The trimming has begun...

I got up early this morning and started trimming. All the trimming is done and two of the poles have one coat. If I get enough of my other work done during the day today, I'll do the other two poles and the rolling tonight.

When I picked out this color I didn't want my mother to see. She nosed her way in anyhow and said, "Too dark." Not, "Oh, that's a nice color.", or "I like it, but it's a shade dark for my taste.". Simply and bluntly, "Too dark." I tried not to let it bother me as I know that is her way of communicating tactful opinion, but now I'm second guessing my choice.

Never fear though, I have already devised a plan to lighten it up if I still think it's too dark once it's all painted. I'm not giving away my secret though... you'll just have to wait and see!

Priming - Check!

Yay! Step one complete! I finished priming the walls yesterday. (I forgot to do the door, that will have to wait.) I painted and painted yesterday. All the while thinking about other things I could be doing. My beads and yarn were practically screaming at me the entire day, "Come play with me!".

Mike took down the brackets I couldn't remove. I'm glad I didn't have him silicone the cracks and holes though. The primer I'm using is supposed to stick to plastic, vinyl, metal, and a whole array of other things. Apparently though, it doesn't stick to silicone. I hope the regular latex paint does... It was interesting working with this special primer. It was VERY smelly, and I was getting a little loopy toward the end of the day. I'm glad that part is done. I'm hoping to get to work on the color tonight. Yay!

Classroom - Phase 1 complete!

The walls are washed and much of the conduit and wires are down. That was a yucky, gross job and I'm glad it's done! My intent was to do the ceiling and the walls, but I just can't bring myself to do the ceiling. I'm going to use the excuse, "Time will not allow it." However, I really just don't want to paint around all the conduit and light fixtures. Plus, I'd have to take a bunch of brackets down and then figure out a way to re-hang the track lighting... blah blah blah. So, call it lazy or call it a wise use of my time, I'm still not doing it.

I have a couple of snags to work around... First, I can't get these dumb metal things off the wall. There are four of them and they just won't budge. Second, the holes where the refridgeration unit wires and tubing came in from outside need to be filled somehow before I can paint them (funny how you can't paint holes). Third, the tack strips need to be siliconed to the wall as they are coming loose and the silcone king (Mike) is currently unavailable. And lastly (for now), what am I going to do with all the wiring garbage above the cooler doors?

The Classroom

I've been in this new store location for well over a year now and STILL don't have my classroom put together. It's really starting to disgust me. I have put this off so long the people don't even ask for classes anymore. Well, I've finally decided... This weekend is going to be the magical weekend. I am at least going to begin this project! This will be my last available opportunity before widow's weekend to make progress. Since I'm planning on having a free earring making workshop over widow's weekend, I'm thinking I should probably at least wash the walls and doors... yuck!

For those of you who don't know, my store is in an old meat locker plant. My classroom space is in the small cooler. It used to have a large wooden beam system for hanging meat. We took the beams down a couple months ago (when I bought the paint), but the metal poles are cemented into the floor. This will create an interesting challange for me... I don't have any plans as to what I will do with them yet, but I'm sure it will come to me. (feel free to make suggestions)

I have lots of fun ideas dancing around in my head to create an inspirational atmosphere. I don't expect to finish this weekend, but I am hoping for a fantabulous beginning!

Weddings #11, 12, and 13

So... it seems as though I've fallen behind in life. I've been terribly busy lately and haven't taken the time to enjoy some of the simple things ~ like blogging. I've completed three wedding parties that I haven't blogged about and still don't have time to do it properly. So, I think I'll just post the pics and let you fantasize about the bridesmaids, and little princess flower girls that will be wearing these pieces.

Generosity

The only reason I am able to write this today is because of generosity.

I belong to a wonderful group of online people on Etsy. (you can find them by searching 'Second Chance' in the forum section of Etsy) I knew the moment I met them that they all had good hearts and were kind in soul. They took me in as if I was meant to be there. Chatting and promoting my etsy store throughout the day with them has become an important part of my day.

Over the past few weeks I've seen this group of people support each other through things as small as a cold or headache and as large as a cheating spouse or forclosure on a home. Every sale is cheered, every new product greeted with pleasure.

Yesterday I received a notice from my electric company that they would be turning off my power today. I posted my dilema in the Second Chance forum in hopes to get a few extra sales to help pay my bill. I wasn't looking for a pity party or a handout. I didn't ask for a miracle. I was just hoping for a few sales.

I was met with so many sales that it sent my head spinning! A list of 19 shops promoted my store throughout the thread and offered discounts if someone were to purchase from me first. I received sale after sale. People wanted to know how close they were to making it possible for me to keep my lights on. Even with only $18 to go and my pleads to 'stop buying, I'm sure I can find $18 somewhere' everyone kept promoting my shop and making purchases. They were determined to help a friend in need and stick with it to the end.

By the end of the night, I had reached my goal and had $1.62 extra. I payed my bill by phone and can assure you I will never forget the generosity of this group.

Wedding # 10

This has been a very popular design for weddings this year! I've just completed the jewelry for this beautiful wedding party. This bride chose a single strand illusion style necklace with air blue opal Swarovski crystals and white glass pearls. Her six bridesmaids are wearing ice blue gowns that will be absolutely lovely with these necklaces and matching earrings. The flower girl is a three year old little princess and will be wearing a tiny pearl and crystal bracelet and sweet matching earrings.

I've got a few tasks to complete, and then I'll be starting on the next wedding party... Indicolite and Ivory.