Brenda Pinnick -news, ideas, events and more...

What does it take?

What does it take to get on HSN? I've been asked that a lot lately so I thought I would share a list of the first things that come to mind...

Believe in yourself enough to make the commitment to do your VERY BEST WORK. ever. 

Get feedback from and listen to your stakeholders. ( manufacturers, HSN buyers & anyone else who is on the team )

Research your consumer and know your market. Define their likes, wants and needs.

Identify your unique selling propostion ( USP ). What sets you apart from the others? Practice saying it out loud. Don't be shy about your achievements, your talents, your dream, your uniqueness. 

Look honestly at your work and don't be afraid to let go of the mediocre. ( Get honest feedback if you're not sure, we ALL have "off" days, trust me, not every single thing you do can be exactly right! ) 

Be commited to excellence in all aspects including your presentation. Practice in front of a mirror - many times. If you meet with the buyers, they will be judging how you present yourself to them as an indication of how you'll do on air. Be enthusiastic but not over zealous. THANK them for their time, regardless of the outcome. If it wasn't right for them this time, you may have another opportunity in the future! ( Like me )

Look at and learn from your successful competitors. ( Thank you, Anna G. )

If you are able, hire some help when it comes to crunch time. There is no glory in "doing it all", only exhaustion and possilby, some not-so-perfect work.

Say "Thank You" to everyone from the big wigs to the people who clean the restrooms. Everyone appreciates acknowlement for their work, just like you and I.

When you've done all this, you can't help but be ready. It will come naturally, without effort, from your heart. Your enthusiasm will overide your nervousness, I promise! 

 

So, here's the ugly...anyone want to come over and help clean up ??? This is my table on one side of the studio as I was preparing for my segments on March 6th.

And here's the pretty...on the other side, as I'm finishing up my samples. ( no staff...just me, in my basement, late at night, after designing products, making art and taking care of business all day. Did I mention hiring help? LOL )

If you have aspirations of getting your product designs on air, I hope this little tutorial has helped you decide if it's right for you. When you get your first feedback on the HSN site and it goes like this,

"The paper is so vibrant and the colors are so current. The purples and aquas and greens are fantastic. Really good quality paper, stickers etc. I may buy another set so I don't run out. Those Alphabet rub ons are amazing too."

well, it makes all those late night crafting sessions worth every bit of lost sleep!

Happy planning...

 

 

 

My new crafting kits on HSN!

renda Pinnick is excited to invite you to watch HSN on Tuesday, March 6th for scrap-booking day!

Yes, that's yours truly and I'm so excited to be bringing you my newest scrap-booking kit I've named Piccadilly Circle and a brand new stamping kit called Londonderry.

It's not often the stars align like they have for me in this coming year! The design elements in these kits overlap, offering the crafter a uniquely cohesive look. To top it off, I have a new fabric line which is launching right now and it also is an overlapping collection. And, if that's not enough, soon there will be large crafting dies from Sizzix which also offer the same design elements!!! I mean...wow... THE POSSIBLILIES!!! My head is spinning with all the ideas for projects! Did you know that you can stamp on fabric? Did you know that you can cut fabric with dies? Did you know that you can sew paper? Did you Know that you can combine all of the above? YES YOU CAN! I'll have lots of sample projects to show while on air and my hope is that you'll be inspired to invest in all four of these categories of my products for this beautiful new collection. Oh, and by the way, my earlier stamps also work with this new collection also - how cool is that?

Fabric and Dies will be available in stores mid-summer but March 6th, you will want to jump on the opportunity to also purchase the scrapbook kit and stamp kit because once they're gone- they're GONE! We've shipped in a limited number of kits to HSN and I can hardly wait to show them to the world! I'm scheduled for the 2 a.m. hour (previous stamp kits ) and again for the Noon hour for both new kits, ( Eastern Standard Time Zone ). I hope you'll mark your calendar and join HSN for their day long crafting event!

 

Glad to be home!

In case you haven't done so, please come by my ColorCafe blog to see how artists and designers are using color in their work! Each day is a different theme. I'd love it if you'd stop in, visit the featured artist's blogs and leave a comment. I'd really love it if you have some beautifully colored art or design and would like to be featured on the ColorCafe! If so, please email me at [email protected]

 

 

Boy I've been busy! Jan. is a wild month for me...CHA and the Atlanta Gift Mart, nearly back to back!

Here's me with my new friend, Robin Davis, at her signing. She has products in several different showrooms at the mart since she's a highly sought after artist. And she's so darn cute! 

And speaking of cute...

Heidi is almost 15 months old already! I just can't believe it! She is so much fun right now - she's a sponge, absorbing everything, mimicking everybody and discovering new tricks which she loves showing off. AND, she LOVES beads!

 

Henry Glass Holiday Project Parade-day 7

Here we are, day 7 already!

