tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-714364841980658452024-02-20T04:51:41.101-05:00An Artist's Year OffA jewelry maker's New Year's resolutions and how she keeps them (or not).Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-8553790449576482812017-01-27T19:03:00.001-05:002017-01-27T19:10:19.622-05:00<a href="https://goo.gl/forms/cxqGfeyBlWLoMgF23">Click here to fill </a>Lori Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12297328109318290291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-40865400661429855222010-12-27T15:39:00.001-05:002011-11-19T21:29:27.123-05:00The Year-End Wrap Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">It's that time -- the year-end wrap of An Artist's Year Off. Time to see what goals I accomplished, what went by the wayside, and what unexpected things happened.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(This will be a long post, so grab a drink and a snack and away we'll go!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(If you've just stumbled upon this blog, I began with <a href="http://anartistsyearoff.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-adventure-starts-soon.html">this post</a>. If you want to read in order, go to the right side bar and click the months and work backwards. I wish there was a way to take this blog the other way around, but alas.) </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAIGeEIcBFLncy3flZRaeqFfBTW4rGdCbKyl1IxnXAeDnl24oEmiShBdFZpWLddIqeYMOgRjWuajoBHG45RHn_ayVEngAcZDPXyE4-TGM0nh0hwwEw19GlsXrGfTLPbkreP3IuNaRjYQ/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAIGeEIcBFLncy3flZRaeqFfBTW4rGdCbKyl1IxnXAeDnl24oEmiShBdFZpWLddIqeYMOgRjWuajoBHG45RHn_ayVEngAcZDPXyE4-TGM0nh0hwwEw19GlsXrGfTLPbkreP3IuNaRjYQ/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's what I said in my first post:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Starting January 1st, 2010, I begin a new adventure.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After five years of 15-20 craft shows a year, I am tired. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I've cut back my showings drastically, and have decided that this is my year to explore.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My year to hone my skills.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My year to learn new things.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'm nervous, and apprehensive, and more than a little scared.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But it's now or never!</b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reading that, it seems to me I was absolutely desperate for a change. The "now or never" part just smacks of "get me out of this rut!". I felt like all I did was make the same thing, the same style, over and over and over again, and I felt stagnant. I wanted to expand without losing my customers, and I wanted to learn new skills that would enable me to become more memorable.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQaR_aBPw5yvH54-tapqvHWNxo609S3UUcEmvLDofcJuhWgrec3-uiAZs-4RQrUKriAR7xvk6FNHqWqUqzY9J8eTCZCn2r0bjQFSR_NJPRzS_aHbPtQw3Ll0dqt-3_67CuH5mvU4ZayA/s1600/Blue-Seas-Blue-Skies-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQaR_aBPw5yvH54-tapqvHWNxo609S3UUcEmvLDofcJuhWgrec3-uiAZs-4RQrUKriAR7xvk6FNHqWqUqzY9J8eTCZCn2r0bjQFSR_NJPRzS_aHbPtQw3Ll0dqt-3_67CuH5mvU4ZayA/s400/Blue-Seas-Blue-Skies-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">typical "me" style</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">I also wanted to stretch my wings and learn new skills, including something I'd never tried before -- mixed media art. Well, I did learn new skills, which I'll touch on later, but I totally failed when it came to learning mixed media and journaling. I'd signed up for <a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/">Art and Soul</a> in Hampton, VA, but had to cancel at the last minute due to migraines. Migraines were a common overture throughout this year, getting in the way of a lot of creative endeavors, but I learned to work around them and to just let some things go.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0_xgjih1wSI9MsMVJrrkfEgCKkBJJL9TCcpQqmBkXXXxvdTHdqI9L_g9vxDwTeyjXG6fgX2OVsVjra_YDryzsetN3AqS34-D7SEP1cTVynez2mQRyhtB7s1JWMjjmUrUs89vSFilILE/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0_xgjih1wSI9MsMVJrrkfEgCKkBJJL9TCcpQqmBkXXXxvdTHdqI9L_g9vxDwTeyjXG6fgX2OVsVjra_YDryzsetN3AqS34-D7SEP1cTVynez2mQRyhtB7s1JWMjjmUrUs89vSFilILE/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">mixed media art by <a href="http://www.kabsconcepts.com/">Kerry Bogert</a> that I own</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I did find organizing my day to be helpful, but this was a hit-or-miss project. I started the year with the <a href="http://anartistsyearoff.blogspot.com/2010/01/organizing-day.html">best of intentions</a>, but in a couple of months, the day planner got buried under piles of paperwork and I forgot about it. Around September, when life started getting hectic again, I chucked the old day planner and bought a perpetual calender at <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Curry-Leather-Perpetual-Calendar/300_334/479221.html">Paper Source</a>. This way, I'm not stressed by missing weeks or even months of time, but fill in each page with the dates and go on from there.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkn9w7fekZVBoWlS5JIlInsDHJPONkIekreIYoKxYcxLoNXrC4ORPP9kZQlJkN-YCa_QEGYKEWXgzqc579BFjRE31aOZpkg_2qI3O-BWk_KImFQnU-26Mjwr7lxUt3opzV4nODhIlJCtU/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkn9w7fekZVBoWlS5JIlInsDHJPONkIekreIYoKxYcxLoNXrC4ORPP9kZQlJkN-YCa_QEGYKEWXgzqc579BFjRE31aOZpkg_2qI3O-BWk_KImFQnU-26Mjwr7lxUt3opzV4nODhIlJCtU/s400/b.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I did take some classes. I learned how to torch-enamel beads with <a href="http://paintingwithfireartwear.com/">Barbara Lewis</a>...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreN7lk1StI614ZqXmeFNmw_haiL8yzgwsv5LpTOXbagDWfOCYgmqQd-52wmh_221b-KYMvpkYiMgOqtFOnKsxgUMZHJgqUa9k4BpfsMSGY7_YnlpUGwf-HOvVLAsB2DOBgqJT-W3AxUs/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreN7lk1StI614ZqXmeFNmw_haiL8yzgwsv5LpTOXbagDWfOCYgmqQd-52wmh_221b-KYMvpkYiMgOqtFOnKsxgUMZHJgqUa9k4BpfsMSGY7_YnlpUGwf-HOvVLAsB2DOBgqJT-W3AxUs/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">and I learned how to rivet, dap, and texture metal with <a href="http://wiredarts.net/tsclasses.html">Tracy Stanley</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ttyneQ_PP6HWZb7aIvbzRWrwrGudwuqZHN61dhhdXixrIjiq8u5jzGslzSMyDpppZIe7FWSTUIUtupHvgVwCdLUiOYhpvLef3sd2gtKh5-rEE4TJm58AkhQNV5Lc73CINdmyeMKERMY/s1600/800-Pendant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ttyneQ_PP6HWZb7aIvbzRWrwrGudwuqZHN61dhhdXixrIjiq8u5jzGslzSMyDpppZIe7FWSTUIUtupHvgVwCdLUiOYhpvLef3sd2gtKh5-rEE4TJm58AkhQNV5Lc73CINdmyeMKERMY/s400/800-Pendant2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">I practiced in my lampwork studio, but didn't get past making frit beads because our house contractors took over my studio to hook up their generators, and then my lampwork class at BeadFest got canceled at the last minute, and by then, it was crunch time for making jewelry for fall shows. But I was happy with my progression, even managing to sell some spacer sets.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ-KwFQxUnFR7UIfV9epkiy9hbctvTouaqDk6tYoxhjU9dQNy9cxg9jxd3hQvRl30AigZPxcVbUBEyurqSgxgcFdLB_nW-TNgdQZ67O3dpBkbHA6xHYKRXYt12CdrxfEtY2Dg9Pz9xhM/s1600/EBeadsTangerine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ-KwFQxUnFR7UIfV9epkiy9hbctvTouaqDk6tYoxhjU9dQNy9cxg9jxd3hQvRl30AigZPxcVbUBEyurqSgxgcFdLB_nW-TNgdQZ67O3dpBkbHA6xHYKRXYt12CdrxfEtY2Dg9Pz9xhM/s320/EBeadsTangerine.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">spacers I made with CiM glass</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX-swaZ6KYHdwpryqDcAl_UR3Jeox-tKoANWZWdUtdYYVvO7T9ep0Kfl_3OSlFvPgTFaZ6EzArKFQ5LOAMzFQXsh_0MXmnpUOl55CHIPKG2mrD-9cphBELvMNy_n39sI6ihuTmRuBIvw/s1600/Pearls-in-Deep-Seas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvX-swaZ6KYHdwpryqDcAl_UR3Jeox-tKoANWZWdUtdYYVvO7T9ep0Kfl_3OSlFvPgTFaZ6EzArKFQ5LOAMzFQXsh_0MXmnpUOl55CHIPKG2mrD-9cphBELvMNy_n39sI6ihuTmRuBIvw/s400/Pearls-in-Deep-Seas.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">bracelet I made with my beads</span></td></tr>
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</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">There were, of course, some stumbles. I picked up books along the way, planning on trying new skills, like polymer clay and metalsmithing, and never got around to it. I signed up for <a href="http://www.stephanielee.typepad.com/">Stephanie Lee's</a> "Homesteader's Metalsmithing" eCourse but due to a FAR more intensive selling season than I expected, only made it to one class. I never got around to trying more intricate wire work or the tutorials I purchased. I DID try <a href="http://www.zentangle.com/index.php">Zentangles</a> -- once. The kit sits on my desk, unopened since that one attempt.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuX2f1h-0Qpud-cw4iH6NXoKmiXrDfKhNRYL4RT-i3Qj5SQhFDGn253L1Wk6OPK6VXZiP7E4YXUqjEAg5T7G-fWeOtVNL5AkYQsaqpFUPNSGYLMFETwonde_NsU4RkodyAswFGHcliMY/s1600/Zentangle1-0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuX2f1h-0Qpud-cw4iH6NXoKmiXrDfKhNRYL4RT-i3Qj5SQhFDGn253L1Wk6OPK6VXZiP7E4YXUqjEAg5T7G-fWeOtVNL5AkYQsaqpFUPNSGYLMFETwonde_NsU4RkodyAswFGHcliMY/s320/Zentangle1-0210.jpg" width="312" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">I wrote a <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/p/ecourses.html">free eCourse</a> on my personal thoughts about blogging. I made the decision to put my son into private school, which due to the expense, caused me to totally re-evaluate how I run my business, from cash flow to marketing. Taking a look at my business plan actually wasn't a bad idea, as I hadn't visited it in a while.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE-hlTsf21Ov9qaEWJ269M4_nVYLkUq22EEf7ncmBhtXxleVP5UKGsda-zwlzEDXxcK0bAlcQ8BrQgZgzQIJRuQqEDDwyT0uhnnh1YvKgSwLJF0ptubVrlFWyvY2C0Cx8ZCKtsoe_JE0/s1600/Show-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE-hlTsf21Ov9qaEWJ269M4_nVYLkUq22EEf7ncmBhtXxleVP5UKGsda-zwlzEDXxcK0bAlcQ8BrQgZgzQIJRuQqEDDwyT0uhnnh1YvKgSwLJF0ptubVrlFWyvY2C0Cx8ZCKtsoe_JE0/s400/Show-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">photo by <a href="http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/">Cindy Wimmer</a>, at one of my shows</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the Huge News department, I launched a brand new web site, which totally rebranded me from eye-burning stripes to whimsical Chinese lanterns. New fonts, new layout, new style. