'Tis the SEASON!!

The first 20 days of December have gone by very quickly... and with much *JOY* as well!!

So---I think it's time for me to "blog" some current events...

The 3rd annual Holiday Bazaar boutique show at Wellspring Spiritual Center included *us* on it's vendor list. (That's right--Chris and I shared a table this year!!) It was nice to be back there--I was one of the vendors there 2 years ago. It's a great place with a wonderful community. In addition to "Dawn's Jewelry & Greeting Cards" we sold items that we created together... "Chris & Dawn's Reused/Re-purposed items" including *FabricFlowers* and *Photo/Card Holders*... and "Chris' T-shirts--Namaste & Yoga"

My *first* Home Party Show was held on Sunday, December 12 (hosted by my wonderful sister, Tara!!) Lots of *Joyful Jewelry* was sold to delighted guests, and some *Photo/Card Holders* were purchased with much excitement. People have been asking me to do Home Parties for years. Now is the perfect time to begin--and I'm really looking forward to doing more--some with participatory themes (like designing your own jewelry!!)

Recently, I delivered a bundle of inventory to a (new to me) store (owned by a friend of a friend.) If you're in the Slatington. PA, area (or if you want to go for a *Joy* trip... Check out Kathy Jones' shop:

*TK&J -- A Unique Boutique of Uncommonly Cool Stuff"

7360 PA Route 873, Suite D, Slatington, PA 18080 610-767-0887

These are a few *Family Photos* of some of my jewelry, in groups...

*Joyful Medley* is pictured above (2 photos)

This Collection contains a variety of materials, including stones, pearls, glass, shell, wood, clay, leather, cotton, linen, silk, and more. Sterling silver is primarily used, occasionally with copper, brass and bronze. I love the unique harmony of down-to-earth and extraordinary elements in this collection. Each piece makes my heart sing with JOY.

*Joyful Gems* is pictured below(2 photos)

This Collection includes a charming collection of semi-precious gemstones, pearls, shell, crystals, glass, and more. Hand done wire wrapping, handmade clasps, and hammered pieces, all in sterling silver. I am enamored with this collection--each item used here is absolutely exquisite to me. Each piece makes my heart melt with JOY.

I've learned that taking *group photos* of jewelry is, perhaps, even more challenging than taking photos of *single* pieces... So, I know what I'll be working on more soon...

In the meantime--I'm still *creating* and *shipping/delivering* Holiday orders...

Looking forward to *sharing* Happy Holidays with family/friends/customers...

And anxious to share some new merchandise collections... Some that just haven't gotten to my Etsy shop yet... And some that are totally new collections that I am launching soon...

*Joy*Love*Peace* to *All*

December Special - 25% off until Dec 25

December is here. Let's Celebrate!!

Joyful December Special - at my Etsy Shop

* 25% OFF Until Dec 25 (and free Etsy shipping) * Use coupon code 25JOY2010

www.creatingforjoy.etsy.com

Happy Holidays to All!!

And to All a Joyful Month!!

- Dawn

*** CYBER MONDAY & TUESDAY ‎*** 40% off Sale ***

*** CYBER MONDAY ‎& TUESDAY *** 40% off Sale ***

Use coupon code * Thanksgiving40 * for 40% OFF

any items--thru Monday &Tuesday!!

www.CreatingForJoy.Etsy.com

**FREE ETSY SHIPPING & FREE GIFT w/Any Purchase**

**Celebrating the Opening of My New Shop Online!!**

Thank you for your interest & your support!! :)

JOYFUL JEWELRY -- earrings, bracelets & necklaces handmade

with sterling silver, mixed metals, gems, stones, pearls, glass, wood, clay & more.

PAPER ARTS -- journals, greeting cards & more, handmade

with mixed media, and lots of JOY!!

New items are being added continually, so please come back again soon!!

Enjoy!! - Dawn :)

Photos of Me (Dawn) !!

