Billi Jo. Following. My. Bliss.

New Ink

2011-02-02T18:59:00.000-05:00

January 31, 2011

My mom loved flowers. all kinds of flowers. her favourites were blue roses though. How eccentric.

At her service, almost every bouquet that we received had lilies in it. Shortly after her service, my sisters and I, had a tattoo of Lilies put on our bodies.

My baby sister, had a lily on her side and my little sister got lilies on her feet. I decided to put one on my arm. The blue, of course, represents my mom. The pink and purple one represents my sisters and the orange one represents trust. Most people pay for art on walls, I've just invested in my body art.....I'm so happy I did it. and loved the process. I know mom would be touched that it's honour of her.

Love.

2011-01-24T15:22:00.000-05:00

For my whole life, I've avoided really loving a partner. Really risking true love, in fear of a heart break. I was that person, who didn't have close relationships (or love relationships anyways). I always thought it was best, if I just stayed at a distance, that way, I would never get hurt.

Then the inevitable happens. and my heart gets shattered. And not in the way you think. Not in the way, that I finally let someone in and had that true love. In a way I never even noticed or was even a blip on my radar. My mom passed away unexpectantly. I'm pretty sure, that's as big of a heart break that I'll ever get....and looking back, I think to myself how silly I was.

How silly to think that I was making myself untouchable and the whole time, I was raw and vulnerable.

Moving forward from this. I'm walking away fully loving, playing full out. Who knows what's not on my radar. Who will blow me away. or who will break my heart. Letting go of trying to control who's in and who's not......

crochet projects

2011-01-23T11:19:00.004-05:00

My first crochet project

Whenever my mom was at home, whether she was watching tv, chatting with friends or just relaxing, for as long as I could remember, she always had some knitting or crochet project in her hands she was working on. Always. She would make us hats, mitts, scarves, blankets, you name it (minus socks, she hated making socks) she'd make it for us.

I've also always liked knitting and crocheting, but not to the same extent as my mom. She was left handed and I was right. So i'd often ask her for explanations on stitches and things and she could barely have enough patience to explain it to her fumbling right handed daughter! FOr years, I knew how to knit, and would knit scarves. I could do scarves in garter stitch and that it's.

My second crochet project

My mom passed away a few months ago. And since then. I've taken a knitting class and know crochet. I feel so close to my mom when I'm knitting and crocheting. I feel even closer to her when I'm making her granddaughter (my niece) mittens or hats. I'm still beginning. but it brings me so much peace and happiness. I haven't really done any other crafts since I've picked up the wool. I'm enjoying it that much.

Here are the two dish clothes that we've done for homework in my crochet class. The first, well, it's not very square.....but by the second...I have it down pat.

Writing.

2011-01-21T23:12:00.002-05:00

I've always considered myself a spiritual person. Sometimes. I just may need to listen a bit more. I pulled the "creative writing' card about three times in the last two weeks. I made it mean a whole bunch of things. 1) that I needed to write a book with/for my grandma (on our family history). 2) I need to re-do and start a new blog 3) Reports at work need to get complete.

Oh so very inspiring. and a whole lot of work!! After the third pull, i thought, I just need to write....so that's why I'm back. I was going to start anew, but why!? I have this already set up. and boy. do I have a lot to say. My angels can hear it. why couldn't I?

Teaching is a passion

2010-01-07T20:31:00.003-05:00

Since I was a little girl, I have always known that I loved to learn. When I was in grade school, I would be that kid that would cry if I couldn't go to school! I lived in the country, where we would need to be bussed in, so a few days we would have snow days. If we heard on the radio the buses were canceled it was free reign not to go to school. I would be THAT kid that chose to request to her parents to drive her to school. Often my parents would oblige, as they knew if they didn't (which sometimes they didn't) waterworks would ensue.

Recently I have found another passion. Teaching. I have been teaching at the wisedaughters in the Junction. What a pleasant surprise. There is something just magical in showing people how to do something that they had no idea was possible. It's even more magical when I get to help facilitate a creative outlette for people. It's like a double wammy! Here are some pictures of me and my class in the local newspaper!

http://www.snapbloorwest.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id[]=135434

I have another class upcoming on February 6th and 10th (it's a two part class). To book a space contact the Wisedaughters at www.wisedaughters.com

non-blogger?

2009-11-26T06:30:00.002-05:00

I think I am turning into one of those non-bloggers!! I can't believe it's been so long. I still faithfully read my friends and peers blogs, but when I go to post on mine...I simply turn away. I wonder why that is.

I have been very active lately. I took up running....yes. running. A little weird time to start running, as soon there will be snow on the ground. non-the less I am really enjoying the feeling or the high of running. I have so much more energy. Not to mention, I have lost 20 pounds now. I feel great.

And classes. I am in project management at the university of toronto....the class is really taking something from me. Stretching and moving me in many directions...its great. I like to learn. I am just stubborn on HOW i learn :)

I am also teaching classes at the WISEDAUGHTERS in the junction. I should post some of my work, so you can all see. The classes are going to be good fun! I have my first class of 12 people! I will be showing them how to pour resin...both into moulds and into bezels.....

Other than that. I have been enjoying jack and jeff (dog and cat) and have been avoiding the holiday season. I do need to start prepping for the holiday season though...I usually give jewelry etc...however. I haven't made anythign in a really long time!!

There you go. an update from the non-blogger :)

art classes vs dating

2009-10-27T20:54:00.002-05:00

Art classes are very similar to dating to me.

Insert either....ART CLASS or a DATE....

(1) I get nervous before , sometimes I even try to get out of attending.
(2) I get apprehensive and doubt myself before - what if I can't pick it up quick enough
(3) what if they don't' like me
(4) after a success my mind spins. It's all I can think about. I obsess.
(5) i can stay up all night long after a good
(6) Days after I still daydream and think about new techniques

I need to do more of in my life :D

Welcome to YAC

2009-09-23T12:07:00.001-05:00

Welcome to YAC

Shared via AddThis

i blame the weather change

2009-09-17T10:51:00.002-05:00

I am starving all the time right now...totally blame the weather change!

yummy - eggplant lasanga

2009-09-14T21:52:00.002-05:00

With losing weight, I am starting to become obsessed with food...in a much healthier way than before! Before eating looked like: as much as I wanted as long as it was delicious...and processed/packaged food was ok as long as it was quick and yummy.

Now: i am just obsessed with what people are eating, new ways of cooking, new foods and HOW to make things.

So I have to confess. Up until this point in my life, I have never bought an eggplant. I have tried it a few times, but never have I prepared it.

So i bought an eggplant. For a few days, I tossed and turned. I asked a few people how they prepare eggplant. I looked up recipes at www.sparkpeople.com...I do what I do best...THINK. Until eventually I thought, this eggplant may go bad (and now, wouldn't that be a sad story to tell everyone!)

How I ended up preparing it...was. I wanted to make an eggplant paremsian (I have had it prepared this way before---delicious) however, i didn't want to bread it. So...I prepared an eggplant lasanga!!

I fried the eggplant before using it....(apparently frying is good for eggplant..who knew?) Anyhow. I fried it in an olive oil. lightly.

Then I used the eggplant in place of noodles.

The sauce was crushed tomatoes, with garlic, spinach, red peppers, mushrooms, soy-ground-round and a dash of feta cheese. Topped with low-fat marble cheese.

Bake in the oven. and you have one delicious and yummy meal. I am salivating just thinking of it. It was so good, I shared it with my roomate!

career

2009-09-13T15:45:00.002-05:00

My dream career:

A book reviewer!! I could read books day and night. How divine? The drawback would be when I had to read books I don't love.

I was reading the book" Love in a time of Cholera". And while the book and the writing is good, I hate the premise. Perhaps I'm over the whole serendipitious love thing, or maybe even a bit cynical. The whole entire book (ok, the whole half of a book I read) was devoted to two people who were 'soulmates' and tried to live their life apart. Each part of the book the other would be unhappy with their decisions to be apart of the other. OI OI OI. really? A whole book belly aching about the lost love of their life......I guess I want to believe that there are number of people out there that I could match and marry. Its not some kind of one-for-one debauchery. Rather, it's a type or traits that are matched. I also found it disheartening that two people would choice to live without the other, yet be miserable and do nothing about it.

Then again, maybe I am missing a major premise around the book......so I ditched it to read "the house I first believed' by Wally Lamb. So far. I am in love.....it's about the Columbine Slayings. I'm on page 78 and thus far can't peel it away from me.

progress.

2009-09-12T20:31:00.003-05:00

It's funny how everyday i read blogs, but only once every 2 weeks do I think to update my blog.

My life is very full at the moment. It's kinda like the jiffy oven-top popcorn. when you see it overflowing and it's almost ready to burst. and almost ready to burst in such a delicious way.

