More Poetry and Daggers

As promised, the third poem or stanza - third written but would be the first if it becomes all one. There may be more yet, I thought it was finished but now am not so sure. There may be a dragon to slay yet.

She talked to him into the night

and helped him fight the tears

She fueled his anger and his lust

she made him forget the fears

She handed him a dagger 

 and whispered in his ear

They created a wave of destruction

 smashed his marriage like tiny mirrors

She smiled as she thought she’d won

and began her reign of terror

This nightmare was his error

~~Dana 2016

Speaking of  daggers. Remember that cool little box from Endless Leather  It had some great black cord  and some beautiful sterling cord ends in it. 

You know I’m a member of the Artisan Group  and one of the things we do is supply various costume stylists with accessories they can use on the tv shows or movies they’re working on. I created this dagger piece, largely inspired by the poem and sent it off the stylist for the Originals  tv show on the CW. I’m very hopeful it will get used and you can say you saw it here first!

Black Velvet Choker and Silver Scimitar

So there you have it, what’s been going on in my world. Like I said before, Smoke and Mirrors and ....more swords and daggers! 

Thanks for stopping by!

We’ll see you next time!

Dana

of Smoke and Mirrors and Missing Muses

Smoke and Mirrors

Every time I’ve sat down to write a blog post I’ve sat and stared at a blank page and it’s blinking cursor. Nothing, Nada, Zip
The world has gone crazy, my life is upside down, and Facebook seems to be in an awfully ugly political fight. Even Year of Jewelry can’t help this one, my poor Muse is sitting in the corner in tears, it’s all just too much.

*I’ve managed to hold on to my sanity because even though I’m not making a lot of new pieces, I am selling and making those pieces.

*I’ve been working on the house, mostly tape and texture work. Hoping to layout the tile for the Master bath this week, we shall see but I am hoping to.

*I have managed to make a couple new pieces for The Artisan Group, I’ve sent in submissions for Bones and the Originals, blog posts coming for those in the coming weeks. And I’m thinking I’ll send pieces for the Press gift bags for this years Emmys - but I still need an idea for that and the Muse is still over there, sigh. Hopefully we can coax her back out again.

*New Kitten, omg what a sweetie he is. He just appeared on the door step this last week and has just filled all our hearts with love and laughter - it was much needed. He answers to Boogie, so we call him that. Or Boog, or Boo, or BB. He’s one of those kitties that stares into your soul and is so chill about everything which makes me think he was dumped and not feral. And he’s also extremely gentle with his paws.

*I’ve been having some very interesting conversations with friends but I’m afraid they may be what triggered the ugliness to appear in my feed. The algorithm thinking since I had one conversation I want to see all the ugly there is on it - sigh. I really don’t need to, or want to for that matter, it puts me in a dark place that I don’t like.

*The Hay House group on Facebook is a life saver, the constant positive up lifting posts there are just amazing - best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time.

*I’ve just joined a copy writing group - when you stare at a blank page long enough you realize a little help every now and again is a good thing.  Once I was accepted into the group the first thing I saw was introduce yourself, use a graphic NOT yours, NOT of your product, or your art, or of yourself. Show what your aspirations are, who do you want to be? What inspires you?

I’m still working on my introduction, the above is the photo I’ve chosen. My tagline is Artisan Jewelry with a Touch of Boheme but the words that come to mind as I think on this and the photo are Sexy, Strong, Exotic, Sought After, Loved. Now we ….. well I …… need to decide how those fit into my aspirations and inspirations, some are easier than others.

So there you have it, what’s been going on in my world. Smoke and Mirrors and ha! more swords and daggers! Speaking of, I do have another stanza for the Nightmare poem/series. Yes, it has a name now. There may still be more to write but my Muse, in the corner, yup. Maybe look for the new stanza next week….. or a choker ….. or hey! why not do both!

Thanks for stopping by!
We’ll see you next time!
Dana

Of Poetry, Ideas, and Talismans

Poem 2 

He’d finally found his freedom

but he wasn’t really free

He watched her walk away

and said it was meant to be

The years had slowly passed

but his heart, it grew heavy

knowing how he’d wounded

his true love, his one and only.

