Weekly Creative Challenge for October 2, 2011

Busy ! Busy! Busy!

Well this past September has been a very busy time for me. So many show, so little time. This is the time of year when many of the art fairs, festivals, and shows all take place. There seems to be some type of event every weekend. During this past month I have participated in 6 shows and It has been a whirl wind of travel, setup and sales. It has been hectic and fun at the same time. For example, I have been in a different show from Thursday to Sunday this past week - I had a trunk show on Thursday, an art walk on Friday, a jewelry show at my job on Saturday during the day, a Mall art show during Saturday evening, and a art fair on Sunday. By Sunday evening my whole body felt it and on Monday morning my voice was going just in time to do an eight hour shift at my job. This was a pretty intense week but through the grace of God (and Lots of Coffee) I got through it and It Was Good!

I have sold many of my design which has made me very pleased. I will be showing you all these designs in the next couple of weeks. Many people like my new lines such as my "Textured Block" series and my free form wire earrings. My "Art within Art" and "Fretwork" lines have been doing very well also. I truly feel blessed.

Well here is a sample of one of those pieces that already has a Home. It is called "Visions on a Cloudy Day." I love the Labradorite faceted rounds and the eyes. I will be continuing this series and update you all on my progress.

Well I have to get back to work.
Take care and stay creative!

Allison B
www. alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for September 11, 2011

The Season Has Begun !

Well, I have started the "Season of Shows". I have participated in my first fall show and it was Great! I showed and sold many of my metal pieces. Also I sold many earrings of both styles. I received a lot of feedback and I'm working on new pieces to be ready for the next upcoming show the weekend of September 16th through the 18th (Mosaics art Fair in St Charles, MO).

I will be working on many new concepts as well. This past show I introduced my "Textured Block" series of smaller metal and gemstone pendants and they were very well received. I made 8 pendants for the show and I sold all 8 of them. I will be working on having at least 12 for this next show and will be featuring them in an upcoming blog in the near future. Then you can see what I came up with.

I'm still waiting to hear the outcome of the jurying process on 2 other shows. I hope it will be good news. If it all goes well I will have 11 shows for the September to December time period. WOOOOOOO ! Yes ! 11 Shows. Keep me in your thoughts. "Tis the Season to be Busy"!

Well, for this week I will feature one of my newer pieces that debuted at the Queeny Fall Art Fair here in Ballwin, MO. This piece is called "Beautiful Flight." I hope you all enjoy my new design. I will have to get back to work now so take care and stay creative!

Allison B
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

ALNB Collections Weekly Challenge for August 28 2011

In the Planning Stages.....


Well the Fall and Holiday season is approaching. Yes "The Holiday Season". I will be starting the new show season next weekend. This will be my first big show for the upcoming season. I have taken a break from blogging to work on new designs and I have come up with many new designs. I'm at 15 new designs and counting.


I have also started hearing the outcome of some of the shows I have applied to and for this season I will be at 11 shows and counting. Yes! 11 Shows! I know it seems to be a little crazy but I have talked with others artists and they have informed me that this is the "Nature of the Beast." This is the beast season for shows in the artist world. Many of our sales for the year are earned between the month of September to December. A lot of artists don't participate in spring shows because they don't seem to sell as much during that time of year. They usually do shows during the Summer, Fall and Holiday season.

This years show season is also different because I have also included shows that are out of state. I will be by the end of the year have done 3 shows in Illinois. I am trying to spread my wings a little bit. I hope they will enjoy my work there as well. I have a new gallery in Chesterfield, MO in which I have my work. The gallery is called "MindWorks Gallery" and It has been great so far. I'm very interested to see how the holiday will be there. I'm trying to reach more people through social media such facebook, twitter and of course blogging. I now even have a "fan page" with facebook. Working on a business is more than a notion but It is rewarding when someone really likes your designs.

Well starting next week I will be showing my new fall line so keep watching for the new pieces starting in September. Stay in touch to see all the designs and visit me on facebook when you have the chance. I will show you new pieces next week.

Take care and Stay Creative!
Allison B
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for the Week of July 3, 2011

Looking Towards the Future!

This is the time that we as artists are now in the "Hurry Up and Wait" mode. This is the time of year that all of the fall and holiday season shows are doing their "Call for Artist" rush. All of the shows due dates are all coming to a head in early and mid July. There are so many ways to apply now. From email to zapplications to snail mail. They just get it in on TIME!!!!! And Let's not forget the FEES- Applications fee, Booth/Space fee, Electrical fee, and even the Insurance fee must be considered when you apply to all these shows. There are many fees but very little time.

