Resolutions and Goals part 2

In a December 17th post I linked to a radio interview about New Years resolutions and how to give them more oomph, the differences between resolutions and goals and some tips on setting goals and staying motivated.

Here's the post with link to the radio interview - http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2007/12/resolutions-goals-on-blog-talk-radio.html. The interview is around 45 minutes long and you can listen straight through or in bits - just press the pause button you'll find when you click into Blog Talk Radio.

I've heard from many people who'd like more info on the goal setting model I mentioned in the interview. So here's an outline on S.M.A.R.T. Goals.

"Need help staying on track and staying motivated as you take steps to change your life? Consider setting goals and tracking your progress using the S.M.A.R.T. model. The acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Bound.

Get Specific. While you might dream of getting in shape, setting a simple, clear, specific goal, i.e. to be able to swim laps for an hour or to be awarded a black belt in karate, points you directly toward the actions to take to reach your goal.

Measurable goals include a way to track your progress. When goals are measurable you know how far you are from achieving them and you know when you’ve reached them. For example, in the Weight Watchers program members track their progress by writing down what they eat, get weighed weekly and win rewards when they reach milestones on the way to their goals.

Attainable goals are goals you believe you can accomplish, that are a realistic stretch. Most people find it difficult to maintain motivation for goals that are set too high – or too low.

Relevant goals are goals that are relevant to you. They are goals that you believe in and that you are willing and able to work toward. When you choose goals that are in line with your values and in service of a vision of your life that has you excited you will be truly motivated.

Time bound means your goal is anchored with a time frame, i.e. “I will have five speaking engagements by September 1st.” Goals without timelines tend to get lost in what’s immediate and urgent in your current life. Commitment to timelines and deadlines helps you focus your efforts and make a priority of doing the actions that are important to realizing your goals."

Usage of the anacronym "S.M.A.R.T." with goals is not my invention. It's a model in common usage and if you're interested in learning more you can find various presentations of the concept by Googling "S.M.A.R.T. Goals."

Cat's Paw Artifacts by Judy Richards

Judy Richards, the lampwork bead artist / jeweler with Etsy shop http://catldy99.etsy.com lives on the US 'left coast' in Portland, Oregon. Judy is inspired by nature and has some very sensitive and charming naturalistic animal, flower and figurative beads in her store, but says she loves abstract lampwork most of all. As that is also my favorite, Judy's abstract work will be the focus of this article.

The image header is of one of Judy's bracelets with great, cheerful color and detailed lampwork beads in profusion. It includes a sterling silver 'prayer' box charm, and another sterling charm with a kanji, which is a Chinese character that is used in modern Japanese writing. Perhaps a blog reader who understands Japanese will let us know what it means. The image above shows a choker necklace where Judy strings her lampwork lentil-shaped beads with semi-precious Turquoise. She also made the pendant which combines silver PMC and lampwork glass, a technical feat I haven't seen before. Precious Metal Clay (PMC) consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in a pliable material with a consistency similar to modeling clay. It can be worked to create a vast range of forms and surfaces. When heated to a high temperature, the binder burns away and the metal particles fuse to form solid metal that can be sanded, soldered, colored and polished like fine silver or gold. You can also purchase individual beads and matching bead sets from Judy. Here's a beauty with rich blues and some silver foil and would make a lovely pendant.

Judy says in the Profile section of her store that her dream buyer is the Sundance catalog. Are you listening, Robert Redford?And here's another bracelet where Judy's vibrantly colored and textured beads are set off with Turquoise and Swarovski crystal.

Judy is a member of the Portland Bead Society, the ORBS (Oregon Regional Beadmakers Society) and the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers).

Judy is also one of the members of the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge" and you can read her reviews of the other members at http://www.catldy99.wordpress.com.

Resolutions & Goals - On Blog Talk Radio

The average person only keeps their New Year's Resolutions for 12 days... which can sound pretty discouraging.

But before you decide not to set resolutions this year listen to the radio interview below and get tips on how to turn your resolutions into goals you will really achieve....

