Sick on my big 5 days off... BLAH!

Well, I had 5 days off from work that I just couldn't wait for it to happen. Now that it's here, I'm so SICK! Needless to say, no beads this week. I was really hoping I would feel better today but it just won't go away.

So, I've been keeping to my promise...

I've been busy making beads and going to local art shows. Having a great time. I moved my studio to my mother-in-law's house to have it indoors and I've been busy setting it up. I'm super excited to get to use it. I'll have peace and quiet and "my own" time to just create. I'm thinking this is going to be a big step forward in my bead-making career. I'm hoping to get to do this full-time and hopefully do some art shows and start selling online when I get a fancy dancy website. I guess I should add that my goal also this year to "BE HAPPY". I'm doing that by making my dream a reality. It'll be slow, but steady progress. I guess I should make the next goal to clean my beads and take some damn pictures, already to liven up my blog, huh?

Ringing in the New Year... What's YOUR Resolution?

Every year it's the same thing, lose weight, get fitter, cut carbs. As much as I should do it, I don't wanna fail again. So this year its a little different. This wasn't planning on being a resolution. Actually, I hadn't even thought about a resolution until this moment. I wanted to write about my plan. And then got to thinking what today is. Now it's a deal. I'm making a deal with myself to get out to the torch 2 days a week. I work 3 days a week, 12 hour days. If I get out there 2 days a week, I'll still have 2 days off. I also figured out that if I make 25 beads a day, that will be 200 beads a month. Can you say, wow? I can't even fathum that. Mainly because when I think about it, I get overwhelmed. But not this time. Its not a short term goal like the usual, it's a long term goal. I'd like to do my first real show in September. And then do one each month through the holidays. I'm also going to be working on some web design classes to get that up and running as well. So.......

200 BEADS A MONTH! WOOHOO!

I'd like to see the different variations of beads I come up with. Hopefully, few mindblocks.

So..... what's your resolution?

How do people get the time?

I've been dieing to get to the torch lately but life just hasn't let me. Hence the lack of posts. I view my favorite blogs of bead and jewelry designers and I see post after post of beautiful work. I wonder how many of them have little kiddos or work full time or are full time designers. And if they are full time designers, how do they get started to be able to do it full time with lack of funds to begin with. I work full time, which is really 3 days a week, 12 hour days. I have 4 days off unless I put in overtime, then its 3 days off. Of course, I can't torch during the day because I have my 2 year old and even if hubby is home, I want to spend time with them. When he naps, I want to nap. I occasionally get out there at nap time but usually it takes awhile to get my mojo going and by then time its going, he's awake. It's either that or I'm just not feeling it and I stop after 2 beads. He doesn't fall asleep until late, about 10pm and then its mostly too late to get get started on anything. When I think about well, I can make jewelry inside, he would be so in the midst of it all, getting into it all and then the disappearing tools, oh my! Yea, that won't work. So how do you get the time? I really want to, but there's always a "but". Any suggestions?

Busy Happy Days

I've been busy lately... trying to find the meaning of life. LOL, not. Actually, been working overtime when I can and trying to get my life in order to finally finish college. Yes, I have my Associates Degree, but I want a Masters. Life is settling down finally since the move and its time to get it done. The kids are doing great in school. Its time for Mommy. I'll be studying for my GRE and taking a review coarse to make sure I do well. Then it'll be time to study for the CCRN while I take Chemistry II and finish my BSN courses. I'd like to apply for my Masters to start January 2012. Classes aren't cheap though so I'm trying to work overtime to pay for it. I've been getting out to the torch and working on some basic beads, different shapes, etc. Beadmaking is such fun. I'll be squeezing the torch in when I can for some stress relief. Mesmerizing the flame. Ahhhh....

Happy 4th of July

Well, we are partially moved in. Pool is clear. It will still be a long while before I can make beads. There is much to do around the house. We have to paint the boys' rooms and buy new furniture. It's a bigger home so we have a few empty rooms, plus there was some furniture we just were tired of and got rid of or it was just too big. I also have a studio desk in mind for my torch that I want to make. That will be a lot of sawing, sanding, nailing, screwing, painting, etc. We'll be cooking out today and enjoying the pool. Hope you have a Happy 4th of July!

Moving In

Well, we found a really big, gorgeous place with a pool and we are moving in as we speak. The "men" are doing all the work. My father-in-law went into the hospital after I had to do CPR and has been in the ICU since. He may be coming home to stay with us if he has to stay on a breathing machine. You know the saying "everything happens for a reason"? Well, this all occurred for a reason. We got lucky and found this place that has room for everyone and not be cramped. I may not get back to making beads for awhile but that's ok. There are more important things at the moment. I just may go to a lot of bead shows instead. Hehe! I gotta get my fix somehow! Anyways, the guys are calling...