Speaking of delicious. I have lost 10 pounds. 10 healthy pounds. I started working on health on July 18th. And today - September 12th I am down 10 pounds. Not too bad. Somedays I feel like this is the progress of a turtle....but the turtle eventually gets to the destination right? I have been walking a lot in the evenings that I am home, so I feel very bonded to Jack and to my neighbourhood.

The Toronto Clothing Show preperations are coming along quite nicely. I say i need to do every show with a pack of amigos. It certainly makes the lead up a lot LESS stressful. I mean, the Toronto Clothing show itself is pretty daunting to me. As up to now - i have only participated in festivals (and outdoor festivals) so being inside at a large convention hall (or the Better Living Centre at the Exhibition) puts a whole new feel to the game. So its really nice to have a slew of amigos to rely on. The other thing it does, is help us PLAN things better. When I set up my own booth - I often wait on the most important aspect (set and marketing) so it's nice to have it all set up and ready. now. I am working on packaging (so Carmi's post here was great!) and inventory. Resin is oozing from my ying-yang....not too mention i have encapsuled Jack and Jeff's DNA a little too much! I am starting to see little jack and jeff hairs everywhere...that means the studio needs a good vacccuum!

Off to read a bit - -- imagine that? A full and active life and I am reading a FICTION book. Life is grand.

community classes

2009-08-25T12:34:00.001-05:00

I am looking for artists or talented people that would like to share their skills and talents with others! I am hosting some classes in my local community (Bloor and Lansdowne) and need some poeple who would like to share their talent with others. Your skill/talent can be anything...knitting, guitar, painting, etc.

Want to teach? contact me billijo.cox@gmail.com

The Toronto Clothing Show

2009-08-10T11:50:00.002-05:00

I am starting preparing for my next shows. This year, I will be at the Toronto Clothing Show, with the WiseDaughters. There is a collective of 5 artists that are showing under the Wisedaughters umbrella.

The show is from September 25th - 27th at the better living centre at the Exhibition Place. (195 Princess Boulveard)

my manifesto

2009-07-30T15:41:00.003-05:00

I started a private blog (it may become public one day). but it's a tracking of my weight loss progress online. I am posting my actual weight weekly (which is why it's private) Yowsers!

But the really great thing that I did for my website was complete my manifesto. Here it is. I love it.

bJO's Manifesto

I am a woman. An artist. A lover. I make jewelry. resin. and other adornments.

I believe in happily ever now before happily ever after.

I love the internet; the blogosphere; the twitterverse; the flickrdom. I love Google and google everything.

I spend a wallop of my time overwhelmed and swallowed up by the relentlessness of time.

I believe everyone should have a creative outlet to let their inner child out.

I become obsessed with learning about different lifestyles and the way people live.

I am at my peak when I am learning new things.

I’ve never been more happy than when I am outdoors with friends and my four legged companion.

When my cheeks hurt so bad its like they’ve done a thousands sit-ups, I know its been a great day.

I grew up believing everyone finds their happy ending and that true love and excitement are birthrights.

I love dancing in my living room.

I talk to my dog/cat like they are the Buddha.

I root for the underdog and care passionately about preserving the good that makes us human.

I wish all of us women could rest unwavering in the sureness of our worth, daily.

I am attracted to people who dream big.

Sometimes I love drinking too much wine.

I believe in magic. ghosts and love.

I am intrigued by ‘a deeper truth’.

My friends find comfort in that I am the last to judge and the first to smile.

Silliness is a virtue, somewhere.

I believe everything happens for a reason and its up to you to determine what that reason is.

Reading for hours is like lingering all afternoon in bed with a lover.

Happiness is a choice, and anything less is stubborn procrastination.

My feeling is that life is meant to be lived big, bold, and wonderfully.

I am a foodie.

I achieve to make the world a better place than when I found it.

Inspiration comes from action

2009-07-28T21:29:00.002-05:00

an update. It's funny how I feel if I am not doing art, I shouldn't be contributing to my blog.

I am inventing a new possibility of having my blog reflect what I am doing in my life, this includes art...but is not limited to just art. Stay tuned.

So just WHAT have I been up too if it's not art?

Well. I have been getting very inspired. I visited a cottage for 4 days with some very dear friends. I actually wrote family then backtracked. they aren't my bio family, but rather my created family. hm. created family rawks.

I have been working on my health. I have a commitment through my self expression and leadership program to lose 20 lbs in 4 months and to be fully self expressed in my life. Self expressed thus far has meant when something doesn't go how I expected, or I am upset, I have actually been saying something. I have had 2 revolutionary conversations in expressing myself, just today! it's mind blowing how I have lived my life for so many years afraid of expressing myself. I didn't want people 'not to like' me. so i would walk away, totally not be expressed, but would vent to others about the actions (and almost lack of my own actions). So far--self expression is rocking. I am enjoying the ease and freedom I have.

And on the first commitment of losing 20lbs. I am down 8 already! In just 3 weeks. 8 pounds. It feels great. the words that are really hitting me right now is Inspiration comes from action. I am in action around my weight and am so inspired.

I think that might be my new motto : Inspiration comes from action.....

etsy

2009-06-30T21:38:00.002-05:00

It sure has been awhile since i have updated my etsy store!! I am putting up some images now, and just realized that they are all too big! I need to go and resize all 120 pictures.

In the meantime. My first resin necklace has been added. It's Fred Flinstone!

www.etsy.com/bjodesigns

new art projects are so inspiring

2009-06-28T11:00:00.002-05:00

it is a rainy Sunday morning and I have no commitments!

I get so inspired by new art. taking on projects that aren't my usual...like perhaps today I will paint. or collage. both of those really bring out my creativity.

I am so excited! Happy Sunday and Happy pride!

catching up on the internet

2009-06-22T21:45:00.002-05:00

I am a libra and I enjoy balance. Sometimes, I find that things get a bit off balance. Like, before attending a show I will produce and work in my studio way more than work on the internet (PR), accounting, filing, working on my etsy store, posting on my blog etc. This week I hope to update my world wide web presence along with prepping for my mastermind group on Friday.

This will help balance me out.

big on bloor meets rain

2009-06-20T09:33:00.002-05:00

its' finally here. the big on bloor festival. I had friends come over last night and help finish the packaging on all the resin pieces.

The forecast says rain, rain and more rain. Ugh. i have been eloquently singing 'rain rain go away, and come again another day'. I know that it will deter some people from coming to the festival.

I have 30 minutes before I need to start packing. I have been up for 5 hours, drank 2 glasses of coke zero and downed some cheesies. YEs. Festivals make me nervous and I turn into a teenager. It's somewhat suiting as most of my stuff is now geared to the 'teens'.

If you can brave the rain...stop by and see me! Big on bloor festival. I am located at bloor and Duffierin. The event runs from 1pm - 9pm.

Hope to see yoU!

Big on Bloor

2009-06-14T11:02:00.004-05:00

My blog seems to be last priority these days. With my website in "revamping' mode. I really should focus more on my blog.

I have been spending a tone of time in my studio these days. Big on Bloor is just around the corner, or rather, just a week away!! oi.

Here are the details

Big on Bloor Festival. Starts at Christie and goes all the way down to Lansdowne. Its a pretty big stretch of Bloor street! My booth will be EAST at DUFFERIN.

The festival runs from 1pm - 9pm.

At the show I will be 80% resin. Preparing resin peices is so different than in the past preparing a beaded line. Beading often I could leave things and on a weekend spend hours prepping...however, because resin takes so long to cure, I actually can't spend hours and hours working on things. It's odd. and gives me a bit of uneasiness. The good thing is that I haven't been leaving displays and packaging until the end (like usual) because I would be so focused on making product. So that's good.

Between my new job, my classes at U of T and this big on bloor festival, it's no wonder I haven't been posting on my blog :)

camera shopping

2009-05-22T20:14:00.001-05:00

what kind of artist doesn't have a camera?

ok. ok. let me re-phrase. what kind of artist who is trying to sell her stuff online, breaks her camera?! *arm shoots up in the air*. yes. That's me. An artist who hasn't updated her etsy store, in. um. a few months. and who hopes that those really great resin pieces that are sitting in the basement will somehow find a paporatzi to take its photos! hm. I wonder how I can manage that.

In the mean time. This girl is in business for a new camera. I am still learning about all the 'cool' functions...but who's kidding who. I need it to take close up photos and have the ability to take clear photos. That's it.....

long weekend fun

2009-05-17T18:32:00.004-05:00

this May long weekend has been filled with some home time and catching up with some long over due projects (like visiting friends and getting a hair cut)

Tonight I got a new hair due. It's a shortie. I actually feel like myself in this hair cut.

