Hey there! Happy Saturday! I have lots of news, good and bad, in this edition of Studio Saturday. Since I last posted on a Studio Saturday there have been lots of changes here. I found that there hasn’t been the need for my studio/gallery lately. The gallery itself was a ton of work that I just couldn’t do because of my other top business priorities, like bead and button making, fabric designing, etc. And on top of that the cost of running a studio outside of your home is not fun, especially when you can get it done in your house for free. So I made the hard decision of closing down and moving back home. Now I admit I am pretty excited about working in my jammies at my own hours. I will miss the folks who would stop in, it does get lonely when you just have dogs to talk to.
Moving home and getting it all to fit has been quite a challenge. It’s been nice to CLEAR a lot of things from my studios though. While I was moving around I decided to put in a new floor as well.
I took over what was my clay studio to design in. I love this studio and you can see more and read more, here, here, and here.
I am slowly getting things together. Now another change I have had to decide on was the Art Bead Scene. I have been an editor here for a long time. I love this gang, all of you. 🙂 I have felt really guilty lately though, I don’t have the time I would like to devote to ABS. Rather than feel guilty all of the time, I decided it would be better to step down as an editor. I will still be blogging over at my Jennifer Jangles Blog if you want to know what I am up to. I will also pop in for a guest post every now and then.
Since it’s my last give-a-way Studio Saturday I thought I should make it a big one. I will send you three of my handmade pendants…
Just leave me a comment and you could be randomly chosen to win. Since we’re half way through the year, what was the word you chose to focus on this year? Or did you not choose a word? Are you using your word so far?
And to also say thank you, here’s a coupon you can use in the Etsy shop all week.
thanks25
This will get you 25% off your entire order until July 21st, 2012. I’ll be adding new work to the shop all week!
Best,
JenniferJangles
July 14, 2012 at 1:32 pmMy word is Clear and I have been clearing studios and lots of stuff I don't need anymore. I'm having a huge garage sale in a few weeks to help me clear even more!
Happy Saturday
Val S.
July 14, 2012 at 2:50 pmI don't have a word, but if I had to pick one I would actually have to pick a phrase – poco a poco. Little by little. Since I work full-time and also like to enjoy the sunshine while we have it, I try to do at least a little craft work as often as possible – five minutes here or there, even if it's just making lists, helps me keep moving forward.
Erin S
July 14, 2012 at 3:31 pmI didn't choose a word to focus on, because I have never had much focus. I am kind of a random, where the wind blows, kind of girl. I'd love to win one of your pendants, though! Sorry to see you go!
Alice
July 14, 2012 at 3:32 pmIt seems you had a difficult decisions to make in regard to your studio and the ABS, but in the end it sounds like the best thing for you. I've always love seeing the bright colors of your creative space. What a great place to get inspired.
I did not pick a word for the year, instead I chose to improve my actions and thoughts–turning them from negative to positive. I'll be honest and say that it has not worked all the time.
Lynda Carson
July 14, 2012 at 5:49 pmI read a blog recently that had an interesting name that seems to have stuck in my brain. Not sure why yet, but it's still there and pops up every once in a while.
Create Recklessly. Probably something about taking risks…which I'm not inclined to do much, without first checking out all the possible outcomes. Some part of me must know that I need to take some time and consider this idea. Hmmm…
So sorry to see you go, but have your blog on my favorites. Would love to have a pendant or two. Love them.
Elizabeth
July 14, 2012 at 6:17 pmMy word for the year is "simple". It has led me to clean, reexamine and analyze. Have a great rest of 2012..
Sweet Willow Designs
July 14, 2012 at 6:57 pmI didn't choose a word this year. At this point in the year if I chose a word it would be "Balance". I've lost balance a bit with the demands of work leaving little for other areas such as family, health and creating. So have to keep reminding myself to maintain balance. I love that you've made the choices you have and appreciate how hard it is to let some things you may love doing/having – go. I need to do more of that.
Kristi
July 14, 2012 at 7:17 pmI did not choose a word, but have enjoyed watching other work on their 'words'
Helen
July 14, 2012 at 8:08 pmLove, love, love your space! And I appreciate the chance to win some of your great pendants.
JeannieK
July 14, 2012 at 9:16 pmThe best to you Jennifer and your new journey and new digs. Well really not new, but home. No word for me.
sandi m
July 14, 2012 at 9:30 pmSad to see you leave ABS. I follow your blog and receive your newsletter so look forward to future Janglely news.
I did not select a word either; not something that works for me.
Would love to add new pendants to my collection.
