So what goals did I meet in April?  Sadly, not many.  After tax season was over I was fried so I pretty much took a week off and did bare-bones minimum.  I did get one of my wholesale orders completed and in the mail; with the second order I had a number of firing/glazing issues, so many that I wonder if I’ll ever get the darn thing done.

Goal 2 was to submit the bus to the Maine Products Program.  Towards that goal I had some postcards created that I am thrilled with. I have to create a wholesale pricelist, then that will be ready to go in the mail.

Goal 3: retake photos for the shop.  OK, I took a bunch of photos, but they need to be edited, and I’m still having issues with my laptop (plus our DSL STILL isn’t hooked up, so I’m not that anxious to try uploading a bunch of photos via dial-up).

Goal 4.  Prep 2 pieces for articles.  Instead of this, I ended up submitting a piece for the Bead Star Competition

Goal 5.  Blog 3 times a week.  That has happened.  I had intended to blog about the maine team on mondays and twitter team on tuesdays, but I usually miss the boat on that one b/c of the whole computer thing.  Shrug.  Maybe when Isaac and I get settled back into our “home” routine I’ll be a little better at it.

MAY GOALS:

1. Create wholesale pricelist.  Not only will this go towards the Maine products program, but I’ll also be able to send out some mailings to bead shops.

2.  Create new glaze sample tiles to photograph for the website in preparation for adding a shopping cart to the site.

3.  Get studio functional!  I need to get my workspace functional so that I can work when Isaac naps and not have to pick up everything each time.  (see my last blog post).

4.  Develop a streamlined production.  Naptime is getting shorter and I need to make the most of what little time I have.

5. Convert all my etsy listings to finished necklaces.  (with the option to order the pendant separately).  After speaking at length with my sister, I think this is the way to go.  Of course, this means more pictures….

6. Take at least 10 minutes before bed each night to sketch out new designs.

7.  Submit 4  earring designs to publications.

I guess I’ve finally snapped.  I’m reclaiming the spare room as my workspace.

When we moved into the house, it was just the two of us with two spare bedrooms.  Pete got one room for his tools and computer (this was pre-garage), and I got the larger of the two (very small) bedrooms as a craft room.  And then Isaac came along.  It made sense to give him the larger room, so all my stuff got shifted.  And not well, I might add.  2 1/2 years later, I can’t find a flippin thing in this house.  Once Isaac became “active” the spare room became the dumping ground for all the stuff we didn’t want him to get into.  See???

The room is 8’9″ x 9’2″ (in theory , and yes, I am aware what a total embarrassment it is.  (and this is after one whole contractor bag went out the door).  Here’s the game plan: that great big plywood bookcase?  Gone.  It’s way too deep for my needs, so it will be carted down to the garage.  In its place will be a bookcase from my shop, wide, adjustable shelving, and only about 10″ deep.  Much better.  The table in the lower left hand corner will be going over in front of the window so I can work with some natural lighting.  I have great shelving in the closet, so once I can get to it I’ll be able to stash stuff behind the door.  The walls will be sort of a coral color, or at least the window wall.  Pete will put a phone jack in there so that when our DSL is finally straightened out (HELLO FAIRPOINT!!!  ARE YOU READING THIS?  WE’RE GOING ON TWO MONTHS NOW!!!) the compter and the printer will be in there.    I have lots of cottage style boxes and other storage goodies to use, and I’m determined that I will spend NO money on this.  I have plenty of crap already

Why have I finally come to this decision?  I have an ad coming out in Creative Jewelry this summer, and I need a real workspace to get orders done.  Not that I don’t just love having to pick everything up when Isaac gets up from his naps.  I need to get serious if I want to  build a business.

Why am I posting this?  Good old accountablitiy. I’m hoping to make some major progress over the next week, so come on back and kick me in the pants if you don’t see any.  OK?  Deal?

Now I’m off to schlepp a bunch of sports equipment down to manland.