On the Cover: “Elements,” gourd vessel created and designed by Kathleen and Steve Arndts of Dayton, Ohio, who say their work is inspired by the rich history of Native Americans. The designs are drawn and then scored into the vessel with a pyrographic pen. The vessel is then painted, stained and sealed for permanence.. Photo by Jerry Anthony (www.jerryanthonyphoto.com). DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Journal CraftScene • Feedback • Craft exhibition marks anniversary of September 11 • More than soybeans growing in Illinois • What else can go wrong? Don’t ask! Insight: Marketing Gourds • Artists share their insights about making a living selling gourds — plus resources • 2003 Insight Survey • Making a living as a gourd artist: An interview with John Sturgeon of the American Gourd Society Regional Profile: Connecticut & New York • Traditional meets cutting-edge in crafts • Regional shows • Gallery & retail opportunities Gallery Profiles • Gallery 33, Portland, Oregon Craft Showcase Public Opinion How do you prevent burnout?

TABLE OF CONTENTS September 2002 Features Medicine for the Soul by Paula Chaffee Scardamalia Profile in Success — Bringle Sisters: Twin talents by Sue Wasserman Online Exclusive: Sharolyn Herring used to paint pumpkins every October and sell them at various fall festivals. It became difficult to keep up with the demand, and even more difficult to haul around truckloads of pumpkins. In her unquenchable quest for new ideas, Herring began to incorporate gourds into her autumn pumpkin ventures. Today Herring runs Avant Gourde, Art from the Earth, which features work ranging from elegant wildlife art and vessels, to intricately themed functional birdhouses. Columns Crafts Photography Singing the slide-labeling blues by Steve Meltzer Business Wise What’s hot on the Web by Daniel Grant Crafts Marketing Make the most of your 15 minutes of fame: Mastering the media interview by Kara Laughlin Show Business If you light it, they will shop: Part II of a three-part series on booth makeovers by Bruce Baker Crafts Law Are all those trips tax deductible? by Richard Stim Crafts Finance Avoid future shock with a retirement plan by Bonnie Ayers Namkung Business Wise Don’t let the trail of leads go cold by Mary Strope Crafts Retailer Booming business on America’s last frontier by Grace Butland