Arts Organization Wednesday: Arizona Artists Guild

My featured arts organization for today is Arizona Artists Guild. I met members of this guild when I first cam to the Valley. They were fundraising to move into their own brand new building when I first moved to the Valley. Well they got it done. I was at City North 's Farmers Market and a lady gave me a flyer with the address of the new 4000 square ft building located at 1841 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023 (just south of the intersection of W. Union Hills and 7th Ave.)

Founded in 1928, the Arizona Artists Guild is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization led by volunteers dedicated to providing and promoting opportunities in the visual arts including exhibitions, educational and outreach programs.

Membership is made up of professional as well as aspiring artists working in a variety of media.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month, September through April, at 7:00 pm. Pre-meeting critique sessions begin at 6:00 p.m.

You can click the title to be taken to their site.

Make it a Great Day.

Me Playing with Chain: Cowrie Shell Bracelet

 

You know I love Cowrie Shells. I have been playing around with different chains this weeked.  I picked up some cowries and started creating.  This is the first bracelet. Click her to purchase. http://bit.ly/dJf6Cc

Me Playing With Chain: Unchain My Heart

I heard dearly loved and now departed Ray Charles sing this song in my head as I was doing this piece. Rest In Peace Brother Ray.

Large Amethyst faceted Heart wire wrapped using silver colored sterling silver wire. The heart is attached to the chain with and extender made from the same silver colored copper. The chain is a 30 inch continuous loop. You can take the pendant off and wear with any other necklace you like. Great for the new spring trend of wearing a single piece on a long chain.

Have a great day. As always click on the title to purchase.

Queen Yelta Earrings Included in Treasury

My Queen Yelta Earrings were included in an Etsy Treasury by Blossoming Tree.


The link for the earrings is here http://etsy.me/fKOIqN

Click on the Title to see the full treasury.

Great Article For Procrastinators by Freelancefolder

Procrastination can be dangerous for a freelancing business.
If you put critical tasks off for too long you may find yourself without enough time to get them done properly. This is important because rushed work tends to be sloppy and less desirable for clients.


Procrastinating may even cause you to lose a client, or worse, your business. Yet, many of us put off necessary tasks every day without even realizing it.

In this post, She tackles some of the reasons why we procrastinate and provide practical steps that you can easily follow to overcome it.

10 Ways to Keep from Procrastinating



With a little planning and a little effort, you can keep yourself on track. Use these tips and tricks to keep your procrastination from getting out of hand:



1.Set a schedule. While I’m sure that your schedule includes your most important tasks, such as client meetings and project milestones, do you also schedule less essential tasks as well? Tasks like completing your quarterly income tax returns or invoicing your clients won’t perform themselves. And if you’re like me, if it’s not on your schedule it doesn’t get done…


2.Get organized. It’s easy to put things off when you can’t find them. Let’s face it, disorganization can make even a simple task seem difficult. Find a system to organize your business and your life. Stick with it, and get things done. Don’t let a messy desk, unorganized files, or a sloppy email inbox keep you from getting right down to business.


3.Find an accountability partner. As freelancers we don’t have anyone who will hold us responsible for getting tasks done. There’s no boss or team leader to crack down on us if we don’t meet our goals. You can overcome the lack of a boss by finding an accountability partner. This could be a friend or family member, or even another freelancer.


4.Break large tasks into smaller tasks. Another reason many freelancers put off doing something is because it seems insurmountable. You just don’t know where to start. You can make a large task less daunting by breaking it into smaller pieces and tackling those small pieces one by one. If you’re facing a large task, see if it can be broken into parts.



5.Don’t overcommit. Some freelancers procrastinate because they commit to too many projects. Then, when they realize all that they have actually committed to do, they are overwhelmed. You can keep from getting too overwhelmed by keeping your schedule manageable and realistic. Be sure to record each new task on your schedule as soon as you receive it (and allow yourself enough time for each).


6.Control distractions. Are you easily distracted? If you answered “yes,” you may need to take some steps to change your environment. Try to learn what distracts you the most and take steps to minimize those things. Does a ringing phone bother you? Try turning the ringer off except for an hour a day. Are you drawn to too much social media? Try timing your social media interactions.