Janet Taylor, President of Totally Organized and radio host on Blog Talk Radio interviewed me on this topic tonight. Here's the link to listen: http://bit.ly/hCRutk

To make it easier to follow along with the the interactive activity for beginning to develop life goals here are the areas of life mentioned:

 Mental - the functions of your find - memory, learning, creativity.
 Physical - health and fitness, energy.
 Family - your relationships with those closest to you.
 Social - your relationships with your friends.
 Service - what you contribute to the community.
 Spiritual - your relationship with the absolute - however you define it.
 Career - your involvement in your chosen field.
 Environment - your physical surroundings.
 Financial - your management of your financial resources and obligations.

Here are links to the resources I mention in the interview:

Online support group for people setting and achieving goals. The Bulletin Boards at BarbaraSher.com - http://www.barbarasher.com/boards/

Resources for finding a coach:
The Coach Training Institute - Find a Coach - http://www.coactivenetwork.com/webx?ctiFindACoach@@
International Coach Federation - Find a Coach - http://www.coachfederation.org/ICF/For+Coaching+Clients/Find+a+Coach/

My coaching website Catalyst for Growth - http://www.PhyllisMufson.com.

Janet Taylor's Totally Organized website where you can sign up to hear about upcoming interviews - http://www.totallyorganized.biz/

***After posting "Resolutions and Goals" I heard from many people who wanted more info on S.M.A.R.T. Goals, the goal setting model I describe in the interview so I've written part 2 with that info. You can find it here: http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2007/12/resolutions-and-goals-part-2.html

Knuckletoes / Revinylized

And the cover photo today is..........STOP .............. Before you read any further I want you to make a guess - and it would be great if you'd write your guess in the comments below.

The item above is from http://revinylized.etsy.com and it's by Katie from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, a self-described "smalltime, jewelry, clothing and purse maker who wants to share her style with the world!"

Her "Village People LP Tote Bag" is made from a recycled LP, set into strong black recycled fabric, with a very appropriate pink cotton lining. The record has been coated in plastic to increase lifespan. At Revinylized you'll also find a Jane Fonda CD organizer, and a Saturday Night Fever sketchbook. You're too late to buy the ABBA CD organizer, it's already sold. So hurry on over to see many more of your favorite icons made into purses, note books and CD organizers.

At Katie's other shop, Knuckletoes http://knuckletoes.etsy.com you'll find PMS Apology Cards. Ever yelled at your family or significant other because you hurt so bad? Ever thrown the remote control or possibly the cat at someone's face when they offered you ice cream? Here's your way to say sorry! The card is $3.50, the sentiment is priceless. Custom cards with your choice of words or picture can be ordered for $1 extra. Katie also offers a selection of simple, mostly bright and happy summery clothes in her shop. This isn't what I'm thinking about right now, but maybe you're reading this in Hawaii, you lucky thing.

Summing up and quoting Katie again, "I was born in the late 80's, to a pretty normal family, and have been having fun ever since."

Katie is one of the members of the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge." You can read her articles about Etsy artists and designers (including me) at http://knuckletoes.blogspot.com.

Mineral Magic Cosmetics - Hand Crafted Beauty Products

I must admit, when I think of hand crafting, makeup is not the first product that comes to mind. But it is the brilliant idea that came to licensed aesthetition Kellie Peterson.

Kellie is the creator of Mineral Magic Cosmetics, a thriving and extensive line of products at http://MINERALMAGIC.etsy.com. Kellie has designed offerings with a wide variety of colors in tones for a wide range of skin colors and formulations for people with sensitive skin and vegans. She even carries Kosher products.

Here is how Kellie describes her products, "I take great pride in my makeup line and guarantee 100% satisfaction. Mineral makeup is pure, crushed minerals from the earth, that improves your skin condition. It provides an SPF (sun protection factor) of up to 20, depending on how much you apply. It is an anti-inflammatory for your skin, as well. Since these minerals are 100% pure, bacteria cannot be supported and there is no expiration date. There is also virtually no allergy risk. It won't clog your pores and is used as a mineral supplement for your skin."

