I went on an internet hunt to find the new issue of Handcrafted Jewelry and was surprised when I saw my necklace, "Autumn Bliss," had made the cover with jewelry greats, Deryn Mentock and Sherri Haab! I can't wait to see the issue to enjoy the work of the great artists in this issue. But, for my part, you'll find step-out photos of the Painting with Fire process of torch firing and the making of the necklace.
This all took place in the Spring, well before my photo shoot at North Light, which really educated me on the importance of recording "hand movements" in detailing a process. My son, David, took all of the step-out photos. He did a great job and also has become an expert enamelist ... without a doubt he's my equal. I think it's that fine motor control of the musician (guitar and drums) that contributes to his finesse. In fact, some of the enamel beads in the necklace are ones he created.
Painting with Fire really is a family business. I'm just waiting for Laura to take over the financial part of the operation. She's well into advanced statistics and accounting classes in college and wants to start sitting for the CPA exam in the next year. Boy, do I need her. I rib her, "Hurry up ... or you'll be visiting your mother in jail!" I subscribe to the shoe box method of record keeping. Actually, it's more like the credit card statement of record keeping. If it isn't on the credit card statement, it didn't happen!
Do you have any record keeping secrets you'd like to share to keep an old lady outta the slammer?
17 comments:
Congrat's on this beautiful publication Barb! I can't wait to pick up a copy...is it out yet? Your necklace looks great here!
My system is quite like yours, but instead of a box, it's a folder, and it's a mess.
Congrats on being on the front cover! I love the necklace and having family help you is awesome.
I let mom do all the book keeping - I hate working with the money. She keeps everything on a spreadsheet and everything in folders by art show or by piece that sold for that month. We have bought Quicken but we have yet to use it, or I should say mom has yet to use it.
Congratulations Barbara...what a beautiful necklace~full of gorgeous autumn colors! I best get this issue....
I do exactly the same thing, using my cc as a record......
Having worked in accounting depts for 20 years your post really made me smile. BYW all my recepts are stuffed in a drawer.
Congratulation on the cover, you are having a great year!
First congrats on the cover! I nearly spit out my coffee laughing when I read your receipt system. I keep mine in a gallon zip lock bag. That is when I can remember to grab them out of the zipped pocket of my hand bag. But my real secret is that my DH has taken over because I just do not have what it takes to do this.
I LOVE this cover...terrific colors! Beautiful work, Barbara...congratulations!
Hi Barbara, your filing system made me smile too! I kinda got thrown into it with the restaurant, Through a series of events, i had to take everything over in the office about 12 years ago. I am a believer in manilla files inside of a cabinet or one of those fold up file boxes. I also put everything on quickbooks which is very easy to print out and do reports. Back everything up on flash drive, believe me, i learned that lesson the hard way!
Such a beautiful cover,I just love the colors! congrats! I look forward to picking up this issue!
I am with Sharon, messy folder with everything falling out! Maybe we can be bunk mates and you can teach me how to paint with fire.
you don't want to know about my record keeping - it is just shameful...
i love hearing about the whole family enterprise... it is really wonderful..
So SO excited for you (but not a bit surprised - you are HOT right now, Barbara, as in ON FIRE! LOL!). I love it that this is family run. I hope my kids grow up and want to be a part of mommy's crazy bead business someday. I already have a rival designer who has been published by the time whe was 8 years old!
I will look for this issue. Sounds like a great one.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Well done, it looks great, i love the dark green colour of enamel, what shade is it, as i have to have some. Is it in your shop?
Well of COURSE that necklace made the cover! It's GORGEOUS! Can't wait to hold the actual magazine in my hands and see all the goodies inside as well. Congrats!
A cover-- am I ever proud of you! We old gals rock!! As for record-keeping, file EVERYTHING! in a file. Then go to H&R Block and ask for their most senior person. Work with them to set up categories to keep track of but if you don't like them, don't be afraid to ask for someone else. It's your money! We have had the same great woman for about 10 years and between us we have 3 businesses. She keeps us sane and legal.
Yeah Barbara! A BIG congrats for making a cover, soooo cool. I cannot help you in any way with your book keeping, believe me. It's all I can do to figure it out at the end of the year. Hate that part. Good luck, and stay out of jail, okay? Riki
CONGRATULATIONS on your first cover, Barbara! What an incredible feeling!! :-) I found this issue somehow online and recognized your necklace immediately. It is beautiful...I love the color combination, and the that your son contributed to this collaboration - that is SO cool. I looked for this issue today at B&N and was disappointed that it was not there yet. Will be on the lookout!
Congratulations Barbara!The cover looks amazing and the necklace is just gorgeous. I've been a long time admirer of you work - it just beautiful.
I'm so happy for you! Cindy and I have been looking all over town for this for each other and so far haven't had luck but we're definitely going to get it!
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