MetalRocks Update

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome! I've been a busy artist and have sadly neglected my blog for too long! An update is in order.

I had a marvelous time at the NorthWestern Astrology Conference in Seattle, Washington meeting both new friends and old. The conference was coordinated very well and the people attending had much to share. A very worthwhile and extremely regenerating experience. Plus I sold several pieces of jewellery from my Etsy shop and in person!

Since, I've had my daughter's school year end which meant lots of horse events and ceremony AND I've been working in my studio pretty much non-stop. I've not taken a day off in so long and still didn't seem to have time for my blog. I will not neglect you so long again my friends.

Lately I've been working with some very old ways of making jewellery; reticulation and fusion. The earrings pictured utilize both. Reticulation is the process of melting the surface of metal creating a pattern that appears wrinkled. Fusion is the art of joining metals in liquid form, in other words without solder. I'm having so much fun and will be creating my Christmas lines from these processes. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself in the studio these days!

Please check out my new Silver Drop Collection, which is the hybrid of my MetalRocks and Goddess Tears Collections. Very simple and elegant I so enjoy making these lovely Silver Drops. The pendant shown looks so beautiful that the store who carries my work, Manila Tag http://www.manilatag.com/ purchased both earrings and pendants, always a plus for an artist.

On a personal level, it's football and golfing season, both of which get me outdoors and out of the studio. I find it difficult to leave the studio only because I LOVE what I do, but my family and truth be known, I too, know that a healthy balance is needed. It worked so well that my family who used to complain about my golfing and football obsessions now encourages them!! A marvelous bonus!!

I have a few orders to mail and I'm going golfing! Have a wonderful day and we'll talk soon!!

Organization of Business when Travelling

I'm so excited to be attending the NorthWest Astrological Conference in Seattle, Washington, USA the 4th weekend of May, however I've been debating whether I should bring my laptop and jewellery and ship daily from Seattle, or to add a line to the automatic reply sent when a purchase has been made stating shipping will be an extra day or two.

I always wonder if it's worth all the fuss, especially since Canada Post is inconsistant at it's best! I will only be gone 2 business days so it shouldn't be an outrageous delay. What ARE realistic expectations?

Many shops at the local mall are open 7 days a week and 24 hour service in the comfort of your own home is the new way to shop, on-line. How much should I attend the shop, blog, twitter etc. Feasibly, I could tweet, blog, attend my shop and answer emails first thing in the morning, during the lunch break and of course in the evening. But, should I?

What will happen if I don't think MetalRocks for a few days? What I've learned from the internal debate is I really need a few days off from the shop. I hadn't realized how I have let it overtake my life, like my many other responsibilities. As a wife and mother, I multi-task all the time and I just added MetalRocks into that get-her-done thinking. I'm going away to enjoy my love of astrology AND to not have to think about cooking and cleaning for a few days. Therefore, it would seem to me, that leaving the shop alone for a few days shouldn't do any harm.

The MetalRocks shop I think will be ok, but the house, hubby, daughter and pets? Not so sure!! :-) I'll keep you posted!

Artist vs Business Owner

I'm trying to focus on creating this week and the universe provided the time with sales slowed to a snail's pace. It's a double edged sword; more sales equals more administrative work and less creative time and less sales equals more creative time but the bills don't get paid. Thankfully, I don't have to sell to pay the mortgage, however our family can't afford to lose money. A metal smith's overhead is high. The equipment is quite costly and metal is way more expensive than most stones or man-made substances many make into jewellery.

For the creative soul, it will always be, artist vs business owner. My suggestion is to allow for creative days by remaining flexible. When you feel those creative juices flowing and you've sketched out so many ideas but haven't actioned them because you are busy filling orders, that's the right time. You don't have to take out days on end, but at least one studio day dedicated to filling this void. You don't have to complete the pieces, just get a good start so your creative hunger is satisfied, or at least the edge is off.

Taking out a day for creativity or to feed the soul, is also a fantastic way to ensure your work doesn't grow stagnant with repetition and your customers don't wander away due to boredom. So speaking of fresh, today is my creative day, just for me. I always feel just a little selfish, but I usually get over it once the tools are in my hands. Off to the studio I merrily go!

Fantastic Weekend and Now Back to the Studio!