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SU9-0ZjtnNgvY7HD4OvT_IznSDcULkwqGxs8N5AL9uu0E1qfEqDcJxr3ZpK4P6SavG2mGaVXuYo5PmUsY5zeP4tZyJsEAU93P7qIZD_jlShgetj-3lWG6zCIAKk2uL3-I29ggsMhpJk/s1600/Lori%2527s+Home+Page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SU9-0ZjtnNgvY7HD4OvT_IznSDcULkwqGxs8N5AL9uu0E1qfEqDcJxr3ZpK4P6SavG2mGaVXuYo5PmUsY5zeP4tZyJsEAU93P7qIZD_jlShgetj-3lWG6zCIAKk2uL3-I29ggsMhpJk/s400/Lori%2527s+Home+Page.jpg" width="365" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWS1m5KI_jLp3u201wVqoS7rBTEHdG8mNCwpjHLiSTT6koooIAitH4SGDw_EAQL-d29Hr2bmoNSXuSgRqFPhijolvACARxtSDrqOcoLbB3yFtSa552UOsDSmSA8IuOAl0XcPLiURKIvs/s1600/la-sticker.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Along with the new web site came the need to learn a new style of photography. I packed up my light tent and moved to taking natural light pictures and went from using (for the most part) stark white backgrounds to using photo props. This takes a lot longer because I have a limited amount of time when the sun cooperates with me, not to mention I don't always know what I'm doing with the camera, but when the photos work out, they work out.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7er57EOWy8IQt1qAlYfnXVrzxBZOWQ57JAKpQ9s6CcROUvPPR2oq4JWP9jPsT-xPx1qmYbSEKkxuaJqB88u4zWrAQKQekLWZP1Dvir_LSUxkM2Q6lQZsXwT1ChlSu5PeUjfnjYQGbqMI/s1600/Little+Treasures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7er57EOWy8IQt1qAlYfnXVrzxBZOWQ57JAKpQ9s6CcROUvPPR2oq4JWP9jPsT-xPx1qmYbSEKkxuaJqB88u4zWrAQKQekLWZP1Dvir_LSUxkM2Q6lQZsXwT1ChlSu5PeUjfnjYQGbqMI/s400/Little+Treasures.jpg" width="382" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMrz4_FTlTjzsa7zL6XLQ8fGeZ3kSmRvFtafLkgTUBb_eQScDuaupnkSUBTQy4q_8upK-zJ8Z3vcruv0eahomDlb5cVDnakIGx7vwPGhka46j8kR4zG5z9oEIINFx0q-TRqr5sqshQZw/s1600/Ava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMrz4_FTlTjzsa7zL6XLQ8fGeZ3kSmRvFtafLkgTUBb_eQScDuaupnkSUBTQy4q_8upK-zJ8Z3vcruv0eahomDlb5cVDnakIGx7vwPGhka46j8kR4zG5z9oEIINFx0q-TRqr5sqshQZw/s400/Ava.jpg" width="303" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So far, my customers have liked the new site and I've gotten minor glitches fixed pretty quickly. Money well spent.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also in the Huge News department was the creation of my personal baby, the Bead Soup Blog Party. Held three times this year, it's a blog hop designed to help jewelry designers work outside their normal comfort zones, introduce each other to new blogs, and create a sense of camaraderie. I was overwhelmed with the response, and the <a href="http://anartistsyearoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/bead-soup-blog-party.html">first party</a> was such a success the BSBP has become a standing hop. The next one has sign-ups in January -- I hope you'll join! The information can be found <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/p/bead-soup-blog-party.html">by clicking here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWgVSyhZc3PI7Q2AgualFmBvWi1cbDx5AKIFixi0xSKLD4ACZM5OQC27QpSSLwNu-CqCrT2KAv0KCRUI5q8-s8gzxu3GX6Gf6CZ0EpP_5dty6wDXGRDyRuvojaAjssybs_0sjCMZo19Q/s1600/BeadSoupPartySaveDate2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWgVSyhZc3PI7Q2AgualFmBvWi1cbDx5AKIFixi0xSKLD4ACZM5OQC27QpSSLwNu-CqCrT2KAv0KCRUI5q8-s8gzxu3GX6Gf6CZ0EpP_5dty6wDXGRDyRuvojaAjssybs_0sjCMZo19Q/s400/BeadSoupPartySaveDate2.jpg" width="292" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">To help me continue to work outside the box, I started the <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/p/cup-of-soup.html">Cup of Bead Soup</a>. That's a monthly series that features one bead artist who sends me beads, sight unseen, and I spend the month designing with them. Through this, I not only get to push myself, but promote an awesome bead maker. I've really grown through the Cup of Bead Soup, and I'm looking forward to next year's editions.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SZ8Gh2CLq84ZTBOX5ggRYcSGidJzVKgF-j1PZlR9f7dKAKNFTjztnNr9ba6uFL37kfHQDQzR_UuK8E8Q0cn9ooACLdV5CiFF1fCXdmye_Eb1QeKG9KxeAUpxjqFq2WGDEcfC9oR0tbs/s1600/On-The-Wings-of-Love-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SZ8Gh2CLq84ZTBOX5ggRYcSGidJzVKgF-j1PZlR9f7dKAKNFTjztnNr9ba6uFL37kfHQDQzR_UuK8E8Q0cn9ooACLdV5CiFF1fCXdmye_Eb1QeKG9KxeAUpxjqFq2WGDEcfC9oR0tbs/s320/On-The-Wings-of-Love-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">polymer clay beads by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/floridity">Floridity</a>, lampwork by me, copper clasp by me</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGfJx6hX4vbyc_F2fWmNv5StJ03ufNl03bFgXuXjatD9JUbDf6k3wsRPqUsUHcg-f8I5zi3nmv_wvWF5d7EoQUP-vq9bvzfTU9s-_b_HYT4mdC_yeFl1z6KiIZW4t46oACmDB8qCl3uQ/s1600/Blue-Flower-necklace..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGfJx6hX4vbyc_F2fWmNv5StJ03ufNl03bFgXuXjatD9JUbDf6k3wsRPqUsUHcg-f8I5zi3nmv_wvWF5d7EoQUP-vq9bvzfTU9s-_b_HYT4mdC_yeFl1z6KiIZW4t46oACmDB8qCl3uQ/s400/Blue-Flower-necklace..jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">ceramic pendant by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/spiritedearth">Spirited Earth</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the Ultimate Big News -- I'm writing a beading book. I'm telling you, it still hasn't sunk in. The book is due out around October 2012, which seems like forever, but the publishing world just works that way. Trust me, it'll be worth the wait!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8BZItrFe13_ba5kuQHJvvLzyLcGd_spvVz0PmROw9afaU5N_DC5pdFz7JG1xTJNMApcm2faknpD2VjsDbf-DDY9sUXT6BGqo76zaiLjng7F5BV7Tedb1Jc_inVtdozRsKgqmJoj8HHE/s1600/Barnes-and-Noble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8BZItrFe13_ba5kuQHJvvLzyLcGd_spvVz0PmROw9afaU5N_DC5pdFz7JG1xTJNMApcm2faknpD2VjsDbf-DDY9sUXT6BGqo76zaiLjng7F5BV7Tedb1Jc_inVtdozRsKgqmJoj8HHE/s400/Barnes-and-Noble.jpg" width="233" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the beading book section of Barnes and Noble</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">All in all, it's been a good year. No, I didn't accomplish all I set out to do -- but I'm incredibly happy with what I DID accomplish. Sometimes the best plan is to have no plan ... or at least, be willing to bend to the whims of chance and change. I worked around a lot of physical pain, a lot of worry about my own self-worth in the beading community, and came out feeling stronger. I've made the most amazing blog friends along the way, built my customer base, and strengthened my family. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Smx_9mzCDmwRDEfLw2tN9fsQJdh9KmY3Hnmi8WnLQ4UqeCzBWv2Ad3ATxwkCzX5vAmRxuwaCFPMTX8nt6zi-3fR-YFyK9seHifgN5gOQiBJ2Ec-raYdc_HZUgd1DyklCCVAtQivENsE/s1600/Trees-0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Smx_9mzCDmwRDEfLw2tN9fsQJdh9KmY3Hnmi8WnLQ4UqeCzBWv2Ad3ATxwkCzX5vAmRxuwaCFPMTX8nt6zi-3fR-YFyK9seHifgN5gOQiBJ2Ec-raYdc_HZUgd1DyklCCVAtQivENsE/s400/Trees-0808.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Trees near our house.</span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reach up, you never know how high you'll go.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, this year off from all the stresses of craft show after craft show after craft show helped me grow, often in ways I hadn't planned or didn't expect. I'm looking forward to 2011, and I hope you'll join me at my main blog, <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>, to join me in my coming adventures.</span></div></div></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-66743951427011894802010-11-21T13:08:00.001-05:002011-11-19T21:29:27.129-05:00Some things I've learned....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">♥ It's ok to be behind in an online class.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QIOgJ2UNboLao2wqxgLTKLrb4ITJ0crSueOtyB-lVPz85DHkUdmn6yPdSyHXBOHXLEZyGCy2LTnWp94bCL8m916p1jILw3_qwJDczIT2mTixscVbgShboubbLChBi65vN2UPK_GXoyk/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QIOgJ2UNboLao2wqxgLTKLrb4ITJ0crSueOtyB-lVPz85DHkUdmn6yPdSyHXBOHXLEZyGCy2LTnWp94bCL8m916p1jILw3_qwJDczIT2mTixscVbgShboubbLChBi65vN2UPK_GXoyk/s1600/a.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://stephanielee.typepad.com/stephanie_lee_studios/">Stephanie Lee, Homesteader's Metalsmithing</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">♥ It's wonderful to embrace a new art form -- but realize I have to wait until after the Christmas rush of shows and internet loading and year-end tax preparation to fully explore it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIfi8HHyjKufQfu1B_SW2AnGvgAEnavKQVDQZhyljnxSo3DeT8BBrHQVr5OwxgubToa8aa4Dwo3HEl-RdwaA0HrFe6GvQ4ai5AcjJiQbeTMIgCpmnW5dplCmnATykRLVwbsasGky0bTM/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIfi8HHyjKufQfu1B_SW2AnGvgAEnavKQVDQZhyljnxSo3DeT8BBrHQVr5OwxgubToa8aa4Dwo3HEl-RdwaA0HrFe6GvQ4ai5AcjJiQbeTMIgCpmnW5dplCmnATykRLVwbsasGky0bTM/s640/a2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.paintingwithfireartwear.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=2&zenid=0k67hfaaoceoarjsdobbslssh0">Enamel beads I made in Barbara Lewis' class</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhHHubaH85ML4fr4iQS68GVbRO3DVPWjfDN-wAKQQLnENV3Ne8CDsh7y5fDMu2Fl-FLIXDmM4C1wMufCRngVCuwlmtb0z-Ce_6zmzi1_vGl0wqaAOxgLbeDs-wikYnAWUgKh2c17OpBw/s1600/Lori-Glass-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhHHubaH85ML4fr4iQS68GVbRO3DVPWjfDN-wAKQQLnENV3Ne8CDsh7y5fDMu2Fl-FLIXDmM4C1wMufCRngVCuwlmtb0z-Ce_6zmzi1_vGl0wqaAOxgLbeDs-wikYnAWUgKh2c17OpBw/s640/Lori-Glass-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Glass waiting to be made into beads in my lampwork studio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">♥ It's ok to curl up in bed with a good book and then take a long nap.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2ChkY2cRr1tOoEoX1K0c8IykQEDiusR1HkNnkRIYGUrnFF1UXM7hrzStHJbi8GGatkEMNQXuIvaakTxMqctFhvlpCCVp3lEC_3KO0CsFzjEGp7dB8BrT1ms1D-f0f_Ho7nn9S3v1C1E/s1600/stackbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2ChkY2cRr1tOoEoX1K0c8IykQEDiusR1HkNnkRIYGUrnFF1UXM7hrzStHJbi8GGatkEMNQXuIvaakTxMqctFhvlpCCVp3lEC_3KO0CsFzjEGp7dB8BrT1ms1D-f0f_Ho7nn9S3v1C1E/s320/stackbooks.jpg" width="246" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/382208-lori-anderson?shelf=read">check out the books I've read at GoodReads.com</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">♥ It's an incredible, freeing feeling to <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2010/10/random-thoughts-by-etsy-finds-bullet.html">find inner peace</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTa_SSwyuYFFRxatdJhkrbFlwhfpNQzvcn7YGqK8XN6ipRmr1A9upYy87fQp82_WcyCY2-_bf8SlgDB9bB9sh4jMg6bY83_QFYjMfH7_rhz-6SUEHvFpRnQNK1A4y3dSttGF3SD1cx60/s1600/Twain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTa_SSwyuYFFRxatdJhkrbFlwhfpNQzvcn7YGqK8XN6ipRmr1A9upYy87fQp82_WcyCY2-_bf8SlgDB9bB9sh4jMg6bY83_QFYjMfH7_rhz-6SUEHvFpRnQNK1A4y3dSttGF3SD1cx60/s400/Twain.