Monthly Goals

Like 95% of America I'm sure, I suck at sticking to New Year's Resolutions. So, instead of even attempting, I am going to make monthly resolutions. The goal is that I will see how life is on the other side of that missing object or goal, and by the end of the months, maybe I will have formed a few new habits.

One other change to the traditional New Year's Resolutions, I am starting now. I will have a practice month, from Thanksgiving (2 days ago) to Christmas. The goal I am setting for this month is simple: to do something nice for somebody different everyday. Care to join me?

After Christmas, I will sit down and form my list of monthly goals for the year of 2009. Seeing as I need to loose weight and am hopelessly addicted to a few food and drink items, I will focus a few months goals on avoiding those certain items. Other goals will focus around things to improve habits, my relationships, my home, the earth, etc. I am taking suggestions!

The Gator Craze

I reallly dislike alligators, so much so that I've had nightmares about them since I was a kid. Guess it has to do with living in central Florida, and all the crazy amounts of gators in every pond and lake. Anyway, I happened to move to and marry the love of my life in Gainesville, the home of the UF Gators, so now I see them every where!

.

This I found at Snopes.com, its a snake that must have burst while eating a gator. Go snakes!

My husband, who is not really a huge football fan, is however, full of community spirit. When I began taking the jewelry casting class I asked him if he would wear a ring made by me. and to my surprise he said yes! This answer was like a gift to me, because the only jewelry he wears is his wedding ring! I was so excited to design the ring, and then I began to worry maybe he wouldnt like it if i just surprised him. So, after consulting him on the design, I decided to go with a subtle alligator sticking out of the water.

.

Picture this head, from the side on top of the ring, with a piece of its back behind the head, and the tail coming out of the water in front of its head. Confusing, I know.

Tonight, I will actually be casting the ring, the hard work is done! All that remains is polishing and cleaning (and sawing off the excess metal from the casting process). But now, after seeing the beauty that thing ring became in wax form, I wonder if i could really sell these in stores! I am so proud of my design and believe that this is especially the town, or even state, for people to want them! So now I will be looking into companies that would actually produce my ring for me, and places willing to either buy them or consign them! How cool would that be!

People are just so facinated by these dangerous creatures!

______________________________________________________________

UPDATE

______________________________________________________________

This ring has become Lucas's new love. And I gotta say, I love how it turned out! Take a look for yourself!

Looking towards the face, and the tail wrapping around the ring,

ending in front of the face

The back of the gator and the back of the head

Side view of the ring, with tail on left, head on top, and back of gator on right

New Artist Interview: FRIAGO

Artist: Francisca de Souza of Fort Lauderdale, FL

Stores: http://www.friago.etsy.com/,,
http://www.friago.com/

Blog: http://blog.friago.com/

Being a jewelry maker myself, I don't usually select other jewelry makers to interview, but Francisca's jewelry is fresh, simple, and quiet elegant. It's hard to pass through her shop and not fall in love with at least a few possible wardrobe-staples.

1.What inspired you to start selling your work? I love making jewelry. It doesn't so much seem like work to me. I was working full-time when I decided to start selling. A few months later, getting laid of from my job really gave me the push I needed to really dive head first into it.

2.What is something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do or make? Ceramics & Pottery are so beautiful to me. I would love to take a class one day.

3.How did you learn the (main) skill you sell in your shop? I am self taught when it comes to jewelry making. I love accessories and had a bit of a hard time trying to shop for things that were a reflection of me. I think that my design background (in architecture) has helped me to become a better jewelry designer.

4.Where do you find inspiration in your day-to-day, or during creative slumps? One thing I cannot do is design on command! I am inspired by so many things. Of course architecture….but also art, photography, people I meet, nature, and everyday situations. I often design for places; meaning, what jewelry is appropriate to wear to the supermarket, a wedding, to have a cocktail, etc....

5.How do you promote your shop to the world? I do a ton of promoting: in forums & chats on Etsy, through family and friends, through networking sites like facebook and myspace, and through my blog and other blogs. I've met some wonderful artists so far.


6.If you could be doing anything anywhere you want in 5 years, regardless of your current life, what would you be doing? In 5 years I would love to be a mommy to at least 2 gorgeous babies, an even better wife than I am now, and to still be happy & healthy.

7.Outside of your shop life, what else do you do? At the moment there isn't too much going on outside of my shop life other than family time and the occasional short vacation. Having a business is more than full-time for me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have the freedom of owning my own business and doing what I love with the support of my husband and family.

8.Please tell us 5 things about yourself that most people don't know. (Make it intersting!)


9.What kind of things do you have planned for the future of your business? I am currently expanding my business plan to include selling at local boutiques, I have already included wristlet clutches to the Friago collections, but have yet to debut them, and I would love to get into clothing one day.

10.What other information would you like to provide shoppers about your shop? You'll find more and more pieces where I have mixed metals. I love the clean lines of a sophisticated piece of jewelry that can be worn everyday. I adore big bold pieces, but lately I've gravitated toward cleaner, simpler designs.

11.What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, regarding business or otherwise?
1. Patience is a must! This one has been extremely hard for me!
2. Always keep your business hat on no matter where you are, Friago is always being represented by me.

Francisca has offered a couple coupons as a thank you for reading about her new shop! This is just in time for Christmas shopping, so take advantage!
Mention the coupon code, and remember not to pay until she has sent you an adjusted invoice!