It's been a while..

Yes, I know it's been a little while since my last post. I have honestly been in re-evaluation mode for the past 2 weeks. I go through this most every Spring. This issue lately has been price vs. business. At present, my prices are at their highest point and I am planning a huge price cut... 30-40% lower then what is currently listed.
So be on the look out!



See my whole collection at http://www.marionrenee.com

A Response to My Bags in Hong Kong....

I got some news from The LookBook today on how well my line is doing in Hong Kong. Her response was interesting, tell me what you think...

as per the LookBook: 

In fact, your handbag design is very special in Hong Kong, we don't have such kind of handpainted handbags widely sold. Customers, especially young and trendy ladies, love them so much. One handbag sold so far, some customers like your handbags but they need to think about it. You know, customers sometimes return later.

Some ladies think the bags are too thin, can't put many things in it, but some ladies who are more concern about the design definitely love the unique and trendy style.

I am excited that there is a place for my line! I'm cool with the ones who think it's too thin, I only sent clutches... they are typically thin. I am going to send larger bags in my shipment. More satchel like styles and a few totes. I think that will rule out that they are too thin statement. 

She also asked that I not put the date on the painting as some of the ladies feel like it's yesterday style but on the contrary, I paint whenever I paint then later design a bag. It's not always an immediate design, there are times when I gotta think about. So ladies, if you should purchase a handbag from me and see a date from 2 years or even 1 year ago, please note that that's the date of the painting not the date of the design. Who wouldn't thought that would have been an issue... not me. (I'm still signing them)

It's all good though, I am loving the feedback!!

The LookBook is located in the Peak Galleria in Hong Kong

See my whole collection at http://www.marionrenee.com

My camera fell down and went boom.. :(!

Well during a fun wrestling match with my honey my wonderful and reliable camera fell down and went boom. Honestly it was a sad thing because we didn't realize it until it was time to take pics of a new bag (it's my preview of what's to come for this year).

I took a picture with my camera phone but there's no flash and a horrible reflective shine right on the front.

I am so very sad that I do not have a better picture to debut with. We are on our way to getting a new camera but there are so many choices, we are looking for the best one to suit our needs (it has to take clear shots and have lots of features).

My camera phone is not horrible but it leaves alot to be desired. Good bye dear sweet Olympus camera, you took great pictures and was so very easy to use.. you were just dropped one to many times. You will be missed... :(.

The bag is titled "Aqua Tribal Tattoo". Basically this is what a tattoo would look like in my tribe. There will be many more of this type design to come. This particular bag is mine but will be redone... of course each one is hand done so they are all one of a kind. I've got a bad smoked orange tribal tattoo clutch on it's way and a fierce bright yellow big bag on it's off my table. Hopefully I will have the new camera by the time they are done so I can share them with you. This bag will retail in the neighborhood of $120 to $400; depending on size and interior details that are needed. This bag has 8 pockets interior pockets and a large area. I am completely organized yet compact.

See my whole collection at http://www.marionrenee.com 
(This bag has not yet been posted to website)

Finally, it's been shipped!

Well, I finally shipped my items off to debut in Hong Kong. I guess I find it a bit strange to list "The LookBook in Hong Kong" as one of the boutiques that host my line but after all the rejection and strange business practices in the states with small shops, small minded owners and awful PR firms, this is a welcomed change.
I honestly am keeping my head to the sky on this one and by faith, standing on... well faith. There isn't much  I can do really. God is the only one that will establish me and that what I have to keep reminding myself day after day. No one has my best interest in mind like He does. I am a blessed woman.
I sent clutches playing it kinda safe with those.. I figure that they could be easy sells in the shop and can help get people interested in my line without a large financial commitment.
Here are a few pics of what I sent:

See my whole collection at http://www.marionrenee.com

Taking a short break...

After a crazy week last week, this week I have been taking it a little easier, re-evaluating my strategies for my upcoming ventures (Hong Kong, Las Vegas, The San Diego Museum of Art...?). I feel a need to take my time and really make every little thing count. Every stitch, every zipper, every buckle to every rivet... it's kinda hard to explain but I have a clearer vision and have my eye on the prize.

I say all of that to say I've been looming. I find it very relaxing and thought provoking. Here's a cute shrug "Knit Sleeve" on a cute model I got a chance to work with last summer. I really loved her confidence. It makes all the difference.
Also, what I have discovered it that I have free range over the work I produce and I don't think I really realized that. I feel so very compelled to do what the season dictates but with paint, you kinda make your own season within the seasin. For instance, I can make a color my fashion statement, a beautiful face or even a particular object, such as a flower or heart or sphere. I guess I am saying, I'm going to do it my way like I did in the beginning... Looking forward to this new year with all of it's possibilities.

Praises to the King!

.....Good night



See my whole collection at http://www.marionrenee.com

Back from Palm Springs...

Well as some of you know, I had my 1st show of the year in Palm Springs, CA... The Talmadge Art Show. Unfortunately, sales were not high for not only me but several other people. I spent the day encouraging myself and many others, telling them that this was the 1st show in Palm Springs and it will take some time for us to become as popular as we are in San Diego and Encinitas. 

I did get some really good reviews from many people about my collection and lots of people took my card so who knows what the future could bring... ;).

I'm happy with my new set up as it is not at all as full as I had hoped it looked (the space was a little smaller then I expected) but I did the best with what I had... here's a few pictures:

 

Surprisingly, these were taken with my camera phone and came out pretty ok. My normal set up will have more walls, no table and several display shelves. I look forward to setting up my ideal "Mobile Boutique", as my husband has coined it. I will post pictures as soon as I can on that.

My new sign got a lot of great responses and one vendor has put in an order for one for her booth....

Go Kenneth!! (http://KDBWoodworking.com)

All in all it was a nice weekend, the weather was unbelievably beautiful with the sun shiny brightly, cool breezes flowing softly and gorgeous snow capped mountain views. I love going out of town even if it's just for the weekend.

Thanks Linda for the awesome birthday/Christmas present... the digital photo picture was the perfect touch!

See my whole collection at http://www.marionrenee.com

One of my bags listed in a treasury on ETSY.COM.. I consider this a great honor!!
See which one was picked!


http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=87205

See my whole collection at http://www.marionrenee.com