I have to admit this is when it is a great time to compare notes with fellow artists to see what is really happening out there. Many artists have been doing these shows for years and most artists are great about sharing information about things such as if a show is worth doing to who is a great company and who to get your artist insurance from. Networking is a wonderful and important part of this business called "art". I am glad I have become friends with a fair amount of artists who are caring and will share information that will help you with these important and sometimes "Scary" decisions that can shape your career in the long term.

Well I have to finish up this blog entry so I can print up some of these applications and send them on their way. I hope I will hear promising news in the upcoming weeks. But until next week I share with you one of my last creations that found a home earlier this month. Introducing "Gaze from the East." I hope you enjoy this new work and have a wonderful and creative "4th of July" and great week.

Take Care
Allison B
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for June 26, 2011

Stay Focused! Stay Steady!

Well it is very interesting when you finish a big show and you think you have time to relax a little. Well, that might not be the whole truth. It is amazing how time fly's and then you realize that there is another show just around the corner and you have to get back to work designing and creating. Thank God that this is a job you love to do. There is so much that is needed to be done for each event. This is also the time you need to be in multiple places at one time. I think I need to clone myself so I could get everything done.

Just this past week I went out to dinner with my husband James and we began to discuss the plans for this upcoming Fall/Holiday Season. YES! Fall is Fast Approaching. It will be here before you know it. It was very enlightening as I looked over all the shows, events, and art fairs, I figured out that by the end of the year starting in June I will hopefully be in about 15 to 17 shows. When you look at the list it is exciting, but also a little scary. This is when you take a deep breath and ...

STAY FOCUSED!!!

This is when your planning skills will kick into High Gear! All I can say is wish me luck - Pray for Me! I guess this is where the Rubber meets the Road - Or there the Saw Blade meets the Metal! (Ha, Ha!). Well you all will get to take this fun ride with me for I will let you know how it is coming along week to week! Sometimes I might have to skip a week if it gets wild. But it will be fun!

Well, I'd like to show you one of the pieces that sold during this last art fair. It was called "Torn Away"! Hope you enjoy it.

Take care and stay Creative!
Allison B
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for the Week of June 19 2011

Regrouping After A Major Show!

This has been an experience within itself. I was gearing up for this show for at least two months. Working on new pieces, revamping my displays, ordering marketing materials to give out to customers and so on. Wooooooo! What a ride. Then the time comes to do the show. It is truly amazing how 3 days can go by so fast. The set up, the selling, the meeting new customers and making friends with other artist, tearing down after the closing of the event. Before you know it, it's all over.

A lot of times it feels like your in a whirl wind. Going every which way but loose. Then the wind sets you down and your left to ponder just what happened. It is very interesting when you look at your inventory and see all the major pieces you sold that weekend. At first you feel great then you become a little sad because even though you "Got them a Good Home," you miss your work. They become your "little darlings." That's when you pick up your pen or pencil and start sketching those "Oh cant live with out them" new designs and look forward to the new show that is coming up faster than you can imagine. I have another show a little over a week from now. Well everyone this is just a small glance into my world of creative fun. I wanted to show you one of my "Little Darlings" that got a home during the "Art and Air" Art Fair in Webster Groves, MO during the first weekend in June. It was a great show and "Remnants of A Ginkgo" was a great piece to work on. I hope you enjoy this one and have a wonderful and creative week.

Take care!

Allison B.
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for May 22, 2011

When there is a lot on "Your Plate"!

This is differently a busy season. A lot of the artist I spoke to told me that the spring season is usually slow. I have to admit, it have been surprising busy for me. There are many shows and opportunities out there. The fun ( and scary) part is trying to decide which events and exhibition opportunities are best for me and my company. I'm still working on figuring out that puzzle. It seems to be a lot of shows and events popping up all around the metropolitan St. Louis area. There are also many more events in the Illinois and the lower Missouri areas as well. All of then look promising but it is a hard to truly know which one is right for my work. I have spoken to many other artist with far more experience than I and they usually say follow your gut, do your homework, and sometimes you have to just take a chance. Sometimes you will fail but other times you can be pleasantly surprise and benefit for the experience. This year I trying to step out more and participate in more events and find new venues for my jewelry to be shown to the public. It has been a "big process" but I will keep working on it. In June and July I will be in 5 to 6 shows. That is a lot for me. Some are big and some not so big but they're all a chance for me to get my work out there. Wish Me Luck!