Good luck Jen, you've clearly found your focus…
Claire Maunsell
July 14, 2012 at 11:49 pmMy word has been 'resolve'! As in, having the resolve to get something finished, getting to the point where work or an idea is resolved…or finding resolution or harmony. Many ways to use this word. Mostly, it's been going well, it's been a good reminder of where to focus my efforts! (Or should I say refocus? So easy to be sidetracked….)
Sorry you are leaving!
Cynthia@Ornamental Style
July 15, 2012 at 12:47 amFearlessly explore. I took that from someone else's blog but it fit my goals for the year: (1) be published and (2) take workshops. Check! Goals completed!
Tough decision to close the gallery but one can only do so much. Have a friend over for coffee once a week so you have someone to talk to in addition to the dogs.
Alice Howe
July 15, 2012 at 1:31 amMy word is patience. I am learning to slow down also and not overload myself with too many projects all at once. Best of luck as you begin to prioritize.
Alice
Cherrie Fick of En La Lumie're
July 15, 2012 at 1:50 amEnjoyed watching your colorful artistic space. I know it is tempting to have an outside space with more room, in my dreams. The reality of expenses in this economy and the ability to jump in at all times of the day make it a good choice to be at home. Best of luck. My word was BALANCE. I am trying to balance my working 7 days a week, find time for me and spending quality time with my grandchildren who live across the street. It is a challenge to say the least. I am working on it. My word for the past 10 years has been BELIEVE. That one means many things to me.
KayzKreationz
July 15, 2012 at 2:25 amI actually haven't chosen a word yet. There was too many things I needed/wanted to focus on, I couldn't decide on one word. So, I'm still working on it/them. I'd love to win your pendants, though.
Karen Williams
July 15, 2012 at 4:03 amBest wishes with all your changes. Looks like you're making great use of the changes to refocus on what's most important to you.
I didn't choose a word this year, but the phrase 'just keep swimming', changed to just keep beading, writing, working, going, as necessary to keep moving forward.
Alex
July 15, 2012 at 4:23 amMy word would have to be "persevere." I am working on this everyday; not to give up. Thank You for the giveaway.
Connie
July 15, 2012 at 5:41 ammy word was tolerance….going beyond just patience. it has been very challenging but when i am in a tense situation at work or at home, just saying the word to myself makes things better…it causes me to stop and think before i act.
Lilys of the Valley Jewerly 'n Crafts
July 15, 2012 at 6:54 amI have to say I have 3 words for the year , or rest of the year ,
Inspire , because since joining the Bead soup cafe , and Bead swap Usa i've found so many inspireing people , and inspration , as well as seeing Items like LampWork and Ceramics make me want to work hard to do my very best on my beading , my polymer clay , my paper bead making ,my wood painting , needle feltin and even tho i have allot in thoes things however i want to feel good about thoes and be ready to tackle other things , I really want to try them , my next is Dream , I Dream every day wether it be just the imagias DREAM brings to mind , celetial and mellow , or to reach for the stars and try your best to reach your dreams , the third word is Try .. i want to keep Trying to do my best in my personal life , and in my craft life , I want to try to get more of my stuff finished , seen , i want to try to keep my blog going and i want to try to join up with people to get into more swaps , and try to also encourage newer beaders/crafters , even if i'm newer myself i belive we always have things to teach eachother ! I guess thats long and miss spelled but thoes are my words , **fingers crossed**
[email protected]
graypeape
July 15, 2012 at 10:56 ami didn't pick a word to focus on, didn't know i was supposed to ;p
the word i would've chosen (because it's the main word i focus on) is peace.
love your work, fingers crossed, hoping i win!! thanks!!
april, [email protected]
Kristen
July 15, 2012 at 12:15 pmI didn't choose a word but I have made some significant changes in my life and I truly feel more vibrant because of it so I guess that will be my word for the rest of the year! I'm sorry you had to close the studio but at least you put yourself out there and tried. I love working at home in my little messy studio. Good luck!
Rosemarie
July 15, 2012 at 2:03 pmMy word right now is definitely SIMPLIFY. Over the last few years I have amassed quite a collection of beads, findings, gems, chain, cords and crystals. So much so that I find the only way to create consistently is to simplify by purging, organizing and sorting my treasures. Otherwise the sheer amount of it overwhelms me. So it is definitely SIMPLIFY!
Cheryl Roe
July 15, 2012 at 4:41 pmI really did not choose a word, but if I had it would have been organize. Trying real hard to get my life, home and business organized.
Love your designs and studio.