7.Figure out what motivates you. Sometimes freelancers procrastinate because they’re just not very motivated by the work they have to do. If this is you, figure out what type of work does motivate you. Try to target those projects more often. If you have a project that you’re really looking forward to, you may find that your procrastination habit evaporates.


8.Track your progress. It’s easy to fall behind on a project (especially a large project) without even knowing it. Before you know it, it’s impossible to catch up. Keeping regular track of where you are on a project versus where you should be on it can help you stay on course. Large companies track their project’s progress using project management tools and so should you.



9.Tackle self-doubt and other psychological issues. Procrastination is sometimes caused by psychological issues like self-doubt, fear of success, or other fears. If you’re struggling with these underlying issues, putting work off may be one way that you are subconsciously sabotaging your own success. Deal with the underlying cause and your procrastination should improve.


10.Reward your success. Are you still struggling with procrastination and having trouble getting motivated? Once in a while, it’s perfectly okay to “bribe” yourself. You heard me right, give yourself a little incentive for keeping up with your work. Think of something affordable that you’d really like and promise it to yourself when your project is complete.

http://freelancefolder.com/10-top-tips-to-combat-procrastinathttp://freelancefolder.com/10-top-tips-to-combat-procrastination/ion/

My Montage 3/22/11 at OneTrueMedia.com

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wirequeen Playing with Wire: My Creative Process Bracelet

I wanted to give you a peek into my creative process. I've not had  formal schooling in making jewelry, but I've had wonderful life teachers who shared their jewelry making knowledge with me.

I was feeling good. I had gotten some of the paperwork and housework out the way (which for me totally stifles my creativity) Smile. I sat down with wire and some trays of  beads and cabochons I've had for a long time. (Maybe 10 years). I had several large octagon Ocean Jasper beads with beautiful markings. The holds were too small and uneven for the wire to go through. I wasn't doing any drilling today. They were too heavy to use smaller than 20 gage wire in. I had these eye beads for awhile, They are  maybe 2 inches high domed with a wonderful hard polish to them. These three eye beads called to me so I pulled them from the tray and just started turning them over in my hand. I picked up a piece of copper square wire and it wouldn't go through. Hum. Round 18 gage wire was too large. 20 gage worked. The holes start at the end of the bead, and go in for a .5 inch and then come out the back of  the bead instead of going all the way through. I linked the beads. I didn't like any of the the chain I had. I had some coils I had already made some earrings from and was going to make loc/braid  jewelry with the rest. I flattened a coil with my pliers and used that instead of  chain. You see the completed bracelet in the pictures.

What's your creative process?. Inquiring minds want to know? Smile

As always you can click on the link to purchase.



FYI FACEBOOK Giveaways

Hey all, I just read this post today about the rules surrounding facebook promotions and thought I'd share: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/facebook-promotions-what-you-need-to-know/







Apparently, it's against facebook rules to host a contest or giveaway without using a "facebook app" to do so.





Please be aware of the consequences  Facebook can delete you.

Have a great day.

Michelle

Networking 101

Hi All!

For those of you who are solo or mompreneur you know it can be lonely and isolating at the same time. We are all human and NEED human interaction. Now having said that I have been forcing myself to go to a networking or group gathering at least twice a week. This has been so beneficial. Not only has it gotten me out the house but it has enabled me to increase my knowledge base.

One of the most interesting questions posed was "What does networking mean toYou? Most of us thought it was greeting someone and giving them our card. The answer was a very resounding, NO. That's prospecting, not networking. So Dave Sherman who is an expert in networking and has three books out on the subject stated, "Networking is seeing how you can help someone and how they help You find the person you need to reach. He wanted us to think of how you can help someone else fulfill their need.

So here's my spin.

For me networking is sharing info and looking at my business from another pair of eyes. The sales come when people like you and what you do. You are the brand whether you are using your name or a company name. You are on stage at all times. If people like you they will be a drum major for your business even if they themselves have never used your services. This is why its important to build your relationships, but more importantly your reputation. Your reputation is everything. Guard it with you life.