Well this week's entry is called "Wind Blows" The swirls makes me think of a cool wind blowing. Just in time before the summer heat begins. This one has already found a home at the Spring Art Walk in St. Charles Missouri but I wanted to show it to you all anyway.

Take care all of you and stay creative!
Allison B
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for May 15, 2011

Out of Fond Memories from "Mom",
a Creative Thought Comes!

I can truly say I have been blessed for I have a wonderful family which has always been very supportive. I feel that much of my talent was formed way before I went to school for art. I think it started under the guidance of my mom and dad. Both of my parents are artists in there own right. My dad was a photographer and my mom was a teacher aid who taught art to grades kindergarten through 3rd. All through my child and teen year, both of my parents where very support of my love for art. They supported me when I was studying fashion design and illustration in Columbus Ohio. They encourage my graphic design career when I worked for my late brother's desktop publishing company and in these later year they have been the strong force behind my quest to become a jewelry and mixed media artist. I lost my dad 2009, but I know he's up there cheering me on to this day. I call my mother the CEO of ALNB Collections. She is the one I go to when I have any important decision to make about my designing career. Every time I do a show, l call her to report on the sale figures and to get insight on how to improve my business and marketing. She is the GREATEST!
I just thought, seeing that Mother's day was yesterday, I would give a shout out to the ones who help to make me the artist I am today. With the Lord's help, a supportive husband and great people like my mom in my corner, the art world looks very promising.
Well just like my mom is a solid line in my life, this piece as a strong solid line as well. This is a mixed metal piece. While the circle is in brass , the aqua line is actually copper. I used a very strong blue patina on this piece. I burnished the patina surface until it became almost shiny. Then I sealed the surface. The blue portion almost feels like "Enamel". It was a fun piece to work on and I will revisit this concept in upcoming designs. Welcome to the ALNB Collections family " Slim Line in Aqua" Enjoy

Take care and stay creative!
Allison B
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weelky Creative Challenge for the May 8th 2011

Spring has been "Very Promising" for
ALNB Collections

This season has been very promising for the company. This past weekend I participated in the St. Charles Spring Art Walk on Main Street. I was located at the Remington Gallery and it was a great experience. For the past couple of years I have been located in a different location (Jake's on Main - They were Wonderful!!!). This year I was placed in a new location with other artists and it was a wonderful experience. The feedback from other artists, customers, and the different surrounding was encouraging. I made a lot of new contacts and of of course I got the chance to show some of my new designs to a new audience. I also have met a couple of great new artists. One of these artist's and I have decided to collaborate on a couple of new jewelry designs. I will hopefully be featuring these designs during the "Art and Air" Art Fair in Webster Groves in June. I'm so excited about this new collaboration. I can't wait to show you all what we come up with.

But for now I want to show you all my newest creation in Brass! Yes Brass! I know I love to work in copper but lately I have been having fun with brass as well. Welcome "Whirl Wind" to the ALNB Collection family. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you all!

Take care and Stay Creative.
Allison B.
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for April 24, 2011

New Show Opportunities! New Designs!
What's a Girl to Do!

Well in two weeks I will be in the thick of things with another show. This will be an interesting feat because James, my husband, will be representing me at one show while I will be at another event that same night. Yes! It is a little crazy but I noticed that I haven't participated in any shows or events in my town of Maplewood, Missouri. So when I received an email from a wonderful art teacher from our local elementary school with an invitation to show my designs in their art fair, I just couldn't pass it up. So on Friday, April the 29th, I will be in St Charles, MO at the Spring Art Walk while James will be at The MRHE Art Fair in Maplewood, MO. I truly feel honored to be represented at both affairs and hope they will be successful for the organizers and as well as the artists.

Well with so many events on the horizon and that I was truly blessed at the last event, Queeny Park Spring Art Fair, I have to stay focused and work on building up my inventory. So I just wanted so show you all one of my new designs from my silver collection. I don't work in silver often, seeing the cost of silver is through the roof, but this was a design I really liked working on. Welcome to the family "Swirls in Pearls." Hope you enjoy the design.

Take Care and Stay Creative.