School Girl

2009-05-10T20:59:00.003-05:00

This week I starting my Post-Grad certificate in Project Management at U of T. I am excited and really nervous. It's been so long since I have been in a class (outside of a art/craft class!). Like, I have books and assignments and everything! I have since hired my dog walker full time. That's the kind of commitment this cert is taking. I will be complete in December and able to apply for my Project Management Designation.

While it seems like my crafty business is going to be put on hold, I doubt that will happen! As my product is now available at wise daughters, many doors and opportunties seem to be opening up for me. Not only are things moving out the door VERY quickly (and I dont' even have my website live right now) but opportunities to teach not to mention Summer Festivals. So while I am taking classes, my studio time won't hinder. I am clear of that.

Happy Mothers Day! I went home today to spend the day in Brantford, with my sisters who are moms,' their children and my mom. I had a gorgeous day full of conversation, laughs, coffees and BBQ goodness. It was a splendid day.

Resin works

2009-05-03T21:09:00.002-05:00

Just when you thought I was sitting on the couch all day eating bon bons!

I now have RESIN jewelry available at the Wise Daughters store in Toronto (Dundas Street West)

Check out their website & head on in to pick up some bJo designs Jewelry!

http://www.wisedaughters.com/

all this new inspiration

2009-04-11T18:14:00.002-05:00

and I am terribly sick! I can't believe that on Friday morning, of a long weekend, I wake up with swollen lymph glands, a terribly sore throat, and is completely congested. Didn't I JUST get over a cold? like, really! For the life of me I am amazed at how sick I keep getting. I am praying that the worst of it is over. Last night wasn't the best night i have ever had. At one point I had garlic cloves in my ear, topped with olive oil surrounding my ear (a home remedy which actually worked for me!)

Yesterday I had some great friends come over and steal jack for a few hours. He was nice and exhausted when they brought him home! It was the best. SO yesterday I spent the day in bed and the majority of today as well. I did venture out of the house to walk jack for about 20 minutes today. I feel so bad, the weather is so nice. and I am in bed, sleeping or reading (not too much reading is getting done as I drift in and out).

My mom works at a health clinic and gets some VIP treatment in Brantford. So while I am visiting for Easter, my mom is going to take me to the clinic to get rid of the earache.

Until then, I haven't worked on anything but healing my body. I also think that yoga needs to be re-introduced to my life. It's amazing how a little tender loving destressor really makes a difference.

can you hear it?

2009-04-08T21:03:00.002-05:00

its the sound of me being inspired!!

I cleaned out the studio. Ordered new resin moulds. New images. and have a new mac to play with images for my resin line! woooa. So excited.

I decided I am having 2 distinct lines. I enjoy resin, so why deprive myself of the pop-art/kitchy craft? not to mention, they are really inspiring to create.

I will also move forward with the urban professional line. My previous line has diverted from the professional somewhat...however, I need new accessories! and if I do...so do others! so I am back. My mothers day (yes, just short of 4 weeks away) will be released next week...with some uber trendy urban professional gear! I work in the heart of the fashion district and am thoroughly impressed with the style sense of my other-fashion district-colleagues. So this is my new inspiration.

I can't wait to share.......

music on my mp3 player

2009-04-07T19:13:00.001-05:00

Since I started downloading music onto my computer, i haven't really been listening to music on the subway or out an about. Mostly just when I am on the computer. I guess I have relished in the silence. Although, I am terribly inspired by music.

Today on my MP3 player. I noticed that 75% of my music is BREAKUP music! The "I hate you" or "never again" songs. I couldn't believe it. How un-inspiring is that?! I clicked through my entire song list on just a 15 minute ride. now. That's terribly unispiring. I plan on downloading some good make-out, falling in love, creating magic kind of music! That's what a single girl needs! GEeeeesh

airing the place out

2009-04-07T11:16:00.002-05:00

Last night I spent a few hours in the studio. Cleaning it. Since the holidays, I think i have been in my studio for only a handful of hours, and then it was with particular tasks at hand. The studio gets a bit drafty. so I need to fix that for next winter!.

Anyhow, I went down and dusted, started to organize and re-familiarize myself with my luscious beads and stash! I pulled up all of the throw rugs i pile on top of each other and surprised I didn't find living creatures amongst the layers and muck! It feels airy to clean it up like that.

I also cleaned up the stash of resin pieces. Last year, if a resin piece didn't turn out, I would keep it. With tones of bubbles, or paper spoiled, holes drilled incorrectly. I would keep them all. I couldn't bear to part with any part of a creation. However, this year, ruthless in my task at cleaning, I through them all out! I just know I will hear of a really great technique or someone that has done some really great things with old and cured resin.....oh well. I will have to hang in there and make some mistakes this year!

Jeff. My cat.

2009-04-01T09:19:00.008-05:00

inter-nerd

2009-03-26T18:42:00.004-05:00

Today in the day job, we were meeting about social networking. gosh. I love social networking (facebook, pod-casting, websites, myspace, twitter, etc) somedays I think I am in the wrong field and I should spend my time on the internet linking and researching all day....doesn't that sound like fun?!

ps. I am in love with this blog. it's so useful!

www.modishblog.com

Ears

2009-03-24T16:19:00.004-05:00

Want to hear a bizarre thing?

I don't have my ears pierced and it's something I desperately want! I make earrings for everyone, yet I can't wear them!

I have peirced my ears about 4 times now, each time, the wholes grow over in less than a day. I keep my earrings in for months and months and maybe even years. then one day, I forget to put an earring in and viola! I toy with getting my ears re-pierced, I mean, I love earrings. I want to wear them.

Maybe my weekend will involve a stop in at the local Claires for a set of pierced ears.

movies

2009-03-22T16:17:00.002-05:00

I love movies. I will often watch the same movies over and over again. Or sometimes, i forget that I have already watched a movie, and will re-watch it.....while I am watching movies, I often think of ways to make the movies. I think of shooting, editing, writing movies. I get so inspired that I want to learn. is that weird? I think my old roommate might have instilled some of that curiosity into me, as he was a movie 'person'

My week

2009-03-21T18:01:00.002-05:00

I can't believe how busy my week has been. Infact, I just looked over my dog walker bill, and was shocked! I had to think back to my week to remember just exactly I had done and why I wasn't walking Jack, which brings me to my post.

Monday I had the wicked cold. it's still lingering, but happy to report that its' in its final stages, and will be saying goodbye shortly.

Tuesday, I went to see Dirty Dancing with my Aunt and 2 cousins. We had a girls night, out for dinner, hot-tubbing, dirty dancing kind of night. It was fabulous. The evening. The theatre. I don't know that I can watch the movie anymore. It wont' be as great.

Wednesday I had mastermind. I have this wonderful group that I meet with monthly to discuss our businesses, where we are stuck and where we are moving forward. I love meeting with them. I always get inspired.

Thursday, I have class.

Friday, I went to L'Oreal Fashion week to see Lucian Matis's new line. I feel so 'toronto in the house' going to see fashion shows. It's never as it's portrayed on sex and the city, however, it is always a hotbed of canadian 'stars'. I sat beside Jeannie becker!

Now, who has time for a business, crafting or Art with all of this going on in her life? Needless to say, studio time is at a zero hours this week.

This upcoming week I hope to get all my applications in for my summer festivals, so I can start working on them, and make a plan....

happy springtime!

spring fever

2009-03-14T11:02:00.002-05:00

Lately, I have been out and about. I started a new 'day time job' about 3 months ago and have been transitioning. Not too mention, I used to work with my BFF's, so all of a sudden, changing jobs now means that I have to work FULL time (I was working part time) and now had a very full social life. I am not complaining, I like being busy, however, my studio get dusty.

On Friday I snuck home a little early to enjoy the sunshine. I had no intentions of visiting my studio, until I remembered a friends 30th birthday that is this weekend. I don't know about you, but for me, it's weird if I give friends anything BUT something I make for them.

So downstairs I went. Armed with Juice and some chocolate (i work better when I bribe myself). I have to admit, the studio was feeling a bit neglected. I had little piles of things that needed to be sorted, organized and put away. So I plugged away. I didn't sort everything, but managed to clean off a small area for the torch and metals. I made Lisa, a gorgeous necklace. Then managed to pull myself upstairs around 10pm or so.

I hope to make it downstairs for a few more hours this weekend. Although the weather is going to be gorgeous. IT will be competing with my studio!

Neglected you....

2009-03-09T10:01:00.002-05:00

I have been neglecting you over the past 2 weeks.

Religiously I pour myself over many of my friends blogs. I come into the office between 7-8 to drink coffee and loose myself into what my blogging friends are up too. If I miss a day, I feel so out of the loop.

While I have still been reading. I haven't been posting. I was horrified when I was reading Carmi's blog and there...at the bottom of her links listed mine! The links tell you when the blogger last posted, shocked, it has been 2 weeks! I was the last one. I guess having last updated link gives the blogger a sense of "get your butt moving"!

my birth number

2009-02-17T21:46:00.004-05:00

I borrowed the book "The Life you were born to live" by Dan McMillman from the library after a good friend of mine recommended it.