On a crisp day this Fall, I took a trip... Over the mountains and thru the valleys... Chasing the sunlight to arrive at a BEAUTIFUL park in Berks County... where I had some photos taken of me... by a professional photographer, who just happens to be one of my BFFs!!!!! :) Thanks, Denean!! You're the *best* !!!!

(Hey, everyone--check out more REALLY extraordinary work by Denean Melcher at www.DeneanMelcher.com --and please contact her if you'd like some great photos taken of you & your family!!)

I really LOVE how the next photo "opens up" to include so much *nature* in the background. (Nature is one of the things I love most!!) (Along with beads, paper, friends, family & food!!) (In fact, this *JOY* filled trip included most of those things!!)

Thanks, again, Denean--for *capturing so much* with such a little part of the day left!!

Cyber Monday & Tuesday ***SALE***

Cyber Monday & Tuesday ***SALE***

*** 40% off Sale ***

Visit my online shop www.CreatingForJoy@Etsy

and use coupon code * Thanksgiving40 *

for 40% OFF any items--ALL DAY MONDAY & TUESDAY!!

Thanks for your interest & your support!! :)

40% OFF anything at my Etsy Shop - Thurs Fri Sat

Happy Thanksgiving to All of my Friends & Family!!

Let’s begin the Holiday season with a *JOYFUL* sale!!

*** 40% OFF anything at my Etsy Shop—Thursday & Friday & Saturday ***

Good for any number of items you purchase. Free shipping, too.

Please share the offer with all of Your Friends & Family!!

***Use the coupon code below when placing an order at my Etsy Shop--

Thanksgiving40

Gratefully sent with best wishes for a happy, healthy, safe Holiday Season.

Dawn Conover

CreatingForJoy.etsy.com

Joyful Progress

I'm excited about some very *Joyful* progress here... Perhaps you've noticed a few things already? First, I'll say that I'm enjoying creating photos of my work EVEN MORE than I was a few days ago... My enthusiasm & enjoyment of this has been multiplying almost as quickly as the number of pixels that I've been prolifically propagating!! I still feel like there is a *whole*world*more* to learn... But, I'm happy that my *capturing* is getting much better, and I want to thank my teachers & mentors (the ones I know personally, and the ones whose words I've read when researching.)

I'm also starting to use more *props* in my photos. For some reason, I guess I thought at first that the backgrounds of my product photos should be as neutral as possible. Thankfully, thru a series of events and encouragement, I've begun using some beloved objects as props. They may add rich color and appealing texture, yet they're still fairly neutral--without distracting patterns, etc. Actually, most of the decor I've chosen in my home is very much like the materials that I choose in my work. Natural colors, textures, simplicity, well designed and constructed... Combined with a bit of whimsical surprise (like the lime green piece below!!) In addition to household items, I will also use some of the display pieces that I've used for craft shows. A few years ago, when I was doing a lot of craft shows, many people would compliment my booth and display pieces. Especially one particular piece that I used for displays--people asked so often if it was for sale, I even tried to get more, or have them made!!

More progress... I set up a *mini* CreatingForJoy Etsy shop -- right HERE at my blog... And did it all by myself--with no assistance from anyone!! (Check it out--on the right-hand side.)

Have been working on a *new* logo for CreatingForJoy which goes along with designing a new banner for my blog & my shop & my website & so much more... (Chris is helping me with this!!)

And...I'm announcing my very *First*Online*Thanksgiving*Holiday*Sale* using a coupon code (new at Etsy!!) ....................... More info very soon :)

Gratefully yours,

Dawn

I've been working on photos...

I'm happy to say that I'm feeling more and more comfortable with the photographic process... Particularly the COLORS are seeming much more life-like in the shots I've captured tonight--in the kitchen, with the big, big photo lights...

These lights are so bright, I don't even want to look at them!! So, I wear *sun-goggles* that are probably suitable to wear while skiing on a bright sunny day. But, I'm wearing them in the house. With bright lights that produce enough heat to make it seem like you're on the beach during summertime. It's like experiencing a whole *spectrum of seasons* at once!!

