Balance...

is something I am looking for! I thought things would be "easier" once fall came, routines started and the carefree way of summer was over for another year. I am finding it tricky to get in a new groove. It may be that I am more focused than ever on my business so that obviously adds a new level of pressure and stress, even if self-imposed. I am a driven, stubborn minded person and set goals for myself that I am determined to reach.
So balance for me is an ongoing dance, balancing kids, my husband, keeping the house running and getting my business out there even more than it is.

One thing that is a constant and helps me ground myself is creating. I love to design, it clears my mind and reminds me of who I am. As a jewelry designer it is rewarding to create a piece that someone will wear and cherish as it clearly is a very personal item. When you buy it, it is because it is connecting with you on some level. A sale never hurts but if you love it you will get it even if the price is a bit of a stretch. If it is beyond your means you will never forget that piece even though it is not yours. When I look at the pieces I have created I can clearly remember what I was doing at that point in my life, why it was created, what inspired me. Sometimes the obvious theme doesn't hit me until later, I may love the piece, give it a name and talk about it but it could be weeks to months later I look back and see something so clear in it that I can't believe I didn't see before. It is therapy creating, as an artist you are putting yourself in the items you create, and giving little bits of you to the recipient.

My latest piece that is part of a larger collection is called Balance and this time it was pretty clear and immediate what the inspiration for it is.

Holidays already?

Fall is in the air...sort of. It was earlier this week, I had the kids in long sleeve shirts and pants and the weather was perfect, not hot but slightly warm with a nice breeze. I have failed to check the weather report since early this week and assumed it would be like that all week. So, this morning my poor kids were a tad hot in their too warm clothing, as was I. However, I won't complain as we are on the tail end of this kind of weather. I love fall, it is such a wonderful season to be in New England for. All the colors changing every where is so vibrant and inspiring.

Of course that means any retail place you set foot in will be decked out in spirit of fall and Halloween maybe even a few Thanksgiving themes are already out. It is kind of nice as it puts you in the mindset of things to come and look forward to. It does seem that retailers hurry things a bit and I have always understood why, but I do even more so now.

As I gear up for the holidays in hopes that they are a success for Bare Metal Designs. Needing to make sure I have enough supplies on hand to create the items I currently promote as well as any new pieces (which are coming!). On top of all the "little" things that are sometimes easy to forget about like business cards, mailers, and the ever important tape! That is just a few of the many things I am finding myself becoming more aware of and how much of it I have left at any given time.

Also, making sure that I get the word out and promote myself in plenty of time as there will be a cut-off for when I can do custom orders and guarantee they will arrive for the holidays. This is where it pays to be prepared like a retail store, the longer you are out there in front of people the better off you will (hopefully) be!