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A wonderful quotation in front of a paperweight I made.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_1MGocw3wWOjnlp-UAmi6osw2RmdeoE2cdPCrFPF80dxAHJHoZooXcO7LFHe9uyx3JCxnnYFk9Cn2-JEMjCPgJJKq4qLvReyuNjSPAEOx1uwvl9w_03G2aoqeLNPtugggieDqihLjLU/s1600/imagesswimming-in-the-house_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for being here.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for reading.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She's also a contributor to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-1485317420608622382010-10-27T13:03:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.134-05:00Enameling Beads with Barbara Lewis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">This weekend I took another Painting With Fire <a href="http://www.paintingwithfireartwear.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=2&zenid=0k67hfaaoceoarjsdobbslssh0">class with Barbara Lewis</a>. I'd taken the class previously, but as with most classes, I usually have to take it twice to really GET it and let it sink in. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things I love about taking classes is getting to meet fellow jewelry makers and bloggers. It's so much fun to put a face to the words, you know? Sometimes my world is so small over here on the Eastern Shore, sitting at my work bench and computer, so it's wonderful to get out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway -- this time, I really feel like I GOT it. I hit the bead in the right part of the flame, covered it well in enamel, and actually ended up with usable beads at the end of the day.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgwwCt-pRG7ZxOhNrglgtkLT-G0x2q8sW5oCuXTstVLzMseRDTJJirb2mTECzoM4HIDAnlcYKuruDf0_OqcK7W_cy59ukFbKBsATEKhiN5JyF1xYeMRywPQ7uJwfWXJNcqvZ2SMn0oK0/s1600/Enameled-Beads-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgwwCt-pRG7ZxOhNrglgtkLT-G0x2q8sW5oCuXTstVLzMseRDTJJirb2mTECzoM4HIDAnlcYKuruDf0_OqcK7W_cy59ukFbKBsATEKhiN5JyF1xYeMRywPQ7uJwfWXJNcqvZ2SMn0oK0/s640/Enameled-Beads-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm pretty darned pleased with these! They aren't perfect, but they'll absolutely serve my purpose of making a necklace for myself. I was also sufficiently inspired enough to buy a bunch of enamels and start dreaming up some ideas.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also learned some new techniques in this class, such as making tricolor beads....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhWVaqQ21DwU5Btg207gbT8T2Q7lE-LeVl4lfZisPYORjNL7vxIom5j4DaBkoI27-qTLkPNtvNs8FUvUo0j_N5PVwZ81lhV7rEglw8Tr8njmKiQKSPAgiVTuUpc9ZBFX5g2TpeWUQ2k0/s1600/Enameled-Beads-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhWVaqQ21DwU5Btg207gbT8T2Q7lE-LeVl4lfZisPYORjNL7vxIom5j4DaBkoI27-qTLkPNtvNs8FUvUo0j_N5PVwZ81lhV7rEglw8Tr8njmKiQKSPAgiVTuUpc9ZBFX5g2TpeWUQ2k0/s640/Enameled-Beads-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And how to make bi-color beads.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1NcQxSVWaoSHq5XtTw6tknZrSsjJ-Qn10-1Yo0aMKlaWiMVZ6DHUpHypMNLFrwT92xjQse1599K_mXHe32Jnv2ZrGe1pTJWBCbwyIddqURKZedjAeWJyB1mxQv_TUgIUcjG1FbKrbuY/s1600/Enameled-Beads-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1NcQxSVWaoSHq5XtTw6tknZrSsjJ-Qn10-1Yo0aMKlaWiMVZ6DHUpHypMNLFrwT92xjQse1599K_mXHe32Jnv2ZrGe1pTJWBCbwyIddqURKZedjAeWJyB1mxQv_TUgIUcjG1FbKrbuY/s640/Enameled-Beads-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hard to tell the colors on the bi-color beads, because believe it or not, those were harder for me than the tricolor, but you get the idea.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then I went to town on covering regular color with transparent colors to get some really pretty vintage-esque colors.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyxwDg4zxq6UfXLbxJfTfXnf9JZJe2VN7ZbhIbVeOtyIEUzS7MUTCRTSXnLU_Tk5oloo-RpquI2Te99IrSHUu-MEOzzTBsQcJRenKDjQa8oN0oF4GHt1u4xUVO1ckcJfB-5Lt0hbTuao/s1600/Enameled-Beads-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyxwDg4zxq6UfXLbxJfTfXnf9JZJe2VN7ZbhIbVeOtyIEUzS7MUTCRTSXnLU_Tk5oloo-RpquI2Te99IrSHUu-MEOzzTBsQcJRenKDjQa8oN0oF4GHt1u4xUVO1ckcJfB-5Lt0hbTuao/s640/Enameled-Beads-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">All in all, a very productive class, and a day well spent!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She's also a contributor to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>.</i></span></div></div></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-23269014684855135982010-10-21T10:08:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.138-05:00Two More Classes for the Year<span style="font-size: small;">I have two more classes scheduled for the year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The first one is a re-take of <a href="http://www.paintingwithfireartwear.com/">Barbara Lewis</a>' Painting With Fire torch enameling class. I've taken this class before, but <a href="http://watchmecreate.com/?p=892">true to form</a>, I rushed a bit too much, trying to make ALL the beads she offered (and boy does she give us a LOT of beads to play with!). This time, I plan to take my time and really pay attention to how the torch works with the enamel, and focus on getting good coats of enamel on each bead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The class is this Saturday (yay!) in Annapolis, MD, and I'll get to meet some bloggers I've "met" online. Doesn't get much better than that. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo_MycP0DcEegwA6byHeb9dfOQ2UMV83m9r3k04FBp1B7Pkyed7Pa2sRI3K8pFdzrKPPoM_ClJEDE8pLX9h80LzJEROz88VaCiwyDRAQNRN95eXalGBqWk8i_joTp-u0wkhu8_rGSdWg/s400/a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Paintingwithfire?ref=seller_info">Beads by Barbara Lewis, available at her Etsy shop</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">My next class will be my first online course, this one with <a href="http://www.stephanielee.typepad.com/">Stephanie Lee</a> of "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Semiprecious-Salvage-Creating-Found-Jewelry/dp/1600610196/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1287669461&sr=8-1">Semiprecious Salvage</a>" fame. My friend <a href="http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/">Cindy Wimmer</a> took the last Homesteader's Metalsmithing course and thought I might like it, so I signed up for the second round. It's an entirely new style of metalsmithing than I've <a href="http://watchmecreate.com/?p=936">taken previously</a>, so I'm eager to see how I'll use what I learn.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUAJyxwCYnBzGTmzNOKKLSwiBaduk81_d9Odb-7Wi-4EpJnxzybGEd0lmb_sgy2N8fGn1oBhB7KZyCUiurqxytEpU6KHI87FvYnFxr6bZlH5JYKr5qi2YMr1nxfdsn4r3elpUmwzznoc/s400/a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">And that will about do it for my learning for the year. I'll be doing a nice long wrap-up of the year at the end of December to see how I've fared -- did I actually accomplish what I set out to do? Did I learn anything new? Did I learn something I didn't expect to learn?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stay tuned for class photos!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She's also a contributor to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>.</i></span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-14207174677270312982010-10-11T14:56:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.143-05:00Getting Branded and Saving the Earth<span style="font-size: small;">Since I launched the <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">new web site</a> with the new logo, I've been busy getting new branding materials together -- stickers, signage, postcards, that sort of thing. I've even had t-shirts done! I always like to wear my t-shirt when I'm setting up my booth for a craft show.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmLIFCu_fZK_eTeeWZDa6ICYwQnXjZASOfRIlDhFRN5L7UnORHK5dDGFxV7rzyoyUgNodhjdPQblHeWQYcGTT1NILQ2bW2G21szy7-FHpMN4xOcPVwlBU557Ad7QfEikdSh_oRqCNcD0/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmLIFCu_fZK_eTeeWZDa6ICYwQnXjZASOfRIlDhFRN5L7UnORHK5dDGFxV7rzyoyUgNodhjdPQblHeWQYcGTT1NILQ2bW2G21szy7-FHpMN4xOcPVwlBU557Ad7QfEikdSh_oRqCNcD0/s1600/a.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">But what I'm really grooving on are the <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/lorianderson.468666561">tote bags for groceries</a>, which I've mentioned before ....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTW_vh4ouuEAmYo1gUVXoqRsdz9c-2USnXLvXTXfE-UaypNagCNq6RgYNLYI7MlRcFuTdWgtQiHDF5GgyXr2Ij0hGCz-lkJ4w4zBX6rtYxjB7QxVLLLMMR62NYbPB3w8L-jB4RiOxt8E/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTW_vh4ouuEAmYo1gUVXoqRsdz9c-2USnXLvXTXfE-UaypNagCNq6RgYNLYI7MlRcFuTdWgtQiHDF5GgyXr2Ij0hGCz-lkJ4w4zBX6rtYxjB7QxVLLLMMR62NYbPB3w8L-jB4RiOxt8E/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">and the <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/lorianderson.471394967">Sigg water bottles</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOtLXfo20lcihzrSX7OAXPWFW90HsKLCkQtM16UQOJkfraNbiPdVtdIFZPel-xnXUMbbNlU4VMeI7zJeF3pKWjFznZGUOnpLblx4xV5P19tmtZImxvE4PkPG95kVeaJkqq7kOGvNuIf4/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOtLXfo20lcihzrSX7OAXPWFW90HsKLCkQtM16UQOJkfraNbiPdVtdIFZPel-xnXUMbbNlU4VMeI7zJeF3pKWjFznZGUOnpLblx4xV5P19tmtZImxvE4PkPG95kVeaJkqq7kOGvNuIf4/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to be using both of these as promotional items throughout the year, and I like that they promote recycling. At shows, I'm noticing a lot of people bringing in their own shopping bags, so I've not had to hand out as much plastic. And having a nice water bottle is such a good idea!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I created these items at Cafe Press (<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/lorianderson">my shop is here</a>), and if you're in business, you can create your own marketing materials there as well! It's one more step to setting yourself apart from the rest.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She's also a contributor to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>.</i></span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-83735029583232430192010-10-08T20:13:00.002-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.147-05:00I'm writing a book!<span style="font-size: small;">I just got the final word a few days ago and it's not quite sunk in yet -- but I'm writing a beading book! This is a HUGE accomplishment to check off my list of things I've always wanted to do in my jewelry career!