Small Victories

I don't know about the rest of you but these last couple of years have been challenging with the recession, no money for enjoyment, and everyone feeling the pinch. I woke up one day and said that I was no longer going to live that way, I was going to make some changes. There are so many things on my plate, so many have to do's on my list of to do's, it gets so overwhelming sometimes. Even this blog, I couldn't believe that it's been so long since I've last written. But, here I am now and that's all that matters.

One of the changes that I did make in my life was to take my life in little bite size portions, chunks of things that I had to do. I called them my "small victories", because I believe that if I can fit enough of these into my day, that I will accomplish a whole lot more than feeling overwhelmed by it all and wanting to step out of my life, run away, and hide.

Since my commitment, I also decided that I would once again write in my morning pages as prescribed by Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way. Finally, things have been turning around for me. I am actually signing up people for my classes, making sales in the gallery, and all the while enjoying my "small victories". When I start to feel overwhelmed by my life, I say, "small victories" and it settles me down long enough to accomplish something. Try it. I made a bracelet to remind me of my newfound motto!

Happy New Year, Happy New Class Schedule!

I always like starting off another year. January 2010, I think I'll say twenty ten, it's short and sweet. And with each new year, a new beginning, hope for the future, hope for the things I wanted to accomplish but didn't last year, leaving the crappy stuff behind, starting fresh.

I have been concentrating on getting my Precious Metal Clay class schedule up and going. I feel so much more alive and "together" when I teach; who would have thought... For the next three months, my schedule is done. I want small classes of four to six students, and I am offering full days of Open studio on Wednesdays with three hour Open Studios on some of the other days. Open Studio is where one could spend some time here, using the equipment, kiln, whatever I have to create jewelry, for those with some experience.

I have some beginning classes in Precious Metal Clay, with some intermediate and advanced classes. Guest instructors, Julie Harmon - Viking Weave, Terry Cook - Enameling, and Geri Colgrove - Bezel Setting in Precious Metal Clay, and Mary Heldenbrand - the Byzantine Chain mail bracelet class also added this month. These classes are project based; you will create a piece of jewelry by the end of class or at least get a pretty good head start on a piece.



My Riveted Cuff Bracelet workshop is being offered this month, Friday, January 22nd. It's a fun class that gives you a sample of working with Precious Metal Clay, Riveting, and working with sterling silver. Fun Fun!

I'm also teaching on the road this month at Brio Fine Arts Center. I like to teach just short and sweet classes when I am away from my studio. This month is the Hammered Cuff Bracelet.

I've made a class brochure to hand out and/or mail, but still need to put it on my website. A multitude of things to get done...but for now at least visiting my website (www.huntressexpressions.com), and clicking on the google calendar will take you to the most updated schedule and pricing.

Whew! Now that that's done, a million other things need tending to but mostly and importantly, I want to fill my classes. Spread the word for me or better yet come in for a class!