Setbacks

Large surf at Tennessee Valley Beach on January 5th, 2012.

I’m a week behind on working on my January Etsy goals.  Sometimes the unforeseen gets in the way.  Last Monday I decided to start the New Year with an updated computer, and downloaded Mac OS Lion 10.7.2.  Little did I know that my most important software (at least 10 years old) would be inaccessible!  I was so upset!  I managed to get most of my programs updated this week and my computer is almost back to normal. 

The only major disappointment is that I am locked out of my website.  I designed it with Adobe Go Live, which was discontinued in 2008.  If I want to update my website I’d have to undo Lion and everything else, and I don't want to do that.  It was time for a change anyway.  As soon as I get the Etsy stuff up and running I’ll create a web based portfoilo. 

The good news is that I’m ready to move forward with designing a postcard, business card, and Etsy banner with my new Photoshop Elements.  I’m so excited!  It will be easier with this new software.  So things are moving forward.

“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” – John Steinbeck

A Bad Spell

Flat nose pliers, bent nose pliers and jump rings.

 

I just experienced my first setback in selling my jewelry on-line.  It was completely mental and had me in a headlock so fast it took me several days to realize what had happened.  I ran out of materials for the line I’m working on.  All week I had been creating and designing.  I was so caught up in the work I didn’t realize I was almost out.  When I was forced to stop, I stagnated. 

You might ask, “Well why not just order more, silly Pam?”  But I was feeling guilty about spending money and worried about my tight finances.  I will just have to bite the bullet and do it.  My other excuse for not ordering was that the shipping (UPS Ground) takes about 2 weeks.  Yeah I know, the sooner I order the quicker it will arrive, but for some reason I find this discouraging. 

There is plenty I can do while waiting for my supplies in the mail: sketch more designs, read my right-brained business book, blog, explore creating my business plan and “look” for my Etsy store, set up a photo “stage”, and photograph what I’ve made so far.  Believe it or not, I might have enough materials stuffed away that I can still make a few more pieces. 

So why am I still stuck?  I think it has something to do with the sudden break in creative flow and fear.  With all my confidence I still fear failure, debt, and difficulty.  What if I don’t sell anything?  I just have to remind myself that this is an experiment.  As long as I don’t spend too much money, there is little risk, and I had fun in the process.  In my wildest dreams I am an independent artist, making my living off my art.  It is never going to happen if I don’t try. 

So, the discouragement spell is officially broken, I’m back to work.