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read more about it <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2010/10/milestones-book.html" target="_blank">by clicking here</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyJbhRnl-JQDLN3PMITKQwVjGV_zUQVP0FI-sEEpJa8AcoTqrEAj8KlmgtT5nx3xeNkXqPeOMyb5l6uW2h98__hI7VJfQH6e_OFgvlKRxfZrDjsA9ryhz4zI0epkyBzKanCLZ0pypvKE/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyJbhRnl-JQDLN3PMITKQwVjGV_zUQVP0FI-sEEpJa8AcoTqrEAj8KlmgtT5nx3xeNkXqPeOMyb5l6uW2h98__hI7VJfQH6e_OFgvlKRxfZrDjsA9ryhz4zI0epkyBzKanCLZ0pypvKE/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-15942592732610335442010-10-03T14:02:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.151-05:00Another mile stone -- the new web site!<span style="font-size: small;">Another mile stone for this year has been accomplished at long last -- my new web site, <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">www.lorianderson.net</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsgL5Hw1NDUWmh29RBA3cwd0GKDgf3ArRFiH2SEzyhQJbxUvcBu90ZqMOcJyKeyS0etnjLNtM2BSGEQgFvIRRnnllWVaH91km2TODv7oU-C9BG_VA3T4UsY-qQMu_CkkXwGLNQJDB16w/s400/la-sticker.gif" width="400" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The launch was largely successful, with only a few glitches found afterward that couldn't have been found until after going live, and they're being worked on. I also have to purchase another package to flesh out the check-out, giving customers the space to write in comments, tell me where they found me, and the like.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Overall, I'm really, really please, although I was apprehensive at first. I contracted <a href="http://www.quirky-bird.com/">Quirky Bird</a> to not only build the web site, but to give me a new logo for a total rebranding. I felt I was at the point in my career, six years later, where I needed to get serious and "become". </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCtvq8j-RN9rF50cb5lCNdoHopAwhqS__mjloES-yIApGgul0VfSt63rbTMVG3iivGutXr52n5am-BtGV8ALllTfBbmFF21GbjrZ_BvJMLhV3SU7O0zrvFapRjG2V7BHngM7mjkoYUV4/s1600/Lori's+Home+Page.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCtvq8j-RN9rF50cb5lCNdoHopAwhqS__mjloES-yIApGgul0VfSt63rbTMVG3iivGutXr52n5am-BtGV8ALllTfBbmFF21GbjrZ_BvJMLhV3SU7O0zrvFapRjG2V7BHngM7mjkoYUV4/s400/Lori's+Home+Page.jpg" width="365" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I first saw the proposed web site, I was afraid it looked too cartoonish, so I asked my best buddy <a href="http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/">Cindy Wimmer</a> what her opinion was, without telling her what *I* thought. She loved it. I was worried that the look wouldn't be cohesive, but it's grown on me, and now I like it. I like the slide show (which I can change) and the blocks at the bottom with seasonal jewelry (which I can also change, and already have).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The company also gave me a crash course in SEO and how to write decent ad copy, and got me hooked up with a professional credit card processor for the site. In all, I had about five people working on the site since January. The web site would have been launched in the summer if it weren't for my migraines getting in the way -- I had a huge hand in doing a lot of the back end so I would be very familiar with how to change things down the road and not be beholden to paying an hourly rate to the developers.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kU1o909C0zvOtxSJ4hsF3RjVuEh6J7E2BteeAgLnAvh3G1_TT7weBCrEWr6wrnVJBVqdKc9SniNJkDQsF-U9sqNIzv1l3zlJeHG1mAHo9Qq0bvoicl4H7qd5eNJYIbN3KDtm6jIDZJA/s1600/la-postcard-front_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kU1o909C0zvOtxSJ4hsF3RjVuEh6J7E2BteeAgLnAvh3G1_TT7weBCrEWr6wrnVJBVqdKc9SniNJkDQsF-U9sqNIzv1l3zlJeHG1mAHo9Qq0bvoicl4H7qd5eNJYIbN3KDtm6jIDZJA/s400/la-postcard-front_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The company also created all my print media, including this postcard. Again, they gave me the PSD file so I can make complete changes to it. I love this, because many companies give you a finished file that CANNOT be tampered with.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">All in all, I'm quite pleased. Yes, it was very expensive, but it was worth it. It's been a long time coming. I'm waiting now for my booth sign, and am looking for small Chinese lanterns for my booth (I already have large ones but haven't quite figured out how to use them). I've also printed up t-shirts as well as tote bags for customers that have bought a gazillion things from me and brought in a lot of customers, but they can also be <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/lorianderson">purchased here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ7-EweQHRSmhEr5X9gle4jlzz4EueherPuVfmZOIGBYB2r3mtluo3Ztm7UUSLtgTC0Bfr2xfd5hCI6du286iA8xVa6KDDfA7Rd_VPcrQxhHrs8saZU73hIjQCWVactl3WaAHH0o1uKc/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ7-EweQHRSmhEr5X9gle4jlzz4EueherPuVfmZOIGBYB2r3mtluo3Ztm7UUSLtgTC0Bfr2xfd5hCI6du286iA8xVa6KDDfA7Rd_VPcrQxhHrs8saZU73hIjQCWVactl3WaAHH0o1uKc/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">So one of the items on my Artist's Year Off list can be absolutely checked off!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She's also a contributor to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>.</i></span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-42036900862673991472010-09-24T11:47:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.158-05:00Private School -- The Story Continues<span style="font-size: small;">First, I want to thank all of you SO. VERY. MUCH. for all your stories and suggestions and advice. I've taken them all to heart and have talked to my husband about them and thought long and hard about things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Earlier in the week, Rick and I had our school visit and interview, and we were enchanted by the school. We got to see the classroom Zack would be in, and a girl that Zack went to preschool with would be in the same class. They were good friends so that's such a great bonus. We also got his class schedule, and it's got so much more emphasis on art and music and computer skills than he's getting now, plus ample time for recess to blow the cobwebs out.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4tmMCkvCmeih5A0mY62yKwD6ZunGPRt_2IrALKvDtLJMUx_OFYjVs8SqB8jLE9zvCJuS0kDmq54dJqwVxkO4ujJ51zfFkLH9DXWpywIizw0HPugSe6BZNSUW3-E7ObC15aKNtWtzvqo/s1600/Zack-Playground-9-1009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4tmMCkvCmeih5A0mY62yKwD6ZunGPRt_2IrALKvDtLJMUx_OFYjVs8SqB8jLE9zvCJuS0kDmq54dJqwVxkO4ujJ51zfFkLH9DXWpywIizw0HPugSe6BZNSUW3-E7ObC15aKNtWtzvqo/s400/Zack-Playground-9-1009.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yesterday was Zack's assessment tests and tour, and when I picked him up, I asked him what HIS thoughts were. He loved it and was ready to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today we got the call -- he's in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, Tuesday he starts. I feel like I'm in a whirlwind!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Time will tell if this is truly the right decision, but my gut tells me it is. The class size is small, the headmaster is visible and hands-on, and the opportunities and teaching methods are up Zack's alley. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4xRZTze7eQK0PWejH9-CYr-5s-6qPk0EOAuPv240Awv5RPCuAEnUkiwwbAhb6rAPlhQQt86l84FEi1ypWlYy5VmXo1GsW6UyIgAG9FGYKsF2TICr_DP06qyMMTgaRl9Pp3omvzcMkfo/s1600/New-Year-2-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4xRZTze7eQK0PWejH9-CYr-5s-6qPk0EOAuPv240Awv5RPCuAEnUkiwwbAhb6rAPlhQQt86l84FEi1ypWlYy5VmXo1GsW6UyIgAG9FGYKsF2TICr_DP06qyMMTgaRl9Pp3omvzcMkfo/s400/New-Year-2-09.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">All anyone wants for the children is the best they can give them -- of themselves, and of the world. I know I'm already giving Zack the best of me. Now I hope I'm giving him the best schooling opportunity. Who knows where this will take him?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She's also a contributor to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>.</i></span>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-58230956022547166752010-09-20T10:30:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.163-05:00A Clarification<span style="font-size: small;">I wanted to make a clarification to <a href="http://anartistsyearoff.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-focus-jewelry-education-and-finding.html">this post</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">When I said my time would be crunched -- I didn't mean my time with Zack. Right now, I don't make any jewelry when he's home, unless it's jewelry we make together (and he does have an eye for color!). My first job is being a mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">What I meant was my time to make jewelry <i>while my son was at school</i> would be crunched. And my point to that was making jewelry was what would make the money to pay for his schooling, and it was a Catch-22. I didn't mean I was upset that MY time alone or my time for working was shortened. Not at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I mean, look at this face. Who wouldn't want to play endless games of UNO with him instead of making jewelry?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTHJoklYHQ-O2WDtnLUj6XasvIieWc1SSrJ3zd_ss5noRMRGhKxogJkBLo3J0Ih43d3F6sBqinuFrcR49c97gWnhMUeR7377wUurG-LK6UDlY9Zb1jfyk74TfGRAPrKQBkd_DQb4eY0c/s1600/Zack-Playground-3-1009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTHJoklYHQ-O2WDtnLUj6XasvIieWc1SSrJ3zd_ss5noRMRGhKxogJkBLo3J0Ih43d3F6sBqinuFrcR49c97gWnhMUeR7377wUurG-LK6UDlY9Zb1jfyk74TfGRAPrKQBkd_DQb4eY0c/s400/Zack-Playground-3-1009.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-36530022468535514902010-09-18T16:06:00.002-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.169-05:00A New Focus -- Jewelry, Education, and Finding a Balance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>(This is long, so grab a coffee -- I'd love and appreciate your feedback at the end.)</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recent events in our lives here at home have made me take a good long look at my job as a jewelry designer. How I operate my business, what hours I keep, even how I market my jewelry has all now come under scrutiny. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a jewelry designer is my full-time job. Until now, though, the money that I've made has either been put back into the business or used to finance the extras in our household, like remodeling jobs and new appliances. It's paid for my lampwork studio, workshops, and bead buying trips. In other words, I haven't had <i><b>too </b></i>much stress over my bottom line.