under the brand "Sustain" made from ingredients found within a 100 mile radius. John Glazier and Shaun Glazier of Malone are the owners of the company. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, 10.09.09

The Collectors Issue of Adirondack Life featured two pages of product titled Botany of Desire, some made locally and/or some sold locally. Products made locally were Beth Johnson's silver twig pin, www.bethjohnsonbeads.com (sold at Art on Park, Tupper Lake and Ruthie's Run, Lake Placid, www.ruthiesrun.com); Floral bookmark cards by Mary Vianese of Indian Lake (sold at Abanakee Studios, www.abanakeestudios.com); Porcelain water lily by Mary Lou Reid of Saranac Lake (sold at the Adirondack Artists Guild, www.adirondackartistsguild.com); Hemp linen table runner by Dawn Wilkins of Heliographics, Long Lake, www.heliographics.com (this company has a number of beautiful sophisticated product lines to accessorize the home) and clay plate by Meredith Johnston of Aerobie Fields Pottery, Westport (sold at Bessboro Shop, Westport and Adirondack Art Association, Essex). Collectors Issue, Adirondack Life, p. 82

Larry and Joann Post, of L. Post Rustics, AuSable Forks, received the People's Choice award as first time exhibitors at the 22nd annual Rustic Furniture Fair held on Sept. 4-6 at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake. More than 3,500 visitors attended. Weekender, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, p. 8, Oct. 2-8, 2009

The Association of Woodworking and Furnishing Supplies (AWFS) annual Vegas fair held July 15-18 had a decrease in attendance of about 50% (average 16,000 to between 8,500 to 8,000) and decrease in number of vendors by about a third (580 vendors). The New York Gift Show held Aug. 15 - 20 had a 5.6% increase in number of buyers attending (31,000 thousand people attending from 50 states and 85 countries) as a result of an increase in retailers needing fourth quarter inventory. The Saratoga Souvenir Show held for 4 days mid October had many satisfied exhibitors. Woodshops News, September 2009, p. 6; Crafts Report online September issue, p. 22 and word of mouth

Recently Discovered Craftspeople

2009-09-29T14:28:00.005-05:00

Discovered along the Artist at Work Open Studio Tour last weekend in September

Pam Belleville, www.pamsjewelrydesigns.com, has dichroic fused glass product lines; clocks, tick-tack-toe boards, and others, which may be of interest to shopowners for resale. She can produce the lines a few at a time in her kiln. At this time her kiln size limits her to creating only one plate at a time so plates are not yet an option for wholesale.

Pam and Beth, more below, seem to be tempted by the idea of sharing a booth at Buyer Days but, at least, for Beth, her need to create always changing pieces may rule out attending the show. The Adirondack North Country Buyer Days is scheduled for March 31 and April 1 in 2010 in Saratoga Springs at the City Center.

Beth Johnson, another fabulous artist, http://www.bethjohnsonbeads.com/, both jeweler and basketmaker, and Pam Belleville, have opened up a gallery and artist consignment shop called Art on Park at 87 Park Street in Tupper Lake. Since the beginning of July, their works and those of others such as Dan King (wonderful metal worker - his dragonfly is to die for), potters Peter Shrope and Mary Lou Reid, photographer Paul Chartier have been for sale at Art on Park.

Splitting the very large storefront with a beauty salon has resulted in sales which would not have taken place otherwise. Art on Park is another example of an unusual partnership which hopefully will continue to benefit both businesses for years to come.

With Gary Casagrain's Gallery across the street, Saundra's Random Acts of Art around the corner on Cliff, and the numerous other shops along the street, Tupper Lake's downtown has both beautiful works by artists from the region as well as out, all suitable for accessorizing one's home or as gifts.

Discovered at the annual Field, Forest and Stream Days held at the Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown last weekend in September

Georgette Bacon, of Nicholville, NY (http://www.dragonflylanegourds.net/) creates fabulously decorated gourd works, and in addition, necklaces with pieces of gourd with images painted on. The gourd work, including the jewelry, is well coated/varnished. Georgette is very interested in attending Buyer Days. Georgette who started making and selling her gourd work two years ago did well at Field, Forest and Stream Days. Do visit her website to see the quality.

Also at the show was Funny River Trading, http://www.funnyrivertrading.com/, selling her recently started Traditional Arts and Herbal Folk Remedies line of Bath and Beauty products. L. A. Monroe, a basketmaker and weaver, was encouraged by the owners of Dartbrook Rustic Goods, http://www.dartbrookrusticgoods.com/ in Keene, NY to develop the bath and beauty line.

L.A. Monroe supervises, for an agency near Lake Champlain, a group of disadvantaged people who are creating wonderful baskets. Their baskets, of all sizes and shapes, are sold at craft shows under the name Mountain Weavers Fiber Arts Guild for very reasonable prices. Shopowners looking for a wide range of locally made baskets may contact L.A. at 518.546.9552, x 121. They may not be set up to do wholesale accounts at the present but the work is so good, and they are so proud, and they are so many, at least 12, that it is worth exploring.

2009-09-04T13:58:00.007-05:00

New Cafe and Giftshop in Chazy

The Station Cafe and Gifts at the former train station in Chazy, NY serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with some local ingredients. The gift shop features silver jewelry, home decorations, picture frames, children's clothing, greeting cards, hats and holiday decorations in season. Carolyn Tetreault, owner, says the gift line ideas come from her three daughters and daughter-in-law, the Altanta Gift Show, and shops in Saratoga and Warren counties. Press Republican, Sunday, July 26, 2009, Business, p. D3, by Dan Heath, staff writer

Chazy Giftshop Owner Researches Movement to Support Local Businesses

Carol Tetreault, owner of The Station Cafe and Gifts, is researching the 3/50 project, a nationwide movement to encourage people to choose three independent, local businesses and spend $50 a month in each. The Web site, http://www.350project.net/, states that is half the employed population did that it would generate $42.6 billion in revenue. It also states that for every $100 spend in local independent stores, $68 comes back to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If that same money is spent at national chains, $43 comes back to the community, while none returns if the money is spent online. Press Republican, Sunday, July 26, 2009, Business, p. D3, by Dan Heath, staff writer

Adirondack Harvest Hosts a "Taste of Essex County"

On Sept. 19th, the Essex County chapter of Adirondack Harvest will host "A Taste of Essex County" celebration at the Essex County fairgrounds in Westport as part of the 6th annual Adirondack Harvest Festival Week. To participate, contact Laurie at 518.962.4810 x404. http://www.adirondackharvest.com/. Essex County Cornell Cooperative Extension monthly printed newsletter, August 2009

Photographing your Art with Harry Wirtz

On Sept. 19 in Glens Falls, from 10am to 3pm, photographer Harry Wirtz will instruct artists working in a variety of mediums; paintings, watercolor, sculpture, etc., how to photograph their fine work in a digital format. $15 Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) members/$20 non-members. To register call: 518.798.1144 x2 or email: programs@larac.org. Lake George Arts Project, summer edition quarterly newsletter

Revamped CustomMade.com Targets Homeowner Appreciative of Custom Woodwork
Custommade.com currently hosts 400 woodworkers and receives about 750,000 hits a year, which equates to around 2,200 visitors a day. Visitors to Custommade.com can search for custom woodworkers in their area and learn about specific styles, techniques and specialities.
The website was revamped in May by the new owners, Mike Salguero and Seth Rosen, who are Boston based. Woodworkers can subscribe with a minimum of $180 for a posting of nine photos. Woodshop News, August 2009, p.9, by Jennifer Hicks, staff writer

Movie to be Shot in Tupper Lake Looking for Local Product Placement

Shooting will begin September 28 for the movie "Recreator" targeting the 15 to 30 youth market. They will be looking for opportunities for local product placement from companies like local breweries and coffee shops. To discuss opportunities, email producers at recreatormovie@gmail.com. For more information, go to gregoryorr.com who will be directing first feature length film with "Recreator."
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, August, 26, 2009, p.14, by Jessica Collier, reporter

NYFA Provides Seminars in Upstate NY to Fund Creative Time For Artists

New York state artists attending the Sept. 15, 10am to 2 pm seminar in Lake Placid and the one in Woodstock on Sept. 21, noon to 4pm will learn about the application process for $7,000 unrestricted cash grants awarded to 100 artists per year since 1985 by the New York Foundation of the Arts (NYFA). Seminars are free. For more information, visit www.nyfa.org/afp. Art News, Fall 2009, St. Lawrence County Arts Council quarterly printed newsletter, p.6.

Potter Sue Young Provides High-Quality Technical Oversight of Mural Project

Inspired by the Champlain Quadricentennial, Sandra Morse, Bucky Seiden and Sue Young, supervised the transformation of 2,000 pounds of clay into artistic creations, helping mostly seventh-graders transfer their poster designs onto clay tiles. The mural, an artistic interpretation of local history, 38 feet in length and rising 10 feet in height, was installed on an exterior wall of the Clinton County Government Center in Plattsburgh.
Visit the mural to see the tiile work of 1000 Clinton County students. The official unveiling was held on August 12, 2009. Lake Champlain Weekly, August 5, 2009, p. 7, A Thousand Pairs of Hands Make History Come Alive! by Benjamin Pomerance, regular contributor

Sparking New Sales at Your Shop

2009-08-07T10:40:00.004-05:00

Julie Lancia and Barb Mueller, co-owners of JB Winterberry in Wheaton, Illinois who were named Country Business' Retailer of the Year in 2007, recommend the following to spark new sales:

"1. Sending customers e-mail updates every three weeks regarding new merchandise, including our first online e-coupon.

2. Mailing a 20-percent-off coupon to all current top customers as well as past top customers...

3. Moving all furniture and displays to create a new look for spring and summer...

4. Conducting seminars on decorating for groups outside the shop, such as garden clubs and women's auxiliaries.

5. Producing a vintage fashion show within the shop along with the help of the local history center...

6. Blowing our own horn by marketing our success to local magazines and other publications...

Customers continue to make small purchases, including cards, small greenery and florals - basically gifts under $20. Make sure you carry a variety of these items." Country Sampler's Country Business May/June 2009, Let's Weather the Storm, p. 70

More Publicity for Well-Dressed Food

2009-08-07T10:31:00.003-05:00

Owner David Tomberlin, Well Dressed Food, Tupper Lake, was the producer featured in the August issue of Adirondack Life in their Adirondack Made section. "The maker of two dozen savory, sauces, preserves, granola, pancake mix, desserts and spiced nuts" is hoping to release a bean dip and a McIntosh hot-pepper grilling sauce this summer. www.welldressedfood.com Adirondack Life, August 2009, Adirondack Made, p. 24.

Getting Strong Advice in Small Doses

2009-07-30T12:53:00.004-05:00

Susan Wagner, editor of Country Sampler's Country Business bimonthly trade magazine, explains that, for time-strapped business owners, using the social network Twitter to keep customers up-to-date with product and service news may be very effective.