Allison B.
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenger for the Weeks of April 10 & 17 2011

This Week is Full of Creativity and Surprises

Well these two past weeks was full of lots of work and rewards. I have been getting ready for the "Queeny Park Spring Art Fair" for this past month and these past two week have been very crazy indeed. There is just so much to to - Getting displays ready - Finishing up last minute touches on new designs - Sending out invitations via snail mail and the net. - Getting all of the packaging together for purchases - Working on pricing and inventorying the work - Making sure I had all the right equipment for cashing out purchases at the show. Packing up all of my display and making sure I haven't forgotten anything vital and the list goes on and on. I also had to eat sleep, and share time with my family and friends. All I can say is WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

It was a great challenge and at times I knew I drove my husband a little batty but when it all came together and the show was a success, It seemed ALL WORTH IT!!!!. The show was great and I was truly blessed to be apart of it!. I made a lot of contacts and new customers. The feedback about my work was truly valuable as well.

Well these are two examples of some of the pieces I showed this weekend. They have already found homes during this show but I wanted to show them to you all anyway so here are the entries for this weeks challenge. Welcome "Arching Over Ice and Puddles and Pearls" to the fold.

Take Care and Stay Creative
Allison B.
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Challenge for the Week Of April 3, 2011

This is a Two for One Week Folks!!!

Well, It can happen. I have been working on many projects and getting ready for upcoming shows like crazy. These past 2 weeks have been wild. I have worked on 7 new pieces , drew up 12 new designs and worked on putting together my display at the Mindworks Gallery in Chesterfield, MO. I feel like I have a lot going on. It is a "Pressured yet Rewarding " feeling all at the same time. I enjoy the challenge and It is definitely a "Learning Experience".

I love working in copper. but I know I have to work on some of my designs in brass also. I just purchased a piece of sterling silver to work with as well and boy was that "Painful". I'm not sure if any of you work in silver, but the price sure has gone up lately. I've sold a major part of my silver collection and it was time to create new pieces. The cost is steep but when you finish your designs and people truly enjoy them. It is worth every penny.

Well because the weeks were so full, I have to double up this weeks entry. So here are two designs for one weekly challenge. This week's entries are "Organic Rings #1" -This the first in a series of 12 pieces and "Solid Yet Broken" - This piece reminded me that I have to work more in brass. I really like to golden tone with the Kyanite.

Well everyone have a wonderful week and stay creative. I will be working hard to finish up these new design and will show them soon.
Take care !

Allison L Norfleet Bruenger
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Creative Challenge for the Week of March 20, 2011

And Now the Fun Begins....

I have plenty of drawing, plenty of concepts, plenty of plans. Now it is time to get into gear. High Gear!

I must admit there is so much to do and so little time. It is Exciting and A Little Scary. I'm not sure if you fellow artists are going through these types of thoughts, this business can be some what daunting. But I love it. This wonderful piece found a home this past show and I also had to create a matching pair of earrings and a bracelet to make a complete set. It was "Great Fun".

I'm now working on new pieces for 3 upcoming shows and new show applications are coming in all the time. It is really a challenge deciding on what shows are truly beneficial for me to participate in. Will this show be a good match for my designs? Do they have a good track record in show attendance and so on. There is a lot to consider when choosing new shows to apply for and I'm still new to the scene so wish me luck.

Well here is this weeks entry. Welcome "Nouveau Essence" to the family. I hope you enjoy the new design.

Take care and Stay Creative.
Allison L Norfleet Bruenger
www.alnbcollections.com
http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Challenge for the Week March 13th 2011

New Shows! New Designs! New Lines!

It has been a busy weekend. This was the first of the Spring Shows for 2011 and it was Great!. Last year I really didn't apply for spring or summer art shows because of my summer work schedule. Also many other artist informed me how spring shows don't produce the same venue as fall and winter show. Many people do a lot of their shopping for the holidays season and that's why the end of the year shows are more profitable. This year however I thought I would take a chance and step out a little earlier to test the waters of spring. I truly felt I made a lot of new connections with this show and for an artist still in the "beginning stages", it is really a great help and plus I sold some of my major pieces as well. This week's design is one of those pieces that found a home this past weekend.

"Waterfall One" is part of a series of 14 designs in which I will be combining pearls, gemstones, and crystals to create a feeling of flowing waters down a textured background. Most of the pieces will be in copper, but I might play with other metals and textures as well. Keep your eyes open for the other designs as I showcase them. I love finding wonderful pearls and gemstones to enhance my designs and I have been blessed to find such great strands lately.

Well I have a lot on my plate to work on so I will sign off for now. I hope you all enjoy the new line. Take Care and Stay Creative !

Allison B

www.alnbcollections.com

http://www.alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Challenge for the Week March 6th 2011

It is Catch Up Time......

Okay, I know two updates in one week is a little crazy but I was trying to kept up my end of the challenge. Well because I was working on the new pieces for this upcoming weekend show, I noticed that I was behind one week.