It is a book about your birth number. You find your birth number, which mine was 31/4. All three (3, 1 and more specifically 4) have meaning in my life. It spells out what the numbers mean etc.

This is in the tune of astrology. Some people buy it. Others don't. I love learning about this stuff, I don't allow it to limit who I am, but I often learn something about myself in a new way.

When reading this book, I really related to the number 4 in the process aspect. The number 4's main component is around stability and process. The part that I most related to, was process. I want everything, without going through all the processes....I can relate this to a number of things.

1) I want an organized accounting system...and do not want to go through the process of setting it up.

2) I want a successful small crafty-business, but don't want to write a business plan or set myself up completely.

3) I want to lose weight but don't go through the process or follow through of doing all of the steps that I am all too familar with on how to achieve that goal

4) i want a partner. i don't want to date.

5) i want fabulous food. i don't want to cook it.

see...I can go on and on and on. When I read this part, it struck me. The story he used that really struck me, was that 4's often start building a house in mid-air just because they want a house. They forget to do the foundation.

So...I have dedicated February to the foundation!! I am focusing on the process on how to get what I want. I can follow steps easily, once they are laid out for me.

They both start with F's too. February is foundation month for me.

its a process

2009-02-12T22:25:00.004-05:00

I keep writing with promise of progress in my jewelry/business. And am very excited that I have SOMETHING to report! www.bjodesigns.com i bought the domain/hosting and have created my new website...well...created a home splash page that has nothing to do with jewelry. The admin part is over...now it's the fun stuff!

Most of my readers know, that I took on a new job just over two months ago. The new job is causing me to expand in ways that I never thought possible, but also making me truley value my creative side. The majority of my current job consists of writing, research and administration. So I need my business to inspire me and to allow me to express myself creatively. Its something that is valued in my life.

The other update: My mom is turning 50. I am creating a wonderful book of 50 things I love about my mom (Thanks Lesley :) and Nancy! great idea!) I have cried already a few times making it. She is going to be tickled pink. I brought my siblings in to do a few pages as well. so our stories/what we love are simply a riot. She is going to laugh, love and cry. which I am so looking forward to! I am also in charge of the slide show. Which will be brilliant with the new mac! I am looking forward to that.....

I'll post pics of the book before or maybe even when i give her the book.

branding

2009-02-07T09:37:00.002-05:00

You may have noticed the new layout for the blog... I did it to simplify my old blog...but also as part of a branding exercise i am doing. I will be re-branding all of my bjo designs materials so that they are consistent and have a theme to it. It's quite the undertaking, but it excites me. Not to mention, it's the brilliant time, as I am re-doing my website and domain anyways!

So Stay tuned.

help

2009-01-30T22:42:00.001-05:00

my mom is turning 50 in a few weeks...and I want to create some art for her....does anyone have any ideas or thoughts??

year end

2009-01-26T21:42:00.005-05:00

ok. back to business.

I have two things I am going to do before Monday February 2nd. It includes

1) get my domain back and fixed.

2) finish my year end financials

When these are finished. I am going to be beside myself with happiness.

blessed

2009-01-25T21:29:00.002-05:00

After I posted my blog last night, I remained awake for a number of hours. The adrenaline had done a number on my body. I finally got to sleep, only to awake a few hours later. Needless to say, the sleep wasn't restful. I did allow myself to do nothing today. I gave myself permission to do whatever I felt. That's always nice. I had a 40 minute nap...which is always nice.

Anyhow. Today, I have had so many friends, family and neighbours pulling together. My inbox has been overflowing with such warm regards for my (and jack's etc) safety. I am so blessed to have such an amazing network. Thank you.

The police were still at the house until 1pm today. We weren't allowed to move the car or go in the backyard as investigations with the forensics unit had to occur. I guess that's what happens when the police both shoot and get shot at in your back alley way.

Despite what happened last night/today. I am still in awe and amazed at my neighbours! the neighbours directly beside me, they weren't home last night...they tried to come home around 10pm but the police wouldn't let them get to their home. So they stayed with a friend. As soon as they got home this morning, they went home and made us breakfast!! over they trott with blueberry pancakes and syrup! Our other neighbour on the other side of us, came over to re-play her experience. Poor thing had to go through the experience alone......at least she wasn't sitting in her basement. She was just told to stay out of the windows of her house.

I was interviewed by the Toronto Sun Today. I doubt they will publish what I said. I told them how I felt safe with the police there, and that the neighbourhood isn't bad. I believe his direct question was "how do you feel living in the crossfire's of gangs and guns".....I simply said. that I loved my neighbourhood and that I felt safe. Because I did. and I do.

I am a strong believer that things happen in your life for a reason. What I am walking away from this experience is really noticing how strong and how courageous I was in such a circumstance. I was strong. I wasn't too scared. I did what needed to get done. and with almost no emotion. I felt so safe and knew (and TRUSTED) my angels and environment.....one thing i am going to try to do more of.

what are you doing saturday night?

2009-01-24T22:18:00.004-05:00

This blog entry has nothing to do with jewelry. dogs. books or anything crafty. but its probably one of the most surreal and bizzare stories I will likely have, perhaps in my life. I am going to walk you through it...as a narrative.

Its Saturday night. 7:15pm actually. I haven't dyed my hair in a year because i was trying to grow it out. however, tonight...I'm feeling daring and in need for change. I grab the hair dye and slap it on. Next. Okay, I have a few minutes. I wash my face. Then decide to do a face mask. I am pampering to the extreme.

7:36pm. I come into my room. sit on the computer. check my email. And my roomate comes into my room panicked. She heard gun shots when she was outside. I dialed 911 for her and told her to tell the police. She talks to the operator and explains what happens. I look out the window and this is what i see:

I see our road blocked off by police cruisers. I see uniformed cops on the opposite side of the road crouched behind cars with their guns pulled. then hear more gun shots. Panic ensued.

*Door bell rings* i run downstairs to answer the door (I knew it was the police as I saw them all along the street). The police answer with "Get down to the basement. Turn the lights off. Stay out of the windows. STAY OUT OF THE WINDOWS." We run. and run through the house. I try to get all the lights and tv off as quickly as possible. My roomate is doing matrix moves to get her dog downstairs. Jack is by my side the whole time. We go to the basement. And stay nicely and almost quietly tucked down in our cold and dark (no lights on remember) basement. As we are in the basement. Police are in and out of our house. At one point. They locked themselves out. I had to go let them in. I opened the door to really big police officers, one caring a rifle. What ...carrying a rifle?! I haven't ever seen a gun up that close. I just remember looking at the gun...and the police officers big shoes. I quickly scooted back the basement. We hear police walking up and down stairs, in and out of the house. It feels like it may have been a few hours. but in reality, it was for an hour and a half. I knew that whatever was happening...wasn't good. but i also had a very safe and warm feeling with knowing that there were a number of police officers in my home. I knew that I would be taken care of.

I think there is something to be said about police protection .I mean how many people really feel protected by police. That protected. I know that police protect us everyday in theory. But in this moment, my trust was 100% handed over to them. I think that once a person is protected by police in a way like this, there is just this honour and awe that you feel for police.

Anyhow .I digress. The police finally flicked on the light. After letting our eyes adjust he started talking. He said 'you are safe now'...'we caught the bad guy". what? what bad guy? we don't really know anything that has happened. Then the police said..."what's on your face?" ooh.. "right officer, I have a face mask and hair dye on". He laughed so hard. I know. i know. yuck it up buttercup. I was in the basement scared..while my hair fried and my skin dried. Ooh the sacrifices (I am being light).

Good news. One of the guys had been arrested. Yes in my backyard. Scary. That the whole time. The 'bad guy' was just a few feet from us. He too was hovering and cold, I am sure scared. We had no idea he was so close. The police covered that up pretty well. We thought the whole neighbourhood was tucked safely into their basements waiting for the police to let them out. That really wasn't the case. The police let us know that it wasn't the whole neighbourhood....it was us. Another aside, our back gate to the backyard broke just TODAY. So the gate was removed from our backyard. ..giving the 'bad guy' full access to our backyard and house. I doubt with the gate on, that he would ever have been in our backyard....what are the chances?!

So we are now allowed to be out of the basement (now that the bad guy isn't hiding in our backyard and the police don't have a stake out in our house). At one point we did hear the toilette being flushed...glad we could be of service! ha. Anyhow. I quickly had a shower to get the hair dye out of my hair (yes, for almost 2 hours). As i was showering, I heard the police in the house. Weird. The police were still looking for a gun that the suspect had. They thought it might be on our roof. We didn't see it, but you take a better look officer, I have been sitting in a dark basement for some time.....