"With Twitter, the whole concept is to provide short bits of info (140 characters) on your current thoughts and activities, links to interesting articles, quick tips and advice, highlights of new products or services, special sales, kudos to other members, and more. And since you are limited in your character count, each tweet generally focuses on a single idea, making it easy to scan and absorb. Retailers who like staying electronically connected with their customers but just can't keep up with a blog might benefit from Twitter. It only takes minutes to post and is easy to use:" www.twitter.com/CountryBizMag.

The Country Business magazine, www.country-business.com, and Country Business Extra e-newsletter, are excellent resources on evolving trends and business practices for any retailer and artisan, not only those who produce and/or sell country theme product lines. Country Sampler's Country Business July/August 2009, p. 12

Indian Lake Christmas Tour Seeks Artisans and Craftters

2009-07-30T12:49:00.002-05:00

INDIAN LAKE - The Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour (CCT) Steering Committee is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the 12^th Annual CCT be held Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “Made in the Adirondacks” is the theme for the event. The event will feature Adirondack “style” hand-crafted items made by over 75 regional and local skilled artisan and crafters.

The Country Christmas Tour is a self-guided “tour” to visit with artisans and crafters who offer a variety of holiday gift items for sale in their homes and at numerous locations in Indian Lake. Holiday gift items include birch bark and twig picture frames, holiday wreaths, decorations and table centerpieces, quilts and throws, toll paintings, wall hangings, Adirondack furniture, alpaca clothing, jewelry, toys, candles, ornaments and much, much more.

Exhibition space will be available at several public locations for interested artisans and crafters, and honored on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Brenda Valentine at 518-648-5636 for applications or for more Country Christmas Tour program information. Press release, July 30th, Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour (CCT) Steering Committee, Brenda Valentine

Brewerton Collaboration, House Sales Increase

2009-07-28T13:10:00.006-05:00

Art Festival and Tag Sale Collaboration in Brewerton
Ginny, from Oneida Lake Artisans & The Brick House Cafe in Brewerton at the west end of Oneida Lake, continues to build on events which include collaboration with other small businesses and community ; ie., the following 4th annual Art Festival ....

"This Saturday from 9-4
***Our 4^th Annual Art Festival with lots of Central NY artists! At the shop, on the lawn, enjoy meeting the artists & collecting some of their=2 0work!

***TAG SALE along Main St. Many businesses and some residents will be participating, from Bartel Road all the way to Rte. 49 in Central Square! It's an adventure!" Excerpt from July 27th e-news, Oneida Lake Artisans & the Brick House Cafe

Finally - Sales of New Homes Increase in June Nationwide
With the region's second home owners generating so much of the economy's income, building and retail trade businesses should be pleased to see that new home sales are finally on the increase as of June. Many of the regional businesses in these sectors have been slow since mid fall 2008. The Commerce Department states that new home sales increased by 11 per cent in June, 8 more than analysts expected, but still down 21% from June 2008. Median new home prices continue to fall, decreasing from $232,100 a year ago to $206, 200. The Gazette, July 28, 2009, p. B6, reporter Jack Healy, New York Times

New Shop, Pottery/Fiber Exhibit, KeyBank, Occasional Shop

2009-07-16T10:41:00.005-05:00

Shop Opens in Tupper Lake
Bryant Gonyea opened Adirondack Rustic Design and Furniture Company on Park Street in Tupper Lake on June 1. The store sells Amish, Adirondack and antique furniture. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, June 25, 2009, p.3

Gallery Features Three-Dimensional Works
The Atea Ring Gallery is exhibiting the primitive hooked rugs of Cheryl Raywood, pottery of Robert Segall and paintings, drawings and etchings of Harold Weston (1894-1972) through July 22. 236 Sam Spear Road, Westport. Hours: Thurs. - Sat., 11-4. Press-Republican, July 2, 2009, p. A7, Out & About Section

KeyBank Offers Women-Owned Businesses the Key4Women Program
KeyBank has provided more than $2 billion in capital to qualified women-owned businesses since 2007 and promises to lend another $3 billion by 2012. Locally, Denise Prell, Prell's Custom Designs, 18 Clinton St., Plattsburgh, NY, has enjoyed the benefits of participating in the KeyBank initiative; the Key4Women program, "designed to channel customized banking service, access to capital, networking opportunities and ongoing education to women entrepreneurs across the country. ...
Nationwide 10.1 million women-owned businesses make up 40 percent of all privately held companies, employ 13 million people and generate annual sales of $1.9 trillion. In the twelve-county region of upstate New York there are 23,797 women-owned businesses.
Margaret Soderquist, area sales manager for KeyBank, explains that "Women value the socializing, networking, self-satisfaction and the pride that comes with owning a business." Press-Republican, July 5, 2009, p.D1, Business Section

Retail's Next Wave
The "occasional" sale - held in homes or rental spaces on only a handful of days per year - may be poised to become the retail model of the recession. And with good reason. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 74,000 retail stores closed in the first half of 2008. In addition to low overhead, pop-up storefronts offer the kind of flexibility that small-business owners rarely see. Visit www.lolabboutique.com, www.thehogshed.com, www.barnbarnbaby.com. Country Living, July 2009, p. 20

Online Photo Exhibit features Regional Artists

2009-07-10T09:38:00.005-05:00

How Many Artists does it take to Screw in a Light Bulb?

Phil Gallos has been photographing some of the many artists, artisans, musicians, craftspeople, in short, the creatives, of the Saranac Lake area, for years. Many of the photos are posted at http://philgallos.zenfolio.com/f892240789, and, in August, at Bluseed Studios in Saranac Lake (http://www.bluseedstudios.org/exhibit.html).

The photo sessions with each of the artisans (6 to 14 shots per) are intimate, relaxed moments of artists at work and at play. Sometimes, of course, work and play are the same. The trust and respect each of the creatives have placed in Phil Gallos to create this body of work imbues each of the images. Enjoy!

News from Artisans, Artists and Shops and Galleries

2009-07-09T09:42:00.004-05:00

News From Dreamcrafters Quilt Shop
Dyan Swamp, owner of Dreamcrafters Quilt Shop on Rte. 37 in Akwesasne, NY won a ribbon at the Vermont Quilt Festival for her Rainbow Braid quilt.

They are participating in a Shop Hop with 3 other Quilt Shops, BUT it ... ends this Saturday.

Dyan includes the following list of Quilt Shows and Studio Tour in her monthly enews (from which these excerpts are taken):

August 7-9; Lanark County Quilters' Guild 'Quilts on the Tay' St. John Catholic High School, Perth, Ont.

helgazim@arctickayaks.com

Sept 19 & 20, 2009; 7^th Annual Seaway Autumn Studio Tour

Prescott and Area

Free tour of 10 studios with a total of 17 artists showing

Jewelery, Fine Art, Glass Art, Pottery, Fibre Art, Photoart, Quilt Art, recycled

Agricultural Implements

Call Pat at 613.925.3987 for more info

October 11-12; Champlain Valley Quilters’ Guild of NY Quilt Show

Bailey Ave. School, Plattsburgh, NY

www.cvqgny.org

"Dyan" will be vending at this Show.

October 16 & 17, 2009; Flying Geese Quilt Show

Sponsored by the Upper Canada Quilt Guild

Iroquois ON

Call Kelly at 613.543.3868 for more info

Dreamcrafters Quilt Shop, 1422 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655. 518-358-4285. dreamquilt(at)aol.com

Re-opening of Shop in Lake Placid

Alpine Meadow Rustic Traditions Furniture reopens. 518.523.0040. 2489 Main St., Lake Placid. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, display ad, early July.

Opening of New Gallery in Tupper Lake - Lots of Glasswork!

Art on Park Gallery/Shop, 87 Park St., Tupper Lake opened on July 2nd. Pam Belleville and Beth Johnson, artist co-owners, are featuring Pam's fused glass art pieces, platters, bowls, and clocks and Beth's lampworked bead and silver, copper and bronze jewelry.

Also for sale are the photographs of Paul Chartier, mini bookstore and birchbark frames by Randy Jones, and juried consignment pottery and ceramic tiles by Mary Lou Reid, wearable art by Devin LaFave, scrapbook pages and notecards by Dawn Sauve and felted bags by Sarah Pratt.

Artists interested in being represented can contact Johnson at 518.359.2652 or Belleville at 518.359.2304. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Weekender, July 4.

Higher visitation rates may not translate into higher sales tax revenues

2009-06-24T11:48:00.003-05:00

The following visitor stats and sales tax revenue numbers indicate that high quality customer service and product will continue to be essential to maintain and/or increase sales revenue. Increase in visitation numbers should not be seen as a definite indicator of increased sales tax revenues as the following indicates.

"The number of Virginians visiting Petersburg, VA (within 20 miles south of Richmond, VA) attractions has doubled this year while national and international visitors have remained steady. ... Petersburg attractions - including the Siege Museum, the historic Blandford Church and Cemetery and Centre Hill Museum - have seen an overall visitation increase of 17 percent this year compared to last year. ...

The strong numbers over the past two months (April, May), however, have yet to be reflected in local revenues, some area officials say. ... The City of Hopewell City, just to the east of Petersburg, has had almost a 50 percent increase in attendance at one of its attractions during the same time period - the Weston Manor received 327 this year in April and May compared to 185 last year. In the same time period its meals - tax revenue dropped by 20,000$. Lodging and sales-tax revenues are not increasing either.

Same as in upstate NY, "the region also is increasingly a good choice for travelers with low budgets, as its attractions offer a historically rich experience at lower costs than other popular Virginia destinations such as Virginia Beach or Williamsburg." Tourism Rises in Tri-Cities Area, by Luz Lazo, Richmond Times-Dispatch, p. A1, Monday, June 22, 2009

Artisans and Giftshops Can Use 2008 Visitor Survey Results

2009-06-09T11:02:00.004-05:00

From August 15 to October 15, 2008, 300 visitors provided insights as to why they come and what they enjoy in the region. All the comments as to what they enjoy the most are posted in the appendix of the Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways Market Trend Assessment at http://adirondackscenicbyways.org/info-for-partners.html.

Take the time to at least skim through the survey results because they will help to reinforce and/or redirect some of your marketing efforts. The visitor comments are a gem of a resource for those artisans and giftshop owners who update their website content to include keywords and tags which appropriately associate their product with the primary whys and whats that draw visitors to the region.

For example, the reason most respondents found their visit to the Adirondack North Country region memorable, was driving through the area and enjoying the scenery, views of lakes, forests, and mountains. So if an artisan sells product lines which feature the above, those words can be included in the online product copy to improve the chances of the page appearing when people search the web with these images in mind.

For those artisans and giftshop owners who are debating which product lines to develop and/or purchase for resale, reading the survey findings may help solidify the decision as to what to order and/or concentrate on.

