Good evening, my loves! It's been FOREVER since I blogged, and I'm so sorry for that. I feel like I've been juggling a lot of plates lately and yes, they've fallen down more than once. However, things seem to be on the up. I'm not sure if it's just a New Year thing or what, but I'm certainly feeling a lot more positive this year than at any point last year. Not bad for two days into 2016. I've got a plan and everything, so you'll be seeing a lot more of me this year.
So...before getting into the other stuff, I want to say a HUGE belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all! I hope you all had a great time with friends and family, spoiled them rotten (with handmade items, of course!) and landed a few awesome gifts for yourselves, too! I got the absolute joy of spending another Christmas with my lovely mum which is always special.We actually went out for lunch this year which was a fab treat; it's getting too hot in Darwin to mess about with turkey and pork lunches, and the best thing? NO clean up! Bonus! Oh and the kids ate enough to sink a small ship for a change (have I mentioned how we have some of the fussiest kids on this planet? No? Okay I'll spare you!) Next up...a goal. Way back in September, I signed up to the Business Bakery's awesome 100 day Goal challenge, which is an amazing idea, and one I felt I could day really get my teeth into. I lasted three days before getting sicker than ever, then having each of my five cherubs come down with the same bug one after the other. My goal was a sales one and I basically pulled a number out of the blue without thinking too hard about it at all, I didn't feel focused. either.I had a half arsed list of actions to take to achieve that goal, and as a result, bombed out pretty spectacularly. That said, it wasn't a complete waste of time. Far from it, in fact. I had the BEST 100 days of sales I've ever had, learned LOADS and along the way did a lot of stuff completely wrong which of course is how we learn the most, right? So when Julia announced she would be running the 100 day goal again in January, I literally couldn't sign up fast enough! We're onto Day 2 now and I'm running on sheer adrenaline (seriously....I haven't slept in 36 hours because I'm so focused on the end goal...I'm not advocating this, by the way....it's actually pretty stupid). But, it's a goal I can see myself achieving, it's one that MEANS something and I'm totally okay with that. The actual goal will remain secret until the end, and I may not even reveal then, we'll see.
Image found online - not me, or my work.
The learning curve...ahhhh, well this is related to my goal news. too. In recent weeks I've become absolutely obsessed with wire weaving! It's my new addiction. It's like the nicotine I sometimes wish I still had can absolutely live without (*ahem*). I'm soumak weaving all over the place, I'm wrestling a little with figure 8 weave (which probably has a more specific name but I'm such a newbie I can't remember it!) and honestly thought about not paying the phone bill just so I could buy more wire and supplies (but then, I'd not have my phone and internet to show off my new creations on, would I? Okay, dodged a bullet there, then!) It's the most insanely beautiful jewellery and so creative, so individual, that no two pieces are ever 100% alike....it's AWESOME! I'm like a kid learning how to colour in the lines again! I haven't been this excited about anything in ages (well except for polymer clay but I haven't been able to play with clay for ages thanks to the darling kiddliwinks smashing my work surface tile). Anyhoo, I think my adrenaline is running out and my eyes are getting heavy! I'm off to Bedfordshire for the night to dream of wiry things and a beautiful clean workspace ...check it out, that's one more thing ticked off my ever growing to do list! hey...writing this blog is one thing off my list, too!Take that, 100 day Goal! Goodnight loves!! ~ Jacqui ~
Good evening, lovelies! Quite a while ago now, when I was still operating under my old business name, and doing some very different jewellery, I did a "Music to Create By" blog post which turned out to be super popular and got a really positive response. Since then, I've been through some stuff, personally, academically and professionally. My art has changed, and so has the music I listen to when I create. It is still super important that I listen while I work (as opposed to whistling, hehe) because the mood I'm in is reflected in my music, and in turn, in my jewellery. If you've been keeping an eye on my Facebook page, you'll know that I try to post a "Song of the Day" most days (okay, I've been sorely lacking here lately, but I'm trying to get back into it!) which gives you an idea of the mood I'm in on the day. Sometimes it's rock, sometimes country, sometimes something sexy and sultry, sometimes pop, sometimes really, really sad. So here's a teeny glimpse into what's on my Spotify playlist! These are 15 random songs that are in my saved songs list. They haven't been put into any specific playlist; they're just the ones I hear and think "Oh!! I love this song!" and add to my collection. I'm doing this with shuffle ON, so this could be interesting! Ok here we go! 1. This Is How We Do - Katy Perry
Katy is sort of my guilty pleasure. I love her songs, her videos are totally kooky and fun, and she's got an all round awesome attitude. Love this song!!