As you can imagine, it'd be a *funny* photo to post of me doing all of this--maybe I will one day. Chris said tonight, as I was wearing those big sunglass goggles, that I reminded him of Andy Warhol. Hmmm, I guess that was meant as a compliment... But that's another story... The main thing is that I am *enjoying* taking photos of my work a little bit more this week. And I believe that the (particularly the color in the) photos are coming out a bit better, too, which makes me even happier.

*Oh*how*I*look*forward*to... the day I feel as *happy* with my photos of my work as I do with my work itself!!

Until then... I will continue to *click* and *crop* as much as I need to...

Joyfully yours,

Dawn

The JOY of photographing my work

So... Earlier today, as I was editing some photos, I was thinking that I'd like to post (here on my blog) about the JOY of taking photos of my work... *Sarcastically* speaking, at first, then realizing that it really *IS* getting more and more *joyful* (and I'm also trying to be positive.) I'm learning a lot about the process of posting photographs (and taking them!!) lately... Especially with a few "lessons" learned from mistakes (um, I mean "Learning Experiences" which is more *positive,* right??)

A few weeks ago, I went outside to take photos of my work. The COLOR in the photos taken outside can be wonderfully authentic, almost effortlessly. Of course, one must get out there during the daylight, at certain times of the day, and during ideal weather, which can be tricky to coordinate. Overall, things were going good. Better, at least. The process was becoming more JOYFUL and I was starting to have more fun with it all (including the editing process, and all the steps involved.)

Took some more photos, this time in the house again. At the photo station (with all the bright lights,) and in my studio (with a lot of lights as well.) Edited them, etc.

Then, hmmm... I realized that the color in the photos seemed REALLY "off" compared to previous photos. This was strange. I didn't understand it. Just when I was starting to embrace this whole "photo" process with more JOY, the photos were looking terrible in color!!!!!! I was really feeling not-so joyful then.

So, I mentioned this to Chris, and asked if he could help me more. Maybe we could just START OVER, because there was obviously SOMETHING wrong here!!

He said, (almost immediately,) maybe it's a setting. "A setting?" I asked, "What do you mean?" "The setting on the camera," he said... And, sure enough, that was it!!!!!!!!!!

When I had gone outside, I had put it on "macro" because I can use that in the natural light, but inside, I should have switched it back to the setting that works with the inside lights. Ahhhh... That makes sense!! (I was delighted that it could be "fixed" so easily, and I felt some joy returning to my photographic spirit. Thanks, Chris!!)

So, now, I've taken more photos in the house, at the photo station, with the camera on the designated setting for that, and I'm finding more and more JOY again in the process of it all. (Of course, I want to speed things up now with the process, because I have much more to photograph!!) And, I'm looking forward to learning more, and becoming more comfortable with the whole process of digital photographs.

***Fast forward to a few hours later, when I sat down here (at my desk computer,) to type this post (with the story above already in my mind to type...)

And I wanted to post a few photos here from the ones I was editing earlier today. I couldn't find them in my Dropbox folder, which seemed strange. Hmmm... where were they??

Then I figured it out (without even mentioning it to Chris yet!!) When I was at the computer at the photo station earlier today, I had exported each image that I wanted to post. However, I was so excited about the whole process of JOY in photos again, that I must've forgotten to actually copy the files to my Dropbox folder (which would make them, of course, unavailable at another computer, since that's an on-line storage place.)

And I took a deep breath, and sighed... So many details to remember...

So---that is why this post has NO photo at the top. And that is the very

I'm gonna get back to my drawing table now... I feel MUCH more JOY there...

Capturing-ly yours,

Dawn

P.S. Note: Dropbox is an online file storage place to keep, and share, documents and photos. It's great!! If you want more info, I'll refer you to my IT guy--Chris

Sweet New Items & Sweet New Prices

Hello Joyful Friends!! I've added a few *new* items AND *lowered* some prices.

If you're a fan of *earrings* ...check out my *JoyfulGems* collection for a few new prices.