For example, the next most important reason their visit to the region was memorable was: recreation (gentle activities), wildlife viewing, and adventure (more challenging activities). This indicates that a product line that features something like a kayak with moose in background is likely to sell.

The Adirondack North Country Association contracted with Holmes & Associates who directed the survey research and reporting and Fuller Communications assisted ANCA with project development and interpretation of the findings.

3/50 Project to Support Indie Retail

2009-05-22T14:51:00.001-05:00

http://www.the350project.net/home.html

By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 3/24/2009 9:05:00 AMMinneapolis, MN — Former retailer, consultant and G&DA columnist Cinda Baxter launched The 3/50 Project to promote shopping at locally owned businesses. Originally debuted on Baxter’s blog, the project now has its own website.

“We ask consumers to think about which three stores they’d miss if they disappeared, then remind them to return there,” explains Baxter. “Fifty comes from the idea that if even half the employed population spent a mere $50 per month in locally owned retail stores, those purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.”

Baxter designed a free flyer for retail participants to download, print on a color printer, then hand to constomers with their purchases. “The idea is to look customers in the eye, put this right in their hands, and say ‘thank you for shopping in a locally owned store,’" she says, "rather than just pop these in the bottom of a bag and hope someone sees them.” http://www.giftsanddec.com/article/CA6646169.html?industryid=47350

Aviation Mall and North Pole looking for Craftspeople

2009-05-13T15:47:00.003-05:00

Hi Nadia (received on May 13, 2009)

I was wondering if you have a list of vendors that may want to participate in a craft fair here at Aviation Mall. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Christine Gieger
Marketing Director
Aviation Mall578 Aviation Road
Queensbury, NY 12804
Phone: 518.793.8818
Fax: 518.793.9295
www.shopaviationmall.com
christinegieger@pyramidmg.com

--------------------------------

From the North Pole, NY came a request on April 14, 2009 for craftspeople to do demonstrations and sell product during the upcoming summer and fall season at the home of Santa's Workshop.

Contact Matt at 518.946.2112 or by email at matt@northpoleny.com
www.northpoleny.com

Tasteful Consistent Branding of North Country Notecards

2009-05-12T15:30:00.003-05:00

Mary of Mary Ballou Design recently submitted a link to me to the wholesale section of her website promoting her tastefully elegant North Country cards.

In response I wrote back "You are just a treat to watch come into your own presentation wise. Your website is as your cards - elegant - very very nice - nothing but what is needed. Consistency across platforms - very nice branding."

http://www.maryballoudesign.com/wholesaleinfo.html

Launch of Scenic Byways Website and Release of 2008 Visitors Survey

2009-05-08T14:39:00.001-05:00

Dear Colleague:

We are writing on behalf of the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) Board of Directors to cordially invite you to join us for our presentation "Destination: Adirondack North Country" on June 4, 2009. At the meeting, ANCA will launch the Adirondack North Country Region Scenic Byways Website and release the 2008 Scenic Byways Visitors Survey. The special event will be hosted at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake beginning at 10:00 am and will include a luncheon and afternoon presentation. Read more at http://www.adirondack.org/byways/scenicbywaynews090323.php.

Buyer Days 2009 Summary Report

2009-05-08T14:18:00.006-05:00

116 shops* (145 owners and staff) came to see 60 vendors over a two day period at the City Center in Saratoga Springs on April 8 and 9, 2009. Average total in orders written at the show and cash and carry sales per vendor was $2843. We can estimate (# of vendors x average) that the total dollars taken in orders and sales at the show was $170,580. Buyer Days 2010 dates will be posted shortly. To read the complete report visit http://www.adknccrafts.com/exhibitornotes.php
submitted by Nadia Korths, show coordinator, 4.15.09.

I, Nadia Korths, will not be coordinating the show next year. I will miss the exhibitors and buyers but feel it is time to move on after thirteen years. I will continue to provide ANCA with craft and web maintenance services and WEBC/ComLinks with technical assistance services for small businesses. I am also developing my own line of nature inspired art prints created with found objects.

For those interested in managing the show for ANCA, contact Terry Martino, Executive Director, at 518.891.6200.

New - Online Posting of Exhibitors by Category for Buyer Days Gift Trade Show

2009-03-27T07:35:00.001-05:00

Giftshop and studio owners are welcome to attend the Adirondack North Country Association's 23rd regional nature and rustic gift trade show Buyer Days on April 8 and 9 in Saratoga Springs at the City Center.

Exhibitors with posted show specials and new product offerings are now sorted by category at www.AdkNCcrafts.com. The categories are books and music, consumables; bath and beauty, candles and specialty foods, furniture, home accessories, jewelry, lighting, prints and photos, stationery, and souvenir items.

Shop and studio owners can preregister for the show at www.AdkNCcrafts.com to double their changes of winning in the ongoing product raffles. Hours are 12 to 6 on Wed. and 9 to 4 on Thursday. Enjoy accoustic music by Orchard Beat and Dan Berggren with Hungry Bear Publishing. Bring business ID.

Giftshop and Studio Owners Adapt to "Prudent Restraint"

2009-03-26T08:56:00.005-05:00

How is the significant contribution of the summer resident and visitor to
the Adirondack North Country economy impacted by the recession?
How can North Country giftshop owners and craftspeople who are part
of the third largest industry (retail) of the region, prepare for the
continued "prudent restraint" of the 2009 customer?

In the upcoming years, how will the decreasing availability of fossil fuels
and natural resources impact people's ability to shop during their
annual summer retreat to the mountains and lakes of the North Country?
In every community north of the Mohawk River up to the Canadian
border, owners of gift shops and studios have been taking action. The
flat average in the sales tax numbers since 2004 for independent
retailers indicates that a slower sales pace is not new.

But, as always, there are unexpected trends. Last summer there was
significantly less drive-by traffic but the people who did stop often
bought more. Nadia Korths, Craft Programs Coordinator for the
Adirondack North Country Association for the last 13 years, has seen
many changes as she prepares for this year's 23rd annual regional gift
trade show Buyer Days (http://www.adknccrafts.com/). Shop and studio owners
are welcome to post their own adaptations.

Some shops, open for 25 to 30 years, recently closed after a few years
of trying to find new owners. Even more shops closed or reduced their
hours this past winter. Many have reduced their inventory levels to free
up more cash flow. More shops and studios held store wide sales this
winter and spring. Most are ordering new product and raw materials at
the last minute.

Many producers, familar to all who attend the region's many craft
shows, are keeping their 2008 prices. Many are creating smaller and
more functional pieces. Some are creating pieces from scraps or
recycled materials. Some are inviting their regular customers via email
to the craft shows they will be exhibiting at.

Shops and studios with no budget for purchasing are rearranging their
existing inventory so their regular customers will discover "new"
pieces. They are creating vignettes with consumables such as specialty
foods, candles, and bath and beauty products. Their customers, living
with less, will continue to welcome friends and family to meals, evenings
by the fire and overnight. Smaller furniture pieces are being placed
more prominently in the shop since the few customers who are building homes
are downsizing.

Shops and studios with a strong sense of customer service and
community have become social gathering places. Many now offer
coffee and baked goods. Many hold regular events with print, radio
and online invitations.

Customers respond to shopowners and producers who share their
knowledge and passion. They also appreciate knowing that the object
they are considering is made in a way that is healthy for them and/or
the environment.

For those small business owners and staff who are not fluent in story
telling, there are many visual tools to tell the story. Signage, branding
labels, story cards, photos of the process, the raw materials or of the
shop over time, printed pages from websites, blogs or other social
networking sites and more.

Customers want to know who or what they are contributing towards,
whether it be the local humane society or the local producer or about
the environmental or health benefits, each time they buy.

To find out about more local stories directly from the producers in an
informal and professional show setting, giftshop owners are welcome to
attend Buyer Days (http://www.adknccrafts.com/) at the City Center in Saratoga
Springs on Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9. Bring business ID.

The Adirondack North Country Association provides retailers and
producers with resources, products and sales venues as part of their
committment to economically viable communities and a rural quality of
life. For more information, visit www.AdkNCcrafts.com.

Another Positive Sign in the Economy

2009-03-24T12:46:00.002-05:00

The largest increase (5%) in existing house sales from month to month in the USA since 1993 occurred in February. All Things Considered, Vermont Public Radio, March 23, 2008.

Positive Signs in Economy

2009-03-12T13:09:00.002-05:00

A report from the Commerce Department showed consumer spending rebounded 0.6 per cent in January, the largest increase since May (and that's the month after the holidays)! The index of national factory activity from the Institute for Supply Management increased from 35.6 in January to 35.8 in February. The Montreal Gazette, Business Section, p.2, Some data not as bad as thought, Reuters

New Online Directory Helps North Country Giftshop Owners Buy Local Product

2009-02-23T10:55:00.002-05:00

To help giftshop owners, especially in this challenging year when budgets are restricted, the Adirondack North Country Association's craft website, www.AdkNCcrafts.com now features the American Handmade Wholesale Directory.

Giftshop owners know the importance of freshening up displays with new product to appeal to their faithful customers of the busy season; the summer residents and visitors. Yet many giftshop owners are hesitant to travel to the national gift shows to restock especially when much of the overseas product featured at those shows is losing its competitive price and appeal.

The Handmade Wholesale Directory links directly to 135 artisans, specialty food producers, furniture makers, print and photography artists, souvenir gift makers, musicians, and book publishers from the region who are all experienced in wholesale. Though most of these hard-working small businesses live and work in upstate New York, some are from the Catskills, Central and Western New York and a few are from Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

They all create rustic and/or nature themed work which is what sells the most in the North Country. Many of the 135 artisans and producers offer functional and/or comsumable items. The wide range of product quarantees a mix of competitive price points.

They have all been exhibitors at ANCA's 23 year old regional rustic and nature themed gift trade show Buyer Days (www.AdkNCcrafts.com). The show is being held at the City Center in Saratoga Springs, NY on Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9, 2009.

Independent Retailers Outperform Chains Over Holidays, National Survey Finds

2009-02-05T14:59:00.002-05:00

"MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Jan. 15, 2009) - In an extremely challenging economic climate, independent retailers are outperforming many chains, a national survey has found.
The survey of 1,142 independent retailers in a wide range categories (books, toys, clothing, etc.) and across all 50 states found that holiday sales at independent stores declined an average of 5.0% from the same time period in 2007. That compares favorably to most competing chains, including Barnes & Noble (- 7.7%), Best Buy (-6.5%), Borders (-14.0%), JC Penney (-8.1%), Macy's (-7.5%), The Gap (-14.0%), and Williams-Sonoma (-24.2%).

This week, the Commerce Department reported that December retail sales overall were down a record 9.8% over December 2007.The survey also found that independent retailers in cities with active "Buy Local" campaigns reported much stronger holiday sales than those in cities without such campaigns. "Buy Local" or "Local First" campaigns have been launched in dozens of cities and towns over the last few years. Independent retailers in these cities reported an average drop in sales of 3.2%, compared to a steeper decline of 5.6% for those in cities without an active Buy Local initiative.

