I've been a bit out of the blogger mode, while preparing and recovering for my oldest daughter's wedding.  My artistic (sewing) skills were in emergency demand when the dress returned from the alterations "expert", less than a week before the big day, in a lumpy mess:  twisted boning, crooked hem, puckered neckline, bent backward side seams and zipper, buttons that floated away from the zipper with no hooks... gathered skirt pulled with double fullness at the sides  I spent nearly all of 3+ days taking it all apart and putting it back together.  Then we drove 7 hours to the groom's graduation from USAF pilot training, and 7 hours back just in time for the rehearsal!  The photo shows the final fitting--at the church!  It worked...hallelujah!  She was fabulously beautiful and so happy.  I'm amazed at how much time it takes to de-compress from all that!  Check out her last 4 blog posts for a good laugh at the stressful situation:  www.seemaikablog.blogspot.com.

Business?

Back on track! During the last week I spent large parts of each day doing art. It's amazing all the roles an artist plays in creating a real business from the art...sort of reminds me of being a mother! Many art blogs speak to the importance of balancing time creating with time doing business...and doing the creating as more than a hobby...as in--even when you don't feel like it!

Today on Fine Art Views I was met with the following jump start questions (or guilt trip questions, depending on the mood!): "A business cannot succeed if a myriad of jobs remain neglected. Artists are no different. Do you take the time to balance your books? Do you regularly communicate with collectors, dealers, etc.? Do you keep your studio and office clean and organized? Do you set aside regular time to assess your art and business in relation to where you want to be? Do you spend enough time in the studio creating? Do you spend enough time with all the other necessary jobs?" So... it must be time for a business plan reality review, and a thorough cleaning...but, first I want to get some more creating done!

Framing, and finishing are on the agenda, including varnish on the doodlebox pictured here, done as a donation for the local cancer walk to be held October 3rd. The box includes words to the second verse of my favorite hymn: "Make me a channel of your peace. Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, only light. And where there's sadness, ever joy." I first heard this hymn in the funeral service for Princess Diana in 1997. The wording is from the prayer of St. Francis. My hope is that the box will be a blessing to whoever receives it as a doorprize at the event.