He’d plunged the dagger in her chest

twisting it so slowly.

He knew the pain he had caused

still, he blamed her for it solely.

~~ Dana  2016

I’m thinking this is turning into an epic rather than sister poems, I feel there’s still a bit more of the story to write. Or maybe an entire collection, who knows. Definitely been a good outlet for me lately though. The inspiration could evolve into a series of dagger jewelry or hearts, oh or both. hmmm may have to play with this idea a bit more. We’ll see how it  evolves.

This weeks Year of Jewelry piece is a talisman for myself A simple stack of gemstones from top to bottom Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Garnet and Labradorite. There are a number of books and websites that list the mystic and or healing qualities of the various gemstones. I used to have several of those book marked but a couple crashes and a couple computers later I’ve lost more bookmarked sites than I can remember. So when Pearl over at the Beading Gem posted this particular website   I thought I’d  take advantage  while I  was thinking of it and chose my stones for my talisman.

talisman |ˈtaləsmənˈtalizmən|

noun (pl. talismans)

an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.

If you remember my goals and aspirations for the year you already understand my choices. Strengthening those good things in my life. and making a pretty little something for myself at the same time :)

Moonstone- Divine, Harmony And Feminine

Moonstone is an excellent stone to use in meditation to understand oneself. Moonstone supports the heart as it stimulates the mind, soothing worry or anxiety, and bringing out the best in people. Its loving energy promotes the Divine in all situations. It helps to strengthen intuition brings balance and harmony. It soothes stress, anxiety, women's hormones it enhances intuitive sensitivity via feelings and less overwhelmed by personal feelings. Greater flexibility and flow with life It reminds us of our own worth and divinity. It invokes sensuality and gentle passion. It enhances and makes aware the power of the Divine feminine.

Quartz- Amplification, Clearing, Cleansing, Healing, Power, Energy

Clear Quartz stones are one of the most versatile stones in the mineral realm. It easily enhances any intention focused through it. It also amplifies the energetic properties of any stones it is used with. Different formations of quartz have other associated properties: Ancient Japanese believed quartz formed from the breath of a white dragon, and regarded it as representing perfection. Quartz is a power stone. It has been called the "Universal Crystal" because of its many uses. It enhances energy by absorbing, storing, amplifying, balancing, focusing and transmitting. It channels universal energy. Quartz also enhances thoughts, as they are a form of energy. Because it directs and amplifies energy, it is extremely beneficial for manifesting, healing, meditation and protection.. Due to its ability to balance, quartz is excellent for harmonizing and balancing one's environment. Quartz is also good for energizing other crystals. Quartz is also a stone of clarity, which dispels negativity and clears away negative energy. It can be used to purify and clarify on the spiritual, mental, and physical planes. It is powerfully protective because of these properties. Quartz enhances spiritual growth, spirituality and wisdom. Because it clarifies thought processes and emotions, it can increase inspiration and creativity. It can also help particularly with concentration, studying, and retaining what one learns. Quartz is also a stone of harmony because it balances energies, and is even helpful in romantic relationships.

Rose Quartz -Unconditional Love, Friendship and Self- Worth

Rose quartz is a beautiful translucent pink stone that radiates the energy of unconditional love. It is the best crystal for healing anxiety because it replaces worries and fears and brings in feelings of calmness and reassurance. Rose quartz is often called the "Love Stone." Its energetic hallmark is that of unconditional love that opens the heart chakra. This makes rose quartz a stone for every type of love: self-love, family, platonic, romantic, and unconditional. As a variety of quartz, rose quartz has high energy, and this strong energy can enhance love in virtually any situation. Rose quartz is used to raise self-esteem and a strong sense of self-worth. Its loving energies teach us to apply this love to ourselves and thereby find ourselves more worthy. Emotionally, rose quartz is used to balance emotions and bring peace and calm. This calm emotional balance brings stress relief and easing of anxiety.  All these things carry energies of forgiveness, tolerance, and compassion to the fore, enabling us to see the good in both others and ourselves.     

Garnet- “Stone Of Health And Passionate Devotion” - Love, Emotional Harmony, Vitality And Passion

The stone of passionate devotion: to your family, your friends, yourself, and your own purpose in life. Attracts profound love, gives persistence, cures depression. The Garnet is a stone of purity and truth as well as a symbol of love and compassion.