...Ninety-five percent of the retailers surveyed said that the fact that their business is locally owned matters to their customers. That's up from 82% in last year's survey."

Read the complete press release at http://www.ilsr.org/columns/2009/011509.html

The Institute (For Local Self Reliance)’s mission is to provide innovative strategies, working models and timely information to support environmentally sound and equitable community development. To this end, ILSR works with citizens, activists, policymakers and entrepreneurs to design systems, policies and enterprises that meet local or regional needs; to maximize human, material, natural and financial resources; and to ensure that the benefits of these systems and resources accrue to all local citizens.

What's Appropriate in Recession-Era Marketing?

2009-01-30T11:06:00.003-05:00

By Rebecca Lieb, ClickZ, Jan 30, 2009

"There's an elephant (the recession) in the room, in case you haven't noticed. Brands, products, and services that can position themselves as necessary and relevant, comfortable, environmentally friendly, wholesome, and nurturing have a real edge in this environment...

Over half of this country's leading retailers have already established a presence on Facebook, for example (and at considerably less expenditure than a Super Bowl spot). There's blogging, online video, and participatory chatter, all of it in the zero-cost budgetary realm."

Read the complete article at http://www.clickz.com/3632578.

Workshop for Craftspeople and Food Producers with Popular Gift Lines

2009-01-29T11:19:00.007-05:00

As a artisan or food producer do you have popular product lines with high profit margins? Have shopowners approached you at craft fairs to ask if you sell wholesale? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, attending the Adirondack North Country Association's Workshop on How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts on Saturday, February 21 may be of benefit to you.

Workshop attendees review wholesale terminology and procedures from 10 am to 12 noon and from 12:30 to 2:30 pm provide feedback on each other's product with the goal of increasing wholesale market viability. The workshop is recommended for artisans and food producers planning to attend ANCA's 23 year-old rustic and nature theme gift show, Buyer Days, on Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9, 2009.

Last year, exhibitors averaged $3897 in orders and cash and carry sales at the show. Many of the following exhibitors who have already registered for Buyer Days have attended the workshop.

From the Lake Champlain and High Peaks region are: Whiteface Mountain Gourmet Maple Products, Bloomingdale; Heirlooms in Wood, Morrisonville; Aromas Galore, Rainbow Lake; and Underwood Herbs, Plattsburgh.

From the Lower Adirondacks and Hudson Valley region are: ONE on 1 Design, Hudson Falls; Adirondack Chandler, Glens Falls; Wood n' Works, Adirondack; Northeast Living Lights, Chestertown; Woven Glass, Sand Lake; Fawn Ridge Pottery, Chestertown; Nancy Miller Jewelry Designs, Saratoga Springs; Fish Bob, Howes Cave; Adirondack Cedar Chairs, Queensbury; and Richard Johnson, Porter Corners.

From the Central Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau and Mohawk Valley region are: Boulder Cove Originals, Weedsport/Old Forge; D & A Crafts, Camden; Benesch Creative Enterprises, Holland Patent; Rusticwood.com, Palatine Bridge; Adirondack Art and Chalkware, Gloversville; Pure Mist Naturals, Lowville; Silver Bench Jewelry, Croghan; Heart's Desire Gifts, Little Falls; and North Country Books, Utica.

Exhibitors from outside the region are Bear-Man Specialty Foods, Grand Island; Maine Antler Designs, Unity ME; Hill 'n' Hollow, Pavilion; Watershed Designs, Spencer; AJL Designs, Fayette ME; and Mooseman Nature Photos, Andover, NH.

The How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts Workshop will be held at the Adirondack Company Store at 111 Park Street in Tupper Lake on Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 10am to 2:30pm. Nadia Korths, ANCA Crafts Program Coordinator, will present the informal and lively workshop as she has for the past 13 years. Copresenter Joy Moody will provide 20 years of insight as owner of the Adirondack Company Store.

The workshop fee is $35 for single owner and $50 for dual owner businesses. To register, download the application from ANCA's craft resource website http://www.adknccrafts.com/ or call Nadia Korths, ANCA Crafts Program Coordinator, at 518.891.1632. For those unable to attend, the 45 page workshop packet of pertinent techniques and strategies is available for $10. The Adirondack North Country Association is committed to economically viable communities and a rural quality of life. For more information about ANCA, visit www.adirondack.org or call 518-891-6200.

Customer Tastes Have Not Changed - Ability to Indulge Has!

2009-01-09T13:13:00.003-05:00

"By and large, the recession doesn't change their (your customers') tastes - just their ability to indulge their tastes."

Read more at http://buyersmarketblog.typepad.com/marketinsider/ January 7th, 2009 entry:
2nd article titled Challenge #1
For whom are you creating your products, and how are your customers' shopping habits affected by the current economy? What are they willing to spend for?

Market Insider is a publication of The Rosen Group, the producer of the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft and the publisher of AmericanStyle, a magazine for art collectors and travelers, and NICHE, a trade magazine for retailers of fine craft. See www.AmericanCraft.com. Market Insider is written by Jean Thompson, The Rosen Group's director of circulation, marketing and public relations, with help from contributors and staff.

No. NY Vendor-Recommended Craft Shows

2008-11-18T11:16:00.001-05:00

Thank's to Terra's Chocolate Treats (name it - they'll dip it: 518.483.4431) and Nana's Creations (variety of crafts: 518.358.4192) for taking the time to recommend the following shows to other craftspeople. These shows are established with both good traffic and a large number of vendors.

Shows are sorted by date:

Last Sat of Oct/lst Sat of Nov. The Fort Drum Officers’ Spouses’ Club hosts its 23th Annual Craft and Antique Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Pine Plains Physical Fitness Center. Admission is $4; children 5-11, $1, and 4 and younger, free. 70 vendors. Craft Fair Vendor Application P.O. Box 327 Fort Drum, NY 13602oscfair@yahoo.comPhone: 315-628-5407 or 315-519-1161

Nov. 1st 9:00a -4:00pm 23rd Annual Craft Fair The Jefferson Community College Women’s Organization (JCCWO). in the McVean Student Center, Building 4, at JCC. More than 100 vendors will have a variety of handcrafted items for sale including art, candles, ceramics,
flora, food, jewelry, and many different woodcraft items. Admission is $2.00 per person and includes the chance to receive one of twelve $10 gift certificates good for the purchase of any items from any vendor the day of the craft fair. Proceeds benefit the Jefferson Community College Women’s Organization which awards up to ten $500 scholarships annually.
For more information, please contact Melody Brenon of JCC at 315-786-2200.

Sat - Nov 08 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Moira Craft Fair
Moira's 29th Holiday Shopping Fair will be held Saturday November 8th at the Moira Methodist Church and the Moira Firehouse. The hours are 10-4, giving everyone a chance to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Many new items are available this year with vendors displays both inside and outside. The Candy Shoppe will have homemade fudge. Hot donuts will be available all day with the Holiday Kitchen serving homemade soup, chili, sandwiches, and beverages. The Bake Shop features pies, filled cookies, rolls, breads, baked beans, & more. come and enjoy! 518-529-6524

Nov. 22, Two shows same date in Malone:
18th Jack Frost Craft Festival, The First Congregational Church, 2 Clay St., 10 - 4 pm. Free admission.
Snow Angels Craft Show at the Holy Family School. People can walk from one show to the other.

November 22nd Ogdensburg Craft Show John F. Kennedy School 801 Park Street, Ogdensburg, NY 10AM to 4 PM (315) 393-4264.

Two shows in Akwesasne Sat and Sun: one established and the other at the Log Cabin new this year ($10/booth). At the Log Cabin can exhibit either day or both days. .

These shows will be added shortly to the show listing page at http://www.adknccrafts.com/.

A Family of Creators on Rte. 11 in No. NY

2008-11-17T14:27:00.002-05:00

On Monday, Nov. 10th, on the way to Malone from Champlain to present the Marketing segment of the Business Planning Course at Comlinks I stopped at 8247 Rte. 11 at Holmes Made Art and Crafts. The sign, great play on words, is quite visible from the road and is in front of their home just to the east of Chateaugay on the north. Martin, a master mason, is tackling the huge work of recreating the traditional exterior stone walls of their house built at least 100 years ago which they have been renovating for the last 20 years.

Anne welcomed me into their living room where she showed me the many wood accessories and furniture her husband, Martin, makes. They hope to have a shop open by the fall of next year. They prefer to sell directly to the customer.

Martin has always made wood pieces for family and friends. Most of the pine and cedar is harvested on their land or nearby. At the annual summer craft show now run by the Foothills Art Society (518.483.9411) held on Chateaugay Lake this summer, he sold three of the birch/pine rustic style pieces which he just started making earlier this year. The pine Martin selects for the tabletops has knots which give them great character. They are very sturdy. I sat on a coffee table and wrote notes on the night stand and there was absolutely no movement. Martin also makes wall shelves, frames, towel stackers, boxes of all sizes and shapes with or without drawers, foot stools and more. Anne provides some of the most innovative design ideas and finishes the pieces. Simple, clean lines predominate.

Their daughter-in-law, Alison Holmes, has been selling her painted ornaments at craft shows in No. New York for 23 years. She customizes the bulbs at shows. Her scenes painted on skates, saw blades, etc. are also popular.

Anne and her sister makes geometric pattern quilts out of brightly colored recycled fabrics. Her jellies are delicious. Her grand-daughter, Megan, makes purses out of kid's jeans that she buys at garage sales. Everyone's work is well finished in this family of creators/makers/artisans. Look for them at craft shows in Northern NY. 518.497.6570.

Expanded Crafts Museum Recently Reopened in NYC

2008-11-06T16:17:00.000-05:00

The American Craft Museum, now known as the Museum of Arts and Design, opened in its new location in NYC at 2 Columbus Circle near the entrance of Central Park in late September. With many more floors, the Museum will now be able to exhibit much more of its permanent collection. www.madmuseum.org.

Good News for Retailers and Producers, Particularly Those Buying/Selling Local

2008-11-06T16:12:00.000-05:00

Credit Available Locally Despite National Trends
Unlike other areas where lending has all but come to a halt, most local banks have money to lend and are willing to do so. It's just harder to get a loan for customers who were already difficult in the first place. Banks and car dealerships interviewed for article are from Plattsburgh, Willsboro, Westport, and Saranac Lake. Tri-Lakes Today, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, p.5

Container Traffic Between Asia and U.S. Down
Container traffic is down by 6.9% in the first six months of 2008 as compared to 2007. The key trade route between Asia and the United States is now expected to show no growth at all through much of 2009, according to the Transpacific Stabliization Agreement (TSA), a U.S.-based research group of 15 major shipping lines. "The dry bulk freight market has been greatly weakened by a combination of slow growth of industrial production in China, stalling trade volumes caused by tighter credit conditions globally and an increasing economic slowdown in the world's developed economies," said Richard Hext, chief executive of Pacific Basin Shipping Ltd., Hong Kong's biggest dry-bulk carrier, in a statement. The Gazette, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, p. B3

South Mountain Photos Invites Customers to Shows with Google

2008-11-06T16:03:00.001-05:00

Help your customers remember you, find you, and buy from you. I recently received an email invite from Terry Wyant of www.SouthMountainPhotos.com to attend the Indian Lake Christmas Tour and the Christian Academy Craft Show near or in Glens Falls. Terry and Ed are using Google's online email and calendar to invite their customers to the shows where they are exhibiting.

