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: