Some new things I have done as of late.

Going going going

I have been modifying my shop and getting so much done.  switching out inventory as well as upgrading many to sterling silver and copper.  I have also been trying to get yard work done as much as I hate to do it in the dead of summer the grass isn't going to cut itself!   I really have an issue with hiring someone because it just seems they cut up my flowers.  I have been working on natural fencing like rows of azalea bushes, knockout roses and muscadine on a fence for grapes.  We have run the blackberries on there and honeysuckle.  smells really great.  I know though and I'm starting to see the muscadine is going to be a total headache.  it is just as bad as wisteria plant it and it grows all over.  I will post pictures of the garden once its completed. 

On the jewelry front I have been acquiring everything I will need to start working with sterling silver sheets and reordering my wire and some gemstones that I have been eyeing up.  I have ordered chain as well to get some necklaces in my shop.  I cannot wait to get some smithed jewelry and start taking all the info I have been absorbing in books.  I will put it all to good use.  My only issue at the moment is finding a vise I like.   I love vintage but they are usually really heavy.  We shall see.

Diet and health wise.  I have been doing better since my fall on my butt possibly bruising my tail bone....more annoying than anything I had to take a week off from working out.  I am back at it. 

See you soon.

Moving right along

I have been without a camera for about a week now.  It is a blow when that is how you post things to the Internet.  That hasn't stopped me from being creative and taking the steps to revamp my whole Etsy shop.  Upgrading to totally handmade  jewelry and sterling silver finding / stone jewelry. 

I have a bit of a stone addiction I must say.  I have been thinking about opening a shop on Etsy that will take most of my extras to sell.  I like visually to surround myself with many types of stones.  I have been collecting stones from walks, vacations, playground as a kid as long as I can remember so I guess I got a bit out of control when it came to having so many lovely stones at my fingertips.

It is kind of nice though to thoroughly plan your next move rather than feeling rushed with making jewelry, learning new techniques, updating Etsy and taking pictures for the site.  To simply be forced to create.  It simply is more therapeutic.

Thinking

I was just reading some blogs I follow looking at the progress they have made over the years in their professions and life. It finally hit me that I have been preparing to "start" doing some smithing of silver for about two months. I have been gathering and organizing with the intention. I don't have a desk or the equipment or the room etc. I just realized I have what I need to get "started". I guess I should get off here and go!

I am drab!

you are olivedrab #688E23

Your dominant hues are green and yellow. There's no doubt about the fact that you think with your head, but you don't want to be seen as boring and want people to know about your adventurous streak now and again. Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen. Your outlook on life can be bright or dark, depending on the situation. You are flexible and see things objectively.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

progress

SO I have been getting organized. Moving things around.  Organizing both life and potential work.  Preparing for things to come.  I really  have been driven lately to move in a business direction to the point of donating my entire extra room to jewelry and painting.  Its really hard to eliminate so many things that have been a part of your life for so long.  to cut the ties and let things find new homes and walk away from. I have realized I would rather have given so many things away rather than constantly keep moving them over and over.  I never bought in to the phrase most organized people used.  If you move something three times that means you aren't using it and haven't used it......or the idea of haven't worn it or used it for a year. Move on and get rid of it.   Now that is what I'm using for my life.  Every part is being dissected and put under the microscope to be analyzed and moved to the correct spot...or discarded to find another home. 

I will be starting on my journey soon and hope by the end of the year I can be proud of how this year flourished.  I really hope that within a year I can focus solely on art and metalsmithing that working elsewhere isn't an issue. 

my working out is going pretty good I have finished my Amped two weeks and have moved on to Chalene extreme with a dash of boot camp.  It has lots of lifting in the extreme with some cardio and band work with the boot camp.  work it~.