Thinking of winter

I have a new banner that I will be putting up at the end of the road leading up to the centre. 

I really do need to do more advertising but  I am so rubbish.  I have a leaflet that is great for me to give out at the studio, even though it has a spelling mistake or two ( yes I really am that bad ),  but its not really any good for anything else.

Don't get me wrong I do advertise.  I  am lucky one of my students put in info whenever she can in a local paper. 

I have a mailing list that includes all the local papers and magazines, parish councils and anyone who has at any time shown an interest.  I do of course give them the option to opt out if they want.

The  thing is I don't want to pay out much money or I should say I don't have the money to pay for much.  Anyway I really need to get on top of it.  I have just started to take bookings for my Autumn classes and if I fill my 2 beginners course then I should have enough money for all my rent through the winter months and it would be great not to worry about it.

Thoughts are turning to winter.  One thing I hadn't anticipated was that my courses would be more popular in the winter rather than the summer.  I suppose it make sense as most people are off in the summer on holiday.

I need to take some time off in January or February and paint the floor and the window,  I also have a big water stain on my ceiling that I could do with covering.  I am trying to con some of my students to help me.  Maybe I can do a deal in exchange for a class or two?

I need also to think of better heating.  When I moved into the new studio in January,  I did what I needed to to get in and sorted,  but the rest had to wait as it had to start paying for itself, very quickly.

I picked up this cute little welcome sign,  I of course customised it in my colours.  I was going to have it for my students to hang their handbags on as I am having problems with tripping over bags during lessons.  They can put them out the back,  I do have a lockable room,  but as all students have access to go to the toilet, then I can understand why they don't watt to leave them out of sight.  But this just isn't man enough for the job,  its only got little fixings,  I think I will look out for  something better.  So I have used it to put a few bags on.  I am trying to decide whether to put more on or keep them in the bags on the bookcase.

 I still haven't got my painting mojo back, so I am still being creative, but in different ways.  I have done my first lino cut in a long time.  I had trouble with the printing but had lots of help from my folksy forum friends and I would like to say a special thankyou to Alison from http://folksy.com/shops/ADEEGAN for her generosity.

So this is the result.  I have been printing away and I am hoping it will be a limited edition of 20 prints.

 I will list them on Folksy  Yes I am back on folksy.  I have been keeping an eye out and listed a few items to check it out and then in a moment of madness, decided to upgrade to the plus account,  so I have to list lots and lots of items, now to make it worth while.

I started listing my cards today. http://folksy.com/shops/Wellydoggallery?shop_section=cards

I don't know how well this will come out but I also did a photo montage of the craft centre barn.  These pieces are all part of en exhibition I will be putting on at the beginning of August to celebrate 1 year at the centre, so I think it will be all ducks and old buildings.