Garnet is a powerful energizing and regenerative stone. It balances, strengthens and protects. Garnet sharpens your perceptions of yourself and other people. It dissolves ingrained behavior patterns that are no longer serving you, and helps you let go of obsolete ideas. Garnet removes inhibitions and taboos, opening up the heart and bestowing self-confidence. It revitalizes feelings and enhances sexuality, bringing warmth, devotion, understanding, trust, sincerity and honesty to a relationship.  Red Garnet controls anger, especially toward the self.

Labradorite-  “Bringer Of Light”, Protective And Positive

Labradorite is the most powerful protector of the mineral kingdom, creating a shielding force throughout the aura and strengthening natural energies from within. According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador. It is told that a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and was able to free most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone, and thus we have today the beautiful mineral known as labradorite.  Labradorite is said to provide quick relief from anxiety, hopelessness and depression, replacing them with enthusiasm, self-confidence and inspiration. It is said to dispel negativity and to bring clear understanding by enhancing clarity of thought and improving one's ability to cooperate with others in harmony. Labradorite stimulates intuition, especially the art of “right-timing”. 

What stones would you use if you could choose in a talisman for yourself? Let me know in the comments

Thanks for stopping by!!

Poetry and Daggers

Her broken heart never mended, the shattered pieces were stored.

She went about her life but her spirit never soared

She pulled the dagger from her heart so many years ignored.

She kept it to remind herself, of how her love was torn.

Drawing her last breath, her heart battered and forlorn. 

I love you still, she whispers, though her heart has been outworn.

~~ Dana 2016

Sometimes you need to dabble a little in other art forms. It’s been years ahem decades since I’ve written any poetry and this one started out much much darker. The kiddo didn’t like the way it flowed, so I’ve been working on it tweaking words here and there. I’m not sure if I’m done with it yet, I think I’m happy with the way it reads and I may write a sister poem of him, how empty his life was without her, the regret he felt at not stopping her, we’ll see. Maybe I’ll add some artwork, watercolor maybe or just a drawing. hmm I dunno. But it has been kinda nice to switch gears for a little bit.

This is week 14 of the  Year of Jewelry project. I missed last week - life happened and I kept thinking I’d get a post written all the way until it was time to write this weeks, and I just had to admit it wasn’t getting written.

Lima Beads had these really cool looking Tibetan horns  in their newsletter and they inspired the brass dagger I made this week. Originally I had thought I’d make up an arrowhead or a sharks tooth in brass and or copper  to hang from the stingray leather I got in that awesome box from Endless Leather but somehow this dagger (could be a claw now that I look at it lol) and its matching beads seemed perfectly suited.

I drew out the shape on some brass sheet, cut it out, annealed it, ran it through the embosser and then started dapping and forging the curves. And of course all edges have been filed smooth as well. I actually had a lot of fun creating the dagger and it allowed me to take a breather from all the tax stuffs and deep serious conversations with the hubs. We've needed to have them and it feels so good to really talk with him again. He has always been my rock and I'm so grateful to have him. 

Thanks for stopping by!

We'll see you next time!

on Creating Efficiency, a Theme on a Goal

My new posts will feature the things that inspired my jewelry.

One of my goals this year is to be more efficient with my time in order to free up more time for the family. 

I’ve noticed more posts on FB doesn’t necessarily equate to more interaction. In fact I increased postings before Valentines and my stats dropped. So a high frequency of posting isn’t necessary at all, but a good quality posting still is. 

I opened a Hoot Suite account for scheduling purposes but I still haven’t used it. I have however started working on putting together some posts and trying to work out a schedule that doesn’t put the same post everywhere at the same time - no one likes that either, or at least I don’t, maybe no one else actually minds and I’m just weird that way. What “my” audience does seem to really like are in progress shots and inspiration posts and gasp posts about me? lol I don’t know why that surprises me, but it does. I kind of like it though. It’s like I’m finally finding that little something I’ve been hunting for.

