i'm really not much of a producer. (and other stuff)

so getting ready for an art show is a whole new animal for me. for the most part, my process usually works like this: i have an inspiration (never can tell where it might come from). if it's a complex piece, i turn it around in my mind and draw sketches wherever i can; if it's a simple piece, with a single stone, i will often carry the stone around in my pocket until i can get out to my shop. then, if i have my way, i make the piece, from start to finish in a single session.

when preparing for a show, i do not have this luxury. i am having to switch gears into "production line" mode. while i will, of course, still be making pieces of the above mentioned variety, i also need to be making quantity. this is the first "real" art show i have done, but i think it is important to have a good range of prices. so i am making a lot of simple, wire-wrapped gemstone earrings that will be very affordable. i am also making lots of spirals and necklaces that feature teresa's glass flower cabs. so now when i go out to my shop, i pick one item that i want to work on and make as many as i can.

the problem is, i am not wired to work that way. i am really having to change my way of thinking. it is difficult for me to spend a whole day in my studio and then leave without any finished product. for example, the other day i made a bunch of rings, to make some bracelets like the ones i shared with you. i had an admirable pile of rings. but then, before i knew what had happened, i had fashioned them into a nice little bracelet. very satisfying.

but i do have some pieces ready. (the photos aren't so great.)

meanwhile, isobel has been helping out with answering convos, keeping up with the blog, and some packaging while i've been being a producer.

she's also a great babysitter.

and, incidentally, yesterday was a great celebration. junebug quit using her "minky" (pacifier). on sunday we all went around the house and gathered all of them up. we put them in a basket for the minky fairy. she came and took all of them to the new babies in the world who need them and left june a present.

hazel sang "no more minkies for you", to the tune of "happy birthday to you".

we had ice cream, jelly beans, and cheez-its, juniper's favorites

and, i have a new friend in my studio. i got this poster the other day; he's a lovely inspiration.

lastly, i have an important question for you. i came up with the idea of giving away cds with songs from my blog because people are always telling me that they love the music that plays here. but only one of you responded about wanting one. maybe your computers are on mute? or maybe you don't actually like the music? or maybe you just don't want a cd? or don't wish to comment? i would love for you to be honest with me about it. music is such a huge part of who i am, and such an inspiration in my work, and i love to share it with you, but i definitely want to know if it is not an enjoyable part of this blog for you!

and, one more thing (i am quite verbose this evening!) THANK YOU so much to everyone who has made my anniversary sale such a success so far! i appreciate you so so so very much!