Welcome, welcome, welcome. I had a fantastic weekend over in the big city of Vancouver! Always fascinating, over-whelming amounts to do and see, and a burnout when I get home. I think I slept most of Monday and when I was awake, well I wasn't exactly focussed.

I attended a workshop on the Hladina Method (see www.inlightenthebody.com) which is a marvelous body of work. I was surprised at the gentleness and effectiveness of method, plus that the results are staying with me. Historically, I'd go to a workshop and withing a few days all the work dissipates and I'm back to my same old stuff. Not so with the Hladina Method. I highly recommend it and have already booked more workshops to attend and hope to be certified within a year.

There has been a slow down in sales so happily I don't feel like I have to play catch up. Manila Tag would like more pieces and I'm working on it. I usually like to dedicate a day a week to the store, however this week I cannot. I've been away and my child, partner and the house need some attention, especially since I'm going to NORWAC (North Western Astrology Conference) in Seattle 2 weeks from today.

I did pick up a new mandrel in Vancouver and it's triangular. Totally cool! Now I'm busy making up Mind, Body and Spirit pieces. I especially like my new item, Mind, Body and Spirit meet Eternity which is pictured. Simple and symbolic.

Today, I've decided to do something nice for a stranger and I challenge you to do the same. I'd love to hear what you did for someone so please send me your story! I'll post mine too!

Lots of sports to watch while I'm in the studio. The Players Championship (golf), Canada plays in the Men's World Hockey Championship and the Vancouver Canucks play tonight as well! Phew, I'd better eat my wheaties!! Have a great day folks!!

Fun on Vancouver Island

Hi everyone! I've been a bit busy however I'm finally getting organized. The store in Victoria, Manila Tag, is doing well and already want more pieces. My Etsy store has been selling nice and steady and all I want to do is play golf!!

I'm slowing down jewellery production as the weather has improved and after months of ugly grey skies and SNOW of all things, I need to be outside. On Vancouver Island we get a couple of snow storms a season but the snow has never stayed longer than a week or two. This year we had snow from December 12, 2008 until the first week of April 2009!! I swear I had cabin fever!!

I've been playing a bit of golf however with hubby just learning the game we've actually played some Par3 courses, something I have never done in my life! The guy uses his putter for anything 10 yards near the green!! *sigh* I tell him he'll never improve his short game that way, but I think he's more concerned with the score and trying to beat mine!! I'll really eat it once he starts to beat me. I think it's time to up my game!! Smile.

I'm still working in the studio, just not as much. I've taken the Maria's Goddess Tears probably as far as the design will allow. Pictured is the last rendition made with geniune pearls. They look so lovely on!!

I need to put in about an hour in the studio to meet my orders, then I ship and I'm off to play 9 because that's all I have time for. And I'm going by myself, so let's see who I draw today!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Happy Easter Weekend!

It's been an exhausting week, but I finally got the first order to Manila Tag. I feel much better, but still have several pieces to make. As well, I've been trying to ensure my on-line store has daily new feature items if possible. It hasn't always been possible. I worked until 1:30AM last night and feel a little more caught up.

I decided to take Maria's lovely idea to make the Maria's Goddess Tear Studs with a 14K gold tail and a solid silver stud. I think the woman should design jewellery. The results are pictured and I think absolutely lovely.

I must run as I yesterday's turkey needs to be made into stew plus the Masters is on AND Canada is playing in the semi-finals in the curling. What's a girl to do but grab a beer and hit the tube. The turkey can wait!

Intense Week

I've been in my studio all week, often until the wee hours of the AM getting the order ready for Manila Tag. It's just when an artist gets going, it's difficult to stop. The first order is ready and I'll deliver on Monday April 6th. The rest of the week will be spent getting part 2 created. Rings, rings and more rings. I'm looking forward to it!

I took time out this week to make one my favourite customers a pair of earrings she has graciously been waiting for. Check them out! Solid 14K gold studs soldered to 18 gauge argentium silver tail: Maria's Gold Goddess Tears Studs - designed by Maria and made for Maria with passion for the process and geniune affection for Maria herself. I call Maria a gift as the creative inspiration she brought into my life is something I can't purchase anywhere!! Thank you Maria!!