… And I have a few really good reasons. First, amongst a series of illnesses, I’ve been working diligently to consolidate my focus as an artist, and as a result, have completely re-written my website from the ground up. Part of the new design means that my studio blog is now being hosted here on my website so I can do more fun things with it for my readers, and part of it means that I’ll be streamlining my business stuff so I can have more time in the shop! More jewelry! Yes!
With all the technical code-writing work, and other problems, I realize my posts have been somewhat less than predictable recently, but I’ve decided to come back into my blog with a vengeance. I’m starting a series of theme posts to help me address all sorts of areas of jewelry and metalsmithing without distracting myself from actually posting.
Now, I must also admit to owning a rather staggering amount of perfectionism. I was always that kid in English class who wrote six or seven rough drafts before finally turning in the paper at the very last minute… And I find it hard to post until I feel an article is as close to perfect as I can make it, content wise. That article on mokume I wrote? It took nearly 4 months to write and polish. Silly, I know, but that’s how I am.
However, I’m hoping the new format will allow me to let go and just write, so here goes:
 |
Metal MondayOn Mondays you can look forward to a review of different kinds of metals. Even with my post on jewelry terms, I still get questions about different kinds of metals. So on Mondays, I will feature a particular kind of metal and discuss how it’s used in the creation of jewelry. |
 Image Courtesy of OmirOnia |
Art Happens on TuesdayTuesdays I will talk about my impressions and understanding of Artistic versus Business matters. This will be where I talk about my struggles to balance art and business. Because I struggle …. ALOT. |
 |
WIP WednesdayWhat’s a WIP? It’s a work-in-progress! This is where I show you what I’m working on and how my long term projects are progressing. Be prepared for calls to share too- I want to see your works in progress as well! Maybe we can motivate each other into finishing those long-term projects… |
 Image Courtesy of Henkster |
Thoughtful ThursdayThis weekly post will be a bit different from the others, as I will be searching out the designs and work from other artists who have inspired me during the week. These artists may be writers, crafters, or musicians- and everything in between… and I may also have a surprise guest author occasionally! |
 |
Fabulous Feature FridayIn celebration of the end of the work-week, I will be featuring a new fabulous gemstone every Friday. I love all kinds of different gemstones and cabochons, and here is where I will be sharing my favorites. |
 For my Newsletter Subscribers! |
Friday Bonus!Also on Friday is when I will be releasing my Newsletter with advance notice of new designs and special promotions, as well as the Birthday discounts for the week. If you’re not a subscriber- you won’t see these of course, so I encourage all of you to sign up, and don’t forget to include your birthday! |
So there you go, my game plan for the continuation of the blog!
Have I missed anything? Knowing me, probably, but this is where I’m letting go my perfectionism. So I’m asking you to think of something I should write about that I forgot! Comments are open, and I look forward to your help!
What do you want to see me write about?
Thank goodness Kaelin! I’ve missed your articles so much.
I like Topaz too, especially blue Topaz.
My first love is metals, though I’m not a jeweler.
I’m a tinkerer by nature; previously an engineer, now a budding machinist and miniature metalsmith.
Are you moving your tutorial blog too?
I’m looking for more articles on techniques, especially the more difficult stuff, like mixing different solders in one piece so it doesn’t fall apart when I use the torch on easy flow after I’ve used hard or medium silver solder. These days I use a jeweler’s TIG torch to do a few spot welds to hold things together while I solder, but even my tiny spot welds are too large for me to clean up easily. A laser welder would work probably, but that’s out of my price range.
I’ve missed writing! I’m so glad you guys are all patient with me…
As far as the tutorial blog goes, I don’t have any plans to bring it over right now, but I may in the future. Rest assured however, that your request has been added to my next bath of topics to write about!
Thanks for suggesting it!