Craft shows, both because there are possibly too many of them, and the economic times, can be challenged to draw crowds of people, especially those with money to spend. Producers who use marketing tools to remind their customers where they will be showing will also help them decide which show to go to. Artisans with websites and/or studio shops may generate sales from those who do not have time to go to the show but know what gift they wish to buy. And it's your work!

Display Cases for Sale in Saratoga Springs and Lake Placid

2008-10-30T14:08:00.000-05:00

I am sad to see both Designer Studios, Saratoga Springs and the Adirondack Craft Center, Lake Placid close their doors. Both of them have had decades of great business for themselves and the makers they represented. Both have generously contributed their expertise to the participants of ANCA's workshops How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts and The Marketing Toolkit for Retailers. May their future paths have wonderful surprises in store for them.

For retailers and artisans looking to augment their display areas, these two shops have some great units. Designer Studios (518.584.1977) who is closing at the end of this month (today and tomorrow only!) still had a few beautiful oak wall and floor mount jewelry cases for sale when I walked in, by chance, on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008. The Adirondack Craft Center (518.523.2062), closing in mid November, has many displays, clothing racks, bins, shelves, and other units for sale.

New Winter Farmers' Market

2008-10-30T14:00:00.000-05:00

Schenectady Green Market debuts from 10-2 on Sunday (Nov. 2) in Proctors Arcade, with plans to run every Sunday all year round. ... The market is still looking for vendors with any or all of the following: vegetables, fruit, meat, honey, maple syrup, jam, milk, cheese, eggs, baked goods, bedding plants, flowers, wine, processed foods and high-quality crafts. More info at www.schenectadygreenmarket.org. (Metroland, Oct. 23-29, 2008, p.13)

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake expects to have a winter Farmers' Market once a month. Refer back to a posting in August re: their first market.

Washington Co. Agricultural & Tourism Showcase Nov. 6

2008-10-28T10:25:00.000-05:00

1200 tour promoters have been invited to the Washington County Regional Agricultural & Tourism Showcase on Nov. 6. Exhibitors representing everything from local attractions, lodging facilities, community theaters and museums, to farm stands and orchards are invited to fill the hall at the Regional Agricultural & Tourism Showcase, on Thursday, November 6th at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center. Free.

Explore collaborative marketing initiatives, farm-to-chef connections, agricultural and history-based tours, and other networking opportunities to better promote local businesses by capitalizing on the inherent tourist draw in this region we call home.

·When: Set-Up runs from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6th. Exhibitor Networking: 3:00-4:00 p.m. followed by the show: 4:00-6:00 p.m. ·Where: Christ the King Spiritual Life Center, 575 Burton Rd., Easton, NY ·Contact: Tori Riley at (518) 798-1761, e-mail triley@ adirondackchamber.org.

An agricultural and tourism show presented by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce with the help of The Washington County Tourism Association and The Towns and Villages of the Battenkill Valley. Sponsored by Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Co.

Upcoming Craft Show and Marketing Workshops

2008-10-10T11:28:00.001-05:00

The Harvest Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 18th at the Holy Ghost Academy in Tupper Lake attracts more people each year. Among the 30 exhibitors, all of which sell handmade works, are Jake and Robert Reiss of www.Aromasgalore.com who say they are very pleased with the show. They have attended since the first year in 2005. For applications or more information contact Suzanne Sherwood 518.359-3821 or Linda Perrigo 58.359-2585 (h) 518.359-3241 (w).

For those of you wishing to seriously reexamine your marketing strategies, consider signing up for the "Marketing for Profit" course to learn about business planning, e-commerce, financing and website development. Northern Adirondack Trading Cooperative has partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide the courses online so you can attend the class sitting at your own home computer.
The first session starts Oct. 25, out of Hogansburg, and is in partnership with the Mohawk Indian Tribe Economic Development. The second one, starting in early January 2009, is in partnership with the Essex County Cornell Cooperative Extension out of Westport. Each one last 16 to 20 weeks with evening classes held on Monday and Wednesday. I'll be speaking about regional branding at the January 5th class in Westport.
Contact Ruby Sprowls, Northern Adirondack Trading Cooperative, www.natconline.org for more info and to sign up.

Shop News

2008-10-02T13:59:00.000-05:00

The Lemon Potpourri in Olmstedville is having a "Going Out of Business" sale. The Ray Brook Frog near Lake Placid and Blue Mountain Lake Designs are for sale.
Adirondack Country Store in Northville has shifted completely from print and online catalog to online only with a revamped website. Owner Joyce Teshoney is already working on her Christmas content.
In Corinth, the MacArthur Park shop is closed but the Barn (exact name unknown), right behind it, is selling local product as is the Hadley General Store.

Abanakee Studios and Rustic Fair

2008-09-19T11:21:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, Sept. 7, I visited Abanakee Studios in Indian Lake, the Rustic Fair at the Adirondack Museum and the piggyback show along Blue Mountain Lake's Main Street at the bottom of the hill.

The owners of Abanakee Studios, Kathy and Jane, were making room for a delivery of several pieces from one of the rustic furniture makers from the show later on in the afternoon. I've gotten to recognize the owners of Abanakee Studios from their regular attendance over the years at Buyer Days.

While Jane talked and sold to two couples who meandered in Kathy took the time to show me around and give me a little insight into their business. Homemade cookies and coffee were in the back corner by the door overlooking Abanakee Lake. From the door I looked onto the porch where more than a hundred people this summer took 23 workshops. Today their golden retrievers enjoyed the sun.

Next year they will have been open 10 years. 75 to 80% of the people who visit the mix of gallery, giftshop and workshop come back! The barn interior is airy and well lit. Among the antiques are works from local artisans which are only sold here. One of them creates fine gourds, pressed flower images with a contemporary feel, and birch bark frames. Jane's painting of nature and landscapes on wood pieces are scattered throughout. Kathy is pleased that one of her photos is in Adirondack Life's 2008 calendar as the July image. A lampmaker friend has designed a lamp for them which is a popular seller. Kathy says they are doing well despite the ups and downs of the economy. Another marketing piece that they do is label each of their raffia handle brown paper gift bags with their logo, name and location.

Upstairs in their loft gallery I discovered the canvases of George R. Dworzan, a contemporary of Jackson Pollack's and member of "The Club" in NYC. He had summered in Indian Lake for 40 years. His widow who still summers here has become friends of Kathy and Jane. Breathtaking abstarcts, still lifes, landscapes; samples of his works spanning his career surrounded me. They have sold a few. I can only hope that some of his pieces find a home in a museum which collects works from that heady time period in NYC.

In Blue Mountain Lake, I was astonished at the size of the piggyback show. There were at least 50 exhibitors. In small groups, they work out individual arrangements with the property owners along Rte. 30. The Adirondack Museum events may be the only ones in the region which trigger piggyback shows. One had sold $2400 worth of product, another had taken their largest order in chairs; 10. Many of the same regulars also frequent Buyer Days. Two of them will be offering workshops at Abanakee Studios next year. Brian Morris, North Country Images and Gallery from Long Lake had sold at least two large pieces of his furniture to customers from Long Lake! Steve and Marilyn, I'm sorry I missed you - where were you?

Inside the Museum, the furniture makers were scattered about the grounds while the five painters were together in one building. I admired Matt Burnett's tile landscape pieces and congratulated Gary and Barbara Casagrain on the exterior of their recently opened beautiful gallery on the main street in Tupper Lake. I saw Vicki, the Museum shop manager, looking pleased as she collected the pieces she had purchased. The Museum Fiber Show, on the following weekend, attracted people who made the weekend worthwhile for the vendors who are there. This upcoming weekend is the first time that the annual antique show is back at the Museum after a number of years in Indian Lake. I was told that there will be another piggyback show of vendors along the main street in Blue Mountain Lake as well as some in Indian Lake.

New Shop and Economic Dev't Collaborations

2008-09-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I attended a gathering in Northern NY on Rte. 37 near the St. Lawrence River with a number of other small business economic development specialists. The meeting was initiated by Steve Cook, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Office of Economic Development and attended by Lindsay of the same; Rachel, Steve's counterpart from the Canadian Northern Territory; John (I think, sorry), American Southern Territory Community Development; Michele, Canton SBDC; Ruby, Northern Adirondack Trading Co.; Nick, Comlinks/WEBC (Nick, thx for inviting me on ANCA's behalf). I look forward to working in partnership with Comlinks/WEBC and all the other talented people to present the most useful small business workshops soon on the reservation.

Lindsay and Steve both said that Tami, an artist, had just opened up a shop down the road. I found Tami Bonaparte and Brian Thomas at their gallery Originals on Rte. 37 a bit to the east of, and across the road from the Black Bear Trading Post. Tami who originally had thought this space would be her painting studio wanted to share the location on Rte. 37 with other artists. She is also setting up a matting service and Helen has brought a pottery wheel in to offer workshops.

Her generous heart and talent as an artist has drawn out 15 others since May to display for the first time in a gallery. The artists are Helen Falcone - clay (great personalities), Charlotte King - paint (wood block prints amazing), Bruce Phillips - wood, Theresa "Bear Fox' - vocalist/CDs, Vince David - paint/air brush, Bruce Boots - paint/air brush, Tami Bonaparte - paint/leather, Cassandra Gifford - wood carvings, Allison Benedict - meditation CDs, Chip Issacs (Tami, thx - my friend loved her heron earrings!), Laura Mitchell - baskets, Carrie Hill - baskets, Joe Barnes - paint/air brush, Jordon Thompson - pen and ink (exquisite work) and Tim Oskineegish - paint.

I had time before the meeting to visit the Massena Chamber of Commerce, where Barb was very helpful, and the Seasons Gift Shop. The shop, in a historic home with original stained woodwork perched on a hill with lawn and trees, is full of folk, country, food and candle gifts. Its wrap around porch is a wonderful stop to sip freshly brewed coffee. They have been benefiting from the increased traffic from the hotel across the street which has almost completed its major renovations.

Artists/Artisans/Retailers in The News - So Many!