It's now 11:36pm. Police are still here, but in the backyard and alley. We had the k9 unit doing a backyard sweep. That was the only part Jack wasn't so fond of. That's his territory. not to mention, I think he wanted to be out helping. To date. We aren't allowed to leave our house. Jack needs a police escort to use the washroom. Poor guy. He didn't have stage freight though. He's a trooper. Right now he's tucked safely beside me keeping me warm as I type.

I know that this entry is all over the place. I wanted to get a first kick at what happened and put it in writing. I don't want to forget the details (like having hair dye in, or the craziness of it).

My friend from Edmonton just called, we have made national news. oh dear. Here is a clip below....

http//www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/01/24/8136426.html

sing it katy perry

2009-01-19T22:27:00.002-05:00

I am not the biggest Katy Perry fan. However, when her song "hot and cold" comes on. Boy, do I get my groove on! I fully dance in the studio or shower. and if it's a place that others are occupying the space with me...well I just bop my head. Why? The tunes okay. but i think mostly I relate to the song...I'm a bit hot and then cold......really. truth be told.

This week I am into organizing...again. See. I go on organizing kicks then somehow I look around and my desk is littered with incoming bills, my studio is still in a drastic state of chaos and my socks haven't been matched in weeks....perhaps i go through a dis-array or state of chaos period? Not sure...but its certainly the opposite of organized.....

Tonight I managed to clean up some of my bills (not literally...they are still sitting on the desk) and then I tried (very diligently) to transfer my files from my PC to my Mac. Wasn't an easy task. The two systems are very different in where files are kept...so to transfer some of my business files...it took me a while. They are located on the mac now...however, I just dumped them on. They are in no order....it's a good thing I'm on an organizing kick isn't it?!

i'm in love

2009-01-18T20:35:00.002-05:00

i love the mac. i love all the fun gadgets. the ease of which everything seems. i love having my laptop in my bedroom (i know...some people arent' into taking their work with them into the intimacy of the bedroom...i love watching movies and reading blogs in my bed).

here is a funny picture of jack that i took today!

the best thing since sliced bread.

2009-01-17T23:25:00.002-05:00

i got a mac. i have talked about mac obsessions for.....a very long time. and it's time. i needed a new computer. my old one was broke and wasn't up to speed. it was stopping me from doing things i wanted to do (blogging, online dating)....now...i let it stop me....but still. so now...watch out cyber space...

My holidays

2009-01-06T19:16:00.002-05:00

were fabulous! I ended up spending more time on me and less time on anything else. I didn't really get to the studio much, besides the few times I had projects or committments out there. Other than that I managed to sleep and read. My fave things ever to do. Funny how once I get back to the office, two of the things missing is ....reading and sleeping! huh.

My roomie took this picture of me in my studio while I was creating a metal piece. Unfortunately, it went out the door faster than I could say "cheese" (take a picture). it was very fabulous though.

Please note: the mESS! My studio is still like this! I put off doing the re-org until I can get a carpet. My feet get cold...as you can see in the pic..I am wearing a toque. (i jsut got in from walking jack).

practice makes perfect

2008-12-26T19:44:00.002-05:00

I really believe that practice makes perfect. Even at things we aren't even good at.

What am I practicing now? I am practicing being still. not having to be on 100% all the time. It's been just over 24 hours since i have had nothing to do. I haven't had to run to malls, buy gifts, pick up things, run errands, make jewelry, finish projects, rush to meetings, finish things.....Its odd when we get into the mundane life of running and running. Leading up to the holidays always has a lot of running around...and I sometimes forget to be still.

The last day. I have walked my dog. replenished my body with lots of water. read a whole book. took a nap with my dog and cat. called my mom for no reason. watched a movie. this....is what the next 10 days will be about....being still. and being with the moment.

December is just THAT month

2008-12-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

I started a new job on December 8th. It has been fabulous learning so much. Which leads to a very busy and full life.

I have completed 2 jewelry shows this month. both were successful. Today (Dec 21) I still have 3 orders to complete for Wednesday. I will for sure post pictures of those.

I had to purchase a new torch because I couldn't find a powerful enough butane torch to get the job done. so now i have a propane torch that I know will work just fine! I bought it yesterday so I hope to get some work done...and then some jewelry done too! busy day. I still haven't finished my holiday shopping and am working until the 24th at noon!!

jewelry show in brantford

2008-12-10T21:22:00.002-05:00

I am having another jewelry show this weekend in Brantford. My grandma did all of the organizign for it!! she's a super star.

I have started a new job. So I come home from work and am completely drained. like. i can't move drained. learning just seems to put me over the edge.

sucked in

2008-11-30T16:02:00.003-05:00

I have avoided putting a tv in my studio for so long. I knew that it would be a catastrophe on a whole other level. Specifically meaning that the time spent in the studio would quadruple...and that is exactly what's happening! I always pictured having a tv in my studio to keep me company.

What was happening now...was I would do all the big stuff downstairs in the studio (pour resin, solder, etc) and then the rest of the necklace woudl get complete upstairs...so I found that there was usually a missing step between upstairs and downstairs. And considering i was honouring the act of completion.....I did notice the stretch.

So here we are. new studio. and i have to admit I dig it! I will just watch movies downstairs...that's all i need. A few movies that are simply there for some company.....

I will post pictures of the studio and new designs later today!

complete

2008-11-26T20:28:00.002-05:00

completing projects has never been my forte.

I can start a project like it's no ones' business. I take it on. I love it. and then....something happens JUST as I am about to finish the project.

Now. If this just happened in one area in my life...I wouldn't think this was an issue...but it's everywhere I look.

In my studio...I have TONNES of resin pendants, unfinished projects that I have started (some i have already invested hours and hours into), unfinished projects at work (that really need only edits or about an hour or two of work to complete). What is that about?

This week...my mission in life is to complete. Complete outstanding projects at home, in the office, in the studio, in my personal life....

here i.......

2 shows to prep for

2008-11-23T19:24:00.002-05:00

This holiday season, I am prepping for 2 shows.

1) is a home show that my very dearest friend is hosting on Saturday December 6th (If you are interested, let me know, I will send you the information).
2) is a show in Brantford (My hometown) on Saturday December 13th, 2008 at the Brantwood towers common area. Again. Interested email me.

I have been spending a lot of time completing projects in my daytime career, which I hope will soon transfer over to my jewelry life! I have soo many resin pendants that are just gorgeous that have yet to be strung and photographed (or priced for my show).

In other news. I finally installed a digital thermostat into my home! It was a long time coming...and I couldn't be happier with it! YAhooOoOo. I can't wait to wake up in the morning to a toasty house.

I'm a bad blogger

2008-11-19T21:45:00.003-05:00

Today i finished dog tags and posted them on Etsy.
Check them out...and more specifically my really handsome boy!

Check them out on Etsy!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17559151

I'm seeing hearts

2008-11-09T09:39:00.002-05:00

I have posted my heart necklace on etsy!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16815749 check it out!

Zing

2008-11-07T17:54:00.002-05:00

What a zing it is to be on some blogs and find that your blog is listed in their blog roll! I was on this blog today http://always-amy.blogspot.com/ where...there it is...bjo designs..and yup. it was me. I love that!

Fairies everywhere

2008-11-01T12:12:00.004-05:00

I finished the fairy princess necklace! I am so pleased with the results.

accchhhooo

2008-10-25T20:30:00.004-05:00

i have spent the last 2 days hunkered down on my couch trying to rid my body of this awful cold virus. I feel it's the last of it now. My body has been resting well, eating well and getting plenty of fluids. So this virus is as good as gone.

In the meantime...I have managed to get a final pour of resin on my fairy from Jane's Class! i hope that I get enough strength tomorrow to finish the necklace and post some pictures. I am dying to finish it as I know others are dying too.

In the past 2 days, I have manged to venture onto twitter. I must have logged onto twitter just enough, because in the last 2 days I have been flooded with new adds. It's awesome...the world of blogging/social networking/twittering/etsying seems to be paying off! I love to be this connected!

metal filings everywhere

2008-10-20T20:11:00.003-05:00

After getting back from my workshop with Jane Wynn this weekend, I have been just dying to get to my studio! I have been busy all day, day dreaming about what I will start with first.

I pulled everything out tonight, and started filing in my living room! I quickly noticed that I was getting tiny metal filings everywhere and needed to head to the studio. Off I went just pluggin around.

Here are some pictures of what I played with tonight.

Friends are the best

2008-10-19T19:28:00.001-05:00

Maria, a very dear friend of mine, made this wonderful video to capture my birthday festivities. Thank you!!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Class photos

2008-10-18T20:00:00.006-05:00

I've had a busy weekend, so I don't have a lot of time to describe my class with Jane Wynn so far. I have posted some photos today though. SO enjoy! i will post more later.

