Preparing for a New Year

In the down time between Christmas and taxes...most small businesses who create are thinking of new ideas/designs/shows we plan on exhibiting at -  for the whole year, some of us plan a year in advance for shows that are a "fit" for us.

Sometimes it can feel like you are empty of ideas, and then "blip" you mind is full again.  I'm so grateful for a rejuvenated sense of creativity. Grateful for all the years I had with my brother (he passed away in December of cancer).  Grateful for my supportive family and network of crafting/artsy friends - you know who you are.  Here is to T-shirts, colaborating with friends, new ways of doing things!

New Things

I was reading back over my blog from the last couple of years.  Part of me can't believe I'm still making jewelry and actually selling it. I actually have people who collect it now.  I think that is really fun!  These are a few of the folks who sell my stuff, Humane Association, Endocrinology Clinics for kids, Dachshund  Gift Shops, Beach Gift Shops, Tattoo Parlors, Art Gallery Shops, Girly Shops ...but I've realized something...people really love their sports teams, Emily and I could just do National teams, but that is actually not as fun as making hedgehogs, vegan, spiritual, love, girls night out designs.

I actually felt like I sold out (my soul) the other day 'cause I made a LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE pendant. Since I work in an art studio I see people daily come in and paint that saying on anything! So I'm sure it has meaning to them, but to me...not so much.

The most fun I've had recently is watching Emily who is born and raised in Wisconsin work on a set of ocean creatures.  I kept trying to explain to her a sea turtle, really funny. One of our top sellers.

I'm getting excited about our summer vacation to Hawaii and California.  Hoping to dodge all radiation and tsunami trash.  I'm such a fatalist.  Hope all who reads this is doing well.

My blog has transformed

When I first started this blog it was to keep me busy, many a cold day in the basement with me typing away posting strange pictures from Wisconsin.  5 years later I'm still in my basement but now I'm creating beautiful things and enjoying the time I spend with other artist/crafters. 

You can go back in time and read my crazy stories, but from now on I'm going to write about my journey as a small business owner, artist/crafter.  When we first bought our house we thought I could stay home and live the life of leisure, well that didn't pan out  we really need to get better at math.  So the birth of me working part - time at The Fire and making owls and necklaces came to be.

Blue Moon Emporium has been in existence for more than a year and we are going strong.  I get  paralyzed with fear and 'what do I do next' feelings but it's a success, slowly but surely.

Octoberfest was so fun!

 Emily and Me

New pictures

My threat from last summer

This was from a post last year:

Mike and I have a plan to host a big party next summer and hang lights from the trees in jars...have gazebos, mexican hats on the tables with pots full of fresh vegetables and flowers. and make things like:

Smoked Lemon-Chipotle Chicken
Tomatillo Sauce
Lemon Chill with Raspberry Sauce
Margaritas

There will be swings in the trees..pretty tables..music...kids running everywhere.  Who wants to come?

WELL, it has rained so much and there are so many blood sucking mosquitoes I'm waiting until fall before this unfolds. 

Blue Moon Emporium

We are taking Blue Moon on the Road. For the next few months I'm going to do some craft shows with Blue Moon.  First one will be in Appleton, WI the annual Octoberfest (in September), October I'll be in Neenah and the Helping Hands Craft Show in Neenah, WI, and then off to Oshkosh, WI for Handmade for the Holidays.  I'm excited.  Hope any of you local blog fans will come and check out these great venues.

I know more clearly....

Some people never find their niche in life, I think I know which direction I need to go, the clearer it gets the better I feel.  Thank you Heavenly Father. 

June 2010...should be epic

A little more than a week from now, my family and I will return to my homeland, to say that I'm excited is understated.  In my mind about 6 months ago I imagined myself 25 lbs lighter with buff arms and no gut.  Did I ever say that I had my feet firmly planted on the ground?  Well, all the pressure I put on myself made me eat more, so if any of my dear friends read that and see me in a week or so, be easy on me, I really had good intentions and I am sliding over 50 now, and  THAT  IS NOT AN EXCUSE! Hopefully, people will just be happy to see me, no matter what size.

It is amazing, once again since the weather is warmer we are all happier, go figure! The yard is green, the garden is planted, there are little animals everywhere.  At times like this I always think to myself, Wisconsin is pretty cool! Really nice people, nice downtown area where I work, a supportive community that buys my stuff.  I see more people all the time that wear either Maple Marie jewelry or some of my unique pieces.  I have two big events planned for summer and fall.  Life is good.


Last week my friend Steve Carter invited Mike and I to join him in Chicago for a cool event for people who are trying to get their small business off the ground. The first day was kind of a "did we do the right thing by coming?" and then Sunday the barn doors flew open with information and hope for Mike and I.  It's really basic stuff that I've heard over and over again, but it was what Mike and I wanted and needed to hear.  I'm going to make a prophetic statement here,  by 2012 Mike and I will have conquered a big dragon/monster/troll in our lives and I'm so impatient and curious to see how this turns out. Stay Tuned.

Back to June in Orange County, JULIA IS GETTING MARRIED TO TIM! Have you ever been invited to an event that you really were kind of dragging your feet to go to, well, this is NOT the one...I love Julia and Tim and Deena and Tom and Dan and Melissa and oh well, everyone!  I've got a new dress that will cover most of my trouble spots and I plan on having a great time! Isabel and Sam and Mike and I are not only going to a beautiful wedding we are going on our first vacation in 4 years out of Wisconsin together.

This was my Mother's Day meal prepared by Sam, Shells with Alfredo sauce, Hot Dog Octopus and Fish Crackers...it doesn't get any better that this.

My Mother's Day Present