Sticking to the topic

I know, we've all had this happen at some point.  We just can not seem to stick to the topic at hand.  I remember in middle school, high school and even in college English having an instructor hand back a paper I wrote that looked like it was bleeding.  All because I couldn't stick to my original topic.
Has this ever happened to you?  It -still- happens to me.  Especially when it comes to my blog.  Allow me to attempt to explain.
I'm not really an ADD or ADHD person.  I just happen to have a LOT of interests.  So, sticking to one point all the time is kind of hard for me.  I tend to meander around a bit.  I forget that when I'm blogging that this can be distracting and hard on the readers.
So, when I set up this blog I had one thing in mind.. to keep this blog for my jewelry ventures ONLY.  I wanted to stick to the point.

And now, as usual, I find myself meandering from that point.  I have an LJ for my truly personal stuff.  I like it that way really.  However, I find that I am more and more interested in blogging about my other interests... and what is going on in general with my life and direction.
Now, part of me wonders.. would anyone really want to read about that? Would ther be any more or les interaction on this blog if I went in this direction?  Many of my friends who have successful, well trafficed blogs blog only about one thing... they stick to the topic.  While others have said they get better traffic if they blog about more than one thing.
I am in a quandry as to what to do.  I would like to think that my blog is being read and perhaps is even liked by people but alas my Goggle Analytics tells me otherwise. 
So, I guess maybe it's time to break out of this blogging shell and write about everything.... or at least more than just one thing.

Holiday gift guide #1A~ Teachers!

I have decided to not only highlight a piece of  my own for holiday shopping this season but, to put together a large collection of holiday gift ideas from other Artfire artisans as well!  I put up the theme for my gift guides and had TONS of responses so.... here's my very first of the season.
Gifts for that special TEACHER in your life!
How about a great gift basket full of pampering goodies from Norma's Bath and Body

  There are lots of wonderul bath and body products perfect for teachers!  DebsDay   SummerfieldSoaps    essensu 

  ShinyCatCreations   

Or maybe a beautiful rosary from Designs by Patricia Hall for that special Sister at the local Catholic school your child attends.



  



Journals are always a great idea for teachers and Salamander Art  has some gorgeous ones.  Or try these great index card journals from Art by Sunfire . 

And to go with those lovely journals... BOOKMARKS!

PearlieGirl   LucysPrettyPosies  

I'll be back this afternoon with more in this Teacher's holiday gift guide!  There's so much to show you, I had to split it into two seperate posts!

Custom earrings about to be given away....

... to whoever becomes my 125th follower!  We are so close now!  Come on over and follow my blog!

Once we reach that 125 mark... I will also be drawing a name of one of my blog commentors for a $25 gift certificate to my Artfire Studio!  So, don't just follow, make a comment on an entry or two as well.  Every comment you make is an entry in the drawing.  Entries from October 11th till the present date please.  Leave me some comments and get entered to win!
http://www.artfire.com/users/divapixie

Fun with party favors

So, in addition to wire wrapping and beading, I also use resin work in my jewelry designs.  I started using resin as a means to make some "steampunk" pendants for a custom set I was commissioned to do about 3 1/2 years back.  Once I saw how simple it was to use Easy Cast resin (this is a trademarked brand by the way), I decided to explore the options of this medium.  I bought some different sized and shaped molds to use.  I began searching and experimenting with the different kinds of things one could put inside of resin.  I have used everything from confetti (which is super fun) to dried flowers, watch parts to magazine and newspaper cut outs.  I even scanned some of my original artwork and photographs into the computer and printed them up for encasing in resin!


Now some of you may be asking "Cindy, what does this have to do with party favors?  Glad you asked! 
Recently I threw my boyfriend a birthday party.  He decided he wanted to do some kind of party favors for the guests as well as a prize for a game we would all be playing.  But, neither of us had much money to go and purchase anything... and we didn't know what to buy anyways.  Then the light bulb in his head went off.  He remembered that I make things with resin.  He asked if I could take some of the pictures we had of him and turn them into magnets and coasters.  Brilliant idea! 
I tell you all, it was the most fun with resin I have ever had.  I wish I had thought to take pictures of them before we gave them to our guests.  The recipients of the magnets and coasters thought they were brilliant as well.  I just love the idea!  And what fabulous gift idea for the holidays.  They are absolutely customizable.  I'll show you some samples of coasters I've made from various materials.

Alarm clock parts, confetti, cut outs from an old model catalogue, cigar bands and even pieces of old play bills made excellent coaster fodder.

So, get our there and explore the wide world of resin!  Make magnets, jewelry components, coasters... the sky if the limit!



Ask the Artist

I've been at a loss for blog topics for a while now. Everytime I come up with something it just doesn't seem like i have enough expertise, research, ideas, etc. on the topic. Clearly, I need help with this blogging thing. SO, to that end... I have decided that I need to do a series of segments called "Ask the Artist". Got a question you want to ask me about my jewelry designs or techniques I use? Ask me! Want more information about gemstones, bead supplies, metals or other bit and pieces used in jewelry making? Ask me! Want to learn more about my experiences with online selling, selling venues, jewelry parties and farmer's markets? Ask me!

I will gladly share my knowledge about each and everything I know with you. Ask me, anything.... go ahead.

Pretty please?