2010~The year in review~

Looking back, it has been a year of ups and downs. I'm sure many will agree with me. It's been difficult financially, while working part-time and trying to build a jewelry business in a poor economy. This year has been filled with many emotional difficulties, and a few relationship issues too. I now realize that I did not journal as much as I had liked to. It is so therapeutic! I actually go my calendar off the wall to look back on events from the past year.
Speaking of my jewelry business; it has been a year of learning and growth. I've managed to get my jewelry into 3 local retail locations; 2 of which have prospered this year. I've discovered new venues to showcase my work, and took part in more arts and crafts shows this year than I originally thought I could manage to do. It is good to push yourself sometimes, just to see how much you can accomplish.
~Things I've learned~
No matter how much networking you do on-line with your product line, it is much easier to sell in person.
It's worth the investment to purchase a "knuckle buster", otherwise known as a manual credit card processor.
Having less doesn't mean you have to be unhappy.
Time is precious.
Be grateful for all the things and blessings you receive; every little small one counts!
Don't be afraid to be yourself! and
Don't give up before the miracle happens!
I wish you all a safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous new year with many blessings!

Heigh ho, heigh ho........

I'm busy as a bee! Working on lots of new jewelry items soon to be listed in my Etsy shop. Also, restocking local shops that my work is featured in. I'm currently waiting for some new supplies to arrive so I can create some new designs with design stamps, new discs and new patterns.
Currently, I'm running a special in my Etsy shop:


This is an automatic discount that you will see when you get to the check out page. Don't forget to check out my sale section for great deals also.
Want to check out my jewelry live and in person? If you are in Florida, you can find my work at these locations:
Clay and Paper in Dunedin
The Art Expo in St. Pete Beach
Bo-tiki in Gulfport.
See ya soon!

Etsy Blogger's features~Pruitthandcrafts!

It's that time again; welcome and meet Linda of Pruitthandcrafts! Linda stays busy with her many grandchildren and making handcrafted quilts, pillows, children's items and more! Currently she has 3 shops on Etsy:
Pruitt Creations:
featuring quilts, pillows, hand crafted Christmas ornaments and decorations.

Pruitt Design: featuring some pretty flower earrings and other jewelry items, some having a vintage style. Pssst! You can get many deals right now in this shop, as Linda will be closing it in January. A great time to stock up on some nice gift items!

And Pruitt Supply:
An interesting mix of buttons, fabrics and more.
Here's just a couple of my favorite picks:


http://www.etsy.com/listing/34296112/santas-bag-wall-hanging-hand-quilted


http://www.etsy.com/listing/52488557/i-love-cats-buttons-and-flatbacks-for
(You know I had to pick these!)
To learn more about Linda, check out her blog here. Enjoy!

Power Thoughts by Joyce Meyer~ a book review

As a follow up to her bestselling book, “Battlefield of the Mind”, Joyce Meyer once again brings us a power packed book with 12 strategies to win the battle of the mind. In her usual easy to read style, Joyce explains the power of positive thinking, and working with your own mind, to change negative thinking into positive, on purpose thinking, so that we may live the happy, joyous lives that Jesus wants us to live. This is the overall message in part one of the book.
Part two, explains the actual power thoughts program. Joyce lists 12 power thoughts, with scriptural references and quotes. Each chapter is dedicated to one power thought. Joyce uses personal examples to help us identify with each thought, as well as, sections called, “Think about it”, where we get to ponder over a question relating to the power thought, and write out our thoughts and answers.
“This book is not meant to be read only once”, Joyce says. Her recommendation is to read the book through once, then go back and work each power thought; one a week; for 12 weeks. She gives suggestions on how to accomplish this with many different methods that will exercise your mind and brings these power thoughts into habit.
I am ready, and willing to start the “12 week plan” for success!

Show roundup

I hesitated to write this post today. This is the first day I've gotten to sit down in many days! Really! I guess I'm feeling a little guilty, as I know there are many things that I should be doing instead. Like cleaning my house, finishing a custom order, which I did promise for this week, doing yoga, the list could go on.
But, I wanted to share my show roundup photos for 2010, since this past Sunday was officially my last show of the year.
Two weekends ago I did the Tres' Holizaar show. An indoor event at a local art gallery. I did this show last year and enjoyed it greatly! This year's event was also good and profitable! People were shopping like crazy!


(I'm standing behind my table in my little corner of the studio.)

There were many of the same artists showing their wares and creations this year, plus some new ones as well.




This past Sunday, I took part in Safety Harbor Kiwanis Club's annual winter arts and crafts show. This is a very popular and highly attended show. Unfortunately, the weather forecast was not good. This show takes place outdoors on Main Street, close to Tampa Bay. All week long I watched the weather forecast for the weekend. The prediction was for a cold front to move in on Sunday. Starting with rain, winds, and rapidly dropping temperatures. Wait a minute- I'm in Florida right?
So I prepared well, packed supplies for the weather, dressed in layers, and kept a positive attitude.
The morning started out sunny, and not too bad.

(People setting up to open)


(Setting up the booth. I shared a booth with my friend, Carol who does seed beading and works with polymer clay. She is setting up her display here.)


(A pretty flower shop that was on Main Street behind our booth.)

We had some morning traffic and sales were pretty good, then it got dark and cloudy.
And the rains came.

(our booth with the blue top)


(covering up)


(This doesn't look like sunny Tampa Bay!)
Luckily there was a Starbucks right across the street, so I got some good hot coffee!
Overall, we both did o.k., considering the weather, which kept people away. The one's that did come out were disappointed as well, since they really enjoy this end of the year show. Many thanks to all those who did come out and my repeat customers as well. Happy holidays!

Countdown to showtime!

I've been feverishly working this week to create some new jewelry pieces to bring to my show this Sunday in Safety Harbor. I had a good show last weekend, and sold a lot of my inventory. I took some photos, but will wait until after this weekend's show and post them together.
Here are a few of the new earrings that will be appearing at this weekend's show.


Cute organic looking lampwork barrels with lapis and double bead caps, garnet and sterling silver, and copper discs.


Brass washer earrings and dapped and hand stamped copper with citrine.


Simple brass washer earrings, and sterling "flower drops". I'll be trying to finish more new earrings tomorrow and work on a custom order that I got at last weekend's show. Till then......

Come out on Sunday

To the "Studio @620" for "Tre's Holizaar".


It's the third annual indoor handmade arts and crafts event showcasing local artists and crafts people. Come join us for unusual gift items, lunch or a snack, and live jazz and blues music. Free admission.
Here is just a sampling of what you will find there.

Polly Perkins


The Crafty Hag


Norsk Woodshop


Boogie Baby


Kelly Love Designs

My personal Etsy wish list

This week's topic for Etsy's Blogger's blog carnival asks us to create a favorite wish list. So here are my personal favorites right now. Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55978129/puddles-earrings-sterling-silver


http://www.etsy.com/listing/59422544/pre-holiday-sale-layeredcabbage


http://www.etsy.com/listing/60679607/three-greeting-cards-psychedelic-gypsy


http://www.etsy.com/listing/59617371/spiralling-vines-bracelet


http://www.etsy.com/listing/51756831/floret-petals-chrysoprase-and-sterling


http://www.etsy.com/listing/62170409/tundra-sapphire-faceted-pear


http://www.etsy.com/listing/57260292/high-grade-green-chrometourmaline