Christmas Blues?

I am down in the dumps this evening and I have no idea why. I have had a really great few weeks in business, my daughter was ultra sweet today, my husband is great, my new dishwasher rocks but somehow still feeling a bit sad at the moment... I think that I am worried about being in business for myself. My husband has been really supportive and my sales have been scared but I am scared that things will fall through the floor after Christmas. I know that I should have confidence in myself and stay positive but right now, in this very moment I am filled with self doubt. Sometimes I think I am my own worst enemy :(

Life is good right now. I have rolled out a new line of bracelets, the fabric cuff! I am really pleased with them so far and I am enjoying designing them. They are made with aluminum base so they are adjustable but not flimsy. I have been adding different fabrics and embellishments (flowers, cames, rhinestones etc) and I really enjoy how creative I can be with them. I think they will be popular sellers. Guess I will just have to wait and see! My legs are killing today. It's for a good reason though. I recently started riding again after a three year interruption. I absolutely love horses and I never thought I would be on the back of one again after havung broken my knee very badly. Horses are good for my heart and soul though and I am really happy to be around them again. Business is good. Of course this is the season for gift buying and I have been quite busy! My biggest seller this year is the customized, stamped jewellery. I have been making dozens of pieces a week. I am thrilled with how many repeat customers I have been getting as well. Over the years I have really tried to pay attention to what wasn't working with my designs and how I could improve my craftmanship. I will never say my learning is done in this area but I know I have come along way. It is really nice to have customers keep coming back because they are satisfied. I would say that is one of my favourite things in business! I want to take a new direction in 2012. I am thinking that I would like to change the types of shows I am doing. I like the Maker's Market/Art Crawls in Hamilton and would like to participate in the Handmade Market in Niagara but outside of that, I may look at a few Art in the Park shows and that is it. The smaller craft type shows tend to attract vendors who aren't actually crafting, they are importing goods and calling them hand crafted. The ones that are actually making their goods tend to be in categories that don't compliment what I am selling. For that reason, I don't think I am reaching my target market with these events anymore. I think I will sit down early in the new year and really make a plan of action for my show calendar. With a few changes, I am sure it will pay off.

Bursting with Creative Excitement

Happy Halloween everyone! Just a short post today. Lately I have been dreaming about jewellery. Bracelets in particular. I have ordered supplies and will soon be releasing a new line that I am soooo excited about. It will be different from anything else I have made. They will be big and bold. Stay tuned, they should be ready to go in about 2 weeks....

This is Heaven

I think that right now I am exactly where I need to be in life. My business is going well, I am getting my health in order (facing things that I had been hiding from for a while) and my family is happy and well. Today I was looking at this thing where you randomly choose a card which gives you a supposed lucky number, colour and a little statement that is supposed to be geared for you. Of course it could all be a boat load but everything that I got totally did seem to fit. I got a shimmering, sparkling soft red for the colour (love!), the number 5 (which has always been my favourite) and the statement was "stop doubting, stop searching. you are right where you should be. this is heaven" Well who am I to argue with such a statement? I'll take it! Some times this does indeed feel like Heaven.

Unexpected Inspiration

Steve Jobs passed away yesterday. Until I heard about it on the news and saw it on facebook I didn't pay much mind to who he was. I knew vague things about his past, including his involvement with Apple. I knew he recently retired and that was about it. Obviously many other people knew much more about him and were deeply saddened by his death. Because of all of this, I have learned so much more about this man. I have read his quotes and become aware of his opinions. He was truly amazing in both his accomplishments and how he inspired others. I can now say that I am one of those people inspired but his words. I found a lot of meaning and understanding in what he said. I am less afraid today to follow my gut and I feel more confident in trusting myself. Steve Jobs was a true inspiration. I am sad that he is gone and sad that I didn't learn more about him while he was alive,

My Studio

Eight years ago we moved into this house. The spare room upstairs once housed all of my husband's spare "crap". It was then our dog's bedroom and for a short while it was a guest bedroom. Through out all of those years I never spent a lot of time in that room but now it is the birth place for all of my designs and the place where I spend my quality alone time. I have filled it with gorgeous things that I love and of course my wicked bead collection. Today I was thinking bcak on all of those years when that room really meant nothing to me. I had no idea what it would become or how much I would grow to love it!

