Monday Motivation

I've got a bunch of things lined up this week...

On top of my regular web orders, I have some local custom orders I'll be working on-

A 2 inch sterling silver cross pendant
A 5mm wide hammered sterling silver men's wedding band
A pair of Double Loop Earrings with Blue Goldstone
A pair of Hammered Triangle Dome Earrings in Sterling Silver
I have to oxidize a garnet ring I already have in stock

Plus, since it's the end of the month, I've got to get some new inventory ready for Bella Luna. My student is coming tomorrow for her weekly Introduction to Metalsmithing lesson. Thursday we're having a barbecue with some friends.

I'd also like to have my Metalsmithing Sensei (haha) over for a play date in the studio sometime this week! I just got a new kiln last week, and she's going to teach me enameling. It's something I've wanted to learn for a long, long time. I already have so many ideas in mind! I haven't even fired the kiln up yet. I'm waiting for a shipment of PMC, and then I'll get started!

JEWELRY ARTISANS OF MAINE (J.A.M)
I belong to a local group called Jewelry Artisans of Maine. We're comprised of hobbyists to professionals; glass artists to beaders to metalsmiths. The activity in our group has kind of died down in the last year or so. We had a meeting last Wednesday night and are planning on trying to become more active online, and as a group in the community. I have already set us up with a Group Twitter Account. If you're on twitter, follow us! Our username is: MaineJewelryArt . We have also set up a J.A.M Facebook Group. Feel free to join at http://tinyurl.com/ccnvwt. We're also looking into doing more tours and group activities this year. In the past we've visited a glass blowing studio, had a guest instructor teach enameling, gone gemstone mining, and much more! I can't wait to get started planning some new events. We're also looking for new members. If you're a jewelry designer in the Central Maine Area, and would like more information on joining, please contact Doris Ayotte at 942-9863.

MOTIVATION
This summer, Dave and I will be rewiring and insulating the garage so it can become my new studio! I'm so excited! It will give me a lot more room to explore sculptural metal art, and for new equipment! One of the best parts though, is that my current studio with become a nursery for when we decide to finally explore the possibility of adoption. So I guess my Monday Motivation is sculpture and babies. Not necessarily in that order. :)

I hope you all have an enjoyable and productive week creating in your respective mediums!

New Format

So as you can see, I've had a bit of trouble this month committing to this lonely blog. I've come up with a new format and structure to kind of help me stay on task. I have so many groups I belong to, so many ideas running through my head, and so many new business strategies I could be blogging about, that when it comes time to post, my mind becomes a tornado of ideas and it's easier to NOT blog than to sort it all out. Hopefully this new format will help me with that...
Here it is:

Monday:
Jewelry Artisans of Maine
New Projects for the week
What's my motivation?/Finding my momentum
Tuesday:
Etsy Maine Team
Upcoming Shows
New wholesale/consignment partners
Wednesday:
Etsy Jewelry Sampler Team
I want to learn...
I want to teach...
Thursday:
Etsy Supplies Street Team
Business Tips/Strategies
Online Marketing
Friday:
What did I accomplish this week?
What could I have done to be more productive?
Weekend:
Shops I love
Featured Local Artisans
Blog Giveaways
Goals for Next Week

Not only do I think that this will help me stay on task, but I think it will help this blog become a more purposeful tool in my business success, and maybe even yours! :) Thanks again everyone, for following this little online piece of my mind!

The April Giveaway Winner Is....

Farmsteadlady! Congratulations, my dear! You can email me your address at amanda@riversidejewelrydesigns.com. I hope you love your Sterling Silver Corkscrew Earrings!