Time

2008-10-17T09:54:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted in awhile. (I guess I state the obvious for those who aren't observant). I was living in that I wasnt' doing anything to move my jewelry/art forward. I had a breakthrough with time yesterday noticing that I have an association with time = value. So if I am not spending a copious amount of time on things, i don't think they are valuable or good. ie) my jewelry. I havne't been spending a lot of time creating, so I wrote it off.

I am up to some pretty amazing things! This weekend I will be taking a workshop with miss Jane Wynn! Which is more than amazing! I can't wait. We have a small (11) people in our class for 2 days! So this weekend I will be learning and creating. 2 of my favourite things! I hope to have some pictures from the weekend to update on my blog!

craft-i-ness

2008-10-06T14:02:00.000-05:00

Today I have spent the day all over the place.

I have had the opportunity to review others blogs. I spend a good hour or so divulging in others blogs. This to me is divine inspiration! People are so crafty.

The other great pleasure, which works hand in hand with my goal of the day: was to pull out and sort my taxes. I have been so overwhelmed with the fact that " I didn't know how to file my business taxes".....which i don't even really need to know. but I let that stop me from filing on the due date (July). I have since pulled the materials, sorted, and have actually figured it out myself! its not all that hard. I will bring it to my mom on the weekend and it will be complete.

I brought out the seed beads today. I noticed that I wanted to knit some more (which to me, bead weaving is the same). SO i pulled out the bead weaving. I have been working on a few big projects that haven't seemed to be complete. So I will work on that project for a bit. I want to have a few bigger pieces complete for the holiday season!

In all, a rather successful day. I have been getting a lot of things off the old to do list...which will create some space for something new.

And todays goals

2008-10-05T18:52:00.001-05:00

Todays goal: to update my website, blog and send an eblast about hosting home shows.

I didnt' accomplish all of the goals. I did update my website. and then that's it.My computer crashed shortly after I updated the website (around noon) so I walked away. I decided I was going to watch a movie. For me. that usually consists of knitting/beading/crafting and watching tv. but not this afternoon. I completely just vegged on the couch. I needed it. I have been calling friends to hear this response "ohh I'm okay, just getting over a cold/flu/sick"...ugh. So this afternoon I played pro-active and just vegged out. It was nice. I watched some great movies and puttered.

I watched the movie the Colour Purple. I just finished reading the book, so it was such a great time to watch the movie. It's LONG. since I just read the book, I decided that I was going to take jack to Tim Hortons for a pumpkin muffin (his fave) :)

Tomorrow I plan to spend a good chunk of time in the studio again! it's nice and tidy...so I am ready :)

Do check out the website at www.billijo.org. And also, check out how to host a homeshow!

somebody stop me

2008-10-04T19:09:00.003-05:00

goal 2: pull out the sewing machine and make a 'softie' that you have been dying to make.

Goal 2: accomplished. Introducing Mabel the Monkey. Jack is obsessed with Mabel. I made her tail WAY to big. I noticed AFTER pinning it on. Probably because i just wanted to finish it at this point.

Today I was able to turn my kitchen into a sewing room. Thank G i don't have a roomate for the next 10 days. I can continue turning rooms into multi-purpose rooms.

In fact. This is the first time I have turned on the computer all day! tomorrow I won't be so fortunate as tomorrow's goals are computer based. Here's to old bessie the computer and lasting the full day with me tomorrow :)

Goal of the day

2008-10-03T15:22:00.001-05:00

Today's goal: To get myself organized. Like many other women I know, a clear space is a working space.

First space to clear - my head! I will make 2 lists today. The first being my to-do list for the holiday jewelry sale, while the second being my Christmas gift list.

The second space I am going to clear is the studio. I am very inspired to do a project, however, my sewing machine and supplies have all been 'put away'. When I was in resin over-load I needed space. So now that i have a few other projects that require other machines/space. I will spend some time organizing and putting away. I also need to do a temperature/space check. The basement was a-ok in the summer time....now I need to insulate and make the floors a bit cozier for me, Jack and Jeff!

pretend

2008-10-03T09:02:00.000-05:00

i like to pretend that the reason I haven't posted so long was because of a broken old computer.

I haven't really been spending a lot of time in the studio lately. Since taking my hours part time in the office, I have felt the need to 'find' something else. I haven't been focusing on anything really. just kinda dipping in everything. Which works, just doesn't produce any jewelry!

I have the next 4 days away from the office. I have a few odd jobs that I will be doing today and tomorrow. Other than that tho, i hope to get a good dent done in the studio and with my jewelry business. This really is the time for me to be focused on jewelry and making products....

so here I go. I have a commitment to complete 1 goal a day and move myself forward. That's so easy! I will post, over the next 4 days. Those goals and the completion!

computers

2008-09-26T12:27:00.002-05:00

My computer is starting to act up. I think it's probably because it's 5 years old now. That's pretty ancient for a computer! I might need to bite the bullet and purchase a new one soon. The new purchase will for sure be a mac!! i just need to start budgeting now! perhaps that will be my after the holiday season purchase.

Anyhow. I digress.
After the computer drama. I was able to start uploading some of my pieces! here is my fave so far! It was probably the necklace with the most buzz at the junction arts festival too. When I was interviewed by Rogers tv, they filmed this necklace! it's the candy nerds embedded in resin.

It's not available on etsy too at

http://bjodesigns.etsy.com

I'm off to get some more work done. I am not feeling well at all today. I think it's that nasty nasty going around. I hope to get rid of it before my trip to Ottawa!

pictures

2008-09-24T19:27:00.002-05:00

every time i go to download my pictures. I think. I will do this in this hour then post them. and it ALWAYS takes at least 3 hours to download, rename, resize...let alone posting and doing write ups!! oi oi oi

in the meantime. here is a picture of jack that was of course taken amidst the batch of pictures!!

ps. Maria. he was SOOO excited to be wearing the Here's To My Choice lanyard. He's my superstar.

re-org

2008-09-15T19:54:00.002-05:00

Today, after getting my blackberry fixed and then cleaning a clients house, I came home to do a major over haul of the studio AND bedroom! can you imagine? I have spent.....about 20 hours cleaning clients homes in the last 3 days! Not to mention my home tonight! My body is getting a bit achy. It's time to bring out the yoga mat!

In the Studio I am still working on slowly dismantling the chaos from the junction arts festival while trying to get the photos up of the extra jewelry i have. I have a new piece of furniture in the studio, which is making the dismantling that much more fun! I get to re-org while I dismantle. Organizing the studio is almost my favourite thing to do down there. Is that weird? I get so excited when I get to re-organize. I think it's the 'new'ness...like my previous post.

Right now I am going to head to the shower before the Hills comes on!! The perfect way to retire for the evening (not to mention i have the new energy body wash from the body shop!) WEeeee

a butterfly

2008-09-12T17:09:00.005-05:00

I am really good at beginnings.

New relationships, new jobs, new projects, heck even new art pieces. What I have a hard time with is finishing.

I don't like to finish. It take something for me to finish things. It really does. If I could. I would only start things....

Today marks a beginning for me.

My 'career' is now part-time. The rest of my time, is going to be spent focusing on my business. I will be taking on some other graphic/web design consulting as part of my new business. It's a big step. I think I haven't been talking about it as I have been trying to 'finish' being full time in my career and what that looks like.

In honor of moving forward I have pursued a few stores to take on selling my jewelry, and am taking on this week, looking at other opportunities to sell my product. I am also pursuing an opportunity to use a store front in kengiston market once a week! So I will be taking on the holiday craft sales, holiday sales and a few locations for commission. If you have any ideas as to where you think my stuff could/should be sold, send me an email: billijo.cox@gmail.com.

Junction Arts Festival

2008-09-08T19:12:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures of the Junction Arts Festival. I didn't capture a lot of the actual items that I was selling and all of these pictures were taken on Saturday. Sunday seemed to slip too quickly away from me.
Here are some of my fabulous helpers who were FABULOUS!

And of course. there was street performers! this group would walk around and then freeze in unison. They froze outside of my tent for what seemed like 20 minutes!! It was quite the crowd stopper for sure. They are a very talented group.

day one

2008-09-06T22:36:00.002-05:00

day one of the junction arts festival is complete. it's actually the biggest day. i was there from 9am - 10pm today and it felt like a life time followed by it flew by! (if that can make any sense). I met too many people for it to only be 11 hours. I talked to so many poeple. made new friends. Got a few days. Sold some pieces and made new business partners. Yes. In just 11 hours. Then. I think about it and I am like...woooa. It's already over?

I expected more sales. but had more fans than expected. As i had thought, my market is early teens. THey LOVED the stuff...and often asked mom to pay for it. Often mom said no. haha. a few moms said yes. I also got a lot more comments than usual, of people liking my stuff. Perhaps it just wasnt' for them. I wish I could do a brief exit interview.