Getaway

We just had a lovely getaway to Horseshoevalley and Blue Mountain. I loved the vibe at Blue Mountain especially> It felt like instant "laid back" mode. I saw so many places that would be ideal for my business as well. I wish we could relocate out that way! The drive home however, was horrendous. Nearly 4 hours of bumper to bumper traffic. It was crazy. I did see my Dad and his wife for lunch though and it was nice. My Dad is growing a beard which is something he has never done and he totally doesn't even look like my Dad any more. I did realize I miss him though!

Heat Wave

Okay, I am not complaining because I certainly would rather sun over snow but a little rain and maybe a little humidity break would be good.
That being said, life is good. I have managed to get the house somewhat sorted out and I have been making lots of great jewellery. I am also going to be able to say this evening that for the first time, in possibly 2 months, I have caught up on all of my jewellery orders. Now I am on to get more!
Actually, I have started a list of things I would like to do for the business. It includes everything from looking into new shows to looking into new price tags. I think it will be a list that gets added to forever but it will help keep me focused as I work from home and it will challenge me to always find ways to grow my business.
Last night I made this fun little bracelet. It is definitely a favourite of mine!

Return to the Gym

Well, one of the goals that I had set out for myself for when I was leaving my job and working for myself full time was to try and get into some sort of shape (other than round). This week I have officially made a stab at it. I have eaten a lot less junk (although still more than I should have) and I have started back at the gym. I am so glad to be going back to the gym. Not only am I finally getting some use out of something that I have paid for and not even set foot in for months, but I was also re-introduced to that fabulous feeling you get from accomplishing something good. I have been for the last two days (I know it is nothing to write home about but it"s a start) and each day I have worked up a sweat doing cardio and then exhausted my muscles with weights. I have gotta say, it feels great!
Another goal I had for when I transitioned to working for myself was to keep my house spic and span. Sadly, this has yet to happen. Maybe next week...

Life is Good!

Things are going quite well. This summer has seen some beautiful weather so far and we are doing out best to get our and enjoy it. We went to Sauble Beach as a family and Piper loved the water! It is such a beautful beach.
Business is going great! I have been doing really well with the wholesale orders. I still need to work out time management though. I struggle with down time and creating realistic timelines.
That being said, I had a wonderful spa day today! I got an hour massage and a facial. I loved all of it (except the painful extraction part of the facial...yikes!)
Last Friday I was part of an art crawl in the city of Hamilton and it was great. I made some sales and got loads of compliments. Always good for the self esteem :)
I am taking a booth at the Makers Market on Saturday. I don't have the highest of hopes as I have heard it can be slow but I am still looking forward to it.
Pictured below is the latest addition to the equine line. a super-cute snaffle bit bracelet:

Sweet Little Delights

I made these sweet little earrings today and I think they are adorable! They are made with light weight aluminum discs and are hand stamped. I sell them for $15 a pair or two pairs for $25. How cute are they?

Just gotta say...

this working for myself thing rocks! So far, so good!
Long weekend coming up and we are off to Sauble Beach for a few days. In the mean time I have some orders rolling in and some great ideas for teh future. So exciting!
My house is still a mess though :{

Freedom

After much talking about, much dreaming about it and even much blogging about it....Freedom is HERE!
Today was my last day of working for someone else! It was bittersweet. I am happy to be out of a job that I didn't love and happy to be following a dream. I have to admit though that were tiny moments through out the day, as I sat in my office at work and looked around for one of the last times that I was maybe a smidgen sad that I wouldn't be part of things anymore and maybe a smidgen worried that it could be a mistake.
Honestly though...I am feeling excited. I have lots of orders on my board and a great future plan.
I am also excited because I just bought this last week:

Friday Funny

What did one saggy breast say to the other saggy breast?



We better get some support soon before people think we're nuts!

Self Employed in 16 days!

