News from the Fronts

So many blogs seem to have this post, and I felt left out -

Wow, it has been awhile since I posted anything. :)

Life has been hectic, and my perfectionism has really delayed me in getting my stuff together.

Well, I started my business, filled out all the forms and licenses and such. I ordered mailing envelopes and boxes. I even planned on the look of the box design. I set up an Etsy account, a personal website and bought a new camera, got a light box and even filed taxes (easier than I expected, since nothing has been put up for sale yet) - I have even made a few items for sale, and that was where my perfectionism silenced me with a delay, which dragged on and on and on.

I commit now when we return from vacation, that I will be posting more, and getting my pictures up on Flickr and my website . Also, I plan on tweaking some of the website items to get it a bit better.

Yep, November (almost a year after starting it) my business will need to pick up - and at least, I avoid the downfall of many businesses that end in their first year. LOL

In less than 24 hours we start the vacation we have been planning for over four years! Our great-niece and godchild Chenoa's fifth birthday trip to Disneyworld! This is more than a chance to spoil the heck out of her, it is teaching a valuable lesson about keeping promises. We promised her at her 1st birthday that she will be celebrating her 5th birthday with Mickey Mouse! And years of planning are allowing us to keep that promise - big time. I have a special time with her planned, we are going to a princess tea party!

And on the WOW front, my alt hit 85 yesterday. Finally, after quite a few years (we started a few months after it went live with our primaries - which are still in the mid-60's). :) But, that felt great to accomplish.

Oh, and I won't be doing Nanowrimothis year. I won two years (Thicker than Water and Terra Infirma), and a few months ago finally dragged out my manuscript and started re-reading it with the idea to get it edited for submitting in a year or so. It wasn't as horrid as I expected, but the story arc seemed really crazy. After reviewing Thicker than Water, I think I have a trilogy trying to fold itself into one story - some parts seemed SO rushed and needed expanding, others seemed to be a natural break. So, I have Steve reading it and checking what he thinks and will be working on that also.

Yep, tons of life, not very public - but I learned much over the year.

Friday...

Last night was the January Columbus Polymer Clay Guild meeting. We are trying something new, we are doing demos from Polymer Clay Color Inspirations: Techniques and Jewelry Projects for Creating Successful Palettes by Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio
I liked the new format for the meeting. We did the normal stuff, but in addition, we went around the room and introduced ourselves. We also did hands on demo, and I really was glad we are doing them again. I liked it so much that I volunteered for June's demo. It will be the color triangle from the book. I like the project, very enlightening - but can be very, very repetitive mixing all the colors. I started a few different ones before, and got really bored in the middle. When it is exploring, I enjoy, when it is rote - not so much. But the end product is just so cool, and really helpful.
	I am slowly working through Katherine Dewey's Creating Lifelike Figures in Polymer Clay. A really great book, and really a cool concept in how to sculpt – everything is drawn from base units. You use a set number of units or fractions of a unit for the facial parts, for arms, legs, or torso. Then you place “appliqués” that simulate the muscle and bone, and smooth them out to give it skin. It really is very detailed, very step by step, and organized. It also has a set of tools to make to help make the sculpting easier. The computer programmer brain likes the idea, and the creative part really likes that you can use the base idea and move from there!

I have been drawn to Polymer clay ladies faces - and have been using fantastic molds that I have purchased. But, if I want to go much father with them, I feel the need to make my own faces and molds from them. This book has made me feel that I could do that and really is quite a great wealth of information.

Frustration and Inspiration

Last night I was soooo frustrated with my clay - I didn't even want to be in the same room as it! I have been trying to get some Christmas ornaments done for the Dayton Guild meeting coming up Saturday, and designed them (mine and Steve's - the ornaments frustrated him out of wanting to even do them it seems) I made his using techniques he would maybe enjoy, and I liked the way my sample came out. Now time to make the mass production.. BLECH. I remember why I don't do craft shows... I like to make one of a kind stuff, not mass produced items. I get sooooooo bored and quickly. I just gave up, the crystals didn't behave, tools went missing, and the clay just wasn't working for me! I left the room last night and didn't turn back.

