2009 is coming to a close!

I can hardly believe that 2009 is almost over.  It has a been an eventful year, some good, some bad, some sad, some happy. It has been a time of transition both personally and professionally.  Next year I am expecting great things to happen!  2010 is going to be a fantastic year for Maudies and my family.  I can feel it! There is an energy in the air that you can almost feel!  The children both have great things on the horizon for them as do my husband and I. 

I am currently clearing out some of my Maudies inventory.  Check it out http://www.maudies.net/- 40% off jewelry, scarves and purses!  I am serious about finding new homes for some of my creations so I can have more space for the new!

This week between Christmas and New Years is a week I use to get rid of some of my clutter, make goals, think about what I want to create and enjoy family time.

So, my new spring jewelry collection is in the works, I haven't actually made anything yet, but I have some sketches done and my little brain is just full of ideas!  I also will be back at my torch in the next couple weeks.  Unfortunately the store that sold my lampwork here locally is going to have to shut it's doors next month.  They have not faired well in the economic situation.  So, I have lots of lampwork beads to use in my designs and to offer other creative types for their jewelry needs!  I am in the process of posting them as we speak (or write or read whichever fits)! 

I am also toying with an idea.  In addition to my jewelry and lampwork which I love, I also have a passion or obsession if you will for purses!  I absolutely LOVE them!  I have made and sold many knitted ones and some fabric ones.  They are very time consuming so I haven't done alot with them but with the new year, comes new ideas.  I am going to make a limited edition purse collection of a small number of handbags which are unique and made from a variety of materials.  My special project for the year! 

All my goals inspired me to get my studio together and fix it up, so that is what I have been doing for the past few days.  And to tell you the truth, it has turned out better than I had expected.  My studio is in the basement, so light is in short supply.  To remedy that situation, I painted a couple walls and cabinets and the difference is huge.  I also have nasty carpet from the 70's.  Orange and avocado green if you can imagine!  Well, now is not the time to recarpet so I bought a pretty area rug to put down and now I just pretend that the yucky carpet is not there.  I now have an office area (where I am working right now) and around the corner, my workspace for jewelry, then into another room for my torch and glass work.  I am set now! 
Mine may not look like those in the Where Women Create magazine, but for now it works for me.

Happy New Year and Happy Creating!
Ann