The whole less posting thing has freed up a bit of time for me, and I feel more productive with my time when I am online and posting. More importantly my family is happier with my increased presence and availability for them. And THAT is what it’s all about. 

Aventurine Gemstone Donut & Silver Stampings

This weeks Year of Jewelry piece is a green Aventurine donut adorned with silver plated stampings, a sterling rolo chain and a couple sweet crystals in a matching green. I believe this one is running off to live on the east coast fairly soon but if someone were interested in a similar necklace I can easily pick up another gemstone donut or two…. or more. As pretty as it is in Aventurine, think how sweet this could be in the soft pink of a Rose Quartz! Or how fun a composite Turquoise would look with it’s metallic veining! I might have to buy some just so I can play with it now, I wonder who has some Mojave Turquoise available?? What do you think? Blue, Purple, Green? Or the heavy black matrix with pops of blue/green turquoise? I am really going to have to check this out as soon as I'm done posting here.... or after I get back from the post office... customer service first, shopping second.

Thanks for stoppin by!

See ya next time!

On Revisiting a Charmed Piece

Before: Charmed I'm Sure
Apologies, slightly under exposed here.....

Week 6 Already! Wow time is speeding right along! This week’s “A charm”  You might recognize the charms on the necklace. I made them for my loop tutorial found HERE. As you can see, I had put them on a leather cord but I was never quite happy with that. It just seemed too heavy for the dainty charms so I just set it aside.

I realized I had some ball chain hidden away that I thought would be a better weight visually for it and I think I’m much happier with it now!  The funny about this is, it’s pink. January’s prompt if you got stuck for an idea on making for the week was Pink lol but now that we’re in February, the color is red! Ever the rebel!

After: Doubly Charmed

The second choker takes the leather and the wooden bead I removed from the first and shortens it just a little bit for feathers. You might remember some of these from another blog post as well. I discovered them again while cleaning up my desk and really like the idea of them being charms. They remind me of my best friends and that makes me happy.

Speaking of happy, this was in my Facebook feed the other day.

I would decorate my domicile, dine on delectables, and discuss things with the Dalai Llama on a day trip to the Dutch Antilles and I could dot the landscape with Dahlias, Daisies, Day Lilies, and Daffodils…..

This was a lot of fun! It almost reminds me of the plan a day in your future life, but using only one letter instead of scheduling time slots makes it easier. I almost want to go through the alphabet just to see what I can come up with! Could be a fun pick me up on those days where you feel a little blah. 

Thanks for stopping by!

We'll see ya next week!

I Rocked the 30 Days of Infinite Possibilities!

Infinite Possibilities Project Week 5

Day 26 Put your skills to work. Manifest something - make your desire known to the Universe and then do your part. Want a smile from someone, put a smile on your face first and have a happy attitude - watch how quickly that brings smiles from others.

Day 27 Write an I Rock Because list. This sounds fun! Feel free to include things you aspire to rock at. Even more fun! So fun it became this weeks blog title!

Day 28 Look ahead 5 yrs in your life. Write a letter to yourself from there and tell yourself of all the successes you’ve had. How your life and the lives of your loved ones have changed because of it. What surprised you and what dreams do you aspire to now?

Day 29 What 5 things would your future self want you to know? example Be more forgiving, Spend more money, spend less money, Don’t be so afraid etc

Day 30  Look over your entries and reflect on the past 30 days how do you think this will help you in the coming months/year?  

A few of these I did off blog for a couple reasons, one my posts would be a mile long lol and two some of them required a little more thought and time than the quick line or two I had going on here and there are a couple I really think are worth revisiting.

This was a really fun way to start the year! I hope you followed along either informally with me or with the daily e-mails from TUT. As a reminder you can find all 30 days on TUT’s website along with Mike’s videos for each day.  

http://www.tut.com/index/infinitepossibilitiesproject

Year of Jewelry Project Week 5

While I was cleaning up my studio a few days ago I found the missing hollow bead from week 13 of last year 

My first hollow beads - well second and third. The first flew across the room when I was polishing. This time I left the pretty red patina or most of it

It was actually not across the room, just a foot or so away hiding in plain sight in Lola’s chair. I moved my old office chair into the corner and she curls up and naps there while I’m working. I probably never would’ve found it but I had set some photos on the chair while cleaning. Ha! Too funny! But perfect timing for me as I was scratching my head for an idea for this week. I have all my UFO’s pulled out as I intend to finish many (if not all of them) during Year of Jewelry. Including the heart I started several years ago! 