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHptsVdfetWW9O6loCJZ0GyCz1zrKMWgknS7JRyCnnl-ogQZHqs7WIDk3ufq_o-JTIb3nJu61h_jj-5zIdM-JxaxN1gCv9mQzzP2gP51mVIfY1rjIXnvxbqSKKoz_3creIrnrRK9Xa9U/s400/Neptune-Festival-07a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">my booth at an outdoor show</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, however, things have changed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My son, Zachary, is seven and just entered 2nd grade at our public school. He's so smart -- and that's not just a proud mama talking. Last year he was blessed with an amazing teacher who had a wonderful way of teaching, and the children learned about science and math using hands-on methods, and their reading levels were pushed to where Zack left 1st grade reading at an end-of-2nd-grade/beginning-of-3rd-grade level. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Over the summer, his reading really sky-rocketed and we kept a summer reading list. The kidlet read 21 chapter books (some were pretty big hardbacks, and many he read twice so he actually read more) and we worked on worksheets from a Summer Bridge Program I bought. We've had him in museums since he was two, so he's naturally curious (his own word to describe himself) and he's just a sponge, ready to learn.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLnaYsuP9F_yfu3RErN8t5dIMwCKoCOpyeBXncfYPTXprWE4z4iTWedoQHwPT8SkVlwzJvWSjkoQUse_RAPHTPnGBd48OlugJDAehCOiCNqf6E6pgg38prfE8U_cje7T63Kiu4vWoRzY/s400/EcoCamp3_0709.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Zack, on the left, at Eco Camp</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now that he's entered 2nd grade, though, I've realized that what I saw in 1st grade was the drastic jump from the fun-and-play days of Kindergarten to the settle-down-to-business of 1st grade. I also realized that teachers are only allowed to do what they're allowed to do.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Zack's 2nd grade teacher is a sweet, caring woman who has been nothing but kind. Her communication with me has been exemplary. I have no problems there whatsoever. My problem is with the public school's education. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">To say that Zack is bored would be an understatement. Part of Zack's "homework" (I put that in quotes because, well, if you saw the homework.....) is to read a book of his choice for 15 minutes each day. I have to MAKE Zack turn out his bedroom light after he's been reading for two hours.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCbCldZz8aiCpXorPJ1HDeDgm_Jt4Z0820MaWtNidnzeKjiCS8VTyD4xsftVTi_mA5654_kzw490_t2PgMujlgmrMfN21M0_DFBonVnjD8Ai_AaylK3HlIIEsljXwloTbvvwD77KG5Fo/s1600/reading+the+Thomas+Year+Book+0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCbCldZz8aiCpXorPJ1HDeDgm_Jt4Z0820MaWtNidnzeKjiCS8VTyD4xsftVTi_mA5654_kzw490_t2PgMujlgmrMfN21M0_DFBonVnjD8Ai_AaylK3HlIIEsljXwloTbvvwD77KG5Fo/s400/reading+the+Thomas+Year+Book+0105.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Zack at two and a half</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since Zack was in preschool, Rick and I have tossed around the idea of putting Zack in private school. We were really, really torn. We didn't have the first clue what to do. We had friends who had children in all three schools -- the public school, the private but affordable Catholic school, and the expensive private school. We finally decided to put him in public school because we figured Kindergarten was Kindergarten pretty much wherever you went.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">But now, after loooong conversations and agonies between the choices (I even considered home schooling, something I *never* thought I'd be able to do), I made a phone call to the expensive private school. My thought was to apply for 3rd grade.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh wait, the admissions office said. We have one slot left for this year's 2nd grade.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I took that as a sign.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnTOh2AkUzKEth7QCq6b6RcmTE9SLuuUbZ8AF4p-zsvX0bOPRkE8R42s9SyInsRrD3jcRECwvP25pIaaqbSTvsIggnqKzi5Gi1W7OuaeRJsQfaffnXzG7Kje5FIZHFCMqre30sXRVow4/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnTOh2AkUzKEth7QCq6b6RcmTE9SLuuUbZ8AF4p-zsvX0bOPRkE8R42s9SyInsRrD3jcRECwvP25pIaaqbSTvsIggnqKzi5Gi1W7OuaeRJsQfaffnXzG7Kje5FIZHFCMqre30sXRVow4/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So here we are, waiting for our first interview on Tuesday, with a child who is over the moon about the prospect of changing schools. And herein lies the reason for the title, "A New Focus".</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be the one paying the tuition.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">At first blush, this is totally doable. The timing is great, because I have four large craft shows coming up, and along with holiday web site sales, they will more than cover the cost. But then the tuition bill comes around again in the spring, and there is only one show on the books for the spring, and that will in NO way cover the cost.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So for the past few nights, I've lain in bed rethinking how to run my business. How to manage cash flow. Where my customers are currently coming from, and where to gain new customers. How many classes I can afford to take. How many beads I can afford to buy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXes3Md5mK5WPXfd5U75MhtHFHx2rPhVZzfuc0-xlJi3xnimJGqJI_eS41OTxozwOMOZ_c1iJtBM8LxpmNtN0hI3BX9gZLf293tq5IiDBUxwh7QH1-IsE-INCVHG1hWDPMxVHRxWWUe0/s1600/BeadSoup2_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXes3Md5mK5WPXfd5U75MhtHFHx2rPhVZzfuc0-xlJi3xnimJGqJI_eS41OTxozwOMOZ_c1iJtBM8LxpmNtN0hI3BX9gZLf293tq5IiDBUxwh7QH1-IsE-INCVHG1hWDPMxVHRxWWUe0/s400/BeadSoup2_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, I contracted with a web development company to make me a new web site (which I'm told will launch next week after we test the credit card processing unit), and this includes a new logo, so I'm primed for rebranding. Included in the package was a ton of different sized logos, letterhead, postcards, and internet ads, along with a healthy course on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization">SEO</a>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've also been pushing myself creatively with my <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/p/cup-of-soup.html">Cup of Bead Soup</a> project, and I've decided that while I'm not ditching my tried-and-true style, slowly adding in my new style might garner new customers. Actually, this is already happening, as six pieces have already sold when I've posted them on <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a> and on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/LoriAndersonDesigns?ref=ts">Facebook</a>. I don't think my new designs are that off-base from what I normally make, so I'm hoping they'll blend nicely.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSbal3_4C4lt57_k8u2xm3ZQnJiJF1HRhKZUfdeYxhW5fRRk1IUL7OUG-DiOmSlnhp7tQMUJn-tE-TEy3Tf8KkeweSb9qfh5kY4OCfL5kQWVpudRYiROnkU0mIV53V5Avpo70qzSs-z8/s400/Bird-in-the-Trees-necklace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">necklace I made with ceramic by <a href="http://www.spiritedearth.etsy.com/">Spirited Earth</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I may also have to apply to more craft shows. This year was my "Artist's Year Off" because I drastically reduced the number of shows I participated in. I don't know if I have that luxury anymore. On the other hand, I don't know if my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiopathic_intracranial_hypertension">health issues</a> will <i><b>allow</b></i> me to take on more shows, particularly if they're outdoors. So I'm researching galleries, online venues, and wholesale opportunities. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The other thing that will change will be the crunch on my time. The new school expects a certain amount of volunteer time, attendance of functions, serving on committees -- much more than what I'm used to. I volunteered at the public school and I also volunteer at the humane society, but this is an entirely new level and type of volunteering.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This means I'll have less time at the torch, less time to make jewelry, less time to upload jewelry to my <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">web site</a>, and less time to do paperwork. It's a Catch-22 -- a vicious circle because in order to pay for the school, I have to make the jewelry.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM6hOCdrpQU7Mtz4ptpqh-lkUM9HUbSex1NF2UAgneTOoO0CyDG9hbijegrP-lavdImUpXA2OxDaITh8PstVwmKncrtvyUsKbK7n47RKNeUsgaEb5qv5gqxYAaF8rm-8ge1OSjqFFH_Y/s400/Fairy-Ring-bracelet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">bracelet in my normal style made with my own lampwork beads</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ultimately, though, it's about my son. I entered this business when my son was nearly a year old, getting hooked on beading when I was still pregnant with him. I knew that this business would be what would eventually pay for his college, so I guess I'm just starting early.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have a business plan, but it's going to have to change. My advertising plan, for instance, will TOTALLY change. My budget will also change. But my main goals will stay the same -- make pretty things that last while being a hands on mom.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij0u5FkZZ-Bhp_WzHectWijCJFDAbF-YfTwr-VP0Y7vVe6fxdns1mPJUGHnIWKBl4AdYdfa4YxkzPX1Mv-mKlG8VlVxLjV9WQVkts-UImVwkSsP2EjI4A5rj60r0mVcdZuY2lbvkVKrg/s1600/ZackDadMom6mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij0u5FkZZ-Bhp_WzHectWijCJFDAbF-YfTwr-VP0Y7vVe6fxdns1mPJUGHnIWKBl4AdYdfa4YxkzPX1Mv-mKlG8VlVxLjV9WQVkts-UImVwkSsP2EjI4A5rj60r0mVcdZuY2lbvkVKrg/s400/ZackDadMom6mo.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Zack at six months. Photo by <a href="http://www.jenfariello.com/">Jen Fariello</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you've lasted this long, I'd love to know if you've faced this sort of dilemma, and how you've made changes in your life to accommodate your craft. How did you handle the added hours, or the change to your schedule? Did it change how you looked at what you do?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks, treasured readers, for listening.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She's also a contributor to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>.</i></span></div></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-45463352164382839122010-09-08T13:55:00.002-04:002011-11-19T21:30:05.383-05:00I Spy With My Bead-y Eye<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">I have a new post up on Art Bead Scene about finding inspiration in patterns around us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-spy-with-my-bead-y-eye-fabrics-and.html">Click here to read it!