NewNew New Year's Resolutions

Happy 2012!

So, it's a new year. Time to turn the page and look ahead. What do you want to start, finish, do, get, or be more of or less of in the coming 12 months?

A few brave NewNewers shared their resolutions with the rest of us. Here's what they said.

After she rearranges her studio to improve efficiency (i.e., not having to look for tools and having materials all in one spot), May of TakeMeHomeware resolves to fine-tune her production cycle, which means giving herself more time to make the work.

Jenny of J. Topolski reolves to start wax-carving, which will enable her to make smaller, less expensive versions of her statement necklaces, and to offer more expensive sized rings instead of just adjustable bands. She also plans to start using Quickbooks accounting software, to grow her wholesale business, and to travel to art/craft shows in distant cities.

Nadine of HeartFelt4Kids also wants to refine her product line, to include more of what's selling, namely, vintage style children's clothing and accessories. She also plans to concentrate on getting great product pictures using models.

I personally don't typically make New Year's resolutions. Too much pressure, and I'm always trying to improve on something. At the same time, the start of a new year does present an opportunity to take stock and set goals, and to do so in good company. There's power in committing oneself to change as part of an annual public ritual that doing so privately on an ongoing basis doesn't. This may make the difference between wanting to do or change something and actually doing or changing it.

With that as my working hypothesis, I'm somewhat nervously going to break with tradition and make one teeny-tiny resolution this year. Inspired by May, I'm going to reorganize my workspace so that I don't have to move stuff around every time I need to get at something.


Wish me luck!

Until next time,


Linda
Purty Bird

Get Caffeinated with the {NewNew}!

I am not a morning person. I cannot stress that enough. Left to my own devices, I would go to bed at 2:00am and wake up at 11:00am. Yes, I need 9 hours of sleep. Sue me.
However, I am forced to get up at the ungodly hour of 7:00am twice a week - well, I am not exactly forced, but when I had cats I used to like to spend 60-90 minutes with them until I had to start getting ready and I still get up with extra time. But now I spend that time nursing my coffee and reading, playing around on the computer or frantically writing late blog posts. That last example is purely hypothetical. I found coffee after I quit smoking cigarettes, which was over 20 years ago. I desperately needed a new ritual and turned to coffee, which I had previously found disgusting. I still found it awful, but in reverse proportion to the amount of milk and sugar I added. I could only stomach it if it was like melted coffee ice cream, which I am also not so crazy about. But like any good addict, I persevered and over time got to where I only need a teaspoon of sugar and a regular amount of milk. Something else changed - I adore coffee. I love my coffee addiction. Don't get me wrong, I rarely go over 2 cups a day. But the anticipation and the ritual is something I really get excited about. So in honor of coffee, here are some coffee-related items (with special guest tea) from the {NewNew}.

How cool is this? ItsaStitch has embroidered a caffeine molecule! Don't you love science?
Lipeony has basically captured my feelings in this adorable art print.
NordeaSoaperie brilliantly adds coffee grounds to her kitchen scrubby soap, which is made with coffee instead of water to remove fishy or garlicky or other odors from your hands.
Drinking your morning joe out of TakeMeHomeware's mug would be twice as nice!
SuzanneArtist's magnet reminds you of the dangers of overdoing it.
And, as promised, here is your nod to tea. New York Clocks has fashioned a real working clock from a beautiful cobalt blue tea tin. And you can even store things in it!
Until next time,
LuCrafts

A Farewell to Summer

Even though summer does not officially end until September 22rd this year, Labor Day unofficially brings it to a close.  But before the leaves start changing and we pull out our woolen sweaters there is still time to enjoy a few final summer indulgences. 

One of my favorite places in New York is the Union Square Green Market.  There is nothing better than filing my trusty shopping bags with fresh produce, bread and flowers.  Copabanana has a great selection of market bags in vintage fabrics.  Since everything is so fresh and fragrant all you really need to do is toss your market finds in a bowl or on a platter and enjoy.  Check out Take Me Homeware for some terrific pieces.

Get out and enjoy the last few days of summer.

Holly
Ellis Designs

P.S. Apologies for there being no images in this post.  Apparently my image files decided to take the holiday off.