Saturday, April 2, 2011

Directions?

While March, our "Creating Worlds" month, is now over, that is probably going to remain a theme on my blog for several more weeks, simply because there was so much to share with you, I didn't get to it all in time! I hope you all don't mind... In the future, I have vowed to plan better. The announcement came too late, I sent out my queries for interviews and features after the month had already started, and I couldn't garner enough attention for it. In some ways, I feel very disappointed. But you know, learning experiences are always like that---a mixture of emotions and lessons that will be invaluable one day.

Sometimes our paths are clear; and sometimes they are not. I know mine won't be. In a few months, we will be moving to my parents' farm. I don't yet have a job lined up, and the place that I was hoping to work at (my beloved bead store) has now gone out of business. Today was their last day. Very sad about that. :( My fiancé also does not have a job set. The details of our living situation on the farm aren't set yet, either. Our future beyond the next few months is one huge question mark. It's a little frightening.

What will happen with my fledgling jewelry business? I will try to maintain it after the move. If I can find only part-time work, I may even have more time to spend on it. It's so hard to say at this point. What I do know is that I really want to submit things to magazines, but I don't feel quite ready yet. Writing instructions is something I'm going to need to practice. I also need to keep working on things and trying new techniques or else I won't have anything "new" to offer. Why would they look twice at my designs?---This is a question I need to consider. There are some things, I know it. But the answer has to be ready and obvious. I'm not too, too worried about this; confidence comes with practice and careful deliberation, and that's what I intend to do.

Anyway, sorry for babbling. What I mean to say is, I will practice writing instructions for projects on my blog. That's what I want to focus on this month. I really admire folks like Crystal over at Crystal Clear, who always has fun little how-to DIY projects on her blog, so that's kind of what I'm aiming for. I would be happy with two to four projects over the next four weeks, if I can manage that. But, you know, I'd be happy even with one. :)

So, stay tuned!

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6 comments:

Marian Hertzog said...

Your descriptive writing is so good that I am sure you will be able to write instructions well... your future although uncertain sounds exciting! Prayers for good things for you!

Crystal said...

Thank you for your kind comments. Keep following your dreams. Your jewelry creations are wonderfully imaginative and creative. Instructions are not hard to write. Just try and write them as if you are instructing someone who has never even picked up a bead. I know it sounds a bit inane, but good instructions detail things that you may take for granted. Have you tried to publish some of your designs on favecrafts.com? They don't pay as do magazines but when you publish two designs on their site they list you as a designer and link to your blog and websites. It gets you out there and noticed. They don't expect 1st rights as some magazines and will take previously published designs from your blog. Also there is a great blog designer that I've met and you should visit her blog. Lizrevit.blogspot.com Good luck in all your directions and I am sure there will be much success! :-)

Pretty Little Psycho said...

I know how you feel when it comes to the future. In many ways, nothing is set in stone and I'm sitting on a fence waiting to see which way everything falls. My fence perch gets a little wobbly.

I know you and Dave will find jobs. I'm totally confident in you both.

My Life Under the Bus said...

If it makes you feel any better I don't think anyone has a life set in stone. Especially these days with the awful economy many of us are in constant upheaval. Keep doing what your doing and you'll get ahead!

Miss Val's Creations said...

Good luck with your move. As long as you are surrounded by people you love, all will work out fine. Your blog is the perfect place to practice your instruction. Maybe you will write a book on jewelry making some day. :) ~Val

jamberry_song said...

You folks are so very sweet. :) I'm so glad I met you all here!