"okay, why do you 'love' my stuff and then just walk away'? "what would make you purchase this product"? etc. etc.

In the meantime, I have discovered that I am an artist :) Off to bed for a nap :)

umm.....

2008-09-04T21:51:00.002-05:00

i can't believe how soon the junction arts festival is. I am still having a hard time believing I am in the show, and it's in 2 days (soon, 1 day). I still have lots of work to complete before I am even a step closer to finishing. but i feel like I am in a good spot. Even if I had to go in the show in the morning, I would be okay......

sneak peak

2008-09-01T20:50:00.003-05:00

I know. they are blurry. Will post better pics tomorrow. I wanted to give you a preview of my newest pieces.

missed me?

2008-09-01T18:16:00.002-05:00

i haven't been so tempted to write lately. I think because I keep dismissing the thought of spending time on writing opposed to creating/cutting/sealing/pouring/drilling/sanding. I have now reached my capacity. I have spent 3 FULL days working in the studio. i haven't done much besides work on prepping for the show.

Here is the good, the bad and the ugly (aka the lowdown)

* the last 2 days have resulted in me having to through out the last 2 batches of resin. So close to the show, it made me have a small melt down. (The basement is too cool for the resin, so I kept getting cloudy bubbles). Unfortunately it took 2 batches of throw-away for me to look it up. The first time I dismissed it as an inaccurate pour. the second time, I knew it was something else. So now...I have to use a hot air dryer on the resin before it sets. The resin is actually the clearest now that it has ever been.

* i now have 14 necklaces ready for sale. and 30 sets of earrings (The healing line).

* i purchased another resin mould to help with numbers.

* I have moved some of the studio furniture. My neighbour gave me a gorgeous hutch to store items in. So i have put it in the studio, but have not dared to start re-organizing! I will leave that for next weeks tasks.

A while ago I was given the option to have a booth in the Toronto Clothing Show (september 26th - 28th) I hummed and hawwed about wether I should participate. Now seeing how much effort this junction arts festival. I seem to think that it's best that I didn't take them up on that opportunity! I will start to sort out the HOliday shows after this show.

Other than that. Jack turned 5 years told today. Poor muffin. He got 2 walks to grab coffee for his birthday....he will have to hold off until his momma's art debut for a full out rockin' dog party.

Standing Room Only

2008-08-23T10:11:00.004-05:00

I haven't been able to fit in a second into the studio in the last 2 days. Surely not being in the studio that long creates a bit nervousness and anxiousness around the show being....yep less than 2 weeks away.

So this morning, I grabbed some java and headed down to the studio for an hour or so before i head out for a wedding this afternoon. I guess cuz i have been so busy and away from the house, the boys all decided that they needed to spend the morning in the studio with me!

Toby slept on jacks bed. Jack is pictured here...under the table I worked at...and Jeff surely was sitting on a rubbermade lid that I laid down for 2 seconds while i grabbed some loose beads. Yes. My boyz surely missed me. We had a very productive morning in the studio. Jack made it much more hot than needed by laying on my feet. but it's hard to resist when i feel so loved.

I am off to a wedding tonight! I am wearing my dancing shoes....which is pretty exciting! I can't wait!

jack plays soccer

2008-08-22T07:48:00.002-05:00

How could you ever feel anything but happiness when you come home and see your puppy being a big goofy monster? He certainly brightens my day everyday.

ITS OKAY

2008-08-18T22:07:00.002-05:00

I wined all day about the 'resin gone bad' scenario. To come home and the resin popped out of the trays like usual. I think i might have tried to work with it too early in the morning!

Check out the new bracelette that is now complete and will be available at the Junction Arts Festival.

munch-kins

2008-08-18T19:04:00.002-05:00

i can't step 10 feet without stepping on one of my boys in the studio now! Here is a picture of Jack sitting DIRECTLY behind my chair. And see that Silver ribbon behind him. That was from Jeff knocking it off the shelf to tug around.

Toooo much. (but i love it)

as promised

2008-08-17T20:45:00.002-05:00

earlier i committed to posting some pictures of the creative projects i am working on. and well. as anyone who works with resin would know, at days end you will be posting pictures of upside down moulds. So I opted to take a picture of one of the butterfly pendants that are complete. IT is an orange butterfly in front of bead mayhem. This was a 3 layer resin pour. Meaning that I would do a pour, let it sit for 24 hours, then manipulate and do another pour. wait 24 hours. then i think i put the beads and another layer of resin in last. So viola. after 3 pours and 72 hours. Here is a gorgeous pendant.

a little scared

2008-08-17T12:11:00.002-05:00

I think i now understand why i have been avoiding the studio so much (and by avoiding i mean, going down and doing surface work...a small pour here. a drill here. Some sanding). Anyhow. I haven't been focusing 100%. and why? well....

Its over whelming. I see so many possibilities in everything I touch. everything.

Right now I have a few projects on the go. Ohhh my.

Just a small glimpse for right now. I have found some old comic book images and am using them in resin.......also...remember awhile back when I found all of those wooden beads for a ridiculous price and I was so excited about them...but never used them.....wellllll my friends...they are back into my world. with mod podge you can do ANYTHING. and the beads are back out in the studio!!

IEEEE.

boring

2008-08-16T13:09:00.002-05:00

i can't believe i typed and talked so much about my new printer.

One would think that I haven't been up to anything exciting, since i feel the urge to type so much about a printer.

While there is an ounce of truth to that statement. it's not entirely true. I do think I have hit a wall in creativity though. Nothing a little yoga and fresh juice can't cure.

I promise. I will post more interesting and creative things tomorrow.

Samsung

2008-08-14T21:40:00.002-05:00

Tonight I purchased a new colour laser printer!

I have needed a new printer for about 2 months now. I have done everything from taken a second had HP inkjet to trying to fix an old injet/scanner combo in the last two months. I need a new printer to get ready for my show. Just think of how great I can now make some layouts and designs for resin!! words. combos. limitless really. So i went out to purchase another inkjet printer. Just a hundred dollars or so. I had $150 that I could spend (I had it in my mind that I would get a printer and an extra colour cartridge becauseI have a lot of printing to do). Then....I found it. The 'worlds smallest colour laser printer'. sitting there. all shiney and solo. A price tag of $179.99. Toner is $70 each (for 2,500 sheets of paper). So I thought. it's worth it. (well, after calling and texting a few who would know better).

I went up to the cash...and they rang it up as $149! i thought to myself....woaaa. the Universe really is providing for me in my budget. What are the chances ? only one left! under the price it was marked on the shelf (and stickered) for!

All in all. I am a happy camper. the quality is superb. I can't wait to start making my earring holders (healing line) and some resin treasurs with the new laser this weekend......

Yay for great deals! next.....i need to find a dress for a wedding!

writers block

2008-08-12T19:50:00.002-05:00

i have logged on a few times since I have gotten back from the cottage. but alas. I feel as though i have nothing to say. weird on those days. I guess it's like my creativity. some days I am chalked full and never want to skip a beat. other days. it's similar to pulling teeth.

I could use some serious sleep. then i remind myself that 'tired' is a state of mind. And I am not tired....in fact, i must be confronted by something in my life....now. if i could just put my finger on what it is.....

a day in the studio

2008-08-07T10:33:00.001-05:00

a day in the studio is like a day of complete puttering. You can't do too much with resin at one time. I mean. you seal. you wait. you mix. you wait. you pour. you wait 100 hours. you seal. you wait. you mix. you wait. you pour. you wait another 100 hours. You get the point.

Its just the process. You dont' mess with the process. Its not like puttering is a bad thing. I happen to be queen of puttering. i mean. i can putter like no one else. It just puts a damper on 'gettng a lot done'. As that can't happen. you just need to follow the process.

So admist of puttering around the studio, i have managed to become buried into lost while working on my dream piece!

i was accepted

2008-08-05T21:09:00.004-05:00

I lived into that I was going to get accepted into the Junction Arts Festival anyways! Today it was made official! I was accepted. On September 6th and 7th i will be sharing the streets with other artists in the area, showcasing our talent. I will post more later about the details (times and exact location).

In the meantime, I am working diligently trying to get my head around everything that needs to happen.

There is more information here www.junctionartsfest.com

i have a dream....

2008-08-03T14:38:00.003-05:00

I dreamt about a new necklace design last night! I haven't dreamt about a new design in awhile! So I whipped out all of my 'instructional books' and quickly looked up the type and how to do it. (I have never even thought of doing this design/stitch before) It's a tubular peyote stitch. interesting that I dreamt up a stitch that i haven't used before.

Anyhow. I dug out all of my beading supplies and the book to teach myself how to do this necklace. It's not a straight tubular peyote stitch. naw. that would be toooo easy ;) It has a few layers. I will start this design today.