2. Lips are Moving - Meghan Trainor
We all know that person, right? The one who just lies constantly. Yep, thought so. I love Meghan's take on this!
3. Never Ever - All Saints
I adore the vocal on this song! The girls of All Saints were all so beautifully talented. Their harmonies still give me goosebumps. The rhythm of it just makes me happy. I can't sit still while it's playing; it's one that just makes me move.
4. Dear Mr President - Pink
I've been a HUGE fan of Pink since I saw the video for "There You Go" where she sends a motorbike flying through her no-good ex boyfriend's apartment. I knew right then she'd be a force to be reckoned with. Her vocal on "Dear Mr President" is incredible, and the message this is provocative, powerful, angry, and yet she remains perfectly vulnerable and gentle. I can't say enough. 5. Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-Lite
Oh dear. I knew there'd be some in here that might be a tad....out there. I am, if nothing else, a child of the 80's and 90's, and this song was huge back then. The video is bizarre, but this song is still one that has me bopping in my chair.
6. I Got Money Now - Pink
No official video for this incredible, moving song. I'll let her lyrics speak for themselves: "When I was a young buck I tried to be liked by Everyone Everyone I tried so hard to be funny and nice I tried so hard to be sugar and spice Didn't work for me Got old quickly But now I'm not losing sleep at night No one's calling me on the telephone To see if I'm at home Cause now I've got everything that I have ever wanted or so it seems Yeah so it seems yeah" 7. Fades Like A Photograph - Filter
I first heard this amazing song on the end credits of my favourite ever movie, "2012" . I love it. I can't figure out why. I'm not sure if it's the lyric, or the melody, or the stunning harmonies and backing vocals...or what. Just give it a listen. You won't regret it.
8. With A Little Help From My Friends - Wet Wet Wet
I repeat. I was a child of the 80's! I adored these guys, and honestly thought that I'd grow up to marry Marti Pellow because he was (no sorry, is) just gorgeous. That Scottish accent, the cheekbones... Sigh. I just found out tonight that Wet Wet Wet is touring the UK in 2016 and will be in my old stomping grounds of Newcastle in March. I'm devastated I won't be able to go, but might have to send some friends to get some awesome video for me! Now, as far as this song is concerned, yes, some will say that The Beatles or Joe Cocker sang it better, but for me, Marti just aces it. Sigh. 9. Tessie - Dropkick Murphys
I don't even know what to say. GO RED SOX!!!!! (Song doesn't really kick in until about 1:20 in). It's such an awesome, loud, song!! Enjoy!
10. Runaway - The Corrs
I remember this song came out the year before I left England. I sang it over and over and over until those harmonies were second nature, used it as a lullaby for my oldest daughter, and even today, 20 years later, it's still one of my favourite ever songs. Exquisite.
11. Cheerleader - OMI
Just a happy, smiley, boppy song. Love it.
12. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
This has to be an anthem for every single girl on the planet. I'm not single, but this song just kicks so much butt, it's obviously on my list and one that I like to belt out whenever I'm alone :)
13. Hot in the City - Billy Idol
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love me some Billy. That bleach blonde hair, those piercing eyes... anyhoo...enjoy the song! I always think of Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer every time I see this (or, any of Billy's stuff, actually. I just think that Spike would sing it really well LOL! The video is quintessentially 80's and completely over the top, but it's still loads of fun and a great song to dance to!
