Early

I'm blogging early today. I want to get work done and I seem to get stuck to the computer when I'm on. Most of my life is online. I'm not sure how healthy that is.

Anyway, I've made a list of things to do today. Hope...still hoping to get some more new things made for the market. I also want to photograph some things for elpy [Closet].

I went to the movies last night with my dad and Bro2. We saw Hancock. The story wasn't bad. But I'm a prude,the language became annoying. It was not as bad as I know it could be but sometimes...It was a nice night out...away from making things. Though I did contemplate bringing a bracelet to knot. heh.

Post Picture: A work of art I did for a high school art class. When I was younger I punched dots out of construction paper and glued them into mosaics. I'm into meticulous stuff. This was that largest I did. It's a tree in autumn on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper.

So far

For the show next Monday I've:

Bought table
Printed rJax labels
Made 3 new sets of magnets
Made 1 duplicate set of magnets
Cut blocks for coasters
Cut blocks for magnets
Sanded blocks for coasters
Sanded blocks for magnets
Made 2 coasters
Drawn 4 other coasters
Have 3 wristlets almost done
Bought a small display piece.
Ordered more prints
Ordered business cards for elpy
Almost finished bracelet
Thought/stressed a lot

It's my first show and I really needed more than two weeks to prepare. I realize I've been extremely lackadaisical with my production habits. It's just hard to want to make things that have until now, basically just...yeah.

I made a huge list of things I wanted to do. I wanted to duplicate all the magnets. I wanted to make three sets of four coasters. (coasters are not in the shop yet, won't be until after the show) I didn't count on messing up one. I don't know why. One always needs a rough draft. And my woodburning pen seems to be dying or something. It gets hot but won't burn as quickly. So at the moment I'm wanting to up my prices because it's taking forever. I won't though...I'll wait.

Oh, I meet with my jewelry commission-ee/er this Thursday. Long story about why, but I'll get to be a photographer! *would like a d-slr, now* So I'm a little stressed about that.

I should have a sign for my table. I just don't know what I want it to look like. I should get a tablecloth or something for the table. I've heard you should use floor length ones. I'll settle for now. This came too quickly. I'll sleep on the 15th...like all day.

I really hope it's a good show. I want it so badly.

Weekend Blurble/Sports Aside 7.07

In keeping with my plan of staying off the computer on Sunday, I spent much of the morning and afternoon (before and after church) watching the Wimbledon men's final. I've been watching tennis the longest of all sports. My dad watched it, so I'd watch it with him. Grew up with the Agassi/Sampras rivalry. Now it's Nadal and Federer.

Yesterday's match, which lasted about 6 hours all told, rain delays and such, was positively thrilling. Nadal won. That made me happy. Except for the Yankees and the Patriots, I'm all about the underdog. Not that Nadal is much of an underdog. But Federer had won there 5 times in a row and was going for a record 6th win.

While watching, I did manage to sand 21 magnet blanks. I branded them and the 12 coaster blanks and burned 3 sets of magnets. Not too bad I guess. Blogging during my 'lunch break'. I could work through lunch. (elpy is my job.) So now, it's back to work. Still have a ton I want to get done before the show. Which is a week from today. O.o

Now 7.05

Went to the thrift store and scored four shirts to be used in wristlets. Yes! I picked up another thing that could be used in my display at the market.

Got the best message from a Flickr contact/Etsy seller. She's just wonderful. *cough*HRMB*cough* She didn't do it to get a shout out. That's why she's awesome. Anyway, I'm changing, how I think about myself and my art. I really love my photography shop. I'm stepping beyond the 'attempts' and 'amateur' labels for myself. I'm am artist. I am. :)

I still have a ton of things I want to do for the show. I was able to find the cello bags for the photos at a store. Sometimes I just don't want to have to pay for shipping. These were a good price. I'm happy. Another thing to check of the list...if the list was that comprehensive. I should make it that way...then I'll feel like I've accomplished more. Reverse psychology or something...it may help.

Post Picture: Newest listing at rJax

232

I took a metal class yesterday. I sort of fell into it, the class. It was given by Etsyan Heart of the Fire. She has a gallery/studio not far from my house. I'd seen advertisements for her gallery, but I didn't know she was on Etsy until yesterday.

I made the bracelet in the picture. I lurve it! The class was about hand-forging and soldering. I made the rings in different sizes, which was tricky because the wire did get work hardened from the wrapping rather quickly. I cut them, filed them (loathe) and soldered them. I quenched them, pickled them, bashed them, gashed them, and had them tumbled. It was a while in the making, but I love it. It was a small class...only two other ladies. But it was fun...late, but fun.

[about the title]
It's America's 232nd birthday today...well, we celebrate it today. Happy 4th of July, my readers! (even if you're not American...still ought to have a good day)