Pictured above is Kellie's "Full Handbag" mineral makeup sampler set (in your choice of eye, blush and foundation colors) including a carry bag and makeup brushes. A color chart is below: At the Mineral Magic website you'll find foundation, gifts and kits, selections of makeup brushes and tools, sample kits, bath and body fragrances. Kellie recently added a group of creative bath and body products made by her son, Timmy and labelled "Made by Timmy" to the store. He's nine, and has autism - high-functioning. She is working with him in the store to teach him about business and how to manage his money. Above is a scented glycerine soap with toys inside, made by Timmy.

Kellie is a member of the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge" and writes articles introducing talented Etsy artists and designers at http://mineralmagic.blogspot.com/.

Purple Snow Peas by Kathryn Short

Kathryn Short, who describes herself as a photographer and all-around artist, is the creative force behind Etsy shop Purple Snowpeas http://PurpleSnowpeas.etsy.com. Kathryn loves to knit and crochet, take photographs while walking outdoors, craft small books for collecting thoughts, and anything else that keeps her hands busy and her shop reflects these interests. At Purple Snowpeas you will find handknit hats and wristwarmers, hand bound books, and fine art photographs and note cards.

The hand knit items are colorful and appealing, the books are interesting and sensitively designed, but I was wowed by her photographs, so they will be the focus of this article. Kathryn attended the Maryland Institute College of Art as a photography major and now teaches art and photography at the high school level.

The photo heading this article is titled "Mill Wheel." It is part of a series of evocative photos of older buildings in Northern Virginia. It is a Vandyke print, differing from traditional black and white prints in that the emulsion consists of iron and silver (as opposed to solely silver) producing a brown image. The print measures 3-3/4" by 4-3/4", with a brown 1/4" border around the image. This next Vandyke print is titled "Stone Barn." These prints are small, but very powerful in impact. Consider combining two or three into a single frame. The next photo is part of a series taken while Kathryn was travelling through Spain along the Camino de Santiago. This particular shot titled "San Juan de Ortega" captures hikers crossing a plateau on a foggy morning in the area just outside of Burgos. This is a color photograph printed on Fuji Crystal Archive paper measuring 9-1/2" x 9-7/8" (length by width). And here is another stunning landscape from the series titled "Navarra, Spain" the same size as "San Juan de Ortega."

I encourage you to visit Kathryn's shop to see more of her work, these images are just a sample, and also to visit her blog where she writes about knitting and Etsy artists participating in the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge: http://purple-snowpeas-shop.blogspot.com/

CSerpent - A Love for Glass

Susan is the San Diego based jewelry artisan behind Cserpent Designs http://cserpent.etsy.com. Her husband nicknamed her Sea Serpent during their scuba diving days. As Susan says in her Etsy profile "Picture a tall person in a purple and black drysuit with a pink flotation vest coming out of the water with big black fins on her feet ... yep, sea serpent fits!".

Susan collects beautiful artisan lampwork beads and part of her design inspiration is to share these beautiful beads with others. As she says "Sometimes I'll find one interesting bead or gemstone and that will be the kick start for a piece of jewelry." For example in the handsome blue and green bracelet above, Susan features handmade boro beads by Denise of Glitzy Glass set off with a collection of beautifully detailed sterling beads and findings from Bali. And on the fun side, here's a flirty silver pen that showcases colorful lampwork beads from Geoff Porter. This stunning bracelet features lampwork beads by Robin Weber, lovely green malachite and gold-filled spacer beads.

You can see Susan's work in person at a gallery in La Jolla, CA, "Art in 18K".

Susan also keeps a blog where she writes about other talented artists and designers who sell on Etsy.com as part of the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge." You can read her work at http://cserpentDesigns.blogspot.com.

Celtic Goddess Jewelry

Andee Harston is the artisan selling celtic and pagan inspired jewelry and art through Etsy shops Celtic Goddess Jewelry http://celticgoddessjewelry.etsy.com and home-crafted bath and body products at Sacred Waters http://sacredwaters.etsy.com.

Her jewelry is strongly influenced by her spiritual exploration and the natural world. Many of her pieces are designed for ritual use and in the descriptions Andee explains the imagery and lore connected with her choice of stones.