2008-08-28T08:56:00.001-05:00

Online Publicly Juried 3-Dimensional Vessels
Linda Scherz-Allen has submitted three baskets to the 2008 Art in the Round Contest which is a publicly juried, online competition for fine craft artists who create 3-dimensional vessels - such as bowls, vases, teapots, platters, urns, etc. Since this competition will be judged by the public, everyone is invited to sign up for the jury pool. This online event is hosted by BeautifulBowls.com, an online gallery that offers handcrafted art bowls by a variety of emerging and professional fine craft artists. http://artintheround.wordpress.com/learn-more-about-the-artists/linda-scherz-allen/. The Arts Center in Old Forge is the community art program Linda selected as the non-profit to receive her entry fee.

The Recovery Lounge in Jay
Gallery, theatre, music now under the the Upper Jay Art Center nonprofit umbrella as of last year. And what keeps the cash flowing? Their upholstery business - they are true artists of the trade. There's something raw - elemental in this space that I just love. In Recovery Can an arts hot spot survive change? by Annie Stoltie, Adirondack Life, Sept/Oct 2008, p. 9

Painter Tim Fortune's Creative Impact
In their 10th anniversary issue, the Adirondack Explorer interviews Tim and other artists about how Saranac Lake's reputation as an arts community is due in great part to Tim's willingness to committ to projects such as the creation of the Adirondack Artists' Guild and the Third Thursday Art Walks. A town's good Fortune, by Kenneth Aaron, Adirondack Explorer, July/Aug. 2008, p. 10

Eliza DeRocker's Latest Hangbags have Equine Theme
Her high-end handbags sell the best at Saratoga Trunk in Saratoga Springs. Eliza has designed since graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC in 2003, for Ralph Lauren, Wathane Limited (a division of Chanel), Bebe, Express and Lacome. Local designer touts her line of handbags at Saratoga Trunk by Melissa Downer, Saratoga Today, Fri, Aug. 8, 2008, p. 16

Cate Mandigo At Bolton Library
Press release for her two day show includes subject description of her primitive and folk-art paintings and major events in her life as an artist ,ie, the Disney TV program, "Sister Sister" features Cate's print "Daily Double" in the living room of the main set. Bolton Landing by William Morehouse, Adirondack Journal/Denton Publications, Sat., Aug. 9, 2008, p. 5

LARAC Features Works of Internationally Acclaimed Artist Woodward
Ann Woodward, a part-year resident of Warrensburg, is one of five artists exhibiting in the "XS Through XL' show which started Aug. 15 at the Lapham Gallery at LARAC in Glens Falls. Her mixed media collage work is inspired from her stay in Venice, Italy, a year ago. Acclaimed local painter Woodward to exhibit, Adirondack Journal/Denton Publications, Sat., Aug. 9, 2008, p. 10

History of Main Street Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant Building
First built in 1913 as the area's public high school, the building, on the National Historic Register, looks remarkably the same yet bustles with activity from the downstairs restaurant and the upstairs gift shop with clothing and home furnishings. Bruce and Helena Robbins and family say that customers love the historic atmosphere and that they enjoy working with family. Chestertown History Ice Cream Parlor once hosted school, town offices, glove factory, Adirondack Journal/Denton Publications, Sat., Aug. 9, 2008, p. 15

Peter Winter Making Furniture Out of Local Woods in New Gloversville Studio
Peter says Susan Casey's invitation to rent space in her 52 N. Main St. building was very influential in him deciding to move to Gloversville. He says she is really trying to promote art in the area. Branch Manager Furniture maker turns local wood into art at studio, by J. Jude Hazard, The Sunday Schenectady Gazette, Aug, 10, 2008, Business p.1

Ken Gadway Demonstrates Making Bowls out of Burls
People protected by screens were able to watch woodworker Ken carve bowls out of burls on a small lathe that he uses at farmers' markets, craft shows and fairs. Whirling burls, by Mike Lynch, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, July 28, 2008. p. 1

AN Original Jewelry is Sophisticated Edges and "Organic Lines"
Ashley Nizolek is currently colloborating with the Lakeshore Gallery in Bolton Landing. She relies heavily on her website, internet traffic and workd of mouth. Ashley Nizolek: Young Jeweler Takes Inspiration From the Adirondacks, by Michelle DeRossi, The Lake George Mirror, Aug. 8, 2008, p. 24.

Hand-painted Glassware With Adirondack Theme Does Well for Stephanie Richards
Stephanie's Little Luxuries in Ausable Forks has been this artist's storefront for 4 years. One of her specialities is reversed painted glassware that depicts the silhouette of a moose, deer or bear surrounded by a blaze of color. Adirondacks captured in glass, by Robin Caudell, Press Republican, Aug. 18, 2008, Home and Garden p. A6

Show Sales Good, County Sales Taxes Up, Retail Sales?

2008-08-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

Peggy Hadcock, Hearts Desire, Little Falls and Lis Barsuglia-Madsen, Heirlooms, Harrisville both have emailed recently that shows are going well for them despite the frequent rains.

Five North Country counties have had an increase in sales tax revenue for the first six months of 2008 as compared to the same period last year. The state average (excluding NYC) increase for the same time period is 3.7%.
The state Dept. of Taxation and Finance reported that sales tax revenue in Clinton County increased by 12.1%, Essex County 3.4%, Saratoga 5.2%, Washington 13.3% and Warren 5% ($524,345 more than last year).
A survey of primarily small shops along Canada St. in the village of Lake George conducted by the Chamber in late June yielded responses that characterized the summer's starting weeks as "poor" to "average." Tax revenue increases surprise officials, Thom Randall, Saturday, August 16, 2008, Tri-Lakes Today, p.5.

Word-of-mouth from Saranac Lake Main Street shopowners is that the rains have brought people in which has been good for sales. One noted that customers seem to have more smaller bills than in previous years.

66% of the NYS lodgings who responded to a survey of business during the July 4th weekend by the NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association stated that their occupancy was as "good, if not better than" the same week last year.
Linda Diello, bookkeeper for High Falls Gorge in Wilmington and Tim Bressette, manager for Ausable Chasm in Ausable Forks agreed that the trend is up for admissions but people are spending "a little" less on merchandise. Tourism Industry Booming Despite Lagging Economy, Matt Bosley, Saturday, August 9, 2008, p. 5.

The year-to-date visitation numbers at the outdoor venues of the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) as compared to last year are down as of Aug. 12 from 101,531 to 87,919. Their indoor venue, the Winter Olympic Museum, has increased from 6,134 to 6,971. Already short summer seems shorter still, Monday, August 18, 2008, Press Republican, p. A5.

Since 2001, annual attendance at Fort Ticonderoga has decreased from 115,000 to 77,000 in 2007 with a 10% increase in 2008. Fort Ticonderoga considers sale of artwork, Chris Carola (Associated Press), The Sunday Gazette, August 10, 2008, p. B10.

Last year I broke down the sales tax revenues for the 14 northern NY counties by some 10 industry types (those associated with tourism and second home growth) within each county from the years 2002 through 2004. The retail industry (non-chain) sales tax revenue average was one of the two lowest ones during those three years. The figures will be posted shortly at http://www.adknccrafts.com/.
I spoke briefly with Lee Kazanas, Jay Craft Center, last week. Lee was torn away from our conversation by a woman who seemed intent on buying every piece in their beautiful shop on the Jay Village Green. I did manage to buy a print Cascade Cairn by the exhibiting artist Lisa Godfrey and one of their trademark four indented corner bowls.
We had been talking about high end sales versus middle class sales. A fine art/antique dealer from Palm Beach, FL, recently told me that his middle class market had dropped out of existence. Selling a $400 dollar painting had become much, much harder for him in the last year than selling a $15,000 one. Lee and I agreed that we have seen the equivalent in the region; the high end rustic furniture makers are selling while the potters and glass makers are more likely to be challenged in making sales.
Retail shopowners with no other income streams, such as selling their own product, may be the most threatened businesses in our region because of the increase in food and gas prices. Many shopowners have already been minimizing overhead and maximizing turnover with very careful inventory purchases over the last few years and moving into other income streams. My hat is raised to all those who continue to welcome customers with a warm smile as they juggle living with a smaller profit margin.

2008-08-18T15:55:00.002-05:00

Business in Schroon Lake and Keene Valley

On Monday, August 11, I visited with a number of businesses in the Lower Adirondacks and the High Peaks.

South of Schroon Lake on Rte. 9 Sculptures by Frank, though closed on Mondays, displayed two very visible big signs, www.SculpturesbyFrank.com and Chainsaw Art, as well as product by the road. The signs said it all. Two recently emptied spots in his 3 display areas and one large bench marked sold indicate sales. Frank also has two demonstration areas. The large area, screened in with 3 benches made by him for spectators, had 8 pieces in progress. The chainsaw bears holding welcome signs, beehives, fish, and dressed in coveralls or in baseball uniforms had prices ranging from $85 to $400. 800 # on all price tags. Custom signs and camp wood also for sale.

A little farther north, stil south of the village of Schroon Lake on Rte. 9, Darlene Gregson, Adirondack Rustics Gallery, and I had time to talk. A family came and went. They are coming back. The rustic creations of the Gregson family and other makers are beautifully displayed in a gallery setting. I sat in Sweetie, the only rocking chair not yet sold out of six put out in the gallery early last week. I noticed sold marked on three pieces with prices at $6000, $1200 and $800.

Sweetie, with Barry's trademark seat shaped to fit, is a rocking chair perfectly sized for a woman. I, of course, did not want to leave the chair. Another trademark of the Gregsons, the tactile feel of the wood, I experienced in touching the rockers themselves. So soft. And the rocker kept on rocking after I left.

Darlene said that the ebb and flow of the economy does not seem to impact their buyers, especially collectors. After 29 years in the business, the collectors' children are now buying pieces for their own homes. More and more new customers, Darlene does note, ask immediately "is anything here made in China." It seems that some new customers have bought rustic product elsewhere throughout the region not realizing that it was made in China until closer examination at home.

Matthew, Dylan and Skye are creating/evolving the next generation of rustic collaborating with Barry, their father. Skye is one of the women rustic furniture makers depicted in Bim Willow's upcoming book, Women and Rustic. She also was filmed for an University of NC Woodwright episode titled Making Rustic Furniture last Oct. and has been in numerous other documentaries. Barry was awarded the TAUNY Heritage Award in 2006 as was, Darlene said, a dear friend, Tom Porter, an Indian Traditionalist. The Gregsons continue to "refine and redefine rustic." Barry and Matthew's work will be at the Rustic Fair, http://www.adkmuseum.org/exhibits_and_events/special_events/detail/?id=36 held at the Adirondack Museum on Sept. 6 and 7. http://www.adirondackrustic.com/ or http://www.forestinspiredfurnishings.com/.

In the village of Schroon Lake, the Morning Star Bistro (the owner, a faithful Buyer Days buyer attendee) was packed at 3 oclock in the afternoon. Joanie's Goodies and the gourmet coffeeshop across the street also had a number of tables with customers. The Towne Store was busy - again it was past 3 oclock - the staff had finally found a moment to eat lunch.