If you're a *fan* of *bracelets* ...check out this *Large Freshwater Pearl & Smoky Quartz* bracelet--it's new to my *JoyfulGems* line of jewelry (although it's been on my table--being admired--for over a month--time to let it go, my sweet little adored creation!!)

If you're a fan of *necklaces* ...more will be posted soon... for sure!!

Sharing some thoughts on my process & my work...

The photo above makes the shape of a "Q" which I find to be kind of cute, and kind of weird, too. One thing I've struggled with when posing photos is "where to put the tail" of the bracelet!! Hmmm... Who knew there could be so many options, and questions, about this!!

So, I took a bunch of photos of this one, with many different arrangements of the "tail" (which is an extender clasp, of course.) I still chose this one because the lighting is nice, and the colors of the bracelet materials look much like they do in real life. So, I'm still learning, still taking more and more photos, still editing, adjusting, filing, posting, and so on... Which can be a challenge as well as a feeling of victory sometimes!! I'm SURE I am not the first person to experience all this... Yet, certainly this is the first time I've really *grabbed on* to taking photos of my work in this way.

Okay--I'm rambling now... Time to get back to my *other* desk!!

Oh, and remember, I *love* feedback... So, if you want to "ramble" too... Type away, my friend!!!!

Have A *Creative & Joyful* Day!!

Dawn

Thank you ALL for your participation!!

I would like to thank *EVERYONE* who participated in my recent

* Joyful Survey Request Re: Earrings *

The information has been collected and compiled, and names of all of the Responders were entered in a drawing to win a FREE GIFT!!

All the names were put into a “List Randomizer” in order to be fair, and the *winner* was chosen at random.

The *winner* will be notified by e-mail.

The *prize* is a pair of (you guessed it) JOYFUL EARRINGS!!

The “List Randomizer” is available at http://www.random.org/ if you are interested in checking it out!!

Thank you again for all of your participation!!

Enjoy!! :)

**FREE GIFT w/Any Purchase** for the first 50 orders

I've changed my Promotional Offer to **FREE GIFT w/Any Purchase**

http://www.creatingforjoy.etsy.com

...and I've added a few more items to

my CreatingForJoy Etsy shop inventory, including

the beginning of my *JOYFUL WORDS* Jewelry Collection...

**FREE GIFT w/Any Purchase** (with free shipping!!) ** for the first 50 orders of any items!!**

**Celebrating the Opening of My New Shop Online!!** Thank you for your support!! :)

*CreatingForJoy specializes in unique Joyful Jewelry & Paper Arts & Word Craft*

JOYFUL JEWELRY includes earrings, bracelets & necklaces handmade with sterling silver, mixed metals, gems, stones, pearls, glass, wood, clay & more. PAPER ARTS include: journals, greeting cards & more, made with mixed media, and lots of JOY!! New items are being added continually as I create more inventory, so please come back again soon!! Enjoy!! - Dawn :)

* Joyful Survey Request * & FREE GIFT to be won!! *

* Your Participation is requested in a (brief) Joyful Marketing Survey *

*** To anyone who wears ***Silver Colored Earrings***

* Everyone who responds to the survey will be entered in a drawing to win a FREE GIFT!! *

*** To anyone who wears ***Silver Colored Earrings ***

1. Do you prefer “Sterling Silver” or “Surgical Steel” or "both" ? (or another metal?)

2. Is this metal preference due to "allergies/sensitivities" or "prices" or "both" ? (or "other"?)

3. Do you prefer “Earwires” (similar to the ones in the photo) or “Posts” or “Both” ? (or “Another Style”?)

*** Please respond here at my blog, on my Facebook page, or by email/message. Survey is open to ANYONE—can be friends, family, co-workers, associates, whomever!! * Respond anytime until 6 pm on Friday. Drawing for the FREE gift will be held once all the results are compiled, and will be done very diplomatically, of course, with the results and winner announced immediately. The gift will be YOUR CHOICE of a few selected items from my CreatingForJoy shop. Thank you all for your JOYFUL participation!!!! ***

* The story behind this survey: I have been making & selling Jewelry for over 5 years, using ONLY "Sterling Silver" ear-wires. However, I have considered, many times, offering "Surgical Steel" ear wires as an alternative. Many people prefer one or the other (if given these 2 choices,) and I'd love to know how you feel about these 2 choices!! It's also a great opportunity for a "Joyful Giveaway" (remember my mission... "to create, share and enjoy"...) *

Thanks again,

Dawn

Recent Joyful Events !!