</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhYuXqXZV384QugnZq8veqT0_QuiP-Pl2zMSbaWGp0CjPaM-YGy39RVzmZpWyGKad2GMtzmFqwmVTgwqMpuWW5JvFg1tEVX5vJPtc3dVSWgfYAN6FPPuQFl4Xrj0f3j8zI2UNj0DnPQ/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhYuXqXZV384QugnZq8veqT0_QuiP-Pl2zMSbaWGp0CjPaM-YGy39RVzmZpWyGKad2GMtzmFqwmVTgwqMpuWW5JvFg1tEVX5vJPtc3dVSWgfYAN6FPPuQFl4Xrj0f3j8zI2UNj0DnPQ/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-74188766935480843362010-09-05T13:25:00.002-04:002011-11-19T21:30:24.135-05:00Wire Work is Hard Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">Something I've discovered about the wire work that I've admired -- man is it ever hard work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not only that, but it takes a ton of time. Which brings me to the question of how much do I pay myself and how much do I charge for my jewelry?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp4wAorwtEgz4GptPKkb0z4yJKV36zNNkrioXIQqrrkz_L_S4j8XLxW-sq5mm8VP19zibOjvEtesLFZLnJyvFZQdPM0PbqSEWCqb_a05EQEtIpdOonQZ80O3fPu5x-JGtypEMQrev3zM/s1600/Spice-Market-detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp4wAorwtEgz4GptPKkb0z4yJKV36zNNkrioXIQqrrkz_L_S4j8XLxW-sq5mm8VP19zibOjvEtesLFZLnJyvFZQdPM0PbqSEWCqb_a05EQEtIpdOonQZ80O3fPu5x-JGtypEMQrev3zM/s400/Spice-Market-detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wire work seems to look the best after it's been put in liver of sulfur to turn it black, then buffed so it shows depth. I've discovered a sincere hatred for steel wool, as it shreds and sticks in the wire and makes a hella mess. Thankfully, I've discovered a substitute. When I took a class with <a href="http://wiredarts.net/tsBio.html">Tracy Stanley</a> at <a href="http://www.beadfest.com/beadfest/">BeadFest</a>, she introduced me to <a href="http://www.beaducation.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=324">Pro Polishing Pads</a> and I've never looked back. That's saved me some time, but it still takes extra effort that my stringing doesn't require.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-4MnGlE-GEKclt6-quGJ2fiRzdx6JazCLun8JHr8HUyZDH4w-lrX6xxfIw7McZh4QTPp6lrEdpQcIAz-vnF6bROIe3LroA92-yDXh6RmxWAV-_w_ybsFVYH9zK2ca2Jdbh823mWjEFg/s1600/Nebula-bracelet-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-4MnGlE-GEKclt6-quGJ2fiRzdx6JazCLun8JHr8HUyZDH4w-lrX6xxfIw7McZh4QTPp6lrEdpQcIAz-vnF6bROIe3LroA92-yDXh6RmxWAV-_w_ybsFVYH9zK2ca2Jdbh823mWjEFg/s400/Nebula-bracelet-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Over the summer I've been experimenting a little bit -- and I say a little bit because as I said, this stuff takes time and will end up costing more than my normal work. The challenge for me will be educating my customers as to why. Hopefully, they'll be able to just look at it and see -- hold the piece and fall in love. I haven't strayed from my love of lampwork, so the jewelry isn't too far off track, and I think that's key to adding in new work.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxj8odTuW_n_sgofPmgAK8J3g7Byib1UBRr-OpxMrNUqIeNWPSPuecyJnPZsOuZTnkG4uwIhtC9gIYk94D_r_Jh7pFbHuu-oMQSW6l1SrkOtI041g24ZeZgUyzZKRePRjY-MLjzxXddM/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxj8odTuW_n_sgofPmgAK8J3g7Byib1UBRr-OpxMrNUqIeNWPSPuecyJnPZsOuZTnkG4uwIhtC9gIYk94D_r_Jh7pFbHuu-oMQSW6l1SrkOtI041g24ZeZgUyzZKRePRjY-MLjzxXddM/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure why I'm worried, because I also make chain maille jewelry, and it's priced a bit more than my lampwork jewelry, and yet it sells. I suppose I should remember that there is indeed a person out there for each piece of jewelry.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_X5RQSzhh2yjepG5VlKAe6YNygAertdGBCsAFWTS07G2upAb2DzWOPE8NAvyOQr8aVKc0nfhHUM0bpk5hW6cG7ffhIMuNdQXPy1Kl72dCL0j27YgqEPUsAiOOWKdei6-qFtILXmf7c0/s1600/Double-Love-chain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_X5RQSzhh2yjepG5VlKAe6YNygAertdGBCsAFWTS07G2upAb2DzWOPE8NAvyOQr8aVKc0nfhHUM0bpk5hW6cG7ffhIMuNdQXPy1Kl72dCL0j27YgqEPUsAiOOWKdei6-qFtILXmf7c0/s400/Double-Love-chain.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Will I keep making wire jewelry? Yes. But I'll pace myself. I haven't had a show since March, and my new web site hasn't launched yet, so I don't know how these pieces will be received. I know *I* like them -- but will they? And if they like them, will they want to pay a little more for them?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Either way, I've tried something new, and that's all that matters in the grand scheme of things.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She's also a contributor to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>.</i></span></div></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-41526174076883111482010-08-31T19:39:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.185-05:00My New Torch!<span style="font-size: small;">Today I anxiously awaited the Man in Brown to roll up in his truck and deliver a most important thing:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvPeaUW_ZvTsZdWTanbZ5K2ir4Uw3Peh64sPod95Tsv_ZGtUK4xZF4oyJTW8BCdK7j6o_oATymV9uZceA6TX31WOK5hPdNv7CFMS1gqJmMocpasjwM4qhj3ndRFW6090_KI_rPZKKgkc/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvPeaUW_ZvTsZdWTanbZ5K2ir4Uw3Peh64sPod95Tsv_ZGtUK4xZF4oyJTW8BCdK7j6o_oATymV9uZceA6TX31WOK5hPdNv7CFMS1gqJmMocpasjwM4qhj3ndRFW6090_KI_rPZKKgkc/s400/a.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.glasstorchtech.com/bobcat.html">Photo via GTT</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">My new Bobcat torch!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was supposed to be my Christmas present, but I've been having the devil of a time lately with my current lampwork torch. Or the propane. Or the oxygen concentrator. No one seems to know for sure. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'll be going along fine for about an hour, making beads, humming along, when all of a sudden, pressure drops in everything and my flame dwindles. I've posted this dilemma on <a href="http://www.lampworketc.com/">Lampwork Etc</a> and had several people give suggestions, and then a local lampworking friend came over to test things out -- and we're all still stumped.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGYQ3KZojJdBnVITjDQEWwxhktq-HW5Cc3cfcSyG8XOPs7SOmEsrqD0YTG-8Y-nTz103PB8rH6tq4QAHJmC3bJcASd-VIq0dKLWqj_pjOOYBjPACxbuQbldPrp9lJSIv0oJKPd_BknXg/s1600/lori-andersons-lampwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGYQ3KZojJdBnVITjDQEWwxhktq-HW5Cc3cfcSyG8XOPs7SOmEsrqD0YTG-8Y-nTz103PB8rH6tq4QAHJmC3bJcASd-VIq0dKLWqj_pjOOYBjPACxbuQbldPrp9lJSIv0oJKPd_BknXg/s400/lori-andersons-lampwork.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/">photo by Cindy Wimmer</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soooooo. The plan right now -- get my Christmas present early. Next -- replace the propane tank, even though it's not empty. My friend will come over then and run another test. Heaven forbid the problem is with the oxygen concentrator, because that's my most expensive piece of equipment, and it weighs a ton so who knows what shipping it off for repair would cost.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTSF8k8ViFENkizbWUrEtd-Vqu8IcRPSCroJqygae_YeoWN1Q9443ebVrYxy07OUjWNMpBvYTv28unOppdKRUkCVcFJTVa-tdy_xyeFVbua2KFvsO1-sIXKjE8bse79gNmJGb2pn8cDA/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTSF8k8ViFENkizbWUrEtd-Vqu8IcRPSCroJqygae_YeoWN1Q9443ebVrYxy07OUjWNMpBvYTv28unOppdKRUkCVcFJTVa-tdy_xyeFVbua2KFvsO1-sIXKjE8bse79gNmJGb2pn8cDA/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">photo via ?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keep your fingers crossed for me. I was having so much fun melting glass before this flame poofing out on me thing started and it's now just frustrating me to no end. Of course, it's also been hot as Hades and probably not a good time to even THINK about using a flame, but still. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">(And isn't it cool that my torch is <i>purple</i>????)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-46874220021704971892010-08-27T21:50:00.002-04:002011-11-19T21:30:51.034-05:00Color Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a> included me in their <a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2010/08/fall-color-inspiration.html">Fall Color Inspiration post</a> -- this was one of those times when I accidentally fell on my face right into the "in vogue" color palette of the season! Usually I just make what I like (and believe me, I like this bracelet and hope a customer does, too!) but I wasn't intentional trying to follow a trend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In case you're interested, here's the fall color palette for the year:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit8JZIY6NLb94AXODLQQnoxfj4imY8PfIr6pyTXJywRjleGW698_TgdlXwntK736stmWEB0nRKSOFvju7akIx8JR3xK9lFQCIM-R7R4e1k2evnYWu_KqYHaaFOv375CGhVm5MpqYruHs/s1600/fallcolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit8JZIY6NLb94AXODLQQnoxfj4imY8PfIr6pyTXJywRjleGW698_TgdlXwntK736stmWEB0nRKSOFvju7akIx8JR3xK9lFQCIM-R7R4e1k2evnYWu_KqYHaaFOv375CGhVm5MpqYruHs/s400/fallcolors.jpg" width="185" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And here was my accidental contribution, using beads I made myself and polymer clay by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Floridity">Floridity</a>:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbhW_cTPpxR8_0mGr0otQQ4Nrlkgt8FNVrTsk4xo0IFvplidlW3n4yw7iz5M4QbY3c-1SalJGDBUrrNTNg5XqCceBaqMtZ6yHQ5Ju8pSesplvOBz3_8nhHcnxMgEZOVkSA3cF5iaLm7g/s1600/falllori.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbhW_cTPpxR8_0mGr0otQQ4Nrlkgt8FNVrTsk4xo0IFvplidlW3n4yw7iz5M4QbY3c-1SalJGDBUrrNTNg5XqCceBaqMtZ6yHQ5Ju8pSesplvOBz3_8nhHcnxMgEZOVkSA3cF5iaLm7g/s400/falllori.jpg" width="345" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So maybe I should be paying more attention to trends. I think I'll clip the color palette and keep it by my design desk. I must admit, I keep gravitating to bright colors -- in fact everything I made this morning was colorful and fun. But trying a few more "trend" pieces and seeing how they're received by my customer base might be an interesting experiment!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I learn something new every day.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a>. She write the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a> and <a href="http://www.anartistsyearoff.com/">An Artists Year Off</a>. