I’ve been doing these monthly goal posts in an attempt to stay focused. Focus is a good thing! But I’ve realized that I’m not a fan of the word “goal.” In my mind (perhaps incorrectly), the word goal implies failure if a goal remains unmet. It leaves no room for taking off on a new exciting tangent or finding that you’ve overestimated your time and energy. To me, goals are for things you must get done – paying bills on time, completing work or school assignments by the due date, or otherwise meeting an obligation. It runs contrary to the feeling with which I approach art. Art is adventure, self discovery and self expression. So instead, I offer my November Art Aspirations.
Since my October Creative Goals will play a role in my November Art Aspirations, I will review those first.
October Goals
1. Add three elephant blocks to the growing herd. I didn’t make three blocks. I didn’t make two blocks. I did make one.
2. My friends are getting married on Halloween. Although the wedding is not Halloween themed, they love Halloween. So it is my intent to wire-wrap these spooky cabochons, and give it to them when I see them at the wedding.
I did complete the two pendants.
However, we did not make it to the wedding. A broken plane one day and a snowstorm in western Kansas the following day kept us home. I’ll be mailing these on Monday.
3. Create something for the October Art Elements Challenge: Eyes. I did create something…. I took myself well outside my comfort zone, since I don’t draw well. So here it is:
4. Finish the September/October challenge from the Jewelry Artisans Community. The inspiration:
There are flowers enough in the summertime,
More flowers than I can remember—
But none with the purple, gold, and red
That dye the flowers of September!
—Mary Howitt (1799-1888)
I did not finish this yet. I’ve been waiting for inspiration – but I think it has finally arrived. Here is the piece:
So what are my November Art Aspirations?
1. Make more elephant blocks. (I’ve already started!)
2. Create a necklace from the pendant wire-wrapped for the September-October Jewelry Forum Challenge. (Shown above)
3. Create a necklace for the pendant wire-wrapped for the September Art Elements Challenge: foliage.
4. Create something for the November Art Elements Challenge: fossils.
5. Begin the November-December Jewelry Forum Challenge: sunshine
Here is a list of blogs where I link up.
The companies with which I have affiliated myself are companies with whom I have actually done business. Therefore, I can make these recommendations based on my positive experiences.
Here is a Pandahall coupon good until 11/15:
Your pendants are awesome! How creative!
Happy Sunday, Michelle
Thanks so much, Veronica!
Well Michelle – You have some inspiring pieces that you are working on. It’s called having a talent. I do handcrafted cards – whoah is me – I must get to them!
Thanks so much, Deborah! Handcrafted cards is not something I have tried, but I love the artistry that goes into them. And yes, a major season for cards is coming up!
I love the way those pendants turned out! Too bad you weren’t able to make it to the wedding!
Thanks so much! It was disappointing that we couldn’t be there, but they did do a FB live post so at least I got to see it.
sorry you missed the wedding! but better than being on a plane with problems or caught in a snow storm!
Very true!
SO sorry you had to miss the wedding but wow; what a great gift!
Thank you so much!
Couldn’t agree with you more about the words goal and art. The October goals are so wonderful. I think you did really well with the drawing. I like how different each eye is. Enjoy working on your November’s projects.
-Soma
Thanks so much, Soma! I appreciate the encouragement regarding the mushroom eyes!
Love your elephant and pendants. Happy Thursday!
Thanks so much, Carol!
You are certainly going to be busy. Thank you for sharing your goals with us at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
Even busier – I was just reminded by email of another challenge I’d signed up for. Fortunately, it’s not difficult.
Thank you for sharing. Your pendants are amazing. I’m very similar about setting goals. It’s not a term I actively use. I like to look at achievements (which I know come from goals, but somehow I can mentally deal with having done something, rather than the added pressure of feeling that I need to do something) . Great post. #thatfridaylinky
Thanks so much, Ian! I’m glad I’m not the only one with that feeling toward the word “goal.” I also enjoy my achievements, but aspiring to something just doesn’t have the connotation of failure is you don’t achieve whatever it is. I appreciate your comment!
Well, one elephant block is the beginning of the herd! And in addition it looks so lovely, as does the orange foliage! How on earth can somebody have such skilful fingers! Your jewellery items are stunning. Wishing you to fulfil your goals, at least most of them. But first of all – enjoy!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your sweet comment. Have a wonderful weekend!
Love the green Pendant.
Thank you so much!
I feel so motivated and inspired reading this post. If only Hobbycraft was open at 1am haha!! #ThatFridayLinky
LOL! Yeah, those darn craft stores! Don’t they know we get our best ideas in the middle of the night?
Michelle, I am loving your elephant blocks and that green foliage pendant is absolutely stunning! I have a hard time with setting goals as well for the reasons you stated! But I am a big list maker for things that I need to do. Thanks for sharing your works in progress and joining my link party!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks so much! I also make lists. To-do lists – although I am a better to-do list maker than to-do list doer. 😜 I make lists of my projects and lists of possible blog topics. I do better at completing these lists.
These are very nice pieces of jewelry, very talented you are! #trafficjamweekend
Thank you so much!
Michelle, such beautiful pendants! But your elephant blocks really intrigue me!
Thanks so much Jean! The growing elephant herd, will be a quilt for my little grandson.
Are you making a quilt? If so, it’s going to be beautiful when you’re finished. I LOOOOOOVE elephants. 🙂
The green pendant is also very pretty. You are a very talented lady my friend.
Thanks so much, Lindsay! Yes the elephants will become a quilt for my little grandson. I love elephants too!