For the first time in 2013 I made a New Year's Bead Resolutions list, some elements of this were very successful and it was good to write things down, not only as a reminder but also to reflect back during the year, other resolutions didn't go quite to plan, a'hem!
So what *do* I want to achieve in 2014?
My New Year's Bead Resolutions 2014
So what *do* I want to achieve in 2014?
My New Year's Bead Resolutions 2014
- To book myself some Torch Time
- To focus more on bracelet/bangle/necklace design
- To curb some of my random spending by being more selective with what I buy - I want to buy more "key pieces" or multiples of beads I love, instead of 1 of everything I like (see No.2)
- To continue to seek out new bead makers & brands
- To buy some charms for my Story Bracelets
- To spend less on jewellery than I did in 2013 so I can finally get my boilers replaced ;)
Firstly I really enjoyed my time learning the absolute basics of lampworking and I always intended to go back and carry on with some more lessons, time and life got in the way and suddenly it's 6 months later, a new year in fact and I've not managed this. This year I'd like to change that and book some more lessons, I found the whole experience rather relaxing and although I don't have the space at home to accommodate any serious kit I'd like to certainly explore this element of jewellery making some more.
Resolutions 2 & 3 go together, towards the end of the year as I was doing the equivalent of bead navel gazing; which is a lot more pleasurable as it's actually gazing at my jewellery stash (well I do have a strong affinity for Dragons); I noticed that I have a lot of beads in my box. Therein lies the issue... they're in my box and not on a bangle, bracelet or necklace. Coupled with some beads that I like, but don't necessarily love, and not everything had had an outing last year. So whilst I'm not going to set myself any random resolutions such as using everything in my box at least once during the year, I am going to make a concerted effort to use more of my stash, or consider trading it on for things that I love!
Last year there were a few plans I made that got lost upon the way, one that I was reminded of recently was the Hobbit Beads as Leann over at Charms Addict showcased her Hobbit bracelet and I've been enjoying Victoria's recent hobbity themed charm bracelets over on Endangered Trolls, firstly The Desolation of Smaug and then The Shire. Yes, I am another Hobbit fan! In fact that's how I spent my birthday for the 2nd year running by going to see the new film... god knows what I'll do the year after next for my birthday ;) But it wasn't *just* the Hobbit Beads I got distracted from, there are so many lampworkers, jewellers and silversmiths out there whose work I admire and had hoped to enjoy in 2013, so for those I've yet to become a customer of in 2013; I hope to change that in 2014.
My penultimate resolution is what you could call a "wham bam thank you ma'am" kind of resolution, once it's done it will be achieved and that could happen in one fell swoop... I want to buy some charms for my Story Bracelets, but in particular my black lambskin one. I've seen a few I fancy so it's just a case of making it happen... when I have some spare cash and no other pressing priorities of course!
Resolutions 2 & 3 go together, towards the end of the year as I was doing the equivalent of bead navel gazing; which is a lot more pleasurable as it's actually gazing at my jewellery stash (well I do have a strong affinity for Dragons); I noticed that I have a lot of beads in my box. Therein lies the issue... they're in my box and not on a bangle, bracelet or necklace. Coupled with some beads that I like, but don't necessarily love, and not everything had had an outing last year. So whilst I'm not going to set myself any random resolutions such as using everything in my box at least once during the year, I am going to make a concerted effort to use more of my stash, or consider trading it on for things that I love!
Last year there were a few plans I made that got lost upon the way, one that I was reminded of recently was the Hobbit Beads as Leann over at Charms Addict showcased her Hobbit bracelet and I've been enjoying Victoria's recent hobbity themed charm bracelets over on Endangered Trolls, firstly The Desolation of Smaug and then The Shire. Yes, I am another Hobbit fan! In fact that's how I spent my birthday for the 2nd year running by going to see the new film... god knows what I'll do the year after next for my birthday ;) But it wasn't *just* the Hobbit Beads I got distracted from, there are so many lampworkers, jewellers and silversmiths out there whose work I admire and had hoped to enjoy in 2013, so for those I've yet to become a customer of in 2013; I hope to change that in 2014.
My penultimate resolution is what you could call a "wham bam thank you ma'am" kind of resolution, once it's done it will be achieved and that could happen in one fell swoop... I want to buy some charms for my Story Bracelets, but in particular my black lambskin one. I've seen a few I fancy so it's just a case of making it happen... when I have some spare cash and no other pressing priorities of course!
Finally, I think this one is fairly self explanatory and obvious to regular readers of Curling Stones. I've had a bumper year for jewellery buying and I've added up what I spent in 2013 then compared that figure to the one that represents what I've been saving up for generally (not just my boilers) and I didn't like the way the scales tipped - although I do love all the lovely new jewellery! No regrets for last year, just a change for 2014; I've set myself some personal financial goals and the result of this is the scales need to tip back to a more manageable level on the jewellery spending... well let's just leave it at that for now and see how this year pans out shall we?
You are brave to add up everything you've spent the past year! ;D
ReplyDeleteI too would love to try my hand at lamp working one day, but I'm a little afraid of what the end result will look like. There is a place in town that does it though, so maybe it'll get added to my bucket list. Probably not in the cards for 2014 for me though. I look forward to seeing yours!
Brave or crazy, not sure which! It was certainly an eye opener!! ;)
DeleteYes, I put the lampworking top of my list to remind myself not to let it slide to the bottom again and out of sight. I've hopefully found somewhere closer to home to try, so will see how it goes, last place was really fab but it was an hour's drive each way. The new place seems to have slightly more flexible hours and is so much closer.- but I still need to get in touch and actually book something!
So easy to procrastinate and not get off the sofa when the weather is like this!
Mars xx