Andee's jewelry is romantic in style, inspired by diverse religious and spiritual heritages, but primarily her own Celtic heritage. The dramatically lovely headpiece pictured above is titled "Harvest Goddess Falling Leaves." It is constructed of mixed metals, pewter and sterling, amber, glass leaf beads and celestial crystal beads. Next above is Andee's "Tree of Life" necklace, a custom sterling silver pendant on a 36 inch chain with Moss Agate beads.
And here are her "Copper Goddess" earrings with Rainbow Moonstone accent beads.

You can find a further selection of Andees jewelry with in-depth articles explaining the background of her imagery at her website http://celticgoddessjewelry.com.

Andee's Sacred Waters bath and body shop is a new venture. There you will find a wide variety of soaps in customizable ingredients, scents and colors, bath teas in various herbal blends to calm or energize, and shower gels. They are all very attractive and Andee's offer to customize will be a boon to those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Andee is part of the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge" and you can read her reviews of the other participants at http://buyindie.blogspot.com.

Holiday Tea and Treasures Sale

This afternoon is my annual holiday show and sale and I'm taking a quick break to show you some new work not yet at my Personal Treasures store http://personaltreasures.etsy.com. For more info about the sale check my post "Holiday Show Preview" http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2007/12/holiday-show-preview.html

Above is "Spinning Pearls" made with some very fine Biwa pearls that I designed to spin freely when worn, but to lie flat when stored (photo below).And here is the "Garnet Diamonds" necklace with three strands of faceted garnets strung on a handmade focal bead, stations and box clasp of amazing craftsmanship from Bali.

George McKim - Explosions of Color

George McKim is the award winning fine artist who shows and sells his work online at http://GeorgeMcKim.etsy.com. His work is exuberantly colorful, passionate, and intelligent, just the thing to enjoy on a snowy winters day like today.

A case in point is "Vacation" the abstract collage heading this article, that is inspired by nature.

Raleigh, NC based, George did his postgraduate study at Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, has had six solo exhibitions and is represented by six galleries. The galleries include, Kipton Art, New York, NY, Art Reach, Albuquerque, NM, Eric Schindler Gallery, Richmond, VA, Art Source Gallery and Lee Hansley Gallery, both of Raleigh, NC. In Philadelphia (where I'm based) he is represented by the well respected Snyderman-Works Gallery. You can find his complete artist c.v. on the Profile page at his site.The print above is a Linoleum block print of a sunflower, in 2 colors, the background is printed a solid light green and the image is printed a dark green. 11" x 15" paper size and the paper is acid free artists paper. George has other prints of this image in different colors on his site. And here is "Flower Abstraction 2" a mixed media collage on paper based on the image of a flower.And here is "Springtime Explosion," a riot of lines, shapes and colors in this collage - another image inspired by a flower.

An easy way to get started collecting George's work is with artist print note cards. He offers note cards from any of his images (you can mix and match) including images from his website, http://www.george-mckim.com, where you can see a more complete representation of his current work. Note Cards are $3 each or buy a set of 5 for $12. Wouldn't these be a pleasure to have on your walls?

He also maintains a blog where he writes features about the Etsy artists and designers participating in the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge." Check it out at http://www.georgemckim.blogspot.com.

Witty Workshop - The Charming World of Valérie Parizeault

Valérie Parizeault is a talented illustrator and designer from Montreal, Canada and the creative mind behind the Witty Workshop http://www.wittyworkshop.etsy.com. Her sensitive and charming illustration is inspired by storytelling and the tender universe of children.

Above is Valerie's print "The Christmas Tree" that she describes thusly, "I love Christmas, don't you? It's not the presents (well, maybe a bit), more than the feast, it's the pure magic and that comes with every tradition. As a kid, I used to fantasize on how the Christmas star was made and I thought that it came with the Christmas tree; once the tree was ready, the star would appear dazzling and that's how we would know it was Christmas - approved." Valerie's latest illustration series, the Best Friend, features whimsical childhood pals. These illustrations in soft colors would be perfect for a children's bedroom or playroom. Pictured above is a First Edition print from the series titled "Koi." Each 6 x 9 inch (16 x 24 cm) image is a print of an ink illustration with digital enhancements on archival quality paper. They are signed, numbered (on the back) and packaged in a protective clear plastic envelope with sturdy cardboard for mailing. The watermark will not appear on the print.Valerie packages her work in a variety of creative ways, making it easy to decorate your child's room or even to start a collection. Above is set of six "Best Friend" postcards, suitable for framing as well as sending. Best Friend buttons that would be perfect pinned on a book bag and a Witty Works calendar are also available.Want to personalize your best friend print? For a small fee Valerie offers to personalize your print, matching colors to your child's hair and/or pet or room! Even more, you can have names printed with the illustration. Drop her a line. She loves to personalize her art to make it more a part of your child's world.