When you have nothing else keep your reputation as nosebleed high as you can. You're human and will screw up. Don't run from the situation. Own up to it, apologize for it and tell them and try to do better. More, importantly, you go to the person and tell them don't left them "hear it in the street". Last but not least RETURN PHONE CALLS/EMAILS, even if you only saying I can't help you or handle that. You have just upped your credibility with that person. They will remember you, when something you can do comes along.


You want to be in business for the long haul, not the quick buck.

Africa 3D Animation Wins United Nations Award.

This is so cool I had to share it.

African animation titles claim the United Nations World Summit Award for the use of technology to promote African culture.

http://linkd.in/h3zSWx Pleace click on the link to see this award winning animation from  AFRICA. She can't be call the "DARK Continent anymore.


Peace.


Michelle

Scottsdale Arts Fest 2011: Two Artist On Old and One New

We attended the Scottsdale Arts Fest on Saturday. Now the second highest rated arts festival in the United States. I dragged Baby girl along to get her away from the computer. (My tweener, ever the sarcastic critic, complained that it was the same artists every year.) We then wandered into this artist booth and it was her first show ever. So can I say I discovered Tracey Saliba of Spring Flowers Studio and her "Flower Girls".  Smile These are welded metal that she turns into Flower Girls about 4 or 5 feet tall. They are Uber cute. She also does Vases and Flowers the same way. Baby Girl collects artisan flowers so she had to have one. Thanks to Tracey's art we were off and running. (Read no more this is "sooooooooooo boring") Smile. Tracy can be reached at Springflowersstudio@gmail.com

I went inside the Camera Obscura which was an awesome experience. There were three different size cameras set up. My camera skills in the darkened room do not do justice to the moving image that was reflected onto a table top. The image was crystal clear. It was a moving picture show.

Anyone who knows me knows I love color. I loved this guys work. I asked what was his favorite piece and he stated the Vase. The top one is mine. Sorry, but I can't find his name.

Scottsdale Arts Festival can be reached here: http://bit.ly/igOgna

This is Scottsdale so the weather was perfect for an outdoor show, a balmy 89 degrees with no humidity. New this year were the gourmet food trucks and the wine garden. Linda Haddad and her team as always does a marvelous job with kids section. We  decorated  made paper hats.

So much was going on this week end it was hard to decide what to do. The Ostrich Fest in Chandler (I kid you not), GoodFellows car show in Scottsdale, Devoured (All inclusive Taste fest) at the Phoenix Art Museum. These are only the ones I can think of off the top of my head.. People back home wonder why I have a hard time getting back there. Smile

As always you can click on the title to visit my shop

WireQueen Jewelry was Featured: FAB FAV FINDS!

http://etsy.me/dM9agi

http://etsy.me/dILyVE

http://etsy.me/dILyVE

WireQueen Jewelry Art and More was featured on Soiree365.com in her FAB FAV FINDS! She loved the Midwife healers, Pearl adjustable ring and Hematite in Sterling Silver ring. As always you can click on the title to visit Soiree365.com

Today is the last day to get 20% off my birthday (March 6 ) Celebration which ends at Midnight tonight.
Use coupon code "bday celebration" here http://etsy.me/ge5IaA


Have a Great Monday .

Jewelry News Network: Double-Digit Growth Expected For Online Retail in ...

Good News for those of us who sell jewelry online.


Jewelry News Network: Double-Digit Growth Expected For Online Retail in ...:
.
Double-Digit Growth Expected For Online Retail in U.S., Western Europe

Online retail in both the U.S. and Western Europe will continue on a double-digit growth trajectory over the next five years, according to two recently released forecasts by Forrester Research, Inc.

Both U.S. and European online retail will grow at a 10 percent compound annual growth rate from 2010 to 2015, reaching $279 billion and €134 billion ($185.1 billion), respectively, in 2015. The forecasts include business-to-consumer sales excluding travel and financial services.

“The online retail market in both the U.S. and Western Europe remains strong, despite the challenging economy,” said Patti Freeman Evans, Forrester VP and Research director. “In fact, with consumer purchasing behavior returning to normal, U.S. Web sales in 2010 actually accelerated over 2009 compared with the prior year, growing 12.6 percent. In Europe, very strong growth in 2010 was fueled by new online buyers and higher-spend per capita on the demand side, as well as the launch of transactional websites by established offline players.”

