New Year's Goals

I'm using the word goals instead of resolutions. Since resolutions just seem to be forgotten and broken. I have been thinking about things I'd like to do better this New Year. Maybe putting it all in writing will help me stick with it.

Of course, there's the usual - exercise more, lose weight ...

Now I have this challenge from the Chatty Metalsmiths thread on Etsy to blog once a week. Since I obviously don't blog regularly this might be a great way to get me to use this blog I created ages ago.

But I really have been reflecting on my jewelry design business and where I would like to go with it. I've been thinking about the areas where I can improve to help it be more profitable.

This past year has been good in that I now sell my jewelry in 3 local stores. My sales in those stores have been pretty good. This past fall I changed my business name and opened a new Etsy store. My online sales traditionally have not been all that great, especially since I changed shops so I took all my inventory out of my store. I hope to start replenishing my Etsy store soon and continue to add designs to the local stores.

So what do I need to do this year to make this a business that truly makes income.

1. I have to be more fiscally responsible. In the past I have purchased supplies - stones, tools, silver etc - whenever I pleased. I have such a surplus of supplies, but I always seem to find another stone I can't live without. So my goal is to use more of what I already have. I have stopped going to the little bead shows that come to town. Lately they haven't had any quality merchandise anyway. So before I get online or run out to the bead store I'm going to look at my stash and see what I can create from that.

2. Spend more time on new design ideas.

3. Try to keep my studio straightened and better organized. This is not my favorite task. I'd rather just create but I spend a lot of my time looking for tools that are hiding under something or moving things around because my work space is covered up. I know I'd save valuable time if I kept the area clean and tidy.

4. Make a list and prioritize projects. I seem to be very scattered when it comes to projects. I get stones out and work on designs then I push that aside and work on something else. I took out several bags of stones that have been lying around waiting to be used and I made a numbered list of projects I want to complete. Maybe by next week I'll have some projects to post about.

So here's my current working list.

I have these great little garnets that I want to set in a pendant. Since the birthstone for Jan is the garnet, it's a great time to use them.

I've had these Chrysocolla cabs for a while. My plan was to make a multi-stone bracelet. I keep pulling them out looking at them and setting them aside. They are finally going to become a bracelet. I may even attempt hinged connections for them.

I love this ruby quartz and faceted ametrine together. I have a pendant planned for these.

Finally I have these Star of India or diopside stones. I couldn't catch the sweet little star in them. The little ones will be earrings and the larger ones might be rings.

So there, I have put my goals and my project list in writing. Hopefully this will help me stick to my goals.

Till next week. Happy New Year.