I went to go to michaels in mississauga today to pick up resin. yup. I got lost. I forgot the map here. then was completely lost. then couldn't even remember what the name of the street it was on. SO i headed home. wasted hour. wasted gas. ugh. i was so friggin annoyed that i didn't have the map. I was too excited to head out!!

off to run some errands. Thank goodness i had the long weekend to putter around. SO much seems to be getting done that I won't even feel bad when tomorrow is spent on me :)

blogging

2008-08-02T08:32:00.003-05:00

I can't get enough of crafty blogs. I love them. I get sooo inspired by what everyone is doing.

I spent a good hour this morning running over other peoples blogs and what they are doing. Their websites, some good ideas. Ways to market. This alone is a full time job, without ever creating in the first place! I marvel at how others (and myself) can manage a business along with other commitments and priorities.

I really like this website http://indiefixx.com/

thank you 'g'

2008-08-01T22:01:00.002-05:00

I can't believe its the long weekend. An extra day is like a little bit of freshness sent my way.

This weekend I am house sitting. Its funny to leave jack and jeff to take care of a friends pet. but jack and jeff still have melissa and toby. woa. full house! Its amazing. House sitting is similar to going to someones cottage (well more so if the house you are house sitting sits on water). This house does not. What makes it similar, is the not having a to do list here. I don't have anything i have to do (minus feed/pet kitty). but that's it. Tonight I had a jacuzzi. I used WAY too much bubbles. It was kinda like i was on a movie. There is still a tone of suds in the tub!!

What a fabulous treat. Glass of wine. Jacuzzi tub. movies. and a $5.00 pizza. it's called perfect way to start the long weekend.

the love i attract into my life

2008-07-28T20:02:00.003-05:00

some days i am simply astounded by the beautiful and amazing people i have in my life. It amazes me.

This weekend (as you can tell by lack of posts) I had a really full and active life. I did everything from going to the movies, to picking up a drill, running errands, cleaning houses, I went to festivals, a trip to brantford, weeding and cutting the grass. tired yet? I was.

I literally went all weekend. zoomed here. zoomed there. literally was out of the house for hours. Last night infact, I realized that I forgot to feed jack until Midnight!! what a muffin. he just sat back and let me run in and out. I didn't walk him all day either. He didn't wine. complain. he didn't do a thing. this is evidence for the statement above. The love I attract in my life.

At work today, I was exhausted. but still managed to complete some tasks and move forward in a few areas. I come home from work. and knowing that tonight is bjo night. I walk in the house and go to let the dogs outside. and feel like I am on a tv show.

my whole backyard has been transformed!!

I spent a few hours making only a small dent in the yard work yesterday. Very minimal of a difference in the work that needed to be done.

My neighbours, who are on holidays, took it upon themselves to come into my backyard and not only weed the gardens...they layed brick seperating the gardens (we have talked endlessly how I wanted to do it like theirs)! Can you believe? Like really. Who in the world attracts those kind of neighbours? All I could do was thank them. And tell them that I thought I was on a tv show. They were beaming happy for helping in a way that made a HUGE difference!! My neighbours said that they had a few things they didn't get around to today, but would like to do some small touch ups tomorrow. WHAT? Are you kidding me?

Tonight. I am going to sleep so grateful for everyone I have in my life and for the love that I attract into my life. I can't believe how this small town girl livin' in the big city has only surrounded herself with the cities most finest.

no studio time today

2008-07-24T21:35:00.002-05:00

it feels weird to have only stepped foot in the studio this morning to see how the resin from last night dried. It is probably great for my body to be away from the fumes for a few extra hours. This evening I took jack for a walk, then went to the movies with a friend. It was a nice quite evening.

I can't help but think that I should have mixed and poured some resin tho. I guess that's just what we do. always pushing for the next thing, opposed to living in the now.

anyhow. you will notice my blog list is growing and growing. I am trying to find some resin blogs. So if anyone finds some blogs. send them my way. I would love to hear how others are fending in the world of resin.

day off

2008-07-23T17:34:00.002-05:00

i came home from work today and decided i would take a day off from working in the studio. I thought...everyone needs a day off of everything. so i started plugging around the house...and guess where i ended up. it was completely unintentional. next thing I know it. i have a paint brush in hand and am sealing a new paper i found! The reason i went to my studio was because i had some candy down there! hilarious eh. I am doing some candy jewelry, with nerds, licorice and other colourful candies. It will be neat. but. the nerds are no longer. they seemed to calling me. next time I will have to purchase 2 boxes.

One thing I am finding with resin, is that it doesn't take a LONG time....rather, it takes a LONG time in drying. so the creating and pouring is small, in the actual drying. and some pieces has multiple layers. so one day....can be a lot of drying time. oddly enough though, I didn't pour any resin. I just sealed some more paper. i am finding that I am not sealing the embedded paper as well as I should be. ....the resin will leak through a bit and cause a stain in the corners. So i want to be sure these ones are sealed really well.

twitter

2008-07-22T20:11:00.002-05:00

now that i have a twitter account, it seems pointless to update my blog with the details of what i have been up too.

however, somethings are worthy to mention twice.

like. my application for the junction arts festival. I sent in money and application, some pictures of my work and whatever else they asked for...i can't remember at this point. apparently it's been awhile! Once accepted (which should be next week) I will post all of the wonderful details. In the meantime, feel free to mark your calendars for September 6th and 7th. The new stuff, is brilliant. if I do say so myself. I can't believe I am now just finding resin...that inner girl artist is really coming out. I like it because I am creating focal points like no other.

Other than that. I will twitter away my less then monumentous happenings......so twitter me.

make-a-me-crazy

2008-07-21T19:30:00.004-05:00

so my last picture was driving my old roomate, stephen, crazy. so i decided to re-post a crisp and clear picture.

not too mention. I have been working feverishly on my application for the junction arts festival (where i needed some good pictures!) but shhh...don't tell him.

thank goodness for neighbours

2008-07-20T18:21:00.003-05:00

i was downstairs all day. in the studio. plugging away.

I ate 'lunch' around 2:30pm today. then headed back downstairs. I have included a pic of my favourite resin peice. it's of a joker. from the old fairy tale book i purchased from the salvation army. I took the picture with my blackberry, so the quality isn't the best. but you can get an idea. I absolutely love it. i can't wait to finish them! Anyhow. i wouldn't have even come upstairs for air had the doorbell not rang. I ran upstairs to answer the door at 7:30pm. it was my neighbour. she had made 'too many' ribs! so she brought over a tonne (and I mean a tone) of ribs for us. Perfect timing. Cuz i needed to eat (or i would have ate at 12 tonight) and I need to get out of the fumes. I still have a few things that I need to accomplish at ground level.....

rain

2008-07-20T09:38:00.002-05:00

the rain is a wonderful for an artist. or well. an artist like me. when it rains i can cross off my to do list anything that is outside *cutting the grass, gardening, walking jack, etc* I am not thinking about a sunny day i just tossed away in the studio.

last night i made jack a bed in the studio. he has been visiting me but not staying for long. so i thought that it might have something to do with the floors. and i was right. as soon as he had a bed there....he napped beside me for hours! Jeff the cat keeps getting his nose out of joint by the number of others in the studio. it used to be just our space. now...all these others (mostly toby and jack) are coming down. he gets up quite the attitude.

off to mix up a batch of resin for some charms i am creating from the fairy tale book!!

fairy tales

2008-07-19T20:55:00.004-05:00

today i went to a thrift store and picked up some really old fairy tale books.

tonight i ripped out some of the great pages and am using them in my resin necklaces.

carrie bradshaw

2008-07-18T18:50:00.003-05:00

today i felt like carrie bradshaw when I simply needed to stop at the eatons mall on the way home. As a matter of fact I hope you are hearing the sex and the city theme song right now. I am imaging my blog entry to have the theme music. maybe that will be the next application...you can have theme music attached to each posting.

i digress. the posting really wants to reflect retail therapy. and simply the magic that buying yourself something really great can produce. tonight (an exhausted bjo) decided that i needed to stop at the mall before heading home. like. exhausted might even be an understatement. but i knew that stopping by and purchasing something nice for myself would be exactly what i needed. i gave myself a budget ($50) that I was allowed to spend in any way i wanted. without making myself feel bad.

I spent my whole budget in LUSH. (minus the small bag of kernels cheesey dill pickle popcorn). i stayed exactly within budget and am going to feel so great soaking in my tub with one of the magnificant bath balms i purchased or feel great at the new mud mask.

tonight i am soaking. eating popcorn. and watching lost. sounds divine doesnt'? wait wait..jack and jeff will be with me. now!! divine :)

ps.

2008-07-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

i think it's weird that i have myself listed in my blog roll.
i will leave it there. but only until wednesday.

*shakes head*