Anonymous
July 15, 2012 at 4:48 pmHi, I think my word has been "create." I've tried so hard to make personal time for me to create art beyond my teaching time. It's been difficult to do, but I finished a collage and a painting this week and feel like I've started to return to my heart's desires. Your work is really inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Cynthia S. Tisk
cw whitedogjewelry
July 15, 2012 at 8:55 pmMy word is Challenge. I love a good challenge and having just turned 60 in June, I feel ready, willing and able to take my jewelry business a step further. I'm trying to sell my designs in local gift/speciality shops.
I wish you continued success in your new studio, and new business plan.
I love your work, and would love to win your generous offer. Thanks.
Change is good, look for new challenges and have fun!
Chris
Klassy Joolz
July 16, 2012 at 1:15 amNo word…more like a state of mind…to get my muse back…get designing again and find my design style. I've been some where else? and now I'm feeling more inspired…hope this feeling lasts…I miss not being myself.
Thanks for a beautiful giveway and your new studio is fabulous!
Smiles, Pam
Meadowland Designs
July 16, 2012 at 1:39 amSo sorry to see you go, but very glad that you'll be back to guest post!
No word for me…if I was to choose one it would be Courage. I have been pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone {really hard since I'm a perfectionist}
I hope that the change hasn't been too hard, I just hope that your work won't change too much! It's lovely as it is.
~Catherine
DESPINA
July 16, 2012 at 7:44 amWhat a happy and inspiring studio!!
My word is "optimism" and I try hard to keep it, the way things are going in my country, Greece.
DESPINA
[email protected]
Joanna-Gloria
July 16, 2012 at 7:46 amMy word is "serenity".
I try to keep it everyday, makes me and the people around me so much happier…
Lovely studio, it must be a joy to work in it.
Joanna-Gloria, [email protected]
becca
July 16, 2012 at 8:37 amI didn't choose a word, but this year has been about 'kindness'… Accepting that I can't do it all (I had major surgery at the very end of Christmas break, and I kept struggling to get over it- took me forever to realize recovery just takes time.)
I have had to learn to be kind to myself and stop pushing so hard.
To breathe like it's the most important thing I can do.
Susanm
July 16, 2012 at 4:07 pmI didn't have a word for the year, but I decided to "do" more, rather than just "think" about doing it. This included starting my own blog, which includes the ocassional jewelry project post. My list of projects is always much longer than my time or energy. I try to focus on what I get done, as opposed to what doesn't get done.
TesoriTrovati
July 16, 2012 at 4:47 pmI am so sorry to see you go, Miss Jennifer! You were one of the reasons I started coming here in the first place! But I know where you live {on the internet – I am not a stalker you silly fool! ;-} and I will come by to {virtually} visit again and again! I love your happy new studio space. I know that these are tough decisions but I know they are also for the best. Oh, I know I can't win {darn it!} but my word for 2012 is EXPLORE. I am doing my best to do just that.
Enjoy the day. Your fun and bright personality {as reflected in your fun and bright beads} will be missed.
Erin
Pine Ridge Treasures
July 16, 2012 at 5:22 pmMy word for the year is "grateful". If I concentrate on what I am truly grateful for, everything in my life is so much sunnier!
thecolorofdreams
July 16, 2012 at 11:54 pmThe word for me is "persistence". I have definite goals and I try to keep them in mind each day so I can achieve them.
Heather Behrendt
July 17, 2012 at 12:42 amJust discovered this blog and I can tell I'm going to love Studio Saturdays. I adore peeking into other people's creative spaces!
Shaiha
July 17, 2012 at 6:42 pmMy word for the year is actually 'Focus'. My goals are to learn to take better pictures and to focus more on getting a shop set up. Since I got a new camera, my pictures have really improved. Now to work on the shop.
quiltingjewel39
July 17, 2012 at 8:33 pmSounds like you made some hard decisions but sound ones. So much stress is counterproductive. I love your home studio and am sure you will continue with your success. I know everyone will be sorry to see you leave as editor but it will give someone else a chance to grow. I didn't choose a word at the beginning of the year-to much going on but now it would be Focus on being me and expressing that. Good luck.
Annie
July 18, 2012 at 11:00 amHmm… We are halfway through 2012… Perhaps I should decide on a word for the rest of the year! Being that I am in flux and scared about making changes, perhaps my word should be LEAP!
JenniferJangles
July 21, 2012 at 12:59 pmThese are all great words! It's good to remember them halfway through the year and focus on it again. Good luck sticking to your word.
Jennifer