Valerie accepts commissions and freelance work. She is available at at vparizeault@gmail.com.

She is also the owner of Rose Flash, light and playful jewelry at http://www.roseflash.ca.

Valerie blogs in French and English about eco-friendly causes, Indie designers from Etsy.com as a member of the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge" and her daily life at her blog Pot aux Roses http://www.pot-aux-roses.blogspot.com and about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship through her business tip blog Bite http://www.bitethebusiness.blogspot.com.

Let it Snow - Rittenhouse Square, Philadelpha

It's snowing here in Philadelphia this afternoon and I'd thought you'd enjoy these photos, taken a few hours ago by my husband Bill while walking in Rittenhouse Square.

Holiday Gifts that Benefit Charity - Part 2 - 2010 Edition

Are you someone who feels inspired to give gifts that give twice?More and more people are looking to give meaningful gifts - and the items you'll find featured on Personal Treasures blog have an added dimension of meaning. Each one is made with love and care by one of the artists and artisans at Etsy.com - and also benefits charity.

Heading this article "Ravishing in Red" a one-of-a-kind shawl wrap, a family project from Foxy G. Knits http://foxygknits.etsy.com. This elegant shawl was crocheted by the Foxy's 90-year-old mother Sarah and 100% of the proceeds benefit a scholarship in memory of Foxy's sister who was a nurse. The scholarship benefits the continuing education of neuro intensive care nurses at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation in Chicago, Illinois http://www.nmh.org/nm/nmfoundation.





"Three Capuchin Monkeys," is one of a large selection of greeting cards, custom animal paintings, prints and handmade jewelry at http://mvegan5.etsy.com. The shop owner Michele is the founder and leader of Etsy for Animals (EFA) and 10% of the sale price of any item in her shop is donated to the EFA Charity of the Month. The December charity is Little Angels Pug Rescue, in Pasadena, CA http://lapr.org.





At "Bumble Bee's Knees" (http://itsmeowornever.etsy.com)you'll find a huge selection of essential and fragrant oils, bath and body products, herbs and spices, and potpourri - and 100% of the store profits funds the owners' animal rescue operation. Among the holiday scents offered is one featuring fresh sprigs and twigs of holly, great for Christmas or when you want calming "green" scent year round.





Pleasure Jewelry donates 50% of profits from the store to support orphans and underprivileged children at the Phayathai Babies Home in Thailand. Pictured are striking earrings made from Paua Shell and Red Coral. You can find these earrings and many more at http://pleasurearts.etsy.com.





Above is a charming Vintage Monopoly House necklace on a sterling chain from Sherry Truitt http://etsy.sherrytruitt.com that benefits KIVA http://kiva.org. Sherry has helped 15 women entrepreneurs around the world start their business with loans from KIVA. You can read the fascinating story on her blog: http://sherrytruitt.blogspot.com. $10.00 from the sale of each necklace will support additional loans.





While we're on the topic of houses, wouldn't this "House for Haiti" magnet from Holy Cow Paper make a great stocking stuffer? (http://bit.ly/agelYY) It's part of a series, each one an interesting and unique tiny house. 100% of the purchase price will help rebuild Haitian homes damaged in the earthquake by funding Beyond Borders: http://beyondborders.net.





And here we have the Porquepineapple, an original illustration by Rob Foote from his "Samples from the lab" series - "color pencil drawings featuring some quirky and bemused genetic experiments." You can see the whole inventive series at http://www.etsy.com/shop/robfoote. 10% of sales benefit the World Wild Life Fund http://www.worldwildlife.org/.





