Tips to Motivate the Artist/Business Owner

"Men's best successes come after their disappointments."
- Henry Ward Beecher

I decided to share some tips that I’ve formulated for myself to help me figure out my direction and purpose in the next year and, hopefully, many years to come. I’ve shortened my long list as I found myself repeating some of the same statements or issues. If you have any to add, please feel free to do so in the comment box.

Tips to Motivate Myself the Artist as Business Owner:

1) Demonstrate that my customers and my products matter – Explain to myself my responsibilities as a business owner and artist. Understand how my work ethic, creativity, organization and punctuality contribute to my business’s success and my ability to meet deadlines and schedules.

2) Recognize good performance – Set a high production/quality standard for myself and then identify each of my efforts that exceeds my expectations or meets identified goals. Praise myself for a job well done. Discipline myself when my performance is not up to par.

3) Show confidence in myself and my work – Assign “stretch” goals that really challenge me to become a better artist by increasing the difficulty level for the next project. This will, also, build my confidence. Avoid the temptation to give up. Sometimes “muddling” through a task will motivate me to figure a problem out and then use real solutions.

As my first year as Kameli Shae and Ladyfingahs on Etsy comes to a close, I’ve begun to reflect and prepare for 2011. I must say that I came pretty darn close to meeting my goal of 50 sales for the year. That may sound like a small number to many, but when you have other responsibilities that are more important than a home-based business 50 sales can be a bunch. I need to add balance to the list. It can be really difficult at times trying to juggle all that my life entails. Through it all, I must say, I have a blast on this journey. It might be even more enjoyable if in the coming year, things get a little wilder... we'll see!

How will You Shop this Holiday Season?

This was once available as a poll on this blog. Although the poll has been removed I still ponder this issue. I'm curious as to whether you've considered joining the handmade revolution or would you still rather run to Stuff-Mart the night before your chosen holiday to retrieve whatever remains on the shelves. Did you know that crafters have been preparing for this holiday season since mid-year; just like the major retailers? Have you considered supporting crafters who spend countless hours designing,constructing, selling, packaging, etc. their wares themselves. If you're not willing to support independent shop owners or local businesses (not chain stores) this year, consider adding it to your list of resolutions for 2011...

For those of you that are interested, I ask which will it be:

a) indie shops - buying handmade only
b) combo - indie shops and major retailers
c) not buying at all; making every item myself
d) not making anything myself; buying every item
e) not giving gifts at all this year

The Darker the Berry...

... the sweeter the buy. The purpose of this treasury is to showcase the beauty of items from members of Team EAOC. Hopefully, you will find several gifts for the special people on your list.

This is a treasury that I created on Etsy. It features wonderful gift items from members of Team EAOC (etsy artists of color). Check it out, but mostly enjoy!

I've generated a new offering at http://www.ladyfingahs.etsy.com/. All fabric in stock is available as a fat quarter, as well as, still being sold by the yard. I realized that sometimes  buyers may want to work on a smaller project that will let you explore what can be done with smaller bits of fabric. Smaller quantities of a print are perfect for adding a splash of texture or color to home decor, as well.

Many blessings are given to the artists who specialize in making patchwork quilts, especially. I paid attention to the feedback of browsers, not buyers, who felt like a yard of one ethnic print was just a bit much for the projects they were attempting. Also, remember that new pieces are added just about every week. Actually, a f ew pieces will be added sometime this week.

I had a ball...

I didn't think that I would have so much fun attending a baby shower. I believe the biggest reason I did was because it has been a while since I attended a function without the family. I not only enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with other adult ladies, but the food was great, too. Food that I didn't have to prepare, although I did offer my assistance as I was the first guest to arrive.

The purpose of the shower was to congratulate one of my former student's on the upcoming arrival of her first child. Of course, my gift was handmade by (myself) Kameli Shae. For some reason, I love making bib and burpee sets. I love functional items for children. BB sets can be used for as long as you think your child needs to be shielded from the constant mess they'll make when eating. Unless, they're like one of mine, who decided that from about nine months she was never going to wear a bib. That girl would constantly snatch it from around her neck. 

Well, They've already chosen a name for the baby boy, so this time I was able to personalize the sets with his initial ('e'). I love the animal print the best. It's a new fabric by David Miller called "Oh Boy! Zoo Animals". He has several new prints available this season. Lately, I've been more inspired to pursue another masters in Textile Design, but I'll save the details for another post. These are for sale at kamelishae.etsy.com... log on for more info.

Cuter than I imagined

I had a lot of fun making this set. For many years, I've longed for a career in shoe design. This is probably the closest I'll ever make it and I'm ok with that now, as I have a lot going on in my life right now anyway. If anyone is interested the shoes are made from a free pattern that was downloaded months ago from a seamstress whose name escapes me, but googling will help you find something that works for you. I hope to add more fabrics and styles to the etsy store soon, but at the pace I'm working at don't allow me to make you lose sleep while waiting. Because these shoes are made to order, they come in any sizes you need. All I would need is the length and width of the baby's feet. The bibs are always one size fits most. Honestly, these are the only type of shoes your baby needs to wear until they start walking. Actually, as they're learning to walk they should be mostly barefoot anyway. The shoes are not intended for walkers as I can't guarantee that the microsuede soles are slip resistant. The shoes stretch and conform to the shape of your little one's feet. I will always make them with a little room around the inside perimeter. Order away... kulchababy.etsy.com.