Snow that stuck. Not too common in the South, its usually ice. Well, we have both, so I am home bound and beadilicious! Looking out my window, the street is all ice and my neighbors haven't been able to drive up the hill. My 4x4 is in the garage, because I know that 4 wheel drive doesn't help with ice. Someone hasn't passed along that message! Guy is at work because people are crazy. Anyway.
Lots to tell you about! I just posted 2 new necklaces today, both different for me. Do I always say that? Well, I like to make things that make me happy, so who knows from one day to the next what that will be. The first one is an illusion multi-strand. Thats different for me because all that individual crimping makes me bonkers and I usually end up ruining a strand three quarters through. Just enough to really piss you off! But I perservered, and it is pretty damn gorgeous if I do say so. Go check out Etsy and see!
The second involves a big felt flower. Big.Felt.Flower! I discovered felt and flower making this past week (that is what I was talking about last post, thanks V!), and oh boy, I love it. I have little daisies, and posies, and somethings, oh my. I have put some on pins and on hairclips, so expect that to show up soon. I am trying to tamp my enthusiasm and get some more jewelry up before I veer off into yet another new craft.
Might be doing my first craft show next month,so I really need to get some inventory and make a cohesive statement. See previous paragraph. Also need to vary my price point, and think about packaging.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Favors are not just for weddings
It hasn't been that long. Hush.
Nothing going on here. I can't seem to shake the guilt that when I spend time making something, I could be doing something more 'productive'. Not my definition of productive, or my spouse's, but the ubiquitous THEY. They always seem to be Debbie Downers! I am also in the phase of not believing that anyone actually likes what I make, but then I remember I do.
Finished some necklace/earring sets and posted one of them tonight. There is another necklace to post, but my camera battery died. Of course. It is recharging now with a martini and a massage, so it should be good to go in a few hours. I think it heard me drool over the SLR. Eep.
The bead order I was waiting for arrived, and spent some time sorting them. Love love LOVE it when the freebies you get are something totally unexpected and awesome. This time there was a 16" capiz bead strand, some rose quartz, and....a ruler lol.
As usual, there are some ideas banging around in my head that need to find a way out. I have a friend, V, who is so crafty she'd pwn Etsy. Hi V! I need to make it a priority to spend some time together because, well girl time, and also she might be able to help me with my ideas. So, look for that. Hint hint, I know you read this!
Well, as my battery is charging, its time for me to recharge with some nice pinot. Till next time (month!)
Nothing going on here. I can't seem to shake the guilt that when I spend time making something, I could be doing something more 'productive'. Not my definition of productive, or my spouse's, but the ubiquitous THEY. They always seem to be Debbie Downers! I am also in the phase of not believing that anyone actually likes what I make, but then I remember I do.
Finished some necklace/earring sets and posted one of them tonight. There is another necklace to post, but my camera battery died. Of course. It is recharging now with a martini and a massage, so it should be good to go in a few hours. I think it heard me drool over the SLR. Eep.
The bead order I was waiting for arrived, and spent some time sorting them. Love love LOVE it when the freebies you get are something totally unexpected and awesome. This time there was a 16" capiz bead strand, some rose quartz, and....a ruler lol.
As usual, there are some ideas banging around in my head that need to find a way out. I have a friend, V, who is so crafty she'd pwn Etsy. Hi V! I need to make it a priority to spend some time together because, well girl time, and also she might be able to help me with my ideas. So, look for that. Hint hint, I know you read this!
Well, as my battery is charging, its time for me to recharge with some nice pinot. Till next time (month!)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Taking the romance out
So, there is a relatively large bead order winding its way across the U.S. towards my humble little workspace. Mostly findings, and less fun stuff, but since the problem is not finishing the pieces I've made, they are a necessary evil.
