New Place/Thing #3: Filling an online store; properly.

I've always tried to add a few of my pieces to Etsy here and there. I never really had what I would consider an inventory. I made this a goal to do and completed it.

First, I invested in a little lighting studio. It's OK, I wish the lights were brighter, but the price was right. I then decided what I was going to sell from all the things I've been making. It took me a bit to figure out where the best lighting set up would be, but once I did I shot everything, uploaded and then edited for size and cropping only. I had to re-shoot some stuff but I rather do that then mess with the colors and such.

I split up my stock between 2 web-stores, one on WePay, and the other on Etsy. I think the hardest part was coming up with prices and descriptions.

Adding all those items at once felt a bit overwhelming. I hope to learn from that and add stuff as I make it. I think I came up with a good system for organizing pictures and product though.

My next major goal for business is to sell at an art fair before the year is over. I'm aiming for one in late November, early December. This gives me time to see what's selling online, and also to make things. I also figure holiday fairs get the most business. Downside is that those cost a lot of money to be a part of and some of them have lengthy application processes. I'm going to try though. 

New Album #10: A Joyful Noise by The Gossip

So far I have to say this is my favorite album by The Gossip. With each album they grow and evolve. They aren't scared of trying new things, and it always pays off.

I think after a few more listens I could choose a few tracks to add to a mix tape, because all the songs are great. So far "Casualties of War" and "Into the Wild" stand out as favorites.

I'm looking forward to owning this album when it comes out. Listen to A Joyful Noise for yourself.

New Album #9: Making Mirrors by Gotye

I thought this album was OK, good for background music. I'd be willing to give it a re-listen, maybe in the car. A few songs stick out, but nothing amazing. 

The music kind of reminds me of some B-sides from The Police mixed with something I can't quite figure out. 

New Place/Thing #2: Fulfilling an order

For the past few months I've been teaching myself how to complete a large order. I took on the task of creating  200 necklaces. I've never really made more than 3 of the same thing so this was out of my comfort zone. 


I learned that it's all about planning and most important discipline, which I have learned I have none (I'm easily sidetracked and discouraged). Mixed in with all that nonsense there is a perfectionist problem. I made closer to 300 pendants because I didn't like a lot of them.


I actually thought I would never want to make another pendant after all this, but I find that I have a knack for it and it combines my 2 favorite things; working with clay, and making jewelry. 


The necklaces are for swag bags for an event, I hope people like them. It's a way of getting my brand out there and hopefully making sales. Which will bring me to my next new thing, properly filling a my web store which will lead to selling 42 pieces of artwork. 


I'm proud of the end product, and the things it taught me.

Back Burner... update.

I haven't given up on this challenge, I think I just forget to track things and post about them. For example...


on February 18th I did New Place/Thing #1: NY Hall of Science. I went with Brian to see Bjork's Biophilia residency there. It was absolutely amazing. I've never been to such an intimate show before. As for the museum itself it was kind of cool. I think it's a great place to take kids. I did enjoy making very large soap bubbles though.


I've tried a few recipes from pintrest. 


Sadly no new books. I'm kind of weirdly worried about my lack of reading this year. 


I think keeping up with this blog is a challenge in itself.