Every year, I do a "lessons learned/goals" post. This is not that post. This post is a quick wish that everyone have a happy and prosperous 2012!
My winter has been considerably less active than I'd hoped in the studio, though some positive things have also happened. I had a painting accepted into an art show, which will run through May in Washington, DC! This is the first time I've tried entering a bona fide art show, as opposed to taking things to a craft show. I submitted three pieces, but having just one accepted was a high honor. I was at the show location on 12/26 to drop off my piece and help hang the show. So much positive energy! I'm very proud of myself and honored to have been invited to submit stuff! :)
My Holidays were peaceful. I actually relaxed, which--if you've been reading me and following my updates for a while you will know--is not easy for me to do! Though I have been wanting to buckle down and finish some UFOs, my body has dictated that I rest. I've taken my Winter one day at a time, and that has meant a lot of down time. The planning has not let up, though. This weekend, I am spending time getting my studio neatened back up, so I can get back into the swing of things.
My vintage shop has really taken off this past year! I won't say I've been hand-over-fist; however, my sales have picked up quite a lot. I've been very happy with that! I still have a ton of items to list, and once I get a few more things out the door, I'll be ready to go on some buying trips! Exciting! Will that happen in2012? We will see!
My crafts and photography have been slower to move, sadly; however, I finally put my neck out and asked my fellow artisans what the issue might be. Thankfully, no one said, "Well, you suck!" LOL! The fact that my shop is such a hodge-podge did come up, though. I have noticed a dominant theme emerging in my work, so that bit of feedback did ring true. I do a lot of Earthy designs. I have a nature theme and Earthy color palette really starting to emerge. At the same time, I do fun, whimsical designs with bright color palettes.
What I have done to try and tone down the dissonance is that I have opened a shop on Blujay.com for my more playful pieces. I sell other items not related to my business on Blujay, and while it has been slow there, I am comfortable with the site, and the community is very nice. I think those items will fit in nicely there. I do not value these pieces any less than the ones in my main shop. I just recognize that it's a separate theme. If I could afford to, I would simply open another studio on Artfire.com, but that's not a possibility for me at this time. As I state on my Blujay shop, I am happy to move items between sites to sell them according to customer preference, and I will also directly bill/sell via email. Each of my pieces, whether it is a purse or a photo print, is precious to me, and great care goes into each and every item!
Sadly, I have set my writing aside, not because I haven't wanted to work on it, but because I've had other things going on. I am determined to move it along in some way in 2012. Chiefly, I hope to get my poetry in front of someone and maybe publish it this year. Mind you, this is not a resolution, but simply a statement of intent.
The good news is that, because I have listened to my body and taken it easy this Fall and Winter, my flare ups are becoming less frequent, and they are less severe. I am hoping that, as I find exercises that work for me, my energy and health will increase and my pain will decrease. Right now, my flare ups only last a couple of days. I am hoping it will stay that way!
I hope that each and every one of you has had a wonderful Holiday Season--whatever that entails! (I feel there is room for everyone on this great planet of ours!) Happy New Year! I will do my wrap up/goals post sometime in the next few days. Tomorrow, I hope to have glue and paint all over my hands! ;)
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