Beading Help Web Welcomes 2008!
Setting Goals for 2008
For the last several years, I've documented my annual goals here, and then have gone back at the end of the year to check progress on how I did. For 2008, I plan to:
1. Become more proficient with PMC.
2. Work with that torch, learning basics such as using flux and pickle, and soldering.
3. Grow my jewelry business 10% through higher end and more personal showings.
4. Create one piece per week for myself or for sale.
5. Write one article/project/review for Beading Help Web per week.
You can check out more details for each of these goals on my January 2, 2008 blog entry. Plus, if you'd like to see how I did on my 2007 goals, take a look at January 1, 2008. Remember, when you are setting goals for yourself, make them SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timely.
We've got Cures for the Winter Blues
While we're in the midst of a January thaw in my neck of the woods today, I know Old Man Winter is still out there, peeking around the corner just waiting for the opportunity to pounce! To keep myself (and my teen-aged son) from wasting away those snow days that are sure to come, I'm doing just a little prep work to have some projects in reserve. What kind of prep work, you ask?
First off, I print tutorials I've found online that I want to try, and placing them in a 3-ring binder for easy access. Also, I've marked (using Post-It Notes) pages in magazines and books for projects or techniques that are intriguing.
If a project requires specific supplies, I'll make sure I have them on hand...and if it's something I'm REALLY interested in, I'll even purchase the supplies. Nothing worse than being snowbound and out of beading supplies!
I'm also keeping some crafty projects on hand for my son so that he has some new things to work on as well. Anyone with kids can appreciate the ability to pull out a new project for them to work on when the inevitable sound of "MOM! I'm bored!" is heard!
In addition to trying new projects, I'm making up a supply of sterling silver and copper ear wires. The winter blues take a back seat if I have a new set of Simple Dangle Earrings to go with the sweater I've had for ages...and using ear wires I've made myself makes them even more special. Beading Help Web has free tutorials for three different styles of ear wires: Double Loop French Ear Wire Findings, Simple Loop French Ear Wire Findings, and Swirled Loop French Ear Wire Findings. Store your finished ear wires in zippered plastic bags to keep them from tarnishing.
Winter Color Challenge
Finally, it's always fun to do a color challenge, especially when there's nothing colorful outside! Peridot, turquoise, amethyst and red coral might sound like a total color clash, but they sound like a party to me! If you're up to the challenge, let's see what you can come up with using those colors and/or stones. Email your photos to beadingpublisher@consumerhelpweb.com and I'll post your photos on the Beading Help Web blog as they come in!
