Full Plate = Too Much to Do!

Prepping for my workshops at MCAS2018; just got a really interesting commission for a Talisman brooch; conceiving a class for Craftcast, working title: The ABC's of Metal Clay; trying to make stock for the holidays; and dealing with the normal aches and annoyances of my time of life. Sometimes it feels like too much. And sometimes it feels like a gift. Sometimes it feels like both within the same hour! Sigh.

Through it all - I love what I do! 

Consistency Makes Creativity

I don't know about the title of this post. I'm trying to play off my phrase "Practice Makes Proficient", but I don't think it worked. My goal is to try to become a little more consistent in many areas of my life, work, teaching, making, selling, etc. This morning I got a newsletter from Megan Auman that gave a few links to her Instagram TV chats (what is THAT?), and this one had to do with Consistency in Marketing, and I realize that I'm a woe-begone girl in that aspect of my life.

The last post I wrote for this blog was back in January. Not very consistent. So I'm trying to use alliteration to help me improve.
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• Marketing Monday - not sure exactly what I mean by that. I have a few days to figure it out.
• Toolish Tuesdays - I have a @lorahartclasses account at Instagram now. Did you see it? On Tuesdays I hope to post a new tool, texture, or other tool-ish thing that I use or want to use with metal clay.
• Wordy Wednesday - Today is Wednesday and I'm being wordy here. I hope to write a post every week. We'll see how that pans out.
• Thumthing Thursday - Haven't thought of the alliteration word yet. Ideas? It should probably have to do with cleaning the apartment...
• Fangirl Friday - There is so much great content on Instagram, so much inspiration. I'lll share another Instagramer's post on my @lorahartjewels account.
• Wastrel Weekends - Time for me to relax, re charge, read a book, cuddle with kitties, etc. There will be nothing I HAVE to do on the weekends. Unless I'm teaching.

Eye of the Beholder Bubble Blower won Best of Show for Jewelry!

Megan does Marketing Mornings. She sets aside a half hour at home every morning when she has to do 'something' marketing-ish before she goes to her studio. My morning routine has involved CBS This Morning, feeding the cats and snuggle time, eating breakfast, and sitting on the couch for an hour. Sometimes I complete all these activities at the same time. So adding a short task shouldn't be difficult. Right? Sigh. We'll see.

"I'll love you even more if you share me with your friends"

Discounts and Details

Life is a learning experience, and I graduated with honors last year. Did a couple of shows, made a lot of pretty good jewelry (if I do say so myself), got it up on a website, and best of all - taught some pretty fabulous classes (even my students enjoyed them). It was a year of dreams and goals manifested!

And I'm up for doing it all again in 2018!! Let the insanity -  I mean - the extreme fun and games begin! I'd be honored if you'd join me in The Studiolo - there's something for everyone. And if you register and pay before the end of January - I'll give you 15% off the listed price. How's that for a New Year boost? Register and pay half by the end of January, and you'll get a 10% discount. Just pay the balance by the month before the first day of the class and I'll refund the extra.

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First off - if you've never used metal clay to make jewelry, I need to ask you - WHY? It's fun, the learning curve is short, the tools are affordable, and the payoff is fantastical! If you've made a few simple pendants and earring drops, but want a full education in molding, forming, ring sizing, and more - you're a great candidate for this workshop too. Jump in! With both feet. Although you'd probably find it easier to use your hands.

Sign up for Metal Clay Immersion and I'll teach you all the tricks and skills you need to know! At least the ones that will give you a great basic toolbox of techniques and experience with projects that will form a jumping off place for more intricate projects. Take a look for a complete description of this 3 day workshop.

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Make Your Mark is a workshop that focuses on surface decoration, enabling you to make a wide variety of unique textures with designs and motifs that match your personal aesthetics. Create re useable texture plates, and learn direct-to-clay treatments that will enhance and enrich your metal clay practice. Scroll down the page for the details, dates, and to see a sample of the multi panel bracelet you'll create with your new skills. This is a class for everyone, although it will be a little easier if you have some previous experience.

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Are you an Instagram or Etsy fan girl? Have you explored and discovered cabochon sellers whose work you're dying to use in a metal clay design? OMG, I've bought some AMAZING cabs from those dealers. If you have too, or if you've found other tantalizing treasures you'd love to learn to bezel set on metal clay backings, then Custom Cab Settings For Metal Clay is the workshop for you! If it's got a flat back, you can set it. Learn two different ways to make perfect settings for your stones or found objects. One using metal clay only, the other forming and fusing commercial bezel wire to set in a second firing.

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I'm so excited about this last workshop of the year! I've been working on it for a long time and am now ready to help you discover your inner artist, use your unique voice, and shine a light on all the creativity and inspiration that's been lurking in the background of your mind since you first put crayon to construction paper! Crafting Your Artistic Voice uses a variety of entertaining activities, exploration, and discussion to allow you to re-aquaint yourself with, or completely reinvent the muse that makes your work magical! It may be the last on the list, but it comes first in my heart.

Manifest Your Destiny and join us in The Studiolo in 2018, Bring a friend and I'll buy lunch! xo