So my last day at my day job keeps getting modified and it is driving me nuts!! You know when you are done with something and excited to move on, it is really hard to stay focused on the task at hand!
In any event, the count down is on. June 27th is my last day of work and then I am on to bigger and better things. I am working on my action plan to keep me focused but I have to confess that one of the first days off will be spent with a little spa time. I think I deserve it after working my buns off at a business and job for 18 months. A strange thing is that I am no longer scared to death to take this step. Just really, really excited about the future!
In any event, life is grand. I have a new deck and patio furniture that my family and I are loving each day. It has made me like my house a lot more than I was doing before :) I also heard from a friend that I was very close with and had a falling out with months ago. It was a brief email a few weeks ago and nothing since. I hope we'll evebtually figure things out as I miss her. These things take time though and I am cool with that.
I have been making some new designs lately too and I feel like my creativity wants to explode. I make my start at the Maker's Market next month and am looking forward to trying it out.
Happy June everyone (but may the 27th hurry right along!)

The Countdown is on!

My last day of work will be June 18th which means I have exactly 17 days left of work. I am sooooo excited (and not even a little bit sad)! The nice thing (sorta) is that most people say that when they transition from being an employee to be self employed they really miss the people they got to work with. Right now things aren't overly pleasant in my work environment. People are being quite nasty and that makes leaving all the more delicious.
I do worry about crazy things. Like right now I don't get easily worked up. What many think is a big deal, I can take in stride because I am used to having so much on my plate. What if I turn into one of those crazy people that thinks every little thing is the end of the world? I don't want to be that person.Is this a stupid thing to worry about? Yes, I guess it really is.
Business is going good though. Wholesale orders are doing good and I have had three more this week. For Saturday I have been asked to come and showcase my equine line at a tack shop. Should be fun and hopefully it will drum up some business too!
As always, I wish I had more time to create. In just a few weeks though, I won't have this complaint!
And now I leave you with this...

Today I could really use a nap!

For I am exhausted! I am really, really looking forward to a break in my schedule and a little time to take a breath! This seven days a week thing is for the birds...
That being said, tonight I am off to a local event called "Get Your Feather On". The actual "feather" in question is quite a cool little thing that gets weaved into your hair and lasts several weeks. I am going to go with blue as I really like a shot of blue in my hair.
I am also appreciating the social and business benefits of networking in my community.
I am happy to announce that I am going to be taking part in the Maker's Market in Hamilton. It is an ongoing event dedicated to all things hand made and home grown. I am looking forward to meeting new people, selling my wares and having some fun!
I have been a busy bee working on custom orders lately and it hasn't left a lot of time for new designs (which makes me sad) but this weekend looks promising! Here is one of the few new things I have made:

OOOH LA LA

Well friends, I am taking the official plunge into self employment! I have given notice to my job and my last day is June 18th!
I have been talking about this for ages and wishing I could do it and now it has come to a point where I have to choose. I have secured a few more wholesale accounts and also managed to increase my number of private sales significantly as well so I am ready to run with it!
Of course, the reality is that I am scared to death. The money is rolling in nicely now but I know it won't be this way every month. That being said, I am so excited! I feel like someone has lifted two hundred pound weights off my shoulders!
I know this is going to mean a lot of work and I actually think I will work harder now than I ever have but it will be for me and it will be worth it.
I have learned so much in the past few years and am constantly still learning about making jewellery and about running a business. I like that end of it though, continuous learning. It keeps me on my toes!
My only regret over the past year is losing a dear friend and I think the business was a huge factor in it.
On a brighter note, here are some more recent designs:

Back on Track

I had sort of lost my mojo after returning from Jamaica. I wasn't putting a huge effort into Blushing Pixie when I got home and the result of that was a decrease in sales. Proud to say that I am back on track now (and I learned my lesson!). This weekend was a busy one. I had a show on Friday whoch was pretty good and I worked on two fair-sized custom orders over the weekend and am one necklace away (out of 21 pieces) from being done. Tonight I will get that last one done and celebrate with a glass of wine!
I had today off work and the extra long weekend was really nice! It was rainy out but I made jewellery with the window open and I really liked the fresh air coming into the studio.
I had a nice cup of earl grey lavendar tea this afternoon. That is my favourite kind of tea (just wish it was easier to find!). It made me a little sad though, thinking of a friendship I once had (we both loved that tea) and how it fell apart.