This blog hop was managed and produced by the fabulously talented Linda Lum DeBono, our featured Designer number 1 for today-

 

Thank you Linda!!!!!

Next up, Chelsea Anderson of PinkFigDesigns

Remember, you must collect each Designer's secret word and then go to the Henry Glass blog

and post your answers! The comments will be hidden so that no one can just copy someone elses.

It's been so enjoyable to have the chance to get to know each of my fellow HG Designers over the last

week - some amazing talents!

Thank you for joining in the fun!

 

Henry Glass Jolly Holiday Party- Day 3!

Welcome to day 3 of our Holly Jolly Holiday Party! I'm already craving a candy cane in hot chocolate!

Today, the spotlight is on :

Little Quilts is a delightful quilting shop right down the road from me, in Marietta GA. I first discovered them about 7 years ago and made it a ritual to visit and shop often and especially when my Mother in Law was visting! I'm pretty sure it was the first thing she said after the welcome hugs and kisses - "when can we go to Little Quilts??? " And we always did go, at least once and sometimes more! These ladies have been designing fabric for a while now - go check them out! Sylvia Johnson, Alice Berg and Mary Ellen Von Holt are one awesome team! 

Next, we have Lucy Morey of Hot Scott Patterns. Her blog address is http://www.thedrizzledapple.blogspot.com/ and her pattern blog is filled with some fun patterns for kids! http://www.hotscottpatterns.typepad.com 

 

RULES:   To qualify to win the Grand Prizes from Henry Glass;

1.  Visit each blog this week and collect the key words from each designers blog.  

2. Post the list of key words in a comment on the Henry Glass blog between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26.

 

 

Henry Glass Jolly Holiday Party- Day 2!

Welcome back! This is the annual Henry Glass Holiday Blog Hop! Visit the Henry Glass blog to learn more and leave a comment there, too!

This is so exciting - a chance to win some amazing gifts, including fabric, of course! AND, qualify for the GRAND DADDY, AMAZING, MONSTER, HUGE prize at the very end- all by just taking a few minutes each day and visiting all the blogs on their highlighted days and leaving a nice comment! E.A.S.Y!!!!

Yesterday's featured designers:
Day 1-November 13, 2011
Jill Finley of Jillily Studio
Kari Ramsay of Fresh Cut Quilts

And TODAY'S featured desginers:

Day2 - November 14, 2011
Jacquelynne Steves of The Noble Wife and
Liz Hawkins and Beth Hawkins of LizzieB Cre8ive

 

Go to their blogs right now, give them some love and affection and download a free pattern while you're there! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aren't all these women beautiful? And sooooo creative and talented!

 

The upcoming designers:

Day 3 - November 15, 2011
Vicki Oehlke of WillowBerry Lane
Mary Ellen von Holt, Alice Berg and Sylvia Johnson of Little Quilts
Lucy Morey of Hot Scott Patterns

Day 4 - November 16, 2011
Barbara Jones of QuiltSoup
Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched

Day 5 - November 17, 2011
Leanne Anderson of The Whole Country Caboodle
Brenda Pinnick of Brenda Pinnick Designs

Day 6 - November 18, 2011
Janet Nesbitt and Pam Soliday of Buggy Barn
Renae Allen of RGA Design LLC
Dana Brooks of Lazy Daisy Cottage

Day 7 - November 19, 2011
Linda Lum DeBono
Chelsea Anderson of Pink Fig Design

Tell 'em I said hello!

Henry Glass Blog Hop, 2011!!!

I just can't believe a whole year has passed since last year's mega Henry Glass Blog Hop!!! Can it really be that close to Christmas??? Wow!

Welcome to the Henry Glass Jolly Holiday Party! We are so glad that you're here to celebrate the holidays and to join in on all of the fun that we are going to have. There will be giveaways, stories and lots of inspiration.

Each day, two or three Designers will be featured. You'll find her wonderful holiday post and a special design that she's made for you.

Here's the exciting line-up:

November 13, 2011
Jill Finley of Jillily Studio
Kari Ramsay of Fresh Cut Quilts

November 14, 2011
Jacquelynne Steves of The Noble Wife
Liz Hawkins and Beth Hawkins of LizzieB Cre8ive

November 15, 2011
Vicki Oehlke of WillowBerry Lane
Mary Ellen von Holt, Alice Berg and Sylvia Johnson of Little Quilts
Lucy Morey of Hot Scott Patterns

November 16, 2011
Barbara Jones of QuiltSoup
Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched

November 17, 2011
Leanne Anderson of The Whole Country Caboodle
Brenda Pinnick of Brenda Pinnick Designs

November 18, 2011
Janet Nesbitt and Pam Soliday of Buggy Barn
Renae Allen of RGA Design LLC


November 19, 2011
Linda Lum DeBono
Chelsea Anderson of Pink Fig Design

Each day the designers of the day will post on her site. Click on the links above to go to the designers' blogs for some holiday fun. In each post you will find each designers'  secret holiday word. Collect all of the words and post it on the Henry Glass blog from November 19-24 and we will draw a name to win the grand prize. 