Recent Joyful Events @ *CreatingForJoy* that I am pleased to share...

I opened my new shop on Etsy... * CreatingForJoy * Featuring Joyful Jewelry & Paper Arts.

The first 2 "Collections" of my work (called "Sections" in Etsy-speak) that I listed are: *Joyful Gems* & *Joyful Medley* (both of these are Jewelry Collections.)

Shortly after opening my new shop on Etsy, my work was featured on the front page of Etsy (which I found out by reading a friends' post on Facebook!! Thanks, Etsy & Facebook!!)

I've started taking photos of my work (on my own---which is something that I've been wanting to do... rather than Chris having to keep taking photos of my work!! So, Chris (my wonderful boyfriend) and my AWESOME friend Denean have been helping me learn "how to fish" (so-to-speak) ... So that I can take my own photos of my work. (Thank you BOTH!!)

Also, yesterday, I listed 5 new Handmade Journal Books (the first 5 in a series of *JoyfulJournals* that I will explain more in another post!!)

Today, my work was featured in a "Collection" on Etsy. I am very excited to be included in these "picks." (Thank you!!)

Later on today, I got my first official Etsy order!! Thanks, Bonnie!!!! You're terrific!! (Enjoy!!)

2 more Collections I will be listing soon are: *Joyful Words* (Jewelry with Words) & *Joyful Him* (Jewelry for Men) ... Look for them soon!!

Have a great week of "Joy!!"

- Dawn :)

Dawn’s CreatingForJoy at Etsy

With Great *JOY* I Announce...

My *New* Online Shop...

CreatingForJoy at Etsy

www.creatingforjoy.etsy.com

Rather than wait for a “Grand Opening” like originally planned, I’ve decided to OPEN THE DOORS and officially INVITE YOU ALL TO VISIT my new CreatingForJoy Online Shop at Etsy!! I am so anxious to share it all, yet the process of building this shop is taking longer than I had originally anticipated (particularly the photos!!) I’m still adding more “Opening Inventory, so please keep checking back in. And, of course, let me know what you think of my place so far.

Thanks for your support, your interest in my work and for sharing my JOY!!

- Dawn :)

Happy 10-10-10 Day!!!!

In honor of this special day of 10-10-10

10 Things that Bring Me Joy

1. Chris/Family/Friends
2. Sunshine
3. Avocadoes
4. Music
5. Words
6. Art/Craft/Design
7. Colors
8. Harmony
9. Comfort
10. Home

What are some things that bring YOU joy??

Number 9 of 9 in September

Honoring Post Number Nine, I am listing:

9 things that are bringing me JOY right now

1. I’ve posted in my blog 9 times this month, reaching my goal of that

2. I’ve begun the construction of my new online store

3. I’m listening to my favorite radio station (wxpn)

4. It’s raining pretty hard outside, but I’m nice and dry inside

5. Chris made popcorn earlier and I saved some for a snack tomorrow

6. Today, I got a (much needed!!) haircut (and I colored my hair!!)

7. Tomorrow, I have plans with some of my favorite girls

8. I’m very grateful for wonderfully encouraging friends & family

9. I love my work, my studio, and “CreatingForJoy”

Some synonyms for *JOY* ...

Some synonyms for *JOY* ...