This is the final design from my previous shows. This piece " Call to Meditation" found a new home this past January on Supper Bowl Sunday. I was a participate in a small trunk show for all of the "Widowed Ladies" because of the Supper Bowl game. It was a fun event and this piece was purchased there. I still wanted you all to see it though. I really want to expand my use of texture and metal forming this year. I love working with the metal to see what type of textures I can create. This look I created using my Chasing Hammer. The Liver of Sulfur patina really brings it out. I also love using local and national Lampwork artist beads in my work as well. It is a way to showcase two artist in one design.

Well I have to get back to work. I have to add some clasps to 3 more pieces and then I will be set for the show. I have already photographed some of the new pieces and I will feature these new designs in the next upcoming weeks in March. I also just got accepted in 2 more shows for the April and June. So I have a lot of work ahead of me. I will keep you up to date on my progress.

Take care and Stay creative!

Allison B.

www.alnbcollections.com

http://alnbcollections.blogspot.com

Weekly Challenge for the Week Feb 27th 2011

Getting Ready for a Busy Season!

I have to admit, I didn't expect the spring season to have so much going on. Everyone I talk to who is "Creating Art" as a living says this is the season for creating new pieces. There are not many shows at this time so this is a good the time to develop new concepts and create inventory. Last year I was trying to take it slow because I was still a beginner ( I still feel that way ! ) and focus on the fall season for shows. This year I wanted to expand my show calender and I never new there where so many shows to apply for. Spring had definitely sprung early this year for me. I also wanted to expand my gallery presence and I'm working on finding some great places to show my work on a steady bases. The search has gone great so far and I will update you with that news very soon. My first show is the Weekend of March the 5th. New Show! New Venue! It is at the Artist Boutique" in Kirkwood, MO. I'm very excited about the new opportunity.

I feel Blessed!.

Well here is a look at one of the ideas I love to work with. I love nature as you know and I love Agate. Geodes are beautiful on their own and with this nature inspired piece, I think they work well together. This piece already has been purchased but I wanted you all to check it out anyway. This is definitely a direction I like to work in. I hope you enjoy this week's entry "Boulders and Geodes".

Take Care and Keep Creating!

Allison L Norfleet Bruenger

www.alnbcollections.com

www.alnbcollections.blogspot.com

ALNB Collections Weekly Challenge for the Week of February 13th, 2011

Back to Basics

One of the main reasons I started to design jewelry was to find a way to have my drawings be incorporated into everyday life, and not to be viewed just as art on walls. Incorporating my drawings into jewelry has been very rewarding because it truly is a marriage of art and fashion. It is "Wearable Art" . As I develop this line, I've enjoy the feedback from customers and other artist who really inspire me to continue to add and raise the bar when it comes to my abilities and subject matter. I love working on new subject matters, custom designs, and custom drawings as well. I thank everyone for these opportunities.

Well this weeks entry is a fun twists on envy and the color "green". Green is one of my favorite colors and this green eyed beauty can cause a little envy in us all. I love the green kyanite sticks and how they pull her eye color out just so. This piece was fun to work on and I hope you all enjoy it as well.

This week holds a lot of challenges for me. I have to complete a series of items before the end of this week to stay on my schedule for an upcoming show the first weekend of March. The "Artist Boutique" in Kirkwood, MO has a long and wonderful reputation and I want to be ready! Wish me luck and remember to stay creative.

Take Care!
Allison L Norfleet Bruenger
www.alnbcollections.com

ALNB Collections Weekly Challenge for the Week of February 6th, 2011

New Week ! New Challenge

It is Great to be Back!!!!

I had to take a beak for a while but it feels GREAT to be back blogging and showing my new creations for all to see and hopeful enjoy. I have to admit I have made a fair amount of new pieces that have already found new homes. This past holiday season was a true blessing. I sold a variety of new designs that I didn't get to show online. So for the month of February I can show some of those special items that I created these past 4 months that have found homes.

This piece is call "Straight though the Middle." I Love This Piece. I loved it so much, I kept it. I don't do this often - In fact I own only 2 of my pieces. I enjoyed designing and making this piece a lot. I also enjoyed the color combination of black/gray and copper. This piece also features Hematite, a wonder metal gray - gunmetal gemstones with gives this piece a wonderful look of "mixed metals". It's Cool.

Well this year has many goals to reach, new lines to create and many plans to bring to the surface. I hope you will follow me though it all . Have a wonderful week and stay creative!

Take Care!
Allison L Norfleet Bruenger
www.alnbcollections.com