What's the grand prize? Lots of fabric, of course, and each designer will be sending you something special.

Have fun and be inspired!

Today's featured Designers!!! - 

Day two card and giveaway with Faber Castell DMC!

Here we are on day two of our 7 day giveaway/card making week.

Business first!! Yesterday's winner is Nelly! shoot me an email Nelly so I can get your mailing info. [email protected]

Here's today's card made with one of my stamps from the Piccadilly Square Collection and Gelatos, plus spray textile paint from Tulip.

Step outs below... 

 

In step one, you'll see I used watercolor paper, a paper doilly and the Tulip brand textile paint in a spray bottle to create a stenciled textural design. 

Next, I cut the paper into 2" strips, lined them up side by side and stamped using my Piccadilly Square Stamp and a black Gelato. I stamped randomly, turning the stamp sideways for some and upright for others. Notice I overlapped the design onto different pieces. When the Gelato was dry enough, I then cut the strips into 2" squares. Taking a light blue Gelato, I accented the edges just a bit to create "pop".

Finally, I choose which of the squares I wanted to use then glued them onto a 5x5 card base, choosing a hue which would compliment but not compete with the design.

Final step- I used a square of fabric from my Couleur Vie collection with Henry Glass and Fiskars pinking shears to add on final touch. I glued it onto the back side of the card so you can still see it when the card is open. I generally like to add my sentiments on the inside to allow the outside become a mini art piece - nice for displaying. I also sign the back personally, proving it's handmade! ; )

Today's prize is - Choose two prints from my Etsy store!

Now answer today's question: Go take a look in your closet and report back- do the colors in your closet vary greatly or do they lean towards one particular hue or palette?

Answer the question here and then go to Design Memory Craft blog and post your response there also. In the end, there will be a grand prize which you can win only if you comment on each day's question, on both blogs.

 

Day One- Giveaway

Today is DAY ONE of my 7 day give-away and I hope you play along and win!

Today, I'm giving away this hip and cool owl. It's handmade by me, using my last fabric line with Henry Glass, named Couleur Vie. AND, as an added bonus, you will also receive a Design Memory Craft Mixed Media Sampler and a Mix & Match Writing Set! 

 

Use this owl as your studio mascot, or to welcome trick-or-treaters. He would also look quite handsome sitting on your table or resting quietly, posed in your favorite reading spot.He's soft, he's stylish and has a built in inquisitive look on his face, surely he's contemplating 

just what it is you're doing and waiting to see if he can help. He will ship to you tomorrow via USPS.

And from Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft, these two sets

 

All you have to do is answer the first question - What is your favorite color combination and why? 

I'm going to be posting a new card everyday for the next seven days, posting it here and also on the Design Memory Craft blog. AND - I am giving away goodies each day! You must leave a comment here on this blog then go to the link for Faber-Castell's blog and also leave a comment answering the questions posed on that day. This is open to anyone over 18 years old and who resides in the U.S. TO WIN, YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT on BOTH BLOGS.

At the very end, in one week, there will be a grand prize from Faber Castell and me! You must post everyday, on both blogs to be eligible to win the big prize! yaaaaay!! 

Here is day one's question; What is your favorite color combination and how does it make you feel?

Can't wait to read your answers! 

While you're here, please join my mailing list! I only send out mailings about 4 times a year so no worries about one more thing in the in box every week! 

questions? contact me at [email protected]

7 days of fun give-aways!

Hi all, here's with a fun card design made with my new stamps and with gelatos for the wonderful, scrummy backgound. There is something so delicious about these gelatos...so satisfying in the application and the results. I'm a painter and just LOVE how these work with my new stamp line, available on HSN.com. They glide on just like lipstick then smudge...just like lipstick...but melt into vibrant color when you add a bit of water with a brush or a sponge. I think the highly textured background sets a nice stage for the cleanly stamped design, made with an inking pad. Variety is one of the necessary ingredients for a compelling design. 

I'm going to be posting a new card everyday for the next seven days, here on the Faber Castell Design Memory Craft blog and also on the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft blog. AND - I am giving away goodies each day! You must leave a comment here on this blog then go to the link for Faber-Castell's blog and also leave a comment answering the questions posed on that day. This is open to anyone over 18 years old and who resides in the U.S. or Canada. Be sure to use your real name. 

At the very end, in one week, there will be a grand prize from Faber Castell and me! You must post everyday, on both blogs to be eligible to win the big prize! yaaaaay!! 

Here is day one's question; What is your favorite color combination and how does it make you feel?

Can't wait to read your answers! 

While you're here, please join my mailing list! I only send out mailings about 4 times a year so no worries about one more thing in the in box every week!