This morning, I was wandering around the web while my work system rebooted and I saw some of my Flickr people had posted - seeing other's work tends to inspire me. I really wanted to run down and get my hands in the clay again. Thanks to all my friends on Flickr - those ornaments should be a snap tonight!

Wow...

Been forever. It is the first snow here, and so I choose to update the blog, hopefully you like the new colors.

I have a bunch of new items to take pictures of, been working in the studio (it finally became that and it feels right - thanks Sue! :D ). It has been so much fun to have a space to get creative in. Each of us "resident artists" (Myself, Steve and Chenoa) have our own areas, and we have an extra spot for guests! We have our first clay play day coming up.

Well, off to adjust the site more and get the pictures done. I will update the post with pictures when I have a chance later.

Project Update

1. Project for a pair of ladies coming to visit - clay made and baked (sand/buff and put together)
2. A mask using info in a demo for Orphan Childeren in Ghanna
3. Shower curtain rings - African Animals - did research on canes, and animal face photos
4. Color study for Dayton Guild
5. Christmas Ornaments (12-15) for Dayton Guild - designed need to make prototype
6. Two pendants for swap with SanDiego Guild
   
7. Two backup pendants for swap with SanDiego Guild - started, liked it - but not there yet, needs more work.
8. Christmas Pens for people at work - not sure of design yet, still have to build them (50 or so)
9. 48 Polymer clay "inchie" tiles for Buckeye Bash next Feb - want to get done early for once in my life
10. Teach Niece and her friend how to make some jewelry in order to sell at swap meet
11. Christmas Present for Mom - she don't know what it is yet - and I am not spilling the beans, since currently she is my only follower!
12. Requested to teach using rubber stamps with polymer clay - a demo for Columbus Polymer Clay Guild

What have I gotten into...

I have the following projects that are due in various months by the end of the year...

1. Project for a pair of ladies coming to visit
2. A mask using info in a demo for Orphan Childeren in Ghanna
3. Shower curtain rings - African Animals for my Mom's approval - and maybe use
4. Color study for Dayton Guild
5. Christmas Ornaments (12-15) for Dayton Guild
6. Two pendants for swap with SanDiego Guild
7. Two backup pendants for swap with SanDiego Guild
8. Christmas Pens for people at work - not sure of design yet, still have to build them (50 or so)
9. 48 Polymer clay "inchie" tiles for Buckeye Bash next Feb - want to get done early for once in my life
10. Teach Niece and her friend how to make some jewelry in order to sell at swap meet
11. Christmas Present for Mom - she don't know what it is yet - and I am not spilling the beans, since currently she is my only follower!
12. Requested to teach using rubber stamps with polymer clay - a demo for Columbus Polymer Clay Guild

I keep feeling like I have forgotten something, but it will probably come up soon.  I will post pictures and info about most of them (not any surprises until they have been given away. :D)

Been a week...

Let's see.  The Dayton guild was FANTASTIC... tons of fun and really learned a lot.  The crew was just great, and I really got into the bead making.  I have made a few since I have been home that I need to share.   Have to get the camera fixed to post those and the earrings I made for Jessi's birthday.

This week was getting Mickey Mouse his new home.  Mickey is now firmly entrenched in the garden.  It is more than just a tilled piece of back yard.  I have the water going on it now.  It has lettuce, carrots, beets, zucchni, pole beans, sunflowers and corn.  There is a spot for watermelon and tomatoes, which I need to pick up later today.  I am a bit beat and want to blast some things in WOW. :)  Bobbi is going to try and solo Gnomergon (sp) while Mickey enjoys the shower.

I travel to Chicago this week, and really think it could be fun. :)