Happiness

Pleasure

Amusement

Bliss

Charm

Cheer

Delight

Liveliness

Merriment

Refreshment

Rejoicing

Treasure

Treat

Wonder

Products & Descriptions & Photos

Product & Description & Photos. Repeat. Product & Description & Photos. Repeat. Product & Description & Photos. Repeat. That's what's going on here, as I add more items to my new online store!! Chris is taking photos of my pieces... Lots and lots of photos... And more and more photos still... Meanwhile, I'm writing titles & descriptions, and more... I've also created new artwork/lettering for my store name/logo banner. Piece by piece, my JOYFUL store is coming together, and I'm very excited about it all!! :)

My 6th Blog Post in September

Today is Sept 29. There are 2 days left in September. For those of you keeping track, I’ve posted 5 times so far this month, and had set a goal to post 9 times in my blog in September. So---here’s NUMBER 6!! Along with a *note* that my blog posts might be “binging” like an arcade for the next 30 hours or so. I will try to keep them brief, so as not to overwhelm my “readers” …as well as helping to maintain my focus on another JOYFUL project… the construction of my *new* online *store*!!

…And all the glorious details that go along with it. (And there are a LOT of details!!)

This is my *first* online shop (although I’ve been making and selling Jewelry for more than 5 years, and Paper Arts & Calligraphy for more than 20 years!!)

I’m very excited about all of it… And I can’t wait to share more!!

See you again soon…

Dawn

A lotta JOY goin' on around here

There's a whole lotta JOY goin' on around here these days... I've been making a series of *handmade* journal books (literally "tearing into" a large collection of incredibly joyful papers that I've been stashing for years!!) that I'm anxious to share... More jewelry including a spectrum of hand-hammered metal (which is a joyful activity in itself!!) spirals in sterling silver & copper... And... In addition to all that flurry of joyful activity, we are now *fully involved* in the construction of my new *online shop* (more info coming real soon!!)

Chris is busy photographing pieces of my work, downloading & uploading photos, technically coordinating *every* detail... Our kitchen has been turned into a "photo-studio" with the table saturated in lights, props and cords (running all over the place!!) A laptop on the center island serves as "command central" (at least until dinner time... hmmm... maybe we should go out!! ;)

We're writing descriptions, a bio and shop profile... Listing materials and policies... Filling in items as we go along (and, as I finish up "just a few more things" from my work tables!!)

It's a "Joyful Creative Flurry" of activity... And, I'd love to post more "relevant" photos right now, but I must wait until a camera is "available!!" (Even my phone is in use right now--providing us with movement inspiring music while we work.)

Cheers!!

A glimpse of JOYFUL action... Captured to share

The past few days, I've been working on an exciting new project in my studio. This morning--when I walked in and turned on the light... I was *taken* with the sight of countless *JOYFUL* projects arranged all over my "big" drawing table (and covering most of my "small" drawing table, too!!) *Bliss* Richly textured, colorful, vibrant, pleasant, inviting *Bliss*

Usually, my "big" drawing table is reserved for current "Administrative" projects, because it's situated close to my computer desk (which is small--and needs to borrow some surface area from it's neighboring table!!)

Friday afternoon, around 5:00, I "clocked out" of my day job... and turned off my computer until Monday morning. My mission was to dig into a new project. It was hard to spend time inside with the *gorgeous* weather we've been having---but I knew I really wanted to get some work done... Get some work "OUT" of my mind, and onto the page... into the pages of a SERIES of new (handmade) books, actually!!

So--I decided to spend some time outdoors--absolutely... And to also enjoy some "quality time" inside, in my studio. And, today, I feel good :) Passionate production... Playful processes... Prolific plethora... P-p-p-p-pretty JOYFUL to me!!

Following Up on Intentions

Sometimes it seems like there are some items that just keep getting put on that "To Do" list, repeatedly, because they still aren't done yet (or they still haven't been started!!!!!!) This is something I have struggled with for a long, long time!! Sometimes, we just gotta push ourselves to get started... And sometimes we gotta keep on pushing until we actually DO get started... and keep working at it... and, soon, we can check that project off as being "DONE" :)

A few months ago, I posted about "Intentions" (with the intention of posting on my progress, as a follow up.) Well... I am ***thrilled*** to report that I made some *VERY*GREAT*PROGRESS* during the next couple months--finishing up some very important projects, and working on some others. This has brought me **MUCH**JOY** indeed, and has also "made room" (both literally and figuratively) for some other work I've been wanting to do.

