This week I am bringing you a talented eco-friendly jewelry designer. I instantly fell in love with her unique designs and knew you all would as well. Not only is Kathy creative with recycled art, she is also a musician. You can find her and her husband’s music at www.kevinandkathy.com. Enjoy a day in her life!
6:00am
My husband and I wake up. While he takes the quickest shower humanly possible I make his lunch, coffee and get our breakfasts ready. In the winter I even start his car! He has a really long commute everyday and I like to make it a little easier for him. We say our goodbyes…
6:30-7:30/8am
I get on the computer to check emails, sales and my online store. Some days I post in my blog (not as often as I should!). I may have some new items to post in my etsy store and I may also get on some networking sites to promote. I don’t do this as often as I should either, I find online promoting very time consuming.
7:30-8:30/9am
Get dressed, straighten up and get ready to work. I am a true believer in not getting into the habit of working in your pajamas (though it has happened until 10am once or twice!). Even though I work at home, I treat it like any other job. Some days I even wear mascara! I like to get to my desk and get working by 8:30/9am. I also make a list of what I need to make that day/week (I LOVE lists!!). On busier days, or depending on my goals I may even start working around 7:30am. I love those days!
8:30am-12:30pm
Work! I really try to maximize my time and materials. If I need to make an item from a certain can/ plastic I’ll make another for my collection. This way I’ll keep my own stock up as I take care of other orders. April-December I do lots of weekend art shows so one of my goals for the week would be to at least replenish the number of items that sold. It’s a great way to have lots of fresh new items. I don’t try and make the same exact thing over and over, I like to try different colors, different shapes and new designs. It’s really important for me to try out new designs and ideas during my work day. It keeps me excited and lets me use my artistic instincts (the reason why I‘m an artist!). Turning into a machine and making the same things over and over, day in and day out is a good way to burn out. However, if something is a consistent seller it would be silly to not have it available!
12:30pm
Lunch! If it’s nice out I’ll sit outside on the step, sometimes I’ll multi-task and eat while I’m on the computer. I try to limit my computer use during the afternoon, it quickly consumes a lot of precious time that could be better used in my art.
1:00pm – 5pm
After lunch the day flies by even faster! If I need to photograph anything I like to do it now. I find the natural light to be the best for me at this time. I also continue to make as many items as I can (for my own stock, orders, consignment shops, etc.) Usually I’ll cut out the pieces one day, then the next day will be for cleaning, filing and putting the items together. On a great day I’ll get all the pieces finished and put together. Those days are awesome! It’s a great feeling to be able to start fresh the next day…however, most days this does not happen!
I try to make 10-20 items per day. Everyday is different though. If I’m working on a more time consuming design then I won’t be able to make as much that day. Also, I may want to concentrate on trying new designs, listing new items in my store or editing photos. Some days I may have a big load of recyclables to clean and organize or I may have a voice lesson or I may need to visit some of my consignment shops. I also make my own ear wires and shipping materials, so I like to keep them in stock (half a day could be spent making little boxes!). I like to take advantage of being my own boss and being flexible with my schedule and daily activities. I often need to remind myself this because I’m a workaholic! When you run your own business there is always something that needs to be done and I like to try and stay on top of everything (accounting, emailing, creating, shipping, etc). I get very overwhelmed sometimes and that’s when I remind myself that I’m the boss and no one will yell at me if I don’t get every single thing done today.
4pm-7pm
I like to try and make time to get outside and go for a walk or bike ride. I find it helps stress and it helps me organize my thoughts and goals. On busier days it won’t not happen and I’ll work straight through to dinner time, sometimes into the evening.
7pm-10pm
My husband and I are also a musicians together ( I sing and play guitar and bass and my hubby plays guitar), so I like to practice in the evenings with him. I may have some nights where I need to work through the evening but I like to just relax and spend time with my husband. I also like to read through a good magazine or cookbook (I‘m obsessed with cooking and baking!).
10pm
Definitely not a ‘night owl’ artist! A full night sleep is very important to me! I fall asleep thinking of song lyrics, ‘to do’ lists, and new funky jewelry designs (my mind never stops!). I love being a full time artist, I feel so fortunate! I want to build a strong home based business for when my husband and I start a family so I can be at home and still work on my art.
Michelle is a graduate of Albright College with a B.A. in Visual & Apparel Merchandising. After years in the fashion/ retail industry, she is now a WAHM. Michelle is a self-taught jewelry designer and owner of Michabella Creations.
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