I'm trying to be mindful of what I make this year in that it can be worn with any number of other pieces I have already made. So far so good!

Speaking of mindful cohesion, this years Build a Line Master Class had their first hop this weekend. If you’d like to swing by the B’Sue badge on the right here will take you to Brenda’s blog where you can find this years participants. I’ve peeked at a few of their blogs already and I’m looking forward to the next two hops!

Well that makes for a busy post this week!! Whew! 

Thanks for Stoppin by!

Infinite Possibilities Week 4

Day 19 Imagine how those you love will benefit from your success. This one is easy, the kids will have been set up in their own businesses and will be little successes in their own rights. The hubs can spend more time with the kids as they build their businesses. We all get some toes in the sand time.

Day 20 Meet your peers. Make a list of those who are where you wish to be, add your name to list. Sounds like my screensaver :) 10 days left and I was already doing so many of these on a daily basis. It’s nice to hear I’m heading in the right direction.

Day 21 Have a chat with someone who gets your dream and speak to them as if it’s already reality. Make it celebratory …. for each of you.

Day 22 List 20 things you love from the simple to the exotic if you love to do it, list it. Just a little reminder of the wonder that is in your life or could be. *I love puttering in the garden and around the yard with a butterfly perched on my shoulder. *Feeling the sun on my face and shoulders. *Snuggle time with the hubs. *That he brings me my coffee in the morning. *That 25 yrs together feels like no time at all.  *Listening to the birds sing, *watching the sun rise in the morning and *set in the evenings, *being awed by the immenseness that are the stars and *the curve of he world. *I love the satisfaction that only comes from doing it yourself and well.* I love being goofy with my kids *I love toes in the sand, waves at my feet, salt air in my face *I love listening to the chirpy purr of the Siamese and the instant deep I love you purrs of the other cats. *I love no matter how many times you give the dog a biscuit he ALWAYS takes it and puts in in the kiddos shoe before he eats it….. no matter where that shoe is lol *I love that we built this house together to live our lives in and we’re creating memories on a daily. *

Day 23 List 10 things you are deeply grateful for.

Day 24 Write a letter to yourself from an admirer, what wonderful qualities/inspiration/talents do you have? Shower yourself with love and appreciation. I see the potential for a revamp of my about page here. Like several of these activities I think I’ll work this one privately. I think this one has a great amount of potential.

Day 25 set your intention for the day. I already do this daily. I have a little pop up reminder that is set to run when I’m reading my e-mail. It says what do you want today? Some days it’s to get something done, some days it’s to enjoy the quiet moments, some days it’s about attitude. It’s really a nice way to focus on the days priority, whatever it is. Today I’m going to schedule this blog post, download tax forms, and decide on this weeks YoJ piece. I have several UFO’s and a handful of ideas for refinishing some pieces. Sometimes the taking away process was ended too soon and sometimes the piece was finished too early, either way it was called finished but it niggles until you realize it isn’t truly finished, hence re-finishing. I believe all pieces have someone who will love them, and being properly finished helps that along :)

Speaking of Year of Jewelry:

This week I kept it simple with matching bracelets for last weeks necklace set. Red Creek Jasper with a Shell focal and brass. And a skinny bangle of twisted copper and brass.

Over on my Facebook page I’m sharing hearts and flowers everyday until Valentines. Giving you a virtual bouquet, pop on over anytime you feel you need a pick me up or a flower to make you smile. If you haven’t already. hit that like button and receive notifications to get those flowers on a daily!

See ya next time!

It's Still January

Whew! It's Been a Busy Busy Holiday Weekend

Week 3 Year of Jewelry = Coral    I had coral pulled I really did, paired it up with turquoise for a really pretty necklace but then this Red Creek Jasper said it wanted to play pretty pretty please. Isn’t it just a gorgeous stone?! At first I was going to weave a bail for it but that just seemed too plain. I’ve been trying to clear off my desks and found some small pieces of brass that I set aside and I had one just the right size for a bail. I’m pretty pleased with the results, and I kind of want to keep this one for myself.

