2010 goes out with a roar.

A roar? Yes, because December was packed with 2 high end art and craft shows. They both were well managed, well organized and were run by the organization, Cleveland Handmade.

Shows of this nature are certainly labor heavy. For weeks ahead, jewelry is made, labeled and priced. The day before, pieces are packed into boxes. Lastly, usually late into the evening, all boxes and auxiliary items are loaded into the truck. Then you unload everything at the other end.

Yes it is work, but doing the show is completely worth it. Meeting former customers who have returned to buy again and making new customers. Having people simply admire your work. Meeting other artists. Explaining to people how a piece is made and what it is made of. Sharing the experience with my husband (he's just a little reluctant).

I feel that this year I have made strides as a relatively new artist. I think my work is more cohesive, or I'm a little closer to developing a "theme". A goal is for someone to look at something I've made and recognise that I was the artist. I may work with beach glass, rocks, mixed metals and the occasional bead or two, but when my work is viewed together they really seem to be the pieces of one big puzzle. Well, I don't think the felted wool pieces fit particularly well, but, oh well.

Well, now I'm quite ready to what 2011 unveils.