In the Towne Store second floor gallery, the regional and American artist and artisan product is grouped together by creator and typically includes some bio information. This store has an huge amount of gift product, including souvenir, country, clothing; a mix of made in China, made in America and made regionally. the owner, Patti Mehn, is offering a series of workshops from mid August to late September as one of the next steps to growing the gallery.

The Towne Store, Morning Star Bistro and other shops sell locally made work which cannot be found outside the Schroon Lake region. Some of the local artists are Tess Daley from Schroon Lake who sells not only her original folkart paintings but postcards and jigsaw puzzles of the same, Mary Stewart's lovely raku pieces, Patti Mehn (owner of the Towne Store) and business partner Renee Headings' bronze cold cast and powder coated silhouette door knockers, Randercko birch tree candle holders and Elizabeth Martin's Wallhangings (her Bear Trail Fiber Wallhanging is beautiful). In Morning Star Bistro, Rustic Charm Pottery has some very saleable lines.

My next stop was with Steve Bowers, Bald Mountain Rustics of Keene Valley, who was filmed this spring (2008) for the PBS Rustic Living TV segment on the evolution of the Westport chair, http://www.mountainlake.org/programming/our_series/rustic_living.html, a 13 half hour series seen on Tuesdays at 9 pm on Channel 57 in the northeast of the Adk North Country region.

He plans to have his root-based Westport Chair finished for the annual Rustic Fair http://www.adkmuseum.org/exhibits_and_events/special_events/detail/?id=36 held at the Adirondack Museum on Sept. 6 and 7. From his sketch it looks like it is an extraordinary piece, combining seamlessly the Adirondack chair style with the rustic. I might have to go just to see the chair.

Steve gives each of his clients a frameable sketch of their piece. This is one of the many ways Steve has, in 3 years, attracted such a client base that he has doubled sales every year and is booked for the next 12 months. Steve is one of the best examples I have seen of someone from the corporate world where his speciality was to start or turn over companies, transitioning successfully into the one man business world. While working for the corporate world out of Northern New Jersey, he began building rustic furniture and his portfolio during a 10 year period.

He was driving through Keene Valley five years ago, took photos of a house along Rte. 73 and, a week later, owned it. He renovated the house and landscaped it from a bare yard into a plant, bush, flower, and vine filled haven and built a workshop in the back overlooking the river that looks like it's always been there.

Three years ago he committed full time to making and selling rustic furniture and has not stopped since. The ground floor of his home, which is his storefront, also includes work from other creators, some from the region such as Glen Bowers (no relation) whose color painting on board of a bear emerging through woods is striking. The fiber wall hanging of a colorful fish made by a friend from New Mexico and the lamp with root and smooth stones base made by another friend from around Buffalo, NY enhance the bigger pieces.

The Cedar Run Bakery/Restaurant in Keene and the Ausable Club for which he built many table and chairs as custom orders refer people to him regularly. Steve, I stopped by the Cedar Run Bakery to buy some of their delicious frozen premade lasagna for dinner and said I was admiring the tables and chairs. The waitress, of her own initiative, gave me your business card. Nice!

2008-08-08T05:12:00.001-05:00

Wild Center's First Farmers' Market Great Success
Yesterday I visited the Wild Center in Tupper Lake to visit their first farmers' market. The large ad promoting the market which I had seen at least twice in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise had a great old time woodcut print of a farmer. Many people who come to the Wild Center already lean towards buying local, being green, respecting nature so buying from local producers at the market is a perfect addition to the overall experience.
One vendor, Ellen Beberman from Vermontville and a contact person for this market (go to www.Adirondackfarmersmarket.com and click on Paul Smiths to get her contact info), had totally sold out of her fresh produce by 3 pm. Another vendor, David Tomberlin, Well Dressed Foods, from Tupper Lake, was beaming. The tent in which the four vendors were in had been packed, shoulder to shoulder, before.
Chefs did presentations under the tent and the Wild Center did theme tours. Their green initiative tour was enjoyed by some 25 people; green sedum roof, largest solar panel roof in the park, outdoor compost toilet, eco-pavers for half the parking lot, and more.
Jane Desotelle, Underwood Herbs, Chateaugay, even during the quiet moment when I was there, always had someone in her booth. She had the laminated Made in the Adirondack North Country Product Sold Here sign (www.AdkNCcrafts.com/Products.php) prominently displayed in her booth.
Suzanne N. Rinas, Apiary-Honey Products, Chestertown, sold some honey while I was there.
The Wild Center welcomes more vendors with fresh produce and value added food products to their upcoming Sept. 11 and Oct. 2 markets (1-4pm). They will also host markets in Jan., Feb., and March '09 and plan to have weekly markets in summer 2009. Booth prices are very reasonable and there may even be, during the first year, reimbursement for mileage. It is easy to walk to the tent from the parking lot. The one sandwich board sign at the parking lot was all that was needed. It is not necessary to pay admission to the Wild Center to attend the market. Kerri Ziemann Kziemann@wildcenter.org is the Wild Center contact for the markets.

News From Well-Dressed Foods
For all you shopowners who see David at Buyer Days (April 8-9, 2009), the product line which has been selling the best for him recently is the Spicy Asian Peanut Sauce - A unique Adirondack-Asian fusion.
David is pleasantly surprised at the business he is doing in the shop he opened up in downtown Tupper Lake simply because it was in front of his production and shipping location. The Keene Valley market has not been doing as well for him this summer as it did last summer. The Lake Placid one continues to do well.

2008-08-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

Artist Fellowship Grant Workshop in Glens Falls on Aug. 20

NEW YORK FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS will be at LARAC on Wednesday, August 20 from noon-1:30 for a grant workshop for the 2009 Artist Fellowships.

Artists' Fellowships are $7,000 cash awards made to individual originating artists living and working in New York State for unrestricted use. Since the awards began in 1985, NYFA has awarded over $22 million to over 3,688 artists. In 2008, NYFA awarded 136 Fellowships to 144 artists, with eight of them working in a collaboration.

Categories for 2009 are--Digital/Electronic arts, Crafts, Film, Nonfiction Literature, Interdisciplinary Work, Poetry, Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts, and Sculpture. The application is available at http://www.nyfa.org/files_uploaded/2009_Guidelines.pdf.
*The deadlines for NYFA's 2008-2009 Artists' Fellowships are: October 6, 2008 for Poetry Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts; October 8, 2008 for
Nonfiction Literature Sculpture; and October 10, 2008 for Crafts/ Digital/Electronic Arts/ Film/ Interdisciplinary Work*

Contact Anne at 518-798-1144 x 4 or anne@larac.org
Lapham Gallery
Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council
7 Lapham Place, on City Park, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518)-798-1144 ext. 2
Gallery@LARAC.org

2008-08-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft Opens With Strong Attendance

More than 1500 companies pre-registered for the August show, an increase of 26% over 2008. www.americancraft.com. Email press release from American Craft Council, August 2, 2008

Essex County Reports Increase in Sales Tax Revenues

County Treasurer Michael Diskin reported to the July 21 Essex County Board of Supervisors meeting that revenue from sales tax are up 4.3 percent for the year in comparison to the year before. County Hears Reports From Committees, Free Trader Today, July 28, 2008, p.1

Mall Traffic Is On The Decline

Mall traffic is on the decline as consumers stay closer to home to shop, rather than head to highway locations or cities where larger shopping centers are typically located. ... At the same time, discount chain Family Dollar Stores Inc. has said its rural locations are outperforming the chain as a whole, as more consumers shop locally. All Business: Gas prices spur consumer buying change, by Rachel Beck, AP Business Writer, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, July 25, 2008, p.10

2008-07-30T15:08:00.000-05:00

Shop Inventory Management
"Finding the right balance between service and savings can be as much of an art as a science...If the customers who do come in see old inventory, they are not likely to come back for another visit this year.
1. "Moving your store around every two or three weeks can save you... That will help make the merchandise seem like new... Clean every bottle and shelf and add lights... "
2. Control your impulses. Just because you like something does not mean you have to buy it. One way to avoid inventory bloat is to match purchases with sales." Sell $500 worth in pottery, buy $500 in pottery.
3. "How far does your real inventory differ from your documented inventory? ... Measure the disparity by reviewing stock on hand... It may be that you don't have much of the stuff you are really making money on, but you are swamped with stuff that is not moving."
4. How much merchandise do you have that's more than six months old? A year? ... If eliminating five or six slow-moving items would cause your
profits to zoom by 20%, would you do it? ... Sometimes just eyeballing your shelves can do the job... Do a "half off' sale if you need to...

POS companies listed in article:
"Everest Software: www.everestsoftwareinc.com
Integrated accounting, inventory, point of sale (POS) and e-commerce software
JDA Software Group: www.jda.com
POS software integrated with inventory management
RMSA: www.rmsa.com
Software that help you purchase the correct amount of inventory to achieve optimal sales."
Excerpts from Inventory Management, author Phillip M. Perry, Niche Magazine, Summer 2008, p. 81.

One Person Wood Shop Receives 80% of Business via Website
Dan Alleger, New Orleans furniture maker, "describes his website as 'the saving grace' for his business. He estimates about 80 percent of his business comes from his website and 20 percent by word of mouth.
'I take the business of marketing very seriously and do everything I can to get the website out there; Google ranking, search engine ranking,
creating a proper site map, following everyone's protocol so that when anybody types anything about New Orleans and furniture, wood or seating, I want to be at the top. I recently added a "Clients Comments" page to the website and that is one of the pages that gets the most traffic on the site. People want to hear what the other clients are saying.'
Excerpt from Jazzed About His Job, author Brian Caldwell, The Woodshop News, August 2008, p. 39.

2008-07-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

Old Forge Hardware Hosts Cancer Awareness Event
Mary Lamphear of Raquette Lake, co-creator of the "Staying the Course" line of inspirational cards for those faced with cancer, will be at Old Forge Hardware on July 27 from 1-3pm. http://www.dock-talk.com/cancer-support-cards.aspx.

ArtWorks Celebrating 20th Year With New Website
Each member of ArtWorks has an About Me description and photos of their creations with links to their websites for those that have them. http://www.oldforgeartworks.com/

Member Kathy Spingler, who started out incredibly successfully with clay wind chimes at Buyer Days four years ago, has her website up. http://www.bouldercoveoriginals.com/

Member Frank Vellone, makes furniture of native hardwoods with clean lines, functionality and solid joinery and finishes them with an oil finish. http://www.fromthewoodsfinewoodworking.com/

New Shop in Inlet - The Cubby Hole
Antiques and Adirondack handmade creations. Robin Dwyer and Dale Huebner are the owners. They are open Fri. and Sat. from 10-5pm and Sun. from 1-5pm. 124 Rte. 28N. bearupnorth(at)frontiernet.net.

