Le Blog de Verre

Bonjour, Bonsoir,

As I just changed the title of my blog from “making and selling art glass” to “making and marketing art glass”, I would like to share some thoughts about my view of marketing.

A lot of people argue about what marketing is. Some say it’s advertising, others say it’s sales. And I think they all are wrong. My definition of marketing is that it is anything I do that will bring someone into buying from me.
I am aware that what I am selling is not a basic necessity, like food or shoes and this is why, for me, marketing is everything.

More precisely, it means:

- proposing a top-notch customer service (the most important).
- building a recognizable brand.
- maintaining a web site attractive in design, easy to navigate and up to date.
- publishing a newsletter to keep people in the loop of what’s going on with me.
- blogging to create interaction.
- having up-to-date printed marketing materials, for those who still like paper.
- being present in places where people looking for people like me will find me. It can be on other web sites, in printed publications, or shows.
- showing people that I genuinely care about them and appreciate their business.
- thinking out of the box to propose this little “je ne sais quoi” which will make a difference.

What do you think?

A bientôt!!
Patricia

Celtic Eternity Knot by Patricia C. O'Neill

Bonjour, bonsoir,

I would like to introduce my new Celtic collection. Right now, all the pieces are Embryos style. Embryos are smaller and simpler version of my originals and limited editions, however they are made using the same process.

I started working with this process a few years ago, and have worked only around themes inspired by Mayas and Southwest. I wanted to enlarge my horizon and work around new themes that will appeal to a wider audience. Thus the Celtic theme… Let’s not forget that I am French and that Celts are my ancestors. And my name is now O’Neill…. my husband’s grandfather immigrated in the United States from North Ireland.

My collection is composed a plates with different sizes and shapes, which are meant to be decorative.

Celtic Dogs Shield by Patricia C. O'Neill

Celtic Tree Spirit by Patricia C. O'Neill

To see all my new designs, click here.

New designs and motifs are going to be added over time. Stay posted!!!

A bientôt!!
Patricia

Bonjour, Bonsoir,

Just to let you know that I will be participating to the American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) in 2009. The booths have yet to be assigned but I’ll be in the Gallery of Fine Crafts aisle.

It is going to be my very first trade show and I am very excited about it.

The exact dates are May 31st to June 2nd 2009. It will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center.The ACRE web site is www.acrelasvegas.com

I hope to see you there!!

A bientôt!!

Bonjour, Bonsoir.

Today is the official launch of my business blog that I have chosen to name “Le Blog de Verre”.

First, what’s with the funny name? I think that all started with the term Pâte de Verre. It refers to an ancient form of glass working which made its come back last century in France, thus the French name. Recently, I have seen many “glassies” take over the term and twist it their own way. I am not sure why, but a wild guess would be that, in spite of all the derogatory jokes, everything French looks fancy… color de verre… morcels de verre… you name it. I could not resist to have a little fun myself, making a satiric bow to the iconoclasts. After all, I am the real deal!

Then, what’s with the funny frog? Oh, does it really need to be explained?

The main purpose of my blog… de verre… is to document my journey into the business of glass. Ouch… that has been quite an adventure so far, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Today, I am really excited to have a special place where to introduce new work, discuss creative process and announce studio events. In a nutshell, blogs are a new, fun and interactive version of the old boring news pages. Hello world!

A Bientôt!!