Yeah! I did it and survived to tell the tale!!!!

What did I do? I paid my 1st quarter taxes last night (nothing like waiting for the last moment). Thank god, for electronic filing and e-checks. I have a sneaking suspicion that I might have over paid my taxes - only because my records weren't as "organized" as they should be - but I'd rather over pay then under pay - it's just more pleasant to find out that you erred in your favor. My biggest worry is that I didn't complete the forms correctly - but the silver lining to this dark cloud is that I'm sure I'll find out sooner rather than later if I made any mistakes (That is if the Department of Revenue notices).

Because I haven't had any sales in the first month of the second quarter, I'm going to use this time to organize my financial paper work - just in case I get audited. According to the fine folks from the Department of Revenue - it's not if you get audited, it's when - so I want to be prepared. Sounds pretty ominous - doesn't it?

And finally, next week I'll get a taste of what it's like to be a full time artisan/business owner. I'll be at home all next week getting ready for my next jewelry show sponsored by my Etsy Street Team: EtsyRain in Edmonds. I'm excited about this show for two reasons: 1. It's an opportunity to make more money (my checking account is looking a little anemic) and 2. I'll get to meet more members of the team - some of them I know through the groups I belong to on Flickr and Etsy, and some that I've actually met at other shows like "I Heart Rummage" and classes. I'm hoping it's fun, I'm hoping it's profitable, I'm hoping to meet lots of cool people - I'm hoping that next week is productive and I walk away with a feeling of being satisfied with what I was able to accomplish.

So, my goals for next week are:

1. Take more photos of my jewelry.

2. Post more inventory on Etsy.

3. Have more productive sessions at my jewelry bench.

4. Organize my financial paperwork.

5. Get ready for my next show.

6. Meet with my co-organizers of my Bella Faire art show in Tacoma.

7. Design and get the web-site for the Bella Faire up and running.

8. Take Bruce for a walk every day next week.

9. Set up a routine for me to follow through out the week.

10. Start a feature on my blog dedicated to the artist's who's own web-sites drive lots of traffic to my web-site (Whew! That was a mouth full!). I'm also thinking of hosting a give-away once a month - maybe.

It's good to have goals. Better if you meet them.

My next show: I Heart Rummage at Chop Suey on Capitol Hill in Seattle

Here's is some information about the next show where I'll be selling my jewelry. I'm really excited about this show and I've been waiting a long time to sell with this group. If you live in the area why don't you drop by and say "Hello". I'll give you a little present if you tell me that you read my blog (shameless, I know).

I Heart Rummage is Seattle's longest running cutting edge urban craft experience! Now in our new location: Chop Suey! 1325 E. Madison, Seattle Join IHR Sunday March 2nd for it's very first show at Capitol Hill's Chop Suey! IHR features 40 of Seattle's most innovative indie designers and urban crafters at Chop Suey from 12-4pm the first Sunday of most every month. Be sure to stop by March 2nd and shop the best variety of urban crafts, try out the new Chop Suey eats, and hear our own DJ Huggy, spin his tracks! Special guest for March is Urban Fashion Network. IHR always has the latest and greatest in urban crafts!

The first Sunday of most every month
12-4pm
Chop Suey
1325 E. Madison, Seattle, WA

www.iheartrummage.com

Upcoming Shows and Events!!!

I'm happy to announce that I have a few arts and crafts shows lined up where I will be proudly selling my jewelry. Here are the details:

My first show will be at The Greenbank Farm on Whidbey Island - The Sweetheart Wine and Chocolate Tasting and Art Market. This event is event is scheduled from 10:00am - 5:00pm on February 16 - 18th. I will be there on the 16th and 17th only.

My second show will be in conjunction with I Heart Rummage in Seattle, WA. This will be my first time as a vendor with the show and it will be held at it's new venue Chop Suey on March 2nd from 12:00pm - 4:00pm. I'm hoping the new venue will draw in a large crowd, a large crowd with money burning a hole in their pocket.

My third show will at the Fox Island Easter Egg Hunt, Bake Sale, Unique Gift Boutique and Food Drive for FISH on Fox Island, on March 22nd, starting at 10:00am. This was the first show that I applied to and it was the first that accepted me as a vendor. So, I'm really looking forward to it.

And last but not least, the fourth show I have lined up is with The Annual Fox Island FICRA Fair on August 9th, from 11:00am - 4:00pm. Yep, it's true, I'm heading back to Fox Island.

I hope that the readers of this blog who live in the north, central and/or south Puget Sound region will be able to come check out these shows and maybe stop by my booth to say "Hi". I will post the links for each of these shows in my "Upcoming Shows and Events" column (look to your right - top of the column). That way you can get more detailed information and directions to the shows. I have a few more shows lined up and when I have received my confirmation I will provide you with all the information on the shows.