Retailers are supporting consumers' increasing use of the Web in the U.S., helping to drive growth with new business models, such as flash sales and group buying, as well as improved merchandising to provide a broad selection of products available online, Forrester says. However, this growth comes at the expense of brick-and-mortar stores, as consumers increasingly spend on the Web.


In Western Europe (which consists of 17 Western European nations), the online retail market grew 18 percent from 2009 to 2010 and is projected to grow 13 percent from 2010 to 2011, but growth rates will then slow as the market matures and buyer penetration begins to level off, Forrester says. By 2015, 68 percent of online adults will have made a purchase online; however, northern European countries will see 80 percent or more of their online population buying on the web, versus less than 50 percent in southern countries.
 
 by Blogger Anthony Demarco.
 
Two Days left for my Birthday Celebration which ends March 14,2011 at midnite. 20% off use coupon code "
"BDAY Celebration".
 
Enjoy your day.,

News You Can Use

For those in the jewelry Marketluxury marketJewelry News Network: Swatch Group Sales So Strong it’s Having Trouble M...: "Swatch Group, the world's largest watchmaker, enjoyed double-digit sales growth in February, continuing the strong trend seen the month bef..."

Only in Scottsdale: Circus Yoga

We attended a Circus Yoga Class at Granite Reef Senior Center last night. They will be at Scottsdale Arts Festival All Three Days.

Baby Girl Flying.

AWESOME

So much is going on in the Valley and Scottsdale that its hard to pick what activity to go to on what day. Scottsdale Arts Fest, the Ostrich Fest (Really!), Goodfellows car show and Devoured (Taste fest to Detroiters) at the Phoenix Art Museum just to highlight a few events. I love that a lot of events in the Valley are go from 10 or 11 to 4 or 5 pm. You can run do your shopping and still make many activities before you run out of steam. Others like the Ostrich Fest and The many Beer, Wine and Ethnic Festivals go on till 11 p.m or the wee hours of the morning.

Day Four in the countdown till the end March 14, 2011 the end of my birthday Sale. Use Code "BDAY Celebration"

Have a Great Day.

My Montage 3/10/11 at OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Fine Silver Earrings II

Ellen Earrings http://etsy.me/eJXsrF

Ellen Earrings are part of my fine Silver (99.9% pure silver) wire collection. When I was shaping these free handed I thought of the propeller pods that I loved to watch fall twirling from the trees in the Midwest. I love the luminous of fine silver. You have to see it to appreciate.

You will enjoy wearing these lightweight earrings everyday. The ear wires are handcrafted of fine silver as well. I include ear stoppers with every earring purchase.

The wire is 18gage (the lower the number the thicker the wire.)

I have work harden the wire to give you years of wearablity.

Earrings are 3 inches long from the top of the ear wires. They are are 1 inch wide.

Duchess of Finesse Fine Silver EarringsFrom wirequeen

You will love luminese glow of fine silver (99.9% silver). The weightlessness of fine silver will make these your go to earrings for everyday wear. These are part of a new Series I'm doing of 99.9 Fine Silver Wire. I love the glow of fine silver wire.

The earrings are 1.75 inches from the top of the ear wires. The ear wires are sterling silver.

I had been playing with the fine silver wire in a18 gage. These are two more pair of earrings I created using the 18 gage fine silver wire.(Fine silver wire is 99.9% silver).

Counting down 5 days until My 20% of coupon expires on March 14, 2011. Use code "Bday Celebration at checkout.

Make it a Great Day.

Fine Silver Wire Jewelry

Heart shaped earrings of Fine Silver (99.9% silver). Show your love for yourself when you wear these pure silver and light weight earrings. Ear wires are sterling silver.

Earrings from the top of the ear wires at their longest point are:

2 inches.
Click for the earrings http://etsy.me/fEOSfi
Click for  the pendant and ribbon necklace http://etsy.me/hHdesE

Click to purchase http://etsy.me/gv2OKF

Ellen Earrings are part of my fine Silver (99.9% pure silver) wire collection. When I was shaping these freehand I thought of the propeller pods that I loved to watch fall twirling from the trees in the Midwest.

