Friday, June 20, 2008

My 15 Minutes.......

I'm sooo excited!!
And I just cant hide it!!!!
(Sounds like I'm getting ready to break out into a Pointer Sisters song......)

That's because my art was finally published in a national magazine!!!!
and not just any magazine but one of my favorite magazines Romantic Country!
Its my 15 minutes of fame!

When I first started making my vintage jeweled frames about 20 years ago it was just a little hobby something I did for myself and friends.
Then people kept saying you should make these and sell them!!

I thought to myself 'I love them but will anyone else really want to pay money for them?????
One day I had an opportunity to open a little shop with a friend...
Here was my chance...

So I took the plunge!!!
In the beginning I got mixed responses to my frames,
the reaction was either "oh my those are soo beautiful or oh my how gaudie!" hee hee

I grew a little thicker skin and realized that my frames arent for everyone,
and I also realized that I didn't need every ones approval either!!

I started developing a following and people came to my store looking for what new items I had created.
I expanded my shop to include furniture and home decor and then decide to go online to find an even wider market for my frames....

Then about 6 months ago Fifi O'Neill editor of Romantic Country emailed me and said she would like to do a feature on my beautiful frames!!! (her words :)

I couldn't believe it! Me!!! ..... she wants to feature me!!!!!
I felt like I was dreaming and would soon wake up to realize it was only a dream.

but this time it wasn't.....
this time my dream came true!

When I saw the feature in the magazine for the first time
(thanks to Cathy from Treasured Heirlooms)
it was at that moment in time that it hit me ............
I'm a real artist!

I think I must have felt, what most struggling artist feel when they are finally recognized for the first time as someone with something worthwhile to offer the world,
Its at that time that you finally feel legitimate....

But don't worry even though its nice to be taken seriously, I wont ever take myself so serious or get such a big head as Ive seen many often do.
Some think they are the only ones with any talent and everyone elses work is trash!
I dont ever want to be like that.

I realize that their are so many talented people out there waiting for their moment to shine and they will be next....they will have their time and perhaps ill move on to other things....
but for now ill continue to make fun of myself and my life my mistakes and successes and especially tease my hunkie brother Ed.......

but for an instant.........for a few moments........... its nice to sit back and have someone say nice job!

I really want to Thank you for all your support, emails and comments of congratulations it really means a lot!

smiles and hugs,

Sandy
Heres a peak at some of my new listings and soon to come listings...




20 comments:

Cindy said...

I saw you the other day when I got my copy of Romantic Country! I was saying "I know her"! Blogging is so great! I feel like I'm back in high school and I'm hanging out with the "popular girls"! I'm so happy for you!

I got my frame that I won in your giveaway today and it is so beautiful!!! It's going in my bedroom and as you can tell by the pictures on my blog today, it's a match made in heaven!!!

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
Take this moment to shine, because just like your Jewel frames your a jewel, and just like your jewels you shine, congrats on your 15 minutes!!!

Kelly said...

Oh my goodness...I can't believe how talented you are!! I saw that frame in the mag and thought it was so beautiful. Looking at the others on your blog...you are amazing!

Enjoy your time in the spotlight. You are definitely worthy.

Thanks for stopping by and helping me choose what fabric for my stool.

Kelli

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Sandy, believe me you are a very talented lady. You should be proud and shine all you want. I think it is so great to be blogging with such creative people. Thank you for sharing, I just got my copy of Romantic Country today. I'll be looking at it later. Can't wait.
Have a Blessed Day,
Bonnie

Connie said...

I think they're absolutely FABULOUS, my little frame maker!!!!!!
Smoochies,
Connie

Cami said...

Congrats on getting published! Good feeling huh?!!! PLUS you're in one of the best, best mags on the market. And your FRAMES are out of this world, over the top, and deliciously fabulous. I can't gush enough. Well-deserved.

Anonymous said...

Sandy!!
Congrats BIG Congrats to you!!! I feel so happy for you I know how wonderful it feels to have someone say your items/house are good enough to be in our mag/website!! You yourself have made me feel that way by asking to feature my home, Im still on cloud nine ( and still must get my act together and take pictures I havent forgotten how could I such an honour!!)
you deserve the recongnition that you are getting your frames are utterly Gorgeous!! Well done BIG pat on the back for devine creations!!
Mandii

Alison Gibbs said...

Oh Sandy how exciting for you
Congratulations your art is fabulous.
Alison

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Your frames are gorgeous and you truly are an artist!

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
It was great several days ago to see your beautiful work featured in Romantic Country. It is so deserving as your work is gorgeous & it is your time to shine! I agree that some artists think they are the only ones who can create when we all have God given talents to create beauty. Way to go Sandy!!!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Sandy! Those are your frames I saw in Romantic Country? They are just beautiful! Congrats on the article!

I am so glad you stopped by my blog to let me know you saw my mosaics in Cottages and Bungalows. I was also fortunate to have an article in the PREVIOUS issue of Romantic Country!

So glad to meet you!
xo
Penny

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Sandy, they are all beautiful and you deserve the 15 minutes and more :)

Laura

Marina Capano said...

Congratulations Sandy,Oh Sandy how exciting for you
Congratulations your art is fabulous.is amazing and so romantic! Thanks so much for your nice comment in my blog! bueno espero que algun dia cuando vuelvas a Argentina comas unas empanadas hechas por mi! que rico!
besos!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I saw your frame in the magazine, very pretty!

Daydreams and Nightmares said...

You have some of the most beautiful embellished items ever! I adore your glamorous and feminine designs. I've been 'published' in various forms over the years, & it still surprises me, as I tend to take for granted what I do. I figured that EVERYBODY can do what I do! So it's extra nice to be recognized, AND I'M HAPPY FOR YOU!!
You deserve it. Gloria

Decor To Adore said...

The frames are unbelievably beautiful. Enjoy your moment in the sun.

Fete et Fleur said...

I could swoon at all this beauty! Congratulations! Your frames are gorgeous and I love them.

Hugs!
Nancy

Connie said...

"Lulu", hubby is at a VFW (veterans of foreign wars) convention in northern Idaho. I wasn't sure how to email ya back, my sweet dumpling so I'm having to make it public!! Sorry.... Oh I just saw you in RC!! Congratulations, my sweet little framer!! Glad you liked my office chair. I think I'll jazz it up with a lace bow and ribbon flower in back also. Isn't this pathetic what I do to things no one else will see except me or when I put it on a blog?!?!?!
Smoochies, dear one,
Connie

Deb said...

Hi Sandy....congratulations!!! Your frames are just beautiful and what better place to have them showcased than Romantic Homes magazine!

Debbie

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandy, thank so much for popping by for a visit. I'm so happy to have found your blog your work is stunning. Congratulations on being published and for openly sharing your feelings with us all. Sometimes people who aren't creative don't understand the feeling of creating something and having it accepted and loved. I believe it's a special dream of all artists and sometimes it's easy to give up hope. Thanks for being an inspiration to keep on trying and that dreams do come true!
Take care,Laura