While most days I wonder just what it is I do and most days feel like nothing really gets done, after looking back on 2011, I realize there were some pretty cool things I managed somehow to accomplish. This recapping thing is something new for me. Confession time... I rarely make goals for the coming year and have never done it in conjunction with looking back at the accomplishments (or failings) of the past year. Old dog, new tricks... it can be done!
Since I'm new at this, I will concentrate on the accomplishments. So, feel free to stay with me (or not) as I indulge myself and look wistfully back at 2011...
January
I volunteered for a local arts organization by joining the organizing committee for DubuqueFest. It was lots of work and sometimes frustrating but a great learning experience.
The Feb/March issue of "Super Beadwork" hit the newsstands with a project designed by me - The Roller Rink Bangle. It was renamed by the editors and I didn't argue with them but I still liked "Bead Loop Bangle" better...
February
"Tea Rose Garden Party" was featured in the Bead and Button email newsletter!
March
My work was featured in a solo show at MidCoast Fine Arts Gallery West
April
I redesigned my blog and website...
I started work on a wonderful custom order which eventually became "Night Out On The Range"
And "Tea Rose Garden Party" appeared in the April issue of Bead and Button Magazine.
May
I was chosen to sing as part of a special choir with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra - What fun!
June
I tried my hand at my very first outdoor arts and crafts market... and actually sold some stuff!!
July
I started a wonderful friendship and partnership with Gail Chavenelle - a talented metal sculptor and all-around good-feeler from right here in beautiful Dubuque, IA! Getting to know her has changed my personal and professional life FOREVER!! I love you Gail! Be sure to visit her website at www.chavenellestudio.com and Etsy shop at www.chavenellestudio.etsy.com
August
My "Waves of Symmetry" bracelet design appeared in Vol. 6 of Creative Beading...
September
I was invited by Alma Stoller to take part in STITCHED 2012! Since I am a relative newbie when it comes to fiber art, I was flattered to be included among the ranks of the 20 fiber artisans on the teaching staff of STITCHED 2012! (BTW - you can still register to take part by clicking here!!)
October
My work was on display at the Dubuque Carnegie-Stout Public Library as part of their Art @ Your Library gallery show series. I shared space with Beth Roberts - a talented painter/mixed media artist. This was the first time my work was featured in a showing in Dubuque!
I taught my first ever fiber art class on October 22nd! The Fiber Collage Fabric Cuff class at the Dubuque Art Center was a hit!
November
I turned 47... I never thought I'd live to be this old and I feel as though I'm just getting started!
This was the first year I actually planned for and followed through on having a holiday sale in my Etsy shops! Preparation pays off! It was a great year for selling vintage (lots of items went to new homes) but not so good for jewelry (exactly one handcrafted jewelry item sold during the holiday season!!). This has me thinking of new ways to use my talents besides making wearable adornment...
December
Steven Weiss of The Beadsmith invited several bead and jewelry artists to take their new line of clasps - Elegant Elements - for a test drive. I was very pleased to be included in this distinguished group which includes some of my personal beading "rock stars" - Sherry Serafini, Jean Campbell, Zoya Gutina (just to name a few!!). You can follow my Elegant Elements adventure by reading past (and probably future) blog posts here.
Here are some photos of the clasps I received and my first project - Brocade - Enjoy:)
So... that's some of the professional and artistic highlights of the past year. When I put them all together like this, I feel like I truly did accomplish some great things! Onward and upward for 2012!
Resolutions are at hand now as I attempt move ahead professionally, personally, spiritually and physically. I'm not sure what those resolutions are at the moment but they will come into being as I ponder the ways of the world this afternoon. Wish me luck! :)
4 comments:
A year full of good things Cindy! Congratulations!
Thanks, Marsha! I'm hoping (and planning) for an even better year to come and sending those wishes out to friends and loved ones far and wide! :)
It's so easy to get down on ourselves when we have days or even weeks of not accomplishing much. But when you put it all into one place and look at it from a different perspective, it seems a lot better. I, for one, am always very impressed with your work. Congratualtions on all your accomplishments in 2011 and all the best in the new year!
P.S. I too find that the vintage sells a lot better than the handmade. Online, I haven't sold a handmade item in months. But at a recent show, I sold over half my handmade inventory!
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting :)
Congrats on the selling success! One of my goals for this coming year is to venture further into selling "in person" - I'm always happy to hear that others have good experiences with it. So much to think about for the coming year... I hope yours is filled with wonderful things!
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