Monday Inspiration: Jim Henson's "Business, Business"

I was turned on to this video via the fantastic site Brain Pickings. Although this skit, first performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1968, was before my time, the message is just as relevant now.

The idea that business and financial interests and concerns are mutually exclusive goals from the more abstract and (arguably) more important pursuits of love and happiness is depressing, but to large extent, our reality.

I'm inspired today to reflect on how I can reconcile my financial interests with my desire to be happy. I think the answer largely lies in determining how much I really need, how much is truly enough, and refusing to allow the propaganda of our corporation-run consumer-centric culture to influence my decision-making process.

AFHS Countdown: 7-9

7. Earrings featuring Swarovski crystal, German silver, and Czech glass on sterling silver. $30

8. Bracelet featuring blue agate, matte quartz crystal, and German silver on sterling silver. $75

9. Earrings featuring amethyst and jade balls and brass beads on gold finished findings. $9.50

AFHS Countdown: 4-6

These three items I made earlier this year. I finally got around to costing them out so I could price them.

4. Bracelet featuring matte quartz crystal, jade, puffed ceramic, and glass on copper. $23

5. Bracelet featuring blue aventurine, freshwater pearls, quartz crystal, snowflake obsidian, Swarovski crystals, and a large sterling silver focal star on sterling silver. $44

6. Earrings featuring rose quartz and Swarovski crystals on sterling silver. $45

Art for Heaven's Sake 2013

I'm thrilled to be showing in Art for Heaven's Sake this year after a many years-long hiatus from the show. Now that I've juried in, though, I'm freaking out! I better make some stuff, quickquick, otherwise it is just going to be me, alone in my booth, doing interpretive dance.

So, I've set myself a goal of having a minimum of 100 pieces ready for the show. I've been entered as a multiple media artist, so I will have jewelry, glass (stained, fused, +/or slumped), photography, and random other items. Luckily, I have some things already made, so I don't have to make all 100 between now and October 18, when the show begins. But, I do have to price, tag, and package everything, so I have plenty to do. Thank goodness for wine.

So, here begins a countdown of the 100 items that will be found with me, in my booth, saving you and your loved ones from having to suffer through my interpretive dance routine, which frankly needs a lot of work!

1. Bracelet featuring pink feldspar, jade, faceted aquamarine, and German silver on sterling silver findings. $60

2. Bracelet featuring pink feldspar, green serpentine, faceted aquamarine, and German and Thai silvers on pewter findings. $21.50

3. Earrings featuring turquoise drops with garnet and German silver beads on sterling silver findings. $36