Birthday Baby

My sweet baby girl turned two today! She is such a delight and such a wonderful little person that I can't hardly remember life before her.
She had a rough start (medically) in life but now she is problem free and nothing short of amazing.
Happy Birthday Piper Shaw!

Brown but not Rested

So I am back from vacation. Jamaica was beautiful! The resort we stayed at had lots to offer in the way of pools, beaches, restaurants and entertainment but the rooms were kind of bad. We did have lots of fun though and enjoyed perfect weather every day.
I loved having the time off but sadly, just could not manage to de-stress. Usually when I go on vacation by day two I am relaxed, stress free and worried about nothing. That moment never really hit this time. I would say about 3/4's of the way through the week I started to sleep better and really enjoy my surroundings but I never had that feeling of full relaxation. I even treated myself to a severely priced massage in an effort to find bliss. It was great for that hour but stress found me again shortly after.
I think I need to really sit down and map out a plan for life. I know what I really want to do (make jewellery and of course sell it) but I am so scared of not making enough money. The plan is to take the plunge in August and some days I think I won't even make it until August before I cut loose from stress-filled 9-5 and on other days I think I should stay where I am and be able to rely on that steady pay cheque.
My mind wants to explode with this constant roller coaster of indecision.
In any event, I have made a few pretty pieces since I have been home. I have a great Jamaica-inspired idea for a chunky necklace that I hope I can do tonight.
Until then I will leave you with this gorgeous view that I was able to wake up to every morning last week:

Ya Mon.

Off to Jamaica (tomorrow) for a week. I really need this vacation and am so looking forward to it!
I have never been to Jamaica before and I have heard lots of great things so I am confident that we will have a great time.
We are almost packed and just have to do a few last minute things then we are on our way!
Things have been ultra busy with Blushing Pixie Jewellery in the last week. I have had quite a few custom orders and several regular orders plus I am in a new shop called Poppies on Brant. It has made things a wee bit hectic over the past few days but I am both excited and happy about the success as well.
That being said, a little R and R is just what I need. I think I will actually miss making jewellery over the next week but I am sure that I will also be inspired by the water and beaches and people so that when I come back I will be all set to create some really great pieces!
See you in a week...

Spring is right round the bend...

and I could not be happier! Winter is my least favourite season so I am not at all unhappy to see it go :)
So much is going on in life right now! Mostly good so I am not complaining.
First of all, we are off to Jamaica on the 27th. My husband, my daughter, my father in law (who is great) and his wife (also great) and of course...me! It has been a few years since we have gotten away due to a baby being in the hospital and then my broken knee, so this vacation has been a long time coming. I have never been to Jamaica before and I am really quite excited.
Piper, my daughter is doing great! She is getting really good at walking and she feels quite proud of herself when she is walking around. She is such an absolute delight! She is 100% what I am most proud of in life.
Business is going great as well. I had a slew of custom orders that I am now nearing the end of. About 60 pieces of just custom work in the last month. It has been a real time juggle to get through them with my job as well but I did manage. If I could keep up at this rate, I am sure I can make my living with jewellery. Time will tell I guess!
It looks like I am going to have my work sold in two more shops as well. I approached one of them and then I actually got approached by a shop. This is very exciting (and a first) for me!
I have also been approached by a charitable organization and we are trying to work out a deal for some custom stamped pieces. I hope that we are able to work together on it.
Speaking of stamped pieces....I am having so much fun right now with that! I love the creative expression and endless possibilities.
Here are a few pieces I have recently done:

Sorry for the lapse in posts. Life has been busy, busy.
I have made the decision to leave my job in august and go full force with Blushing Pixie jewellery.
I am kind of freaking out but I am also so excited.
This has been a dream of mine for the past few years.
I am doing a few things ahead of time to get myself ready. I am working towards being debt free, I am saving some paycheques in my bank account and of course, I am working on increasing sales.
Lately I have had a few bigger orders and have faced the challenge of making tight deadlines and also looking after my smaller customers with the same care that I would if I didn't have the bigger orders.
This is something I am striving to do at all times. I think it will be a key component to my success.
Some crazy things have happened in my personal life over the past week as well but I don't think it is wise to post details on here. All that I will say is that it was a stressful week that has ended with a great sense of satisfaction and relief. It is amazing that really trying situations can bring a couple so much closer when they work together to resolve issues. That is one good thing we got out of it all.