*Red Creek Jasper* *Picture Jasper* *Black Lip Shell* *Cedar Berries* *Amber Heart* *vintage brass roll chain* *hand crafted bail* *hand crafted rosary chain* *hand crafted vintage style hook and eye clasp* *hand twisted jumps* *roughly six hours in the making including design time and where did I put that/where did it go now time*

I finally managed to wrestle the checkbook away from the hubs and was up to my eyeballs in doing bookwork, balancing the checkbook and having anxiety attacks over deposits not being written in even though the amount was added to the balance so I get to find a $2000 discrepancy because 600 plus 800 is 1400 not 3500 and blah blah blah I think he cut a year or two off my lifespan with that one sigh 

In the midst of all that I see in my e-mail I have a notice…..

	Stephanie Drapeau mentioned you.

	Stephanie Drapeau @stephanidrapeau Jan 18   Simply love these designs!❤️❤️ @MeiFaithStudio @DanasWindDancer@HeidiLee_Design @2LittlePs of @theartisangroup View conversation

ah, just warms the heart! She likes them, just made my day - and then I found the missing deposit in the bank statement and all was right with the world once again.

We've headed into Week 3 of the  Infinite Possibilities Project 

Here's what we've been up to with that.

Day 12 Plan the celebration for achieving your goals - sadly when this one came in I was pretty mad at the hubs, A Party was not anywhere on the list. Maybe I can revisit that one in a day or so.

Day 13 Share the Love, today spend a couple minutes and Pay it Forward with a Random Act of Kindness - That I can do

Day 14 Create a daily planner and fill it with all the things you wish you’ll be doing. - My first thought was I’m an introvert, the only thing I want is to hide away on my hill and make pretties.l Then I looked a little deeper into my hearts desires and realized Jamaica isn’t on my hill. Vacations are a blessing and toes in the sand is really quite necessary to recharging batteries, and since I’m not angry with the hubs anymore he can come too =grins= 

Day 15  send thoughts of love in small and meaningful ways, even if you don’t say it out loud think it. I love how you’ve read this with me, thank you! I like this one too. It fits in with my goal of being kinder and replacing those negative words that have crept in. This works for me. HEY!! We’re half way through already!

Day 16 Almost missed this one, notes don’t come on the weekend and I kept watching the inbox for it. Was in bed before I realized It was Saturday! lol Technically I did miss it lol But you didn’t know that! Create a pleasing ritual…… hmmm I was thinking 15 minutes on the Stairmaster every morning just to get the blood pumping, but maybe a gentler start that won’t be so tempting to brush off on off days would work better for my purposes. I’m thinking a morning stretch, or maybe a little bit of yoga that can be done even before getting out of bed while still warm and cozy. This I like! I need to do a little research to find what I can do but it sounds like a really nice way to start the day. I can hit the Stairmaster after coffee, once my eyes are actually open and my feet are no longer stumbling.

Day 17 acknowledging your amazing self. Another nice one! We say and do good things all the time without acknowledging the good we do in the world. Take time to look over just the last 24 hrs and take note of the kindnesses and good things you have done. They do make a difference in the world and in doing them so do you!

Day 18 Going back to the calendar, pick a day and visualize everything wonderful going on. From the moment you wake up on…

This really has been a fun way to start the year and I'm looking forward to the next 12 days. It's been really intriguing how well it ties in with my goals for the year. If you've been following along I'd love to hear how well it's been matched to your goals too. Please let me know in the comments!

Valentine's Day is coming up, I think I'll post some hearts and flowers over on the FaceBook page for the next couple of weeks, show you all how much I appreciate you!

See you next week!

Infinite Possibilities Week 2

When I write my posts up on my computer I do it on a single page in Notes. Once they’ve published on Blogger I delete them and start fresh. For whatever reason I only deleted the post back to the original goals. Turns out it’s pretty handy to have them there! Then I realized I had started this post on a different page so I wouldn’t lose the “journaling” aspect on the computer - *face palm* Good think I had it “backed up” on the blog!!