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-74579871519595960792010-08-26T17:30:00.002-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.195-05:00Book Review -- Blogging for Bliss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcyyfxwrS-i0IN1qxUGiIfTKyiSIUsaEhLOgrJRVdEEX9pfzGXzBriy1En2_xLJCW0B34cVDrfkG41u1unsGqfvcTJaLSS2ggJer_qRHbRR-torRSaj_KHaQM-zAxdxhXZGRmYS_DeA/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcyyfxwrS-i0IN1qxUGiIfTKyiSIUsaEhLOgrJRVdEEX9pfzGXzBriy1En2_xLJCW0B34cVDrfkG41u1unsGqfvcTJaLSS2ggJer_qRHbRR-torRSaj_KHaQM-zAxdxhXZGRmYS_DeA/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I love to write. I learned to read when I was three years old and when I started to write, I quickly filled notebooks with my little made-up stories. I remember one in particular. After consuming way too many Nancy Drew mysteries, I wrote my very own -- "The Mystery of the Missing Mummy". The only thing it had going for it was the alliteration, but I was so proud of it, <i>especially</i> the crayoned pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">All that to say, when blogging came about, I was in heaven.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnLfY_BXGwvMIJV-8LCb9ABkHPc6r0XnAXaZ40lB1z7wD2bA4yl3jtv85UfmSkaD8UeyWlcbCrNdBPs5sapYIDB3m4K1T9Zq7hMBwKJTcTNqwiVcARJRgrjBz2EEOcUjE3monUwFUQw/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnLfY_BXGwvMIJV-8LCb9ABkHPc6r0XnAXaZ40lB1z7wD2bA4yl3jtv85UfmSkaD8UeyWlcbCrNdBPs5sapYIDB3m4K1T9Zq7hMBwKJTcTNqwiVcARJRgrjBz2EEOcUjE3monUwFUQw/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(photo via imagechef.com)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">So when I ran across Tara Frey's book "Blogging For Bliss", I was intrigued. Why do <i>other</i> people write? What motivates them? What is their purpose?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This beautifully written book is also beautiful to look out -- throughout it shows various blogs that inspire by the sheer beauty of its pages. "Blogging For Bliss" also covers what Frey calls "the tools of the trade" -- how to even <i>start</i> a blog and how to begin learning the ropes. Will your blog be personal or strictly business? Just what the heck do all those online acronyms mean, anyway?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T_rXJpakJBtXst9Dw5ihQnLYr6drvRlDkuMOe-GHbg8p04ouDr9jch0BgE4q2RyrMdlel3EZDnncL5bIHdEN0H_M3DJvUlKuti465ZvwfHLCFM0PxPPvc2ygeVd4Mil7Mn426JujKA/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T_rXJpakJBtXst9Dw5ihQnLYr6drvRlDkuMOe-GHbg8p04ouDr9jch0BgE4q2RyrMdlel3EZDnncL5bIHdEN0H_M3DJvUlKuti465ZvwfHLCFM0PxPPvc2ygeVd4Mil7Mn426JujKA/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My favorite sections were about beautifying you blog and finding business via the blog. I know that I regularly sell pieces of my jewelry off my blog, and I'm constantly working on photos and other "beauty marks".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The last section is so very important. It covers the courtesy and manners for a good blogger and how to promote a wonderful atmosphere to your readers. You can still show who you are and ask thought-provoking questions without causing a stampede of unsubscribing readers.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKOzStM-hv8ztaj1kBGgmNFTXEojatfUrbh3Ko1WXWBVA8xz2HrWzh84Eij98ju7pk0KMDpWke1y5TjRblHwpj7jROy7RVuHNqtxdFP0clsrz7ujGH9hR6C1Pm5DlJ2tAesGJ0JFGUg/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKOzStM-hv8ztaj1kBGgmNFTXEojatfUrbh3Ko1WXWBVA8xz2HrWzh84Eij98ju7pk0KMDpWke1y5TjRblHwpj7jROy7RVuHNqtxdFP0clsrz7ujGH9hR6C1Pm5DlJ2tAesGJ0JFGUg/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(art by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stellalola">StellaLola on Etsy</a>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">I highly recommend this book to all bloggers, both new and seasoned bloggers alike. It's an invaluable business tool as well as a source for inspiration. Check it out today at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blogging-Bliss-Crafting-Crafters-Creatives/dp/1600595111">Amazon.com</a>, and visit Tara Frey's blog at <a href="http://www.tarafrey.com/">http://www.tarafrey.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a>. She write the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a> and <a href="http://www.anartistsyearoff.com/">An Artists Year Off</a>. </i></span>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-75650661965239293942010-08-22T16:40:00.002-04:002011-11-19T21:31:08.266-05:00New Technique and New Media -- Turquoise and Shells<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;">I normally use bright, colorful lampwork in my work, creating things like these:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzG7YixFePyLDqqoGGk4Cr7wReDSVp6bC5j4OgB7a1OmHze-4ApogI0gTde_88aa32mHWtGLOBmWKsBc7zuXUI9g_CViDN2UHzHO6S45Ho2nPP_VekKGG27HHR6Kv_OXD5rU4olHS1YXA/s1600/Dotty-Days-bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzG7YixFePyLDqqoGGk4Cr7wReDSVp6bC5j4OgB7a1OmHze-4ApogI0gTde_88aa32mHWtGLOBmWKsBc7zuXUI9g_CViDN2UHzHO6S45Ho2nPP_VekKGG27HHR6Kv_OXD5rU4olHS1YXA/s400/Dotty-Days-bracelet.jpg" width="400" /><br />
</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsD7V7_un5XUvmiNJOdYbcMtqFUPckfdf9RKVaf9Oho6MRPt3uFnvu0n030MGwDu95ZGNBJGDNIxfghkpCDBC1k16azVrU_vqct77NqXb2aVcbZMIYctS_HlVIQIQ631cT9-0eNdLtrQ/s1600/Rosebud-Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsD7V7_un5XUvmiNJOdYbcMtqFUPckfdf9RKVaf9Oho6MRPt3uFnvu0n030MGwDu95ZGNBJGDNIxfghkpCDBC1k16azVrU_vqct77NqXb2aVcbZMIYctS_HlVIQIQ631cT9-0eNdLtrQ/s400/Rosebud-Earrings.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I've been trying to stretch my repertoire and use the extensive drawers of gemstones I've collected over the years. I love them, I buy them show after show, but I don't use them that much. I don't know if it's because they're in the bottom drawers, or if they don't lend themselves to whimsical things, but enough is enough.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some time ago, a bead vendor was liquidating a ton of their ready-to-wear gemstone pendants for a ridiculously low price. Things that were over $100 were now in the range where I could buy them and use them in my jewelry and still be able to charge my customers a rate they would be comfortable with. Months ago, I made this necklace, but I just now got it photographed (and yes, that's how this summer has gone!).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMX-cifgbcsxSel724rUZhUrGVuvt1Z7mcfMfxyOjTeg7dH1jb1x-t3_m-N5-Yi3fGbMfFweT_GktNcckBVKqggwsa5uGbDbx8vTExqIEJuU3OSNk4dl82_UFSwF8XMalO2qBi47jkOA/s1600/Shell-and-Canyon-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMX-cifgbcsxSel724rUZhUrGVuvt1Z7mcfMfxyOjTeg7dH1jb1x-t3_m-N5-Yi3fGbMfFweT_GktNcckBVKqggwsa5uGbDbx8vTExqIEJuU3OSNk4dl82_UFSwF8XMalO2qBi47jkOA/s400/Shell-and-Canyon-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">click for a larger photo and more detail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The pendant is a large shell, genuine turquoise, a set pearl, and strangely, a set faceted aquamarine. Color me puzzled on the aquamarine. Anyway. I've always admired asymmetrical designs but there's a trick to it -- keeping it balanced when worn, not using too many materials and turning it into a circus of color and texture -- so I'm not sure if I succeeded or not. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I linked pearls to pick up the color of the shell and the set pearl. I found some turquoise that was the same color as the pendant (that took forever). I added one modern sterling silver bead that I picked up heaven-knows-where. And I finished it out with fringy chain. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I skipped adding aquamarine. I just don't get that aquamarine.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm charging 158.00 for this, and I hope it goes to a happy home. I'd be interested to know, before I post it on my <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">web site</a>, if you think I should change anything. I have to admit, putting this together was a LOT harder than working in my usual color palette and preferred lampwork. But I see more of this in my future.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. Ironically, her birthstone is aquamarine.</i></span></div></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-21367544837061293582010-08-19T18:58:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.204-05:00Come see what I made!<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2010/08/cup-of-bead-soup-beading-with-floridity.html">Click here</a> and come see what I made with beads by <a href="http://www.floridity.etsy.com/">Barbara Bechtel of Floridity</a>! I tried some new techniques, including patinating copper, playing with asymmetry, and making my own toggle clasp.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkM42iyUHbpG9zXNjzMZd55w016mwsaAGsIuACpRx0O32l2gRg-pZbtF8UsWRBzyw4wvIQhrClguGCnFQhyg9ekS_E1NCWfKpY5w9L5M4QKOi7h0rCQiH8AxqoP8sUvHcE80SmWyM5QU/s1600/On-The-Wings-of-Love-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkM42iyUHbpG9zXNjzMZd55w016mwsaAGsIuACpRx0O32l2gRg-pZbtF8UsWRBzyw4wvIQhrClguGCnFQhyg9ekS_E1NCWfKpY5w9L5M4QKOi7h0rCQiH8AxqoP8sUvHcE80SmWyM5QU/s400/On-The-Wings-of-Love-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lori Anderson makes jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things </a>and contributes to <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>. She is so glad summer is almost over.<br />
