I realize it's been a minute, since I've updated you. For some reason, I imagined May would entail lots of time in my studio making new pieces, but to be honest, it's been the opposite of that. People often ask me how I manage 3 jobs....and while it sounds like a lot, it really all balances out.
I don't work the normal 9-5..... nor do I think I ever will again. I love working different jobs that all align with my interests in values. This month, I finished teaching the spring semester at our local community college, and started our summer semester this week too! It only adds up to about 12 hours a week, and I LOVE sharing my passion for jewelry making with college students.
I recently left a job last month at a local art non-profit that I absolutely loved to take on an exciting new opportunity at an outdoor preschool I used to work for. I am training to be the new lead teacher and eventual co-owner! It's been a beautiful transition back working with little ones again while also taking on a leadership role with two women I love working with. Right now, I am only teaching about 8-12 hours a week, and this summer, I am excited to start overseeing the program more!
Then, any extra time I have, I try to dedicate to my business which usually is about another 10-15 hours a week (sometimes more or less). This past month, I've taught 4 private lessons and started teaching my Intro to Metalsmithing course! My limited studio time has been dedicated to restocking all the amazing shops I sell at and prepping for a market season.
I truly love everything I do, and it ebbs and flows with the seasons. I'm grateful to have the flexibility to spend time hiking with my dog in the afternoon, gardening, reading, volunteering with Hawkwatch, or creating art. I was also able to take 3 days to visit a friend in Moab earlier this month. It's the rewards of working different part-time jobs and running my own business!
This summer, I will be busy with the summer semester at the community college and also running summer camp at the forest school which means I am not doing any regular scheduled workshops (only private lessons on weekends), and I am only doing one market a month!
I am hoping to be able to spend as much time outside this summer and creating jewelry with a few online updates sprinkled in.