Festive red and green crystal earrings with bronze filigree add a dash of holiday color to any outfit. They are part of a mini-collection of holiday jewelry at my own "Mufi Jewels" shop of casual and romantic jewelry, where 50% of the profits benefits "Charity Orphanage" in Robertsport, Liberia, in West Africa. http://mufi.etsy.com The refined and elegant jewelry of gold, silver, gemstones and pearls at my Personal Treasures" shop http://PersonalTreasures.etsy.com also benefits "Charity Orphanage." You can learn more about "Charity Orphanage" and my husband and my involvement here http://bit.ly/cvjxBC





At "Meezette," (http://Meezette.etsy.com) a charming shop with jewelry, art prints, and fine art photography, you'll find "Peaceful and Quiet," a giclee print of a 1920's woodblock print depicting a quiet hillside village. The original block print of this image was created in the 1920's by Narcisse Pelletier (the great-uncle of the shop owner), a student of the Group of Seven. 25% of the proceeds from this print (and of jewelry sales) is donated to purchase supplies for the art program at Camp Winston, a non-profit summer camp for children with neurological disorders: http://www.campwinston.com.





Tweet, tweet, this cute Scrabble tile pendant from Pink Flower Cube (http://bit.ly/bG0vWg) would make a great gift for a Twitter addict. It's one of many at the shop, and 50% of the price of each will go to help save the gulf animals suffering from the BP oil spill through a donation to the National Wildlife Federation (http://www.nwf.org/). Included in your purchase will be a 24" color coordinated ball chain necklace.

Would you like more suggestions for beautiful and witty handmade items that benefit charity? There are eight more gift guides on this blog! Each one features wonderful and unusual gift ideas from the artists and artisans at Etsy.com. Look to the right and under "Gifts That Benefit Charity" you’ll find the links. ENJOY!!

Holiday Show Preview

Next Sunday, December 9th, will be my annual Philadelphia holiday show and sale of my jewelry, and of hand-blocked fabrics made into tunics, scarves and Pashmina shawls by wonderful textile artist Harshita Lohia http://harshitadesigns.com.

It will be at my friend Laura's amazing loft and we're expecting a lot of people. We're calling the event Tea & Treasures because we'll be serving organic tea grown by Harshita's father in India http://www.chamong.com.

So I have lots of new work to complete, but I thought to stop for a moment and show you some of what's new.

Heading this post are new Tourmaline briolette earrings at my Personal Treasures shop, http://personaltreasures.etsy.com.Next is a close-up of a wildly colorful ceramic necklace at my Mufi Jewels store. http://mufi.etsy.com.Finally, these are Coral and Vermeil earrings that I've just completed. I hope to finish the matching four-strand necklace today. You're the only ones who've seen these. They're not in the store yet. What do you think?

Dream On . . . .

It's sleeting in Philadelphia today and I'm curled up inside, jewelling away to get ready for my holiday shows. I'm ready for a little mental vacation. How about you?

If you're starting to feel frazzled with holiday preparation, kick back with me for a few minutes and visit Mary Hamilton's ETSY shop Dream ON http://dreamon.etsy.com. Mary lives in Florida, studied art in college and keeps refining her eye and her technical skills by continued study with fine artists she respects. In her shop you'll find original watercolors, prints and greeting card reproductions of her paintings.

Heading this article are Mary's "Gulf Shores" notescards, a reproduction of her painting of that name. Snow white dunes with gently waving sea oats overlook the Gulf. These come in a set of six cards packaged in a plastic case and wrapped with a gold band. Perfect for a gift.Next is one of the cards from Mary's Florida Visions series, a set of six different painting reproduction notecards. In the Florida Visions set are birds, charming beach scenes and landscape images of the Everglades.
Mary also has many quirky animal images in her shop. Above is "Road Trip" an original watercolor from Mary's "Cage Free" series of "ridiculous roostahs." The painting is 11" x 15" and is painted on Arches 140 lb. watercolor paper. Next is the whimsical "Power Nap," a print of a mixed media collage. Paper is 8 1/2" x 11" card stock and the image size is 10 1/4 " x 4 3/4".

Mary also writes about art and artists on her blog "Dreams About Art" http://dreamsaboutart.blogspot.com/. She's a member of the "90 Features in 90 Days Challenge." Stop by and read her reflections on the artists and artisans of ETSY.com.