The Brink of Wickedness

I am quickly approaching a cross-roads in life and I am both scared to death and excited!!
I am thinking of taking a leap of faith (in myself) and turning my little part time business into my living.
Long and confusing circumstances are pushing me in this direction but maybe it is just the kick in toosh I need. I can stay in my current job if I wanted but I can't do it with integrity to myself. So I am taking steps to set myself up and be as prepared as one can be going into business for themselves on a full time basis.
I am scared the sales won't be there but I have to believe in myself and I do have goals etc for boosting sales. I am also going to try and get some small business help locally to keep me on the right track and learn some new things.
So I am 99% there on this decision and I can't wait!

On The Eve of February

Well tomorrow is February first, which is the start of the downward climb towards the end of winter. Unfortunately it looks like we are about to get slammed with 20 to 30 cms of snow but at least the end of winter is in sight.
On the business front, I have really been feeling creative and have been making a whole bunch of different styles. It's been a blast!
One of the new things I am doing is metal stamped jewellery.
I like that I can do fun things and really be creative. I just need to get a smidgen better at the actual stamping but it is coming for sure.
Here is one of my latest and greatest:


Of course I am also still doing my regular style of designs. Yesterday I made this pretty little number:

Great Wolf Lodge

We are off to Great Wolf Lodge tomorrow and I am very excited! We are having a much needed family fun weekend! I am sure we will all love it and the timing is perfect.
See you next week :)

10% Jewellery Designer 90% Business Person

I think that one of the things that I hadn't really accounted for was that having a small business with jewellery design wouldn't actually mean making loads of jewellery! Lately I have been feeling like I am 10% jewellery designer and 90% business person. Well, actually, that would be the case if I was being totally responsible and organized. The truth is, I need to catch up on pictures, listing items on etsy, re-stocking shops, putting on price tags and doing the books. I should really focus on all that other stuff before I go making a bunch more stuff but it is so hard to do that! I have so many ideas and things I want to make. I guess it is part and parcel though isn't it? One day, when I am doing this full time I will have to be very diligent at setting time aside to do the less glamourous tasks that are necessary evils in this business.

Less Stress in 2011

That's my goal!
I want less stress with work (which may mean a career change) and more time to enjoy my family and my business. It is probably going to take some time to figure it all out but I know it will happen.
Things are going at home. My little family have all been sick but we are on the mend and we are happy. It's strange because I can't even remember life much before Piper. She is so sweet and so funny. She makes Bob and I both so happy. I think it is safe to say that we are in love with our daughter.
Business is going well too. I am learning to make metal stamped jewellery which is pretty cool. I will be offering it for sale on February. I have also been working on taking better pictures of my work. This is always a challenge for me but I think I am improving!
In 2011 I am also going to work on letting sleeping dogs lie. The back end of 2010 was rough for me with regards to a long term friendship that went down hill quick. I was so personally hurt and really struggled with things but since then I reached out a few times, to no avail. I have decided that it is probably best to let sleeping dogs lie. I will not continue to reach out and instead will focus on positive things in my life and moving in the direction I would like to see my life travel in.

New Year with Exciting Possibilities

What I love about New Year is the global excitement about what's to come. Everyone has goals and dreams and everyone is excited about what the new year will bring.
I definitely am excited about 2011. This year I will see my daughter walk, talk and experience her first vacation. She is growing into such a little sweet heart with such a sense of humour. I am brimming with love for this little person!
My business is also taking on a new branch as well. I am going to be learning how to do metal stamping. I am really excited about this and I keep thinking of new and exciting ideas for it.
I have clear goals for doing about 8 shows and I know the direction I want my business to go in.
I am truly excited to see how 2011 turns out!