Happy New Year! A Crafter's Resolutions

A new year has begun, and I'm still trying to figure out where most of 2006 went! I am looking forward to a great new year full of learning new techniques, completing many great new projects, going to fun events (and maybe hosting one or two myself), and increasing my skills and talents in all areas. And of course, with a New Year comes that grand ol' tradition of New Year's Resolutions. Yes, in the past I would make the typical resolutions we all make. You know, that ones that no one ever keeps but still make year after year. So I stopped doing that, figured why beat myself up over it.

But this year, I decided to make a different set of resolutions - Crafter's Resolutions. I wanted to share those resolutions with you this week. Maybe it will inspire you to make a few of your own.

• Complete one amulet bag. (I have so many patterns but I have yet to actually try one out and complete one). [BEADS]
• Learn tubular peyote stitch and complete one piece (necklace or bracelet). [BEADS]
• Learn Ndebele/herringbone stitch and complete one project. [BEADS]
• Complete two complex Eni Oken tutorials (cuff, necklace) and then complete my own variations on her technique. [WIRE]
• Buy kit/supplies for PMC and complete two pieces. [CLAY/METAL]
• Complete one new metal jewelry piece (cold connection or soldered). [METAL]
• Take "Solder 101" class from Metal's Edge Studio. [METAL]
• Learn basic crochet. [KNIT/CROCHET]
• Learn to crochet using beads and wire. [KNIT/CROCHET, WIRE]
• Paint "Zoo" sign letters and Coca-Cola tray. [OTHER CRAFT]
• Woodburing: complete two simple projects such as wall plaques or a trinket box. [OTHER CRAFT]
• Learn to sew using the sewing machine (that I bought after the New Year 2006....). [SEWING]
• Learn Byzantine weave and at least one other chain maille weave. [WIRE]
• Sell 5 items (not for charity or to family). [BUSINESS/MARKETING]
• Have a small in-home show by August. [BUSINESS/MARKETING]
• Learn to use all the Knifty Knitter looms I have bought in 2006. [KNIT/CROCHET]
• Master some complex macrame knotting (micro macrame) and complete one project.
• Post to Blog at least once every week (and get the links set up, add more pictures, etc).

Whew! That's quite the list, I know. But I think these are pretty good and attainable goals for the next year. It will be interesting to see just how many I actually complete and what gets tossed by the wayside. I will have to do a recap at the end of the year and share just how many I accomplished. Wish me luck!

So, what are your beading/crafting resolutions for the new year? Setting some goals for yourself, whether its to learn new techniques or just to get more organized or to sell more, are a wonderful way to take stock of where you are, where you are going, and where you want to be in 2007.

Thanks for reading and happy beading!