I honestly don't know how I have made it through these past few weeks. I am working 14 hour days, it's exhausting. I completely underestimated how long things actually take. Packing each piece takes so long! Saying that I am so pleased which how things looks when they are posted. Ive not had any casualties and people are messaging me to say how thrilled they are when their items arrive. I have always loved getting letters through the post so each of my packages has a handwritten postcard. It's like the final touch, a letter of introduction and some heartfelt words to keep the ladies and lads company as they swim through the post to meet their new owners.
Phone continues to ping, ping, ping..
I am still having regular zoom meetings with my mentor Derek and Emily and the MIAM (make it at market) whats-app group is still buzzing with updates of sales, suggestions and support. I am in a good work routine, but still doing too many hours a day for my liking, its not sustainable.. I am managing to get around 20 pieces a weeks out at the moment, the list is going down and the lead times are getting more manageable, but I am fully aware that I need more of a work life balance.
I have just returned from a fantastic weekend at Stourbridge Glass Museum. Allistair Malcolm the glass mentor from Make it at Market Series 1 invited a few of the artists from series 2 including myself Derek and Emily. The museum itself was fascinating and the glass demos were very dramatic! I was asked to do a talk about being on the programme and to my surprise I actually enjoyed it despite been very nervous! Derek made a lovely behind the scenes film that almost made me weeping before I'd even started!
It was great to see everyone and catchup, we hired an airbnb so it felt like a real treat to have some time away, albeit a busman's holiday.
Something very exciting happened. I got to the end of the orders that were placed on the night of my show airing ( up until midnight). This has been a huge mental breakthrough and I finally feel like I am getting somewhere, despite having many more orders to go.
It has given me time to think about whats next. I've started to book in commissions, and I am now planning a second release of the Lido Collection sometime at the end of February. I cant wait to get painting again..
2024 is going to be good!
(photo me and Jill Hobbs Artist)
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