Happy Sunday

Well, the pressure's on.  Hubby and I have decided to not only go on a strict budget, we've decided that we must cut about $1500 a month from our spending....This means that not only do we have to start being freakishly anal (this is not in my nature, unfortunately) about every penny that leaves our possession, but I've got to get my buns in gear bringing money in to make up the difference.....pressure, pressure, pressure.

There are good and bad things with this...I don't need to detail the bad, as it's self explanatory. ..the GOOD is really good.  I can't even remember when I've had unlimited time and reason to create art.  When I first started creating art for profit a few years ago, it was a necessity...as time went on, I became more chained down to collage sheet sales and emails and haven't created original art to sell in I don't know how long.  Of course, this is just another thing to mark in on my lengthy "to do" list...but such is life. 
I'm doing some restructuring and reorganizing in my life and daily schedule as to get to a place where I'm not apologizing to absolutely everyone on the face of the earth for something....My oldest daughter started last night on my emails....she is organizing them into groups and will be starting to answer them today in response to swaps, website sales and Art 4 a Cure decks....  This is such a hard thing for me to let go of but a relief as I've had many of those emails waiting for a response from me for months.  Wish me luck on the remaking of ME.  I need it.
Oh!  So, in the spirit of creating original artwork to bring in some income to this family of mine, I'm showing the first two jewelry pieces I made the other night.

I haven't decided if I'll be selling them on ebay or as a "buy it now" on my website....Once I get about 5 pieces finished I'll pop in a message with a link here....I hope they sell.   oxox

Comments

[Chris Spurrell]

Tracy - I love your website - I was pointed at yur article in Cloth Paper Scissors because I am interested in replicating the tintype process using transparencies. This is a mind blowing site - just sooo much stuff here... Thanks! I have one serious question - what kind of transparecny material do you use to create your transparencies? Is it regular cellulose acetate? Thanks Chris

[melanie]

Tracy, I love the art jewerly! I have no doubt you'll be able to bring in some extra cash selling those beauties! Best of luck with the budget! I am in the same boat at the moment, and I have been watching the pennies since Christmas. It's tough when there are so many great collage supplies and then people like you have to go ahead and tempt me with such great stuff for sale! :)

[Faith]

Whoops that post I made must be confusing. What I MEANT to say is I Can't shop on ebay since I don't do credit cards. They don't let you sign up without one which I think is sucky, but there it is! Anyway, if you posted them on your site, then I could shop too. Of course I am being totally selfish, but only in a good way...Supporting artist friends!

[thesoulofhope]

Oh, I hate being on a budget, I would not wish it on my worst enemy (not that I have one) - but good luck - feel free to email me and vent, I know how it feels at the moement! But... even though I AM on a very strict budget... The jewerly you made is beautiful and some may have to come into my world...

[Danielle]

Hi Tracy, I totally understand the whole self imposed budget situation! I am doing that myself at the moment. My credit card has been "put away". I have to really think about what I am buying now--definitely not very much fun. But I hate owing the credit card company so much money! However, lucky you to be able to create such beautiful art (and the earrings and everything else you make are gorgeous!!), and you can make a living from it! Good luck!!

[natalie Hansen]

HI Tracy!!! I would love to be the first to buy a pair of those earrings....I LOOOOOOVE the top pair with the square drop!!! Please let me know.....Also thanks for the e-mail about Portland. I will let you know where we are staying as soon as I know. I am waiting for the tour company to tell me. I know how busy you are, but maybe we could get together. I AM SERIOUS about the earrings...LOVE THEM!!!! natalie

[Faith]

HI Tracy. I just want to lend you my support. I know you can do this. Take small steps and feel good about every little one you make. I am here to celebrate with you! Please post some for sale on your website. I don't do credit cards so I can shop on ebay (this is probably a good thing.) I would love to be able to buy too!

[joleen]

Those earrings are beautiful! :D

[violetismycolor]

I love the earrings...they are so original. I don't think I have seen anything like them. You are very talented. I am sure that they will be snapped up very quickly.

[amy]

Tracy, the earrings are beautiful. They will no doubt sell as quickly as you post them. Best of luck with the budget too. It's an on going battle for me as penny pinching isn't in my nature either, luckily it is in my husband's nature. I can attest, though, that it is possible and it can be done!