Perhaps I will post more in the future on the process of these "clearing" projects in the past... But for NOW... I will move on to the PRESENT... And what a gift it is :)

(...stay tuned for some info on "current events" in my studio!!)

Joyfully shared,

Dawn

Nine is the number today

”

Today is the 9th Day of the 9th Month of the Year.

”

Which is pretty cool.

”

In that spirit, I am creating a *goal* to

post in my blog *9 times* in September.

”

Which relates directly to my recent general

desire to *post*more*often* here in my blog.

”

(This now makes it a SPECIFIC goal)

(Which is also a very *joyful* goal.)

”

Here’s to a *creative*joyful*productive* month of NINE :)

”

Enjoy!!

”

left brain*right brain*multi-tasking*food prep*crazy day

Today, in addition to my "usual" work that’s often done remotely, I "launched" a new management system that I designed for virtual inner-office-communication for my “day job”... As I also did a lot of "other" work... Wrote a newsletter article I was asked to do promoting "creative" pursuits... Cleaned up the kitchen that was out of control from days of neglect... Did some laundry, watered the garden & took some photos... and, SOMEWHERE, in the middle of all this, I totally BURNT lunch… Yep, smoke detector went off and everything… Because I left the room while perhaps having *too*much*going*on*already, yet wanted to balance my checkbook for some reason, right then, and just had to go back to my computer, while the stove was on!! (***NOTE: this is NOT recommended!!***)



So, why am I writing about this HERE, you may ask?!
Well, another thing I worked on today was writing/finishing up a few entries for my blog… They’re ready to go, all except for photos. I can’t believe that Summer is on it’s way out, or that it is September already. I have been doing a lot of “Creating for Joy” that I’d love to share here, in addition to a follow-up post to the one I wrote about “Intentions” a couple months ago. (*hint* I’ve been making good progress!!)



So, now that the smoke has cleared (literally!!) from today, and I have a few moments, I’m posting *this* right now… because we all know how long “someday” may take if we don’t get started right now... (And, we also know that I’ve been having “issues” with photos!!) So, again, I will just get started, right now…

Joyfully shared,
Dawn

(NOTE: I took these photos on a Mid Summer walk... With my iPhone camera (which is the only camera I can independently get photos out of right now!!)

Intentions... Confessions... Solutions...

It’s the last day of June 2010… ALREADY… And I’m feeling the desire to post on my *BLOG*… My “plans” for this year included “intentions” to post on this BLOG much more than I have so far. Hmmmm… There’s that word: “INTENTIONS.” It is a magical word, and yet a word that can seem so hard to coordinate productive truths (and results) from sometimes.

For a long time, I have collected “intentions.” I’ve collected them in boxes, in piles, in projects… In materials, in supplies, in relationships… They’ve become clutter in more ways than literal… Obstacles in more ways than figurative… Pot holes in more spots than a roadway after a long, cold, snowy season can tally…



Certainly there have been times in my life when I’ve been pretty efficient at cleaning things up and orchestrating good progress and completion of some of these “intentions”… Other times the solutions have presented themselves in the form of true gifts… And there have also been times when I’ve struggled so much and felt overwhelmed and upset with it all (along with being very upset with myself for letting things go.)

At this time, I would like to “broadcast” an INTENTION: I want to sort out, clean up and complete the projects and business and clutter that I’ve been avoiding/neglecting for some time… Decide what matters most, how to handle it, and/or whether or not to let it go… And then DO it!!!!

And, of course, I will continually remind myself of some of the reasons to do all of this… Which includes creating the time, space & ability to practice “Creating for Joy” :)

Thanks for sharing my journey!!

Out of the Box...!!