Day 5 of our Journey was to envision what life will be like once your dreams and goals have become reality. That one’s kind of fun a little day dream to start the day with, puts a smile on your face for sure.

Day 6 plan and write down at least 7 baby steps that can be taken immediately that will allow me to move towards my goals. 

Steps I can take

• meal planning
• start every morning with a few minutes of cardio
• scheduling days to concentrate on different areas of business
• scheduling posts on social media so I can share them across sites on different days
• break down current projects into bite sized chunks that can be done in a day or less
• input one invoice at a time into inventory and check current supplies for accuracy
• consider how to reorganize beads and metals 
• start current year receipt folders
• look around for replacement software
• offer to help photograph or write copy for the kiddos ceramics
• start listing and adjusting tags for Valentines and Mothers Day
• clean out a spot in the basement and create a tool/supply room for my son -

 Hahaha I dreamt once my basement had become a mini mall, it seems to be on it’s way, kiddos ceramics studio, office for the boy, wood working shop for the hubs, the gym, all it needs is a jewelry kiosk - now where do you suppose I could find one of those?!

Day 7 Pay attention to the words you think and say, self correct where necessary. I like this one. I’ve been doing this since I was 16, but it is really nice to have the reminder with all the negative we get bombarded with on a daily basis anymore. I have noticed the past several years those negative words creeping into my own vocabulary - that’s where the be kinder goal comes from. Kinder to myself, kinder to my family with responsible and positive words.

Day 8  Take a hard look at the story you’ve told yourself about your life, rewrite it so it becomes empowering.  This one is going to take some thought. I pretty much already do that….. but there is always room for improvement right? My Mom has always called me a rebel because of my “just watch me” attitude, maybe it’s time to wake that part of me up again? Kind of like that Meme This is the year I will be unstoppable. This year I will be fierce. Which is a pretty cool affirmation. Rewriting that to be empowering becomes  In 2016 I became unstoppable the moment I remembered that I Am Fierce!  

Day 9 Choose beliefs that enforce your goals. He gave a couple examples that I thought fit perfectly so to be “efficient” lol I grabbed a couple of those to add to mine.

• I chose to be here to succeed, I am finding my way, it’s all making sense. 
• I’m protected, guided, and loved; always in the right place at the right time.

Day 10 oops I had in my mind combined 9 and 10 before I even knew what 10 was….. ever efficient I am! :D Choose affirmations that enforce your goals. A Mantra - well can I say how efficient it is to have already chosen efficient? lol OK I’m having fun with it now. I knew this was going to be a great start to my year!

• I am grateful for all that is unfolding in my life and all that is yet to come
• My life is prosperous and multiplies all that I have, give and receive 
• I am open and receptive to abundant good

I can actually give credit for the last two to Katie over at the Red Lotus for these, I’ve had them set up as daily reminders for a year or so now.

http://redlotusletter.com

Day 11 Surround yourself with empowering resources. Ted Talks, Notes from the Universe, groups on FB etc etc Create a book list, video list, whatever it is that supports your choices.       done done and done  I actually do this a couple times a year it really helps to recharge the batteries so to speak.  Day 12 as this posts……. I hope you’ve been playing along, this has been pretty fun so far.

Week One of Year of Jewelry had us introducing ourselves and sharing our goals for the year. I know! Our Jewelry goals, what we want to accomplish by participating, since I only made it as far as April last year my goal was pretty simple, to finish out the year, if I stumble (or my Muse takes a vacation) I’ll just pick myself up, dust myself off, and continue on.  

This years theme is Color! Week two was Monochromatic…how fun!…….

Picture Jasper, Copper, Elk Leather
Wrapped, Coiled, and Netted
I love how the patina on the copper wire mimics the coloring of the stone.

Of course after I made it I discovered the color of the month had been decided and it was pink. I actually had Rose Quartz pulled for a bracelet but set it aside to make my Owl set. Coral next week and I’m thinking red and turquoise instead of pink. We’ll have to see what my Muse whispers in my ear over the next day or so.

All in all another very productive week. I need to price and write copy but I have several new pieces to list on Amazon that should mix really well with the pieces already on offer.

Thanks for stoppin by!

We'll see you next week!