You will enjoy wearing these lightweight earrings everyday. The ear wires are handcrafted of fine silver as well. I include ear stoppers with every earring purchase. I love the glow of fine silver. You have to see it to appreciate.

From the top of the earwires they are 3 inches by one inch.

I picked up some fine silver wire (99.9% Silver) wire in 18gage and began playing with it. I just started creating shapes of image I grew up with as I started shaping the wire with my hands.The wire is 18gage (the lower the number the thicker the wire) is a thicker wire and a little harder to work with but I used this thicker gage because it is almost all silver. I have work harden the wire to give you years of wearablity.  I don't draw or use one of those pegboard thingies. I either dream the image or just pick up some wire and play with it. My version of drawing leaves a lot to be desired so I don't sketch out anything. I use the movie projector in my head and just follow that. Smile.

I will post two other pieces tomorrow of some other pieces I have made using the fine silver wire.

Only five more days of my birthday celebration. Use coupon code "BDAYCelebration"

As always you can click on the title to go to my shop, the links under the pictures will take you directly to the pages for those pieces.

Have a great Day.

My Birthday presents from Baby Girl 2011

My girls know that I prefer that they make my presents. There is nothing quite like knowing someone thought enough of you to take the time to think out and make something for you. I don't care what it is as long as they make it. Baby Girl painted the the picture. Her image of me.



Womens History Month: Billie Holiday My Tribute Piece

My Billy Holiday Pendant/ brooch is a free form Bloody Basin Agate. The stone looks like a storm of blood droplets captured in mid flight. I heard the song "Strange Fruit" when I was in my twenties and living in Houston, Texas. I could never get the song out of my head. The song started playing in my head as soon as I saw this stone. The brooch/pendant is my tribute to Lady Day as Billie Holliday was affectionately known. Perfect for the current 40's vintage look worn at the shoulder.  Wear when you want to set yourself apart. One of a kind is such an overworked term but this is an original, the stone cannot be duplicated.

Handcrafted by one of my favorite gem cutters from Mid-Michigan. He began cutting stone in his twenties. I met he and his wife at a show.  He would save certain stones for me and I would bring him pictures of what I had made with the stone. We were like co-conspirators (or little kids in a candy store sharing a new candy). We would be in a corner pouring over the stones and the details. His wife would laugh at us and other customers would  try to see what we were looking at. (Who knew Africa had turquoise?). Unfortunately, he was self-taught and didn't know the dangers of breathing some of the stones when he started out. He joined the Ancestors in his sixties.


May he rest in peace.

As always you can click on the title to purchase

Oh Yeah. Today is my birthday so take 20% off. Use Coupon Code Bday Celebration good till March 14, 2011.

Enjoy the day.

Two of My Museum Pieces The "WireQueens" #1 and 2

Hi All!


These are two of my museum/gallery pieces. Wire Queens #1 and #2.

Wire Queen 1 Pendant Brooch Denim Lapis Mother of Pearl

I love this piece I have used its image for many things. I dreamed her and she came into creation almost as if willing herself from the ethereal. She birthed herself dictating the stones, the shape and even the size of the wire used. I was just a midwife on this creation.


I've always been accused of having one foot on the earth plane and the other in the ethereal. This piece highlights that.


Wire Queen #1. Mother of Pearl and Denim Lapis. First of my Wire Queen Series. She comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a frame to showcase her when she is not being worn. I retain the right to use her image.


Length: 3 1/2 in


Width: 1 3/4 in


Weight: 19.9 g

http://etsy.me/gcd8Tm

Wire Queen #2 Brooch / Pendant. The second entry in my Wire Queen Series comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. She is sculptured from Brecciated Jasper and Hematite in Sterling Silver. Her body is reminiscent of the ancient African mudcloth design. You will love your original work of art in miniature. She comes in her own frame so she can be displayed when you are not wearing her.

3 1/2 inches long, she can be converted to Pendant/Brooch.

http://etsy.me/dWRQRo

As always you can click on the title or links to purchase


Make it a great Day.