I am hoping to get myself back in create mode starting Monday. Maybe it sounds funny, but it is something that has to be scheduled into my day, otherwise it can get lost in the mudane household stuff. Spending time being creative can make me feel guilty, since it is also such a 'me' time. Since not only its 'me' time, it can be hours of work with no finished product, or playing with new techniques, and even *gasp* organizing if nothing inspires me. This week I went into my work area and cleaned up my table, put away my tools, found homes for all the lone stragglers and things that could be used for practice. It felt good to be in there. What I have learned, though, is my laptop and cell phone need to stay OUT. Technology is great, but it also makes it so easy to be distracted or sidetracked.
What I'm wondering, is how others deal with making time to be creative, or just time for yourself. Is it something your schedule, or is it more organic and just happens? Do others understand when you need to take time out? Do you feel scheduling time for yourself to create 'takes the romance' out if the process?
ETA: I just spent some time working on my 'to be dealt with' pile, listening to Vivaldi and having a cup of tea. It was wonderful!
I am hoping to get myself back in create mode starting Monday. Maybe it sounds funny, but it is something that has to be scheduled into my day, otherwise it can get lost in the mudane household stuff. Spending time being creative can make me feel guilty, since it is also such a 'me' time. Since not only its 'me' time, it can be hours of work with no finished product, or playing with new techniques, and even *gasp* organizing if nothing inspires me. This week I went into my work area and cleaned up my table, put away my tools, found homes for all the lone stragglers and things that could be used for practice. It felt good to be in there. What I have learned, though, is my laptop and cell phone need to stay OUT. Technology is great, but it also makes it so easy to be distracted or sidetracked.
What I'm wondering, is how others deal with making time to be creative, or just time for yourself. Is it something your schedule, or is it more organic and just happens? Do others understand when you need to take time out? Do you feel scheduling time for yourself to create 'takes the romance' out if the process?
ETA: I just spent some time working on my 'to be dealt with' pile, listening to Vivaldi and having a cup of tea. It was wonderful!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
2010
Well, um, hello there. Long time no see. *kicks dirt with toe* Would it make it better if I admitted that the guilt of not writing has overwhelmed me?? No?? Hmm. Tough crowd.
To be honest, I haven't written because there was no momentum with intenyears. for the last few weeks. Holidays, stress, lack or creative energy all played a part. There was a post Christmas Eve, but it seemed kinda sad, and who wants to read that over the holidays? Everyone has their own problems to deal with, and this is supposed to be a blog about Creating! and Adventure! There were a few pies that were created, but this isn't a baking blog. Check out the awesomeness that is bakerella for that!
Today I posted my first items all on my own, from photography to finish. Yay! The Rock Candy necklace is the unfinished quartz previously blogged about, and the brass filigree was a remake of the necklace I have gotten SO many compliments on. In fact, it is the necklace that spurred me to get the business cards made up. Much classier than writing it in a cocktail napkin, but way less fun. Maybe they make bourbon-scented card stock?
As for the photography, we knew our camera was the sucketh, but thought it would suffice to start off. On New Years' Day I was able to play with a friends' SLR (Mom, not as bad as it sounds!), and OH.MY.WORD. Did not want to give it back. The ease!The focus!The clarity! Makes me want to weep. Plus, you just look like you know what you're doing with a camera like that in your hands. Then, today, back to reality and our old digi. I tried not to show Canon my disappointment, as it is not his fault and he snaps his little heart out. But, there is cheating in my heart. Its name is Nikon.
To be honest, I haven't written because there was no momentum with intenyears. for the last few weeks. Holidays, stress, lack or creative energy all played a part. There was a post Christmas Eve, but it seemed kinda sad, and who wants to read that over the holidays? Everyone has their own problems to deal with, and this is supposed to be a blog about Creating! and Adventure! There were a few pies that were created, but this isn't a baking blog. Check out the awesomeness that is bakerella for that!
Today I posted my first items all on my own, from photography to finish. Yay! The Rock Candy necklace is the unfinished quartz previously blogged about, and the brass filigree was a remake of the necklace I have gotten SO many compliments on. In fact, it is the necklace that spurred me to get the business cards made up. Much classier than writing it in a cocktail napkin, but way less fun. Maybe they make bourbon-scented card stock?
