On pacing and frustration

[sihayadesigns]

I'm still staying consistently busy. Teetering on the edge of swamped, actually, but I keep telling myself that it will all calm down mid-July. Yesterday, I got three commissions, and I've spent over $100 in supplies this week. On the plus side, I'll have no problem paying for San Francisco-- I can even put up more than I had initially intended to, with any leftover monies funnelled into getting that cool bellydance bra. I keep telling myself to breathe, breaaathe. Beadwork has unexpectedly turned into a part-time job. Skyler calls it an "embarrassment of riches," and he's right. Things are going better than I expected, much better, and it is now time to adjust my pace so that I can take it all in stride. I take a lot of pride in the creative process, and I need to strike a good balance to keep it from becoming too task-like.

After this week, I'm discontinuing Thursday night bellydance classes, since the class performance is this weekend. I'll be looking for other classes in the area towards August, and in the meanwhile, Flissy and I will be practicing together and performing. I also need to do more personal work on improv. That frees up a little bit of time, with the exception of a few of Asharah's Monday night classes that I might drop in on.

Business-wise, I'm going to start planning in bigger chunks. I need to set up bi-monthly supply orders and keep commissions on those schedules, 'cause as it is, the supplier shipping fees are kinda too deadly to be ordering more than twice a month.

On the frustrating side, I am having the hardest time with a three-strand choker I started on last night. It's silver, seed beads, and moonstone. Very pretty, very elegant, a tad goth. For some reason, the third strand just wants to pucker the whole thing. I'm gonna fiddle with it more tomorrow and discover the secret to using spacer bars and seed beads together. I suspect it's better to leave 1mm of loose space than have 1mm of pucker.

I'm also having a tough time with one of my commissions. Bast is eluding me. I'd thought that I'd found the right focal bead in pressed polymer pendant, but I received it this morning, and it was disappointing. Not professional looking. So, out that goes. My next thought is a golden ankh with cat beads-- specifically 2 part cat beads that nestle a stone in the center. My thought on stone choice is black agate or tiger's eye. To be honest, I haven't had that "click" of inspiration with Bast that has come with my other commissions, and I refuse to make something second-rate and uninspired. sylfae has an amazing herbal tea and tincture business (http://www.sylfaenblends.com/), and she has completed a prototype of a tea that I've requested to help me attune and focus when working on Sacred pieces. Hopefully that, in conjunction with a Bast meditation, will provide the necessary creative push.

Comments

[youvebeenpixied.livejournal.com]

Why, thank you. Amazing. Greener. :)

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

Oh hey! Since I'll be at Sky's, can I get a stick and a starter set of filters? I'll pay extra!

[youvebeenpixied.livejournal.com]

Of course you can. The starter packs are $2.60.

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

Cool. Bart & Sky are getting together tomorrow night, at some point. Aside from beadwork, I know I'm free. We could hang a bit if you're not busy, or you could give the stuff to Bart with a bill, and I can get it that way.

[youvebeenpixied.livejournal.com]

I could probably come hang out for a bit then head back home for some more studying. The book, you see, has over 500 pages and I have to read it all and actually retain some of the information by July 15th.

Yes, that sounds like a good idea. I will see you tomorrow then.

BTW, there is catnip in your tea. Maybe that will help you connect with Bast.

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

Awesome on all counts.

[afoundobject.livejournal.com]

ooh not to add more work on your plate, but just FYI- I forwarded your Etsy info to a client of mine who is opening up a Hair Salon/Jewelry store in Ellicott City and is looking for local artists' jewelry to stock/sell.

She's really cool and awesomely good energy, from my dealings with her. I don't know if it'll spark anything, but I really liked your work and thought it would be great in her shop.

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

Dude, you are AWESOME. Thanks! If I know about something in advance, I can plan-- this is the lesson I am now learning. :)

[youvebeenpixied.livejournal.com]

It is all about the planning, isn't it? Between orders, making new blends, studying for my personal trainer exam, and working out on my own while not ignoring my husband and psychotic dog, I am tired! Trying to get everything done is hectic, but it is so going to pay off. Maybe one day we can open our own store with jewelry, tea and perhaps chocolate. I love chocolate.

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

I seriously have fleeting daydreams about opening up a metaphysical cafe. Between you, me, and 17flyingfish, we could make a killing.

[afoundobject.livejournal.com]

ooh and I could teach bellydance there and Flissy could do Yoga!

haha, like how I'm just getting-in on your deal? :P

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

The more the merrier. Being partnered with real Tour De Force women would be a dream!

[marinatempest.livejournal.com]

Oo I am liking the sound of this plan. Can we also have a knitting group?

[afoundobject.livejournal.com]

ooh and Design. I can handle the graphics/marketing/promotion.

Ok seriously. This sounds really smart and WomanTastic.

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

:) Name ideas?

[youvebeenpixied.livejournal.com]

No fleeting daydreams here. I have worked out much of a business plan! When Bart and I were looking for houses, we started with looking for places where I could have a shop downstairs and we could live upstairs. I have wanted to own a bookstore since I was young. Then I wanted to own a pagan bookstore with an herbal apothecary. Now I am thinking about adding beautiful jewelry to the mix.

Hey, idea. Would you like for me to add your shop to my links page?

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

Please do! Also, I find it interesting how our dreams kind of overlap. I'd always envisioned a cafe/coffeeshop with a book-selling area and a metaphysical gifts area. Monthly special events nights-- tarot night, bellydance night, maybe open circles. A kind of networking/hangout place. So... if you need an employee with drive and vision, you know where to come!

[youvebeenpixied.livejournal.com]

What does 17flyingfish do?

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

She is the MISTRESS of all things coffee-related. She knows more about coffee than anyone I have ever met, bar-none.

[shewaselectric.livejournal.com]

Chris, I got my necklace in the mail yesterday and it is GORGEOUS. My mum "borrowed" it and wore it to work today and she sent me an email saying she got a bunch of compliments! I'll direct her coworkers to your etsy shop!

[sihaya09.livejournal.com]

Fantastic! I love hearing stuff like that! (Also, I love hearing that the Canadian stuff got through customs!)