More than 90 Artists and Craftspeople at 32nd Annual Arts in the Park at Inlet
On July 19 and 20 at Arrowhead Park people came to buy from 90 artisans from New York state and Pennsylvania. Locals were Mary Maslyn from Moose River Trading Company selling candles, hiking sticks, soaps and more; Sabrina Nedell, formerly of Inlet, as "ADK Girl" with Adirondack inspired sculpture and pottery; Greg and Toni Rudd of Country Collage of Inlet and Utica, with pottery, jams and jellies; Mary Blanchard of South Bay Jewelry, Raquette Lake, with sterling silver and 14kt gold filled earrings, bracelets and neckwear; Nancy Brouty of Boonville with Patchwork Plus Country Home Decor; Joe and Mary Thurston of J & M Crafts in Lowville with leather belts, wallets, cell phone cases and more and Rose Raymond of Yellow Rose Soapworks, Barnveld, with handcrafted all-natural soaps and bath and beauty products.

The Mountain Peddler in Old Forge starts Local Artist Promotion Blog
The Mountain Peddler may be the first retailer to start a blog in the Adirondack North Country region! Congratulations. Their goal is to write about the artisans they represent both in the store and online. Their ad in The Weekly Adirondack, July 10, states "You can sell your stuff in our "Local Artist" section in the store and on the website!" At the present time photographers Melissa Macdonald and Mike Faria have 5 photos posted at http://www.themountainpeddler.com/ on the Local Artists page.

All of today's news was found in The Weekly Adirondack, issues July 10 and 17.

2008-07-22T14:16:00.000-05:00

The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls has Website
It's great to see the listings of all the businesses at http://shirtfactorygf.com/. "A business community of Artisans, Craftspeople, Healers and Professionals located in the historic Shirt Factory Building at Lawrence and Cooper Streets in Glens Falls, NY." Business descriptions, images, website links and upcoming events are posted.
As always, I admire the determination of small businesses willing to collaborate in their marketing efforts. And the Shirt Factory, square footage wise, is probably the biggest collaboration in the Adirondack North Country!

2008-07-17T12:31:00.000-05:00

Restless Roots - New Shop in Plattsburgh
Restless Roots, just north of the Post Office in downtown Plattsburgh on Miller Street, opened up a few weeks/months ago. Their sandwich board (artistic), open door and "Fine Arts and Crafts" on the window drew me in. Most of their business comes from the people who drive into town to go to the post office.
They are looking for more artisans and artists. Already there are pieces from the furniture maker, Jon Whallonsburg, from Jay; Mark Stowe's jewelry; the owner's clothing and jewelry lines; Jackie Sabourin's pottery and figure drawings by the owner's mother. And others. It's a mix of space rental and consignment (very reasonable rates). I have misplaced their business card but will post their contact info. as soon as I have it. The owner, Jessica, is developing a product sales website for the shop as well.
Yes, keep your overhead to a minimum, select a storefront in a large community near a post office with a lot of on-street parking and commit to regular easy-to-remember hours and your bills will be paid! My compliments to Jessica, the owner, and Alicia, Plattsburgh SBDC staff, who helped in designing the business approach.

2008-07-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

Artist Statement Workshop

Glens Falls, NY - LARAC presents artist-educator Dr. Renée O’Brien to lead an Artist Statement Workshop for artists on Tuesday, August 26th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Dr. O’Brien will assist artists in all disciplines to develop well-written, focused statements about their work and provide insight into how their art functions in the contemporary art world. Artists of all mediums will benefit from this class for applying and showing art in exhibitions in the community and beyond.

Discussion will be on the following; finding your unique perspective, talking to your audience, explaining your story, discussing your influences, communicating your feelings, and introducing who you are and why you are making the art. Attending artists should bring a copy of their current statements, resume, and some samples of their work (can be color copies). The class will include instruction, writing exercises, and actual development of a new statement.

Dr. Renée O'Brien is an artist-educator who exhibits her photographs regionally and nationally, and lectures and writes on the history of art and photography. Dr. O'Brien completed her Ph.D. at NYU with a dissertation on photography and aesthetics, The Post-Romantic Vision of Contemporary Pinhole Photographers. She teaches at Adirondack Community College, Queensbury, NY and Empire State College, Center for Distance Learning, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Pre-registration is required. Cost to attend is $15 for LARAC members and $20 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served. Class size is limited. Please call 518-798-1144 x 2 or email Patrice at gallery@larac.org to register and for directions.

Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council is a non-profit arts service founded in 1972 to promote arts and culture in the region. LARAC is open year round Monday through Saturday 10-3pm and is located at 7 Lapham Place on City Park in Downtown Glens Falls. For more information about LARAC services call 518-798-1144. www.larac.org

2008-07-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

Two New Shops - One in So. Colton and One in Tupper Lake

Adirondack Artisans in South Colton opened sometime in the last year. They represent 90 artisans from the region. 3924 St. Hwy. 56. 315.262.2117. www.AdirondackArtisan.net under construction. Northern NY Flair, July 2008

The Well Dressed Food Company has recently opened in Tupper Lake. Located at 95 Park St., David Tomberlin's tastefully packaged foods; sauces, granola blends, nut honeys and more are now available for direct sale to the public. Tomberlin started his specialty food business two and a half years ago. He has done very well at ANCA's annual gift tradeshow, Buyer Days, two years in a row. www.WellDressedFood.com. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Weekender, July 11-17, 2008

Chicken Coop Forge featured in Albany Times Union
Article describes how the business in Queensbury owned by Mike Parwana and Jeannette Brandt has evolved since it started in the early 1990s. "Parwana and Brandt primarily create custom lighting and fire screens for high-end homes." Read the full article at http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=698187&category=LifeAtHome&BCCode=&newsdate=7/2/2008. Reporter Jill Montag, June 25, 2008

Sculptor John Van Alstine One of 50 Artists Worldwide Chosen to Exhibit at Olympics in Beijing
The Wells-based sculptor created a 16-foot bronze ring with a large stone suspended in the center. The sculpture, titled Rings of Unity-Circle of Inclusion, is a beautifully powerful piece, portraying stillness and motion in balance. http://www.johnvanalstine.com/docs/portfolio/Beijing_Olympic.html

2008-07-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Sara Pfau's Lake Silhouette Pendants Featured in Adirondack Life
"Beyond mere navigational tools, maps have always had a near-mystical pull on the psyche... Sara Pfau, a 24-year-old jewelry designer and metal artist with strong family ties to the North Country, has found that her pendants in the shapes of Adirondack lakes have had a similar effect on people." Pfau has already made pendants of Lake George, Schroon Lake, Lake Placid, and Cranberry and Brant Lakes. She also designs cuff links, brooches, bracelets and money clips. http://www.sarapfau.com/. Adirondack Life, July/August 2008, p. 98.

Modern Hip Use for Small Packbasket
Someone already making packbaskets should consider testing the following version as a product line. Two weeks ago in Saranac Lake, I saw a woman who was carrying a packbasket handbag with a strap long enough to be placed diagonally across the chest with the basket comfortably sitting on the side of the hip. The three that she bought had been made on a whim by a hobbyist. They were beautiful.

2008-07-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

24 Ways to Get and Keep a Customer

"Here are ways many (web)sites have failed to serve their customers:

Only 37 percent offer multiple images views of products.
Only 33 percent offer customer reviews.
62 percent have difficult to read fonts.
Only 14 percent allow customers to change the font.
Only 43 percent offer free shipping.
Almost two-thirds do not offer in-stock information on the product page.
While just over half of online retailers have physical stores, only 10 percent offer in-store pickup.
58 percent do not offer shipping costs early in the checkout process. One third have checkout processes with more than 4 steps.
Only 58 percent correctly answer an e-mail question within 24 hours.
Around 80 percent don't seem to get that more ways to pay means more ways to buy. 20 percent offer pay-by-check, 10 percent offer Google Checkout, 20 percent accept PayPal and 18 percent offer Bill Me Later."

Read complete article written by Jason Lee Miller posted on July 1, 2008 at http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2008/06/30/24-ways-to-get-a-customer-and-keep-a-customer#more.

2008-06-23T11:47:00.000-05:00

New Art Fest in Morristown on St. Lawrence River
Mary Ann Evans, of Mare's Wares Pottery (3938 State Hwy 37, Morristown) and the Artisans of the River Valley are hosting an informal Art Fest with artisans from all over coming to share in the celebration of hand crafted goods on Tuesday, July 1.
On a Tuesday, you might ask .. what's that all about??? Well, it's Canada Day, to begin with .. and with Mare's incredible location right on the highway, all she has to do is just sit there, and people stop and buy .. and Canadians more often than not.
Mare's been in the location long enough to know that many St. Lawrence River year 'round and summer residents often take this week off for the July 4th holiday and are already running around looking for something to do. So ... here we are - your something to do!!
Mare has rented a 20' x 30' tent and hired a band to put beneath it; the Bedrock Cafe is catering with a great menu, including a couple of vegetarian choices; there'll be anywhere from 15 to 25 or so artisans set up all over the property selling their wares and having a ball doing it (folks are still signin' on for the day).
We have no idea what to expect, but flyers have been flying ... around Wellesley Island, down in Clayton and Alexandria Bay, in and around Morristown, Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, and in Canada as well. If the weather cooperates, I think it's going to be an event to remember.

Nadia, if you're around the area, stop in!! Ciao for now,

Karan Marie Cross The Wild Inside P. O. Box 1488 Ogdensburg, NY 13669 315 842-2252 www.thewildinside.com
Fun & funky to upscale & traditional jewelry ..... don't be a plain chain, express yourself!

2008-06-20T10:38:00.000-05:00

LARAC Workshop; How to Photograph Your Art
Glens Falls, NY - Are you an artist trying to get your work into exhibitions? Presentation is critical to getting accepted into galleries and shows. Learn how to photograph your art in a more professional way in a five hour workshop held at LARAC on Saturday, July 26th from 10am to 3pm.
Harry Wirtz, photographer and owner of Words and Pictures, will moderate this five-hour workshop for artists about how to photograph their own two and three dimensional art for juried shows. Artists will learn how to; make an accurate photo, presentation and format, color management, and when to do it yourself and when to hire a professional.
The workshop includes hands-on demonstrations with professional lighting units as well as cobbled-together rigs. Participants may bring a camera for film as an option since much of the content can apply to film as well.
Harry Wirtz lives in rural Saratoga County and provides images and graphic arts production services for commercial clients and fine artists. Harry has previously done cinematography and film editing.
Fee for LARAC members is $15, for non-members the cost is $20. Pre-registration is required. Please bring your own lunch. Call 518-798-1144 x 2 or email Patrice Jarvis-Weber at gallery@larac.org to register and for directions.
Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council is a non-profit arts service founded in 1972 to promote arts and culture in the region. www.larac.org