About a week or so ago, my jewelry pliers (finally) came out of the box...!! Since we've moved, I've used "other" pliers, but not my "main collection" that I use mostly for jewelry done in my studio... My pliers seemed just as happy as I was, carefully unpacking them from their constricted transportation/storage box... I'm sure we will all be much happier to get moving again, producing some nice new stuff :)



The week before that, things all came together, furniture-wise. That felt really good, as it had been a struggle to fit all the pieces that I wanted to be in the room, and to keep each working "zone" as logical and condusive as possible. It all came together at some point with a *CLICK* when I brought in a bookcase that wasn't really needed in the living room, but would fit in the (otherwise "awkward") corner of my studio "nook"... Because of the slanted wall along that side of the room, I turned the bookcase (with a slanted top on it) around to face the wall, letting the back of it face the work area. The shelves are still accessible from the open side, and the back of it can now be used as a bulletin board... (see photo above)



Little by little, things are getting "out of the box" and it's "all coming together"... You may have noticed that there does not seem to be much going on in terms of creative projects themselves within my studio space yet... And you are RIGHT!!



It seems like most of the *color* in here right now is in a few storage containers here and there!!



Of course, most of my storage containers, and furniture, too, are pretty *neutral* in color... Kind of like most of my clothes!! Because, as much as I *LOVE* color, and I love to use color in my work, I really *LOVE* the feeling of wearing, and being surrounded by, neutrals. I think it makes me feel more *grounded.* ;)


Thanks for visiting my new studio, and my blog... I look forward to sharing more soon...

- Dawn :)

We've Moved... Now---Back to Blog

Well, well, well... I haven't posted in my blog here in many, many weeks!! Probably the biggest reason for that is that I MOVED!! (well, to clarify: my *residence* moved, the blog didn't move!! ;) I was working on pieces to post here for my "100 Pieces" challenge, but I was having trouble getting photos posted. At the same time, Chris and I were painting and preparing the new place to move into... Packing, sorting, packing... And at some point, the "photo station" and lights, etc, had to be uprooted... and all the precious works in progress (and finished works) had to be carefully packed up...

Then there was a lot of: Moving, moving, moving...

(see above photo -- this was the back of moving truck #2 -- Chris was driving the U-Haul truck, and I was following along in my Jeep -- notice the Bethlehem Steel Stacks in the background... For those of you who aren't familiar with the Lehigh Valley, those are very large distinct landmark structures!!)

Out of the Lehigh Valley... a bit more South now, but still in Pennsylvania.(We both enjoyed living in Bethlehem very much, but we also enjoy our new location very much... And, we are closer to my family now, which is really nice :)

Then there was more moving stuff... Unpacking, sorting, stacking... More unpacking, sorting, stacking... (Still unpacking, sorting, stacking...)

And then we had **several snow storms** spread over a relatively short period of time... And, low and behold, somewhere in between shovelling and unpacking... We set up our **space** a little more, unpacked a few more treasured **items**, had a couple of really nice **meals**... And everything really started to feel more like * * * H O M E * * *

So... Now it's time to get back to some ***Creating for Joy!!*** I have, of course, done many "creative" things in the past few months, and I will write about some of those things here... Also, there are some new "creative" things I want to do, and share here, too... *****Here are just a few things that I really want to do:

1. I want to learn to be "photo-posting-independent." Taking photos is easy for me (okay, they may not be the BEST possible photos, but I can do it pretty good!!) The trouble I have is getting them thru my computer and onto THIS page here... I can do it from my iphone camera, but not from my "big" camera. So, that is a big thing on my list to do. It's mostly a "technical" thing, I think.

2. I want to take **better** photos. (Which means learning how to use different settings on my camera, working with lighting, etc.) This one may be a lifelong pursuit, and that's okay. I would be really happy to learn more... Taking photos of my own work, as well as photos of people, nature, architecture, etc.

3. I want to continue posting work that I've "created", and to finish the "100 Pieces" Design Challenge that I was working on before.

4. I'd like to post other things I've "created" as well--including new work and archives.

5. I want to post more regularly on my blog, and DEFINITELY post more **photos**!!!!

... and many more things ... which I look forward to sharing here ...

Thanks for reading this--I'm so grateful to have a place to share!!

Enjoy!!

- Dawn :)