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</i></span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-77203975913794464142010-08-19T14:50:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.209-05:00I'm Going to Art and Soul Hampton, 2011!<span style="font-size: small;">If you recall, I said that I was going to <a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/">Art and Soul</a> this year. Unfortunately, I had to cancel because I was suffering from a week of migraines. But my friend Cindy Wimmer of <a href="http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com/">Sweet Bead Studio</a> has convinced me to try it again.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpQVl15WzTzR_De-qwGut3OyIVSt9HUl0T0arM6dXkPvu4vG4zWmBSAJyizTmBV6hlLxtPxASg7EUiHZuURgbLqIBZF1lD1BlJD69FFv60Nr62VQrpRClSixlYyc9GKx7-7WV59_wgrs/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpQVl15WzTzR_De-qwGut3OyIVSt9HUl0T0arM6dXkPvu4vG4zWmBSAJyizTmBV6hlLxtPxASg7EUiHZuURgbLqIBZF1lD1BlJD69FFv60Nr62VQrpRClSixlYyc9GKx7-7WV59_wgrs/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/">(www.artandsoulretreat.com)</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This time, instead of taking journaling classes as I'd planned this year, I chose to take an <a href="http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/Virginia-2011-art-workshops/1759/index.htm">enameling class</a> with <a href="http://www.burntofferings.com/">Linda and Opie O'Brien</a>. I think this will help me stretch myself artistically, as will taking my second enameling class with <a href="http://paintingwithfireartwear.blogspot.com/">Barbara Lewis</a> this October.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Are any of you planning to go to the Hampton, VA event? I know tons of people go to its flagship retreat in Portland, OR, but I hope some of you consider the east coast version.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm very excited to continue my journey into the next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lori Anderson creates jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She can't pass a bookstore without going inside.</i></span>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-37137290569478060352010-08-18T17:32:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.218-05:00For the love of shoes -- Sanita and Beads<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2010/08/for-love-of-shoes-sanita-and-bead.html">Come on over to Pretty Things</a> and see what shoes have to do with beads!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo via Sanitaclogs.com)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<i>Lori Anderson makes jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a> and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>. She loooooves her some shoes.</i>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-13206925788238199852010-08-15T17:44:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.223-05:00Update on BeadFest<span style="font-size: small;">Update -- I can't go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I was so excited, but I got an email saying my instructor had taken a bad fall and was unable to teach. At this late of a date, there wasn't a class left that I felt like taking, so after a long talk with my husband, I canceled my trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">"<i>But you could shop!</i>" you say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yes, yes I could.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But I decided to save that money and now I'm going to go to Bead and Button next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So --- who is planning on going??? I'd still love to meet people there!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcmhgd93wiB7flZVQrZAsmcH5Vknyigsw5BsCjDuMm5al4Wkyx4-7YxPvquOBdXEQKgonMtmLcbWKC_esT97svuCTfKRFq2DaK-YBXY2Pn0T98-ceohRzrGJuvKkJvQk1w3EHv9bWQOE/s1600/Provo-bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcmhgd93wiB7flZVQrZAsmcH5Vknyigsw5BsCjDuMm5al4Wkyx4-7YxPvquOBdXEQKgonMtmLcbWKC_esT97svuCTfKRFq2DaK-YBXY2Pn0T98-ceohRzrGJuvKkJvQk1w3EHv9bWQOE/s400/Provo-bracelet.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-66932295528229220062010-08-09T15:52:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.228-05:00Are you going to BeadFest?????<span style="font-size: small;">Keeping up with my plan on taking classes, I'll be taking a beginning lampworking class at <a href="http://www.beadfest.com/beadfest/">BeadFest</a> in Philadelphia August 22nd. I'm actually heading up the day before to go bead shopping and hope to see some of you bead artisans there -- and if any of you designers are going, give me a shout so I can read name tags and maybe find you!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoxA3gN-eh8rXgUOBhi8gD6XGn3py9HS5EVBY4AyuM138OTvWRg7nI7AG_jWZQES_WMvtW9u9cHnb0pRGa_pTS6wpvzk4eb1Z8VJmV0hO1QVEx8MuEeUwzvPD_W3bsoYuCMRofZlMops/s1600/Beads_0610_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoxA3gN-eh8rXgUOBhi8gD6XGn3py9HS5EVBY4AyuM138OTvWRg7nI7AG_jWZQES_WMvtW9u9cHnb0pRGa_pTS6wpvzk4eb1Z8VJmV0hO1QVEx8MuEeUwzvPD_W3bsoYuCMRofZlMops/s320/Beads_0610_b.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Are you going? If you are, are you going to take classes, or just shop?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lori Anderson makes jewelry for <a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/">Lori Anderson Designs</a>, and also writes the blog <a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/">Pretty Things</a>, and occasionally for <a href="http://www.artbeadscene.com/">Art Bead Scene</a>. She loves funky, colorful beads. </i></span>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-68446835714562867212010-08-08T20:55:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.233-05:00Enameled Beads<span style="font-size: small;">I really should have posted this post here, but I goofed -- anyway! If you're interested in seeing my tiny foray into enameling, <a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2010/08/ceramic-jewelry-i-finally-made-some.html">click here</a>!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWod0Agiq4oLMREb1EYKrN9_5v5cqFZCTJcV0fPeFcSMSpxm057M5G5lGzKJjl-g13Z-Yi-tp7d7vsiHdm6o9KqrHV0gVPZz58WqxPG2Vyvgj5nwps9b2ph3iBoMzyiiB4_EBjR8tuzk/s1600/Enameled-Hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWod0Agiq4oLMREb1EYKrN9_5v5cqFZCTJcV0fPeFcSMSpxm057M5G5lGzKJjl-g13Z-Yi-tp7d7vsiHdm6o9KqrHV0gVPZz58WqxPG2Vyvgj5nwps9b2ph3iBoMzyiiB4_EBjR8tuzk/s320/Enameled-Hearts.jpg" /></a></span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-68237685062813280122010-08-05T18:13:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.238-05:00Bead Soup For One -- Beading with Barbara Bechtel of Floridity<div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Please hop on over to </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Pretty Things</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> and see what I made with Barbara Bechtel of </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/floridity"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Floridity's</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> beads! I decided to challenge myself each month with my own personal Bead Soup Challenge (have you participated in one of </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2010/04/bead-soup-blog-party-is-here.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">my challenges</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">?) and Floridity is the first Artisan of the Month.<br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502052827032220450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfuiEUFkwxXvztwt3Fb9Xly2MwoevOasqve3bJycvLnNYSNgw3o6rSfO5hBDIjf0J5jBPNc2hWZqDFjub_jrviVUcLqGgFP-xnGPnryM4WlhGIKBxKPKXm1JctnupLCQOaRZsP7Wh_Cw/s400/For-the-Love-of-Owls.jpg" style="display: block; height: 291px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Are you a bead maker -- ceramic, polymer clay, glass -- and would like to be a featured artisan? <a href="mailto:limamike@goeaston.net">Email me </a>and let's talk!<br />
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<i>Lori Anderson designs jewelry for </i><a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Lori Anderson Designs</span></i></a><i> and also writes the blog </i><a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Pretty Things</span></i></a><i>. She lives on the eastern shore of Maryland.</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71436484198065845.post-45802288459128528152010-08-01T13:24:00.001-04:002011-11-19T21:29:27.242-05:00I'm Trying<span style="font-size: small;">I really am trying to make jewelry that's new and cool and different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But it's hard to make jewelry when <a href="http://www.icarly.com/">iCarly</a> is on TV or <a href="http://www.mysims.com/">MySims</a> is on the Wii. Ah, life with a seven-year old. Love him dearly, but he rules the TV.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So this weekend Rick and Zack headed to the farm in PA so I could have a day and a half of quiet to bead. And of course, I had a headache, but I was bound and determined to make things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I don't have photos yet, but I </span><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">did</span><span style="font-size: small;"> manage to make some new things with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/floridity">Floridity's </a>beads I bought for this month's Personal Bead Soup challenge I set for myself, and a couple of them were totally new designs to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPiZEdk__g224ia0KBwrV6dhAlKm-WkNDYe0D9Y1zXsmg1uJ7fLOgmOeETtJIv85zC-MXy7vJJeVWrwRUWD3l1F_D42Ysjb1_6b7ngcTtX94elCG3FXXQzqfPaXB6Qu4akgc77ZkPAa0/s1600/Floridity.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500497365886994610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPiZEdk__g224ia0KBwrV6dhAlKm-WkNDYe0D9Y1zXsmg1uJ7fLOgmOeETtJIv85zC-MXy7vJJeVWrwRUWD3l1F_D42Ysjb1_6b7ngcTtX94elCG3FXXQzqfPaXB6Qu4akgc77ZkPAa0/s400/Floridity.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But because of the headache, I found that I just had to make what I know -- the tried and true and (sigh) trite. OK, not trite. That's being to harsh on myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFvSFaNziz6NPFwTKvKwHZ_auTE58nDZ7DHSpiuDDvbNVifL4UiggJ1Ih8A6oXhLYR9ZS6ljRmnBvaIgXU_ZSIa5kvVXX1aKwCr3Lc649n8CEj6vZ7sXm84WffSdYlhuTrb0VCywdr0o/s1600/Princess-Pinkleberry-a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500496968395088642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFvSFaNziz6NPFwTKvKwHZ_auTE58nDZ7DHSpiuDDvbNVifL4UiggJ1Ih8A6oXhLYR9ZS6ljRmnBvaIgXU_ZSIa5kvVXX1aKwCr3Lc649n8CEj6vZ7sXm84WffSdYlhuTrb0VCywdr0o/s400/Princess-Pinkleberry-a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;">This morning, though, I looked through what I made and realized, someone's going to love those things. If I change my style too much, and have too many new designs, I'll lose my valuable customer base. The new designs will hopefully gain me new customers, but I can't forget the people who got me to where I am -- able to make this a full-time job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The point of this post? I'm trying. And that's fine. I think I'll be "trying" all my life. I'll never be "</span><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">there</span><span style="font-size: small;">" because if I decide, "I'm done, there's nothing left to learn", I'm doing myself such a disservice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So maybe this weekend was a pretty good weekend for beading after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Lori Anderson designs jewelry for </span><a href="http://www.lorianderson.net/" style="font-style: italic;">Lori Anderson Designs</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and also writes the blog </span><a href="http://www.prettythingsblog.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Pretty Things</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. She lives in Maryland.</span></span>Pretty Thingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00285473788765783338noreply@blogger.com21