As for the photography, we knew our camera was the sucketh, but thought it would suffice to start off. On New Years' Day I was able to play with a friends' SLR (Mom, not as bad as it sounds!), and OH.MY.WORD. Did not want to give it back. The ease!The focus!The clarity! Makes me want to weep. Plus, you just look like you know what you're doing with a camera like that in your hands. Then, today, back to reality and our old digi. I tried not to show Canon my disappointment, as it is not his fault and he snaps his little heart out. But, there is cheating in my heart. Its name is Nikon.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Now Hiring: Personal Assistant
No snow for me. Not that upset, since winter is an over rated season IMO. Not really necessary, other than to piss you off, mess up your car, and cause lots of knee and elbow injuries. The whole thing is really a marketing tool for the dairy, wheat, and salt industries. Tell me that the threat of a snowflake on your local news channel doesn't create a run on bread and milk, and then the roads get covered in salt or brine, starting 2 days before? Exactly, think about it. The weather did force me to stay indoors and work on some necklaces. Oh, and it forced hot cocoa down my throat. Those extra marshmallows were pure evil.
If you read the blog, you know guy does the photography of my pieces. I create, and he does the rest. This time of year his primary job gets a bit hectic, so there has not been the time to get the photos set up, taken, edited, and posted. There are at least 10-12 pieces, many with earrings, that are on deck and ready to go. So, that means learning how to photograph my pieces. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But there are lightboxes, and shutter speeds, angles, tripods, and editing software thingies to deal with. I, to put in mildy, do NOT have the patience of a saint. Is that the sound of guy chuckling ?? He doesn't even know what I'm blogging about, its that bad. The game plan so far will be to have creative days, and posting days, and bonbon days. The main reason guy was doing the photography is, well, he's good at it, but also to keep me from getting bogged down in things other than creating. So, setting aside time for each task will probably be the best and most sanity-keeping way to get it all done. It can be difficult to keep to a schedule when you are working from home, so does anyone have a system to get it all done and not go crazy? Maybe a big dry erase board, or paper planner with my days marked out. There also has to be time set aside for housekeeping, and time for just me. I don't ask for much, do I?
If you read the blog, you know guy does the photography of my pieces. I create, and he does the rest. This time of year his primary job gets a bit hectic, so there has not been the time to get the photos set up, taken, edited, and posted. There are at least 10-12 pieces, many with earrings, that are on deck and ready to go. So, that means learning how to photograph my pieces. Sounds easy, doesn't it? But there are lightboxes, and shutter speeds, angles, tripods, and editing software thingies to deal with. I, to put in mildy, do NOT have the patience of a saint. Is that the sound of guy chuckling ?? He doesn't even know what I'm blogging about, its that bad. The game plan so far will be to have creative days, and posting days, and bonbon days. The main reason guy was doing the photography is, well, he's good at it, but also to keep me from getting bogged down in things other than creating. So, setting aside time for each task will probably be the best and most sanity-keeping way to get it all done. It can be difficult to keep to a schedule when you are working from home, so does anyone have a system to get it all done and not go crazy? Maybe a big dry erase board, or paper planner with my days marked out. There also has to be time set aside for housekeeping, and time for just me. I don't ask for much, do I?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Family Eyes
Brrr, its starting to feel like December, even here in the south. Now, anything below 75 degrees and the whining begins, but it will be in the 20's soon. So how am I coping? I headed straight for the local bead store, of course!
I stocked up on some things that were needed to finish a few projects that have been lying around, so that was a necessary purchase. But! They had a 50% table! And pretty new sparkly things! In orange! And pink! Orange has been my latest obsession, so a strand of orange beads on sale was a no-brainer. Pink I just love, but can't seem to work it into a design I like that isn't too twee. This pink would go perfectly with some unfinished rough quartz we picked up on our last trip, which is white with a hint of pink. The rough texture of the unfinished white quartz and the smooth shiny tiny pink quartz beads will go excellent together, IMO. Plus, now I know that they are having a huge Boxing Day Sale. Important info to have.
