Sunflower class

Had a blast doing my glass on glass sunflower class at Don Drumm Studios last week.  Everyone's creations turned out fabulous.  It's so much fun to see the creativity awaken with students.  I provided basically the same flower and stems and then people go wild with the background and different combinations of colors. http://Facebook.com//GlassbyLeona

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Trust

Luckily the rain held off for last Saturday's Farmer's Market. The variety of produce and flowers are ever increasing as the summer season progresses. I love the selection of food at the Farmer's Market , but the people involved with this operation are just as lovely! I am continuously amazed by the honesty of folks that I meet at this market. Each week, for several years now, a potential customer will admire a piece of my glass work but realize they have spent all their money on the culinary delights they expected to purchase.

 I can almost spot the look as they handle the pieces and then return them to their display. We start a conversation, and they explain that they haven't brought enough cash to  purchase an item that they dearly want. And here's the point of this blog post: I offer to let the customer send me a check and take the item, and most of the folks can't believe that I would do this. I am not bragging about myself; rather I'm bragging about how incredible my customers are. I then explain that in all the years I've been offering this option, no one has ever failed to pay promptly. I usually receive a check early the following week inside a beautiful thank you card containing words of kindness and appreciation. 

So actually, I get paid twice: money for pocket and kudos for the soul. And the best part, this little exercise has restored my faith in mankind. We hear so many negative stories from various sources about poor behavior, but the offering and receiving of the handshake credit procedure provides a great balance for me as I examine the nature of our humanity.

To all my customers and to everyone else with good hearts, honesty, and pizzazz:

Farmer's Market

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be selling my stained glass and mosaics at the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy Farmer's Market  in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park this Saturday. Wow, that's a mouthful; but there are a number of Farmer's Markets in the area, and I want to make sure you can find me if you are curious. Our summer location is at Howe Meadow on Riverview Road, about 2 miles north of the Smith Road intersection. The Market runs all summer every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This is our third Saturday this season, and we are still getting used to our new digs. Check out their website for detailed directions and a list of vendors.

The Market concentrates on food for the body, but they throw in a little food for the soul too, allowing a small number of artists to participate. Along with fresh produce and meats, you can find everything from honey and soaps to teas, flower bouquets, hand-crafted stationery, and my specialty: stained glass creations.  I try to limit what I take to the Market to nature inspired items, which is fairly easy for me since about 85% of my work falls into that category. I share a booth with my good friend Andrea, who makes crochet dishcloths, baby hats, and other beautiful crochet masterpieces.

Shoppers can gather at the Market to purchase fresh tasty treats--which are amazing, but it's also just a great place to hang out and meet people. There is an interesting and involved diverse group of people to share ideas with and learn from, and I haven't found a fun-sucker among them. So come on out for the fresh air, vegetables, and ideas. Don't forget to visit me in my booth at the Market on Saturday morning.