I loved having resolutions last year. They forced me to really think about what I wanted and to focus on achieving those goals. So, I was surprised that I had a harder time coming up with goals this year. I started thinking of my resolutions at the beginning of December. I came up with two easily. I ruled out quite a few more.
I know that I want to continue making silver beads. But, I don’t want to make any resolutions around that this year. I’m still figuring out what I can and can’t do with metal clay, so my ideas change as I try things. I’m not quite at the point of trying to carve designs into wax (plus, right now I prefer the almost instant gratification of the metal clay :D) but that might be a goal in the future.
I have a few combinations that I’m trying to finish. One design is my zombie bracelet. Another is my bird feeder bracelet. But, I can’t predict when the right beads will appear, so I can’t set a timeline for finishing them. I’m happier keeping my eyes open for beads that work, rather than trying to force something to meet an arbitrary date.
Most ideas that I came up with I ruled out or didn’t feel strongly enough about. So, in no particular order, here are my goals for the first half of 2015:
1. Buy another Trollbeads bangle
I’ve been thinking about getting a second Trollbeads bangle for a while, but the cost has put me off. It’s easier to buy two or three beads that I don’t have rather than a second of something that I already have. My current bangle gets so much use, and I often have more than one mini combination ready at any given time, so I think it’s time for me to take the plunge and buy a second.
I have a flex bangle, but it doesn’t fit as well as my Trollbeads bangle. Even worse, the flexible arms sometimes get caught on something and the bangle – and my beads – fly off! Thankfully I’ve always found it and nothing has ever been damaged, but I did have to crawl partway under a car one time to retrieve it!
I’m tempted by the Ohm bangle, but don’t have a local dealer to try one on to make sure that it fits the way that I want it to. And, I don’t know if it would fit my Trollbeads. I know that it would be an improvement over the flex bangle since the ends secure together, but I’ve also already struck out with one bangle. So, while that might be a goal in a future, for now I’m focusing on what I know I like and what works for me.
2. Buy another Faerybead
I have the Carrying a Child Under Your Heart Faerybead and love the detail in it. And every time Faerybeads do a new release, I ooh and aah over the beads. I’ve had several on my wish list for quite a while. But, it’s another item where the cost has kept me from buying a second. Don’t get me wrong, I completely think that they’re worth the cost, but – much like the German Clover and Viking Knot – other things just keep coming up and eating away at my budget for them. So, much like I did with the Viking Knot, I’m going to make it a priority. Not quite to the point of buying nothing until I get one, but at least putting aside a bit of money regularly to save up for one! Since I do have several on my wishlist, I’m still considering which one I want to spring for first. But whichever it is, I’m positive it will be worth it.
That’s it. Just two goals for the first half of the year. I haven’t ruled out adding another if I come up with one. But, as I mentioned above, I don’t want to have a resolution for the sake of having a resolution.
Anyone else out there taking a stab at resolutions (bead or otherwise) for the year? Care to share yours? :)
Love your 2015 photo! So cool :)
I’m still struggling with mine too, 2013 and 2014 were easy but this year is a bit harder for some reason… I’ve been leaning towards what you’ve done, make it simpler and not just for the sake of it!
Still contemplating… have given myself to the end of January to decide on them.
Mars xx
Love, love your creative 2015 made with your bracelets. No resolutions for me. I never make them. I’d probably break them otherwise. :) But seriously I wish to eventually own a Faerybeads especially the Dragon lock that I’ve been drooling over, but that may be something that will have to come very far down the road.
I’m also looking forward to seeing more of your bead creations. I love how you share your design process. Happy New Year!
Thanks :) It was fun to arrange the beads and bracelets for my picture, although I’m sure my husband wondered what I was doing and thought that I was a bit loony!
I think quite a few people also think resolutions are crazy. In 2013 I made the resolution that I wouldn’t buy any beads for three months (I had, admittedly, gone a bit wild in 2012, particularly at the end). I could only trade. It was really hard, but was good for “resetting” my bead buying and it really did force me to think about what I wanted. But since then, I’ve tried hard to avoid the “spend less on beads” kind of resolutions because I know that I would break that kind of resolution :D
The Faerybeads dragon lock is gorgeous! I love how you can choose which side it faces depending on which wrist you wear it on.
Happy New Year!
Ooh not sure where my comment went from yesterday… I was coming back to tell you I’m taking a leaf out of your book and keeping mine more simple this year too!
Yesterday I said that I loved your 2015 photo, it’s brilliantly simple and gorgeous! Also that I was struggling with my resolutions a bit this year too… I think focusing hard in 2013 & 2014 has got me to where I basically want to be bead wise (given my salary limitations) thus making 2015 a bit more “vague”. Also that having an extra bangle is a good investment when you find one at the right price. I have 3, and whilst from time to time I contemplate selling the 3rd (I never wear more than 2 at a time) it’s so convenient!!
Good luck with your resolutions, look forward to seeing which faerybead you choose.
Mars xx
For some reason your comments got caught in my spam filter (no idea why since they should automatically be approved since you’ve commented before). But, I always check the comments in the spam bucket before emptying it, so your comments were not lost! :) I was sick yesterday so spent the day in bed and didn’t get a chance to look at comments.
Anyway, thank you for the comments :D
I really was surprised that I couldn’t think of other goals since my wish list is still HUGE. I know that I will work through my wishlist as beads come up, but the 2nd bangle and Faerybead keep getting bumped down so I felt that they needed a bit of extra attention this year. I think it’s as you said – basically I’m where I want to be, so I just want to continue down that path. But I can’t really make a “resolution” to stay the same :D I do have a few ideas for resolutions for the second half of the year, I just couldn’t commit to them right now.
I look forward to seeing your resolutions when you get them sorted :)