I had the pleasure of traveling with my design-minded partner in crime -  Aga Artka - to ICFF in New York City. After missing it last year, I couldn’t wait to get back. And how fun to watch Aga take in her first ICFF experience. On assignment for M Magazine, we had the opportunity to share some of the show highlights with the M audience…and now with you. We are excited for you to read about a few Milwaukee-area connections - how fun for us to be able to talk about local talent as part of the inspiring encounters at this international design show.

http://www.mmagazinemilwaukee.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=DesignerInsider%3ADesignInspiration&category=Dwellings

Aga Artka and I headed to the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (my alma mater) today to continue our classroom tour. It was good to be back “home.” I enjoyed every minute of my Pointer education and hope we we were able to inspire some soon to be graduates.

Kudos to Amy Bourassa, Kaitlin Wolfe, Ella Frances Horner, and Ashley Hanseter for already reaching out to me via LinkedIn. Good luck building your network!

Aga Artka and I are on the school circuit sharing our experiences and motivating interior design students to take charge of their careers. A design degree provides a great foundation for professional success.

Embrace the knowledge you are gaining in the classroom, be proud of your past experiences, recognize your strengths, let your passions guide you, and grab hold of your future.

See highlights of our presentation to design students at Waukesha County Technical College in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

I have said it once, and I will say it again…come to the 6th Annual Milwaukee Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show September 30th - October 2nd at The Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Support furniture, art and accessories that are Made in America. Meet talented craftsmen. Learn the unique story behind each piece of furniture. Have fun, look around, and maybe buy a piece or two…or make a connection with someone who can make the perfect something for your home.

Join us!

I hope to see you there!

July Gallery Night offers a sneak peek of the 6th Annual Milwaukee Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show on July 29 & 30, 2011.

Over fifteen of the show’s exhibitors will have their work on display at the Milwaukee School of Art & Design (MIAD) Friday from 5pm -9pm and Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Gallery Night will offer a preview of what visitors can look forward to seeing September 30 – October 2, 2011 when the show returns to The Garage, the special exhibit building, at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Featured Gallery Night Exhibitors:

Anthony Kajfez, A.K. Artistry – Pleasant Prairie, WI

Dennis Bork, Antiquity Period Designs, Ltd. – Delafield, WI

Dwayne Sperber Furniture Maker – Delafield, WI

Paul Morrison, The Wood Cycle – Oregon, WI

Dale Osowski, Timberwerks Studio - Mequon, WI

Mary Obodzinski, Studio 1136, Inc. – Crystal Lake, IL

Kathleen & Dale Eggert, Eggert Glass – Shorewood, WI

Mick Biersach, Wisconsin Woodgrains LLC – Pewaukee, WI

Richard Hoffstedt, Cherry Canyon Designs – Spring Lake, MI

Dan Dricken – Milwaukee, WI

Mark Cherry Cabinets – Allenton, WI

Ed Gilbertson & Chris Scharpf, Gilbertson’s Stained Glass Studio – Lake Geneva, WI

Martin Vertacnik – Milwaukee, WI

Tricia Shay Photography – Oconomowoc, WI

Steven Puetzer Photography – Oconomowoc, WI

In addition to these new and past exhibitors, MIAD students, faculty, and alumni will have a collection of furnishings on display.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to win a Gallery Night Door Prize donated by Gilbertson’s Stained Glass Studio. In addition, a custom bench/coffee table designed and handcrafted by Wisconsin craftsman Dale Osowski will be on display. This piece was part of the recent Breast Cancer Showhouse and will be the Grand Door Prize at the fall show (value $850).

GALLERY NIGHT DETAILS:

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

273 E. Erie Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Friday, July 29^th from 5pm – 9pm

Saturday, July 30^th from 10am – 4pm

FALL SHOW DETAILS:

6th Annual Milwaukee Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show

The Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum – Milwaukee, WI

400 West Canal Street (Crossroads of 6^th and Canal Streets)

www.harley-davidson.com

September 30 – October 2, 2011

Friday 4 pm – 8 pm

Saturday 10 am – 6 pm

Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

Tickets: Adult one day $10, two days $15, children under 12 free

Website: www.FineFurnishingsShows.com

Telephone: 401-816-0963

I met Sue Shunta of Fresh Design when we were both starting our businesses…almost eight years ago. I was blown away by her then, and I am again now. Somehow we lost contact until I was recently thinking about just the right touches for my client’s open house. A modern house needs modern flowers, and if you go to www.freshdesignflowers.com you will see what I am talking about.

Sue, it was great connecting with you — Thank you for the perfect arrangements for the egg design group! I can’t wait to catch up and see your studio.

Introducing–the egg design group.

Passion, creativity, hard work, and dedication have paid off for Lynn Tarrence. She launches her design firm with a home renovation in Bayside. Check it out this Saturday and Sunday (July 16 & 17) from 1-4 pm. These photos don’t do it justice. I have loved every minute of my time in the house and have light fixture envy!

Thanks to my friends Brian and Aga Artka, I am reading a variety of business and technology books from the Artka Library. It seems like the perfect time to dig a littler deeper into a variety of topics and get inspired by motivated individuals and successful companies. My recent list of completed books include:

Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

twitter means business: how microblogging can help or hurt your company by Julio Ojeda-Zapata

The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk

Crush It!: Why NOW is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk

I am still digesting all of the information to decide what makes sense for me and my business. I find myself sharing snippets of information daily with my clients as we continue to define how social media fits into their strategic marketing plans. These books reinforced my belief that social media has a valuable place  in an overall marketing plan. Each client will use the tools differently to support specific goals and objectives. The key is embracing these new tools and being authentic. This technology provides a wealth of opportunities and endless networking possibilities.

I am loving all of the possibilities!

Now…I better get back to the next book on my list!

KL Communications is pleased to announce the esteemed panel of judges for the 3^rd Annual Baltimore Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show Best in Show Awards sponsored by Rockler Woodworking and Hardware.

Dr. Oscar P. Fitzgerald (Alexandria, VA) – Historian, author, lecturer and consultant on American and European decorative arts, fine art, architecture and maritime history.

Patrick Sutton (Baltimore, MD) – President of Patrick Sutton Associates, specializing in luxury residential and signature hospitality projects.

Holly Frye-Atcherson, ASID (Annapolis, MD) – President/Owner of Interiors By Design and President of the Maryland Chapter of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)

(more…)

Everyone is looking forward to the show!