14. I Found Someone - Cher
Oh Cher how I love you! That voice never fails to give me chills. Thanks to my lovely mum for bringing me up on songs like "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves" and "Dark Lady" and all her other classics. Awesome stuff.
15. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne *NSFW - language warning!*
To finish up, here's one of my absolute favourites for when I just want to dance around my living room like a complete idiot. Enjoy!
So that's it!! Fifteen awesome songs from my own personal Spotify playlist!
I hope you found something you forgot you once loved, or something completely new. Until next time, lovelies,
I've been a bit busy in the last couple of days, looking for many different challenges and blog hops that I can be a part of, and have been super lucky in finding some.
Here's some stuff I'll be doing over the next few months: JUNE: Bridal Challenge from B'Sue's Creative Group. Now for this one, we have a few choices: Steampunk bride, boho bride, glam bride and Victorian bride. We can do one, or two, or all. I'm sorely tempted to do all of them since I'll be on the long midyear break from work so I'll have the time, AND it happens to coincide with wedding season here in Darwin, so I'm ridiculously excited about doing this one. 2015 Charity Auction - hosted on my blog my Facebook page (with links also reaching out to Instagram and Twitter). I try to do at least one fundraising auction per year. I round up as many other small businesses or crafty types as I can, and we all auction off our stuff with the funds going to different causes. This year, I'd like to send donations to either the Red Cross to help the Nepal Earthquake appeal (I have a button to donate to this already on the website)or the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. I haven't decided which one yet. More details to follow. Who knows, maybe I'll do both. JULY:
Bugs N Birds Challenge, again from B'Sue's Creative Group. She has some awesome components in her online store but I'm thinking I might have to polymer clay this challenge all the way! We'll see how we go. If you love bugs and birds in your jewellery, then please stick around and have a look at what I come up with! AUGUST:
Ocean/Beach/Nautical/End of Summer Challenge, once again from the fab B'Sue's Creative Group. I love all things beachy and summery so this should be loads of fun! SEPTEMBER:
Favorite Things Blog Hop and Challenge by Pine Ridge Treasures. This is the one I'm really nervous about. Lovely Lisa from PRT sends us a stash of beads and components, and we take on the challenge to create something amazing with them! I'm just worried I won't be able to do the pieces justice, but we'll see what happens!
Okay so that's it...for now. I'm sure to find another event that I'm keen on being involved in, and when I do, I'll just update this post to keep you all updated on the craziness.
Next up...a goal. Way back in September, I signed up to the Business Bakery's awesome 100 day Goal challenge, which is an amazing idea, and one I felt I could day really get my teeth into. I lasted three days before getting sicker than ever, then having each of my five cherubs come down with the same bug one after the other. My goal was a sales one and I basically pulled a number out of the blue without thinking too hard about it at all, I didn't feel focused. either.I had a half arsed list of actions to take to achieve that goal, and as a result, bombed out pretty spectacularly. That said, it wasn't a complete waste of time. Far from it, in fact. I had the BEST 100 days of sales I've ever had, learned LOADS and along the way did a lot of stuff completely wrong which of course is how we learn the most, right? So when Julia announced she would be running the 100 day goal again in January, I literally couldn't sign up fast enough! We're onto Day 2 now and I'm running on sheer adrenaline (seriously....I haven't slept in 36 hours because I'm so focused on the end goal...I'm not advocating this, by the way....it's actually pretty stupid). But, it's a goal I can see myself achieving, it's one that MEANS something and I'm totally okay with that. The actual goal will remain secret until the end, and I may not even reveal then, we'll see. 
Anyhoo, I think my adrenaline is running out and my eyes are getting heavy! I'm off to Bedfordshire for the night to dream of wiry things and a beautiful clean workspace ...check it out, that's one more thing ticked off my ever growing to do list! hey...writing this blog is one thing off my list, too! Take that, 100 day Goal! 
