Saturday, February 19, 2011

Check Out the Latest Treasury Featuring Artsie Designs!

Artsie Designs

Check Out the Newest Treasury Featuring Artsie Designs!


Friday, February 18, 2011

New Items

This week's batch of new items now available in my store! Check out the Swarovski crystal earrings! Can we say W-O-W?!!

www.artsiedesigns.etsy.com

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Saturday Night Poll

I'd like your help in deciding what to make next. Each week, I'll be sharing a handful of my designs and would like you to vote on your favorite! On February 19th, I'll take a name at random from those who participated in the survey. That person will win $10 worth of merchandise or merchandise discounts in my store! One vote per person, please! And thanks for your help!

A Little "Peace" of Wisdom

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a quote by Mildred Norman a.k.a. Peace Pilgrim. Peace Pilgrim was a pacifist and peace activist who walked across the United States for 28 years in support of a more peaceful existence.

In the ongoing quest for organization and motivation in my life, I am motivated by the following quote,
Live in the present. Do the things that need to be done. Do all the good you can each day. The future will unfold. - Peace Pilgrim
 So, my goal this week is to stay focused on the here-and-now, get caught up on the things that really need to be done and do something extra each day to make someone smile.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

A Picture Speaks...

Why is it so difficult to take a good photograph of my jewelry or beads? I've read tips about how to do it ... the correct light source, camera type, angle of shot, etc. I have a tri-pod ... has anyone else noticed how expensive those are? I bought a mid-range one at an electronics store and now I wish it could extend longer and that it had a level on it.  But I digress... Anyway, have the tripod, have the camera (not the most fabulous but it will do), have the props but I just can't get the light right!

The best luck I've had has been to take pictures outside. But, with 3 feet of snow (literally) on the ground and below-zero temperatures, that doesn't work this time of year. Well, I guess it could, but I'm not willing to climb through snowbanks to get the perfect shot. I know, complain, complain, complain; but what's a perfectionist to do?

One of my favorite books is "Throw Out 50 Things - Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life", by Gail Blanke. She says that, if something doesn't give you energy or make you feel good, get rid of it. That includes expectations. So I say to myself, "The pictures aren't important. Don't waste time worrying about it. They may never be as perfect as you want them to be so let go of the need for them to be perfect."

That's my mantra for the week ...

Some things aren't that important. Don't waste time worrying about it. Let it go. You'll be happier and you'll have more energy to tend to the things that are important.

Here's the link to Gail's page ... Throw Out 50 Things. Check it out.

In the meantime, what expectations can you let go of? Do you have a project that has been frustrating you? What will it cost to let it go? What will you gain by doing so?

I'm going to go put my camera away. It's a beautiful day, and I don't want to waste it worrying.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Sign

I know, not the best picture. But it felt therapeutic to make it. Now to follow it ... that's the difficult part! Especially when you have so many fun things to look through!!!