The holidays are coming up, so of course most of my projects have been for gifts. It is really stressful to make something to give to family! You worry about every single detail, things that no mortal eyes would even notice. But family eyes, family eyes would notice, or so you believe. Honestly, they probably would overlook any flaws and love it just because I made it for them, but still. Anyone else feel more pressure when making gifts for family, or is it just me?
I stocked up on some things that were needed to finish a few projects that have been lying around, so that was a necessary purchase. But! They had a 50% table! And pretty new sparkly things! In orange! And pink! Orange has been my latest obsession, so a strand of orange beads on sale was a no-brainer. Pink I just love, but can't seem to work it into a design I like that isn't too twee. This pink would go perfectly with some unfinished rough quartz we picked up on our last trip, which is white with a hint of pink. The rough texture of the unfinished white quartz and the smooth shiny tiny pink quartz beads will go excellent together, IMO. Plus, now I know that they are having a huge Boxing Day Sale. Important info to have.
The holidays are coming up, so of course most of my projects have been for gifts. It is really stressful to make something to give to family! You worry about every single detail, things that no mortal eyes would even notice. But family eyes, family eyes would notice, or so you believe. Honestly, they probably would overlook any flaws and love it just because I made it for them, but still. Anyone else feel more pressure when making gifts for family, or is it just me?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Holiday Baubles
The Thanksgiving holiday is over, house is back to just us, and my lungs have firehosed the soccer hooligans. Back to work time it is. Make sure you check the sidebar listing, as there are quite a few new pieces to post, new gorgeous gewgaws to work with, and of course you'll want to be updated since it is the season of giving! What better gift than something handmade, that is as unique as the person you are giving it to. Can you tell I used to work for a social expressions company? No? Good.
On an exciting note (at least for me), my new business cards arrived this past Friday. They are so awesome and it makes me feel 'legit'. It feels much more professional to have this beautiful card to hand out when someone tells me they like what I'm wearing, instead of writing it on a napkin or trying to find a non-awkward way of promoting my website. Some have already been handed out to friends, visiting family, and the woman at the bead shop we stumbled upon during our latest adventure. Yes, I said adventure. I am going to let the Guy talk about that in his next post. It should be quite a read.
Are you wondering what I've been working on? Since the holiday season often includes lots of events and parties, what better way to get more mileage out of that LBD than some fun jewelry sets? And guys? We girls would *LOVE* it if you bust out a cutely decorated jewelry box as we're getting ready for a night out. Colorful chokers, earrings, semi-precious stones and bright copper to really get noticed amongst all the tinsel. I really seem to be drawn to working with copper, it seems to showcase the gems just that little bit more than silver or gold, and people definitely seem to notice it more. It is just warmer.
In other words, come check out all the fun and pretty stuff that will be posted soon. We are very excited here about the next few weeks, and hope you will love the new stuff, too.
On an exciting note (at least for me), my new business cards arrived this past Friday. They are so awesome and it makes me feel 'legit'. It feels much more professional to have this beautiful card to hand out when someone tells me they like what I'm wearing, instead of writing it on a napkin or trying to find a non-awkward way of promoting my website. Some have already been handed out to friends, visiting family, and the woman at the bead shop we stumbled upon during our latest adventure. Yes, I said adventure. I am going to let the Guy talk about that in his next post. It should be quite a read.
Are you wondering what I've been working on? Since the holiday season often includes lots of events and parties, what better way to get more mileage out of that LBD than some fun jewelry sets? And guys? We girls would *LOVE* it if you bust out a cutely decorated jewelry box as we're getting ready for a night out. Colorful chokers, earrings, semi-precious stones and bright copper to really get noticed amongst all the tinsel. I really seem to be drawn to working with copper, it seems to showcase the gems just that little bit more than silver or gold, and people definitely seem to notice it more. It is just warmer.
In other words, come check out all the fun and pretty stuff that will be posted soon. We are very excited here about the next few weeks, and hope you will love the new stuff, too.
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