August.... we need to talk. (Plus new things!)

Because.... woah.... it was a doozy! Full of good things and some not-so-pleasant things. It was like every annual check-up (from yearly physicals for my cats to dental appointments) came together in a singular two-week period. Seriously, it was like the stars aligned, but in a this-wont-be-cool kind of way. I blame a residual Mercury-in-Retrograde vibe. 

And sure, I had a lot of those pesky things to get done, but now I can say they are done, right? So, while it was a month busy with some necessary unpleasantness, it was also a month of getting things done. 

Unfortunately, those things weren't jewelry. Seems I got myself a case of tennis elbow that has been pesky and persistent. But I finished a whole slew of sketches for a personal art project, I got to take pictures of rescue kitties during a photo shoot at the local vet's office (even if they weren't in the mood for portraits), and I just generally indulged in some self-care and lots of Netflix. 

And did I mention kitties?

​"Way down deep, we're all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them." - Jim Davis

Besides all those heaping helpings of distraction, I did manage to go live with a long-planned Tutorial Membership Package. This was basically conceived to be a huge discount program for tutorials. If you find yourself buying the discounted tutorial bundle packs every month, this package offers lots of additional savings. Not only is it massive savings against the full individual price of the tutorials, but it's savings against the already discounted bundle packs too! One price, one purchase, and you get access to 12 months (starting with the September tutorials) of lessons, with no additional purchase. You can read all about the membership here on my site, and purchase through the end of the month if it's something that floats your boat. EDITED TO ADD: The membership is no longer available. 

But, now that the madness of August has come to an end, and I've given my over-worked elbow a rest, I'm hoping to get back into the swing of making new jewelry (with a special new sleeve and wrist brace for tennis elbow and carpal tunnel, of course.... I've learned my lesson). I've got a handful of stones at my work station, calling my name. Mocking me a little, sure. Taunting, perhaps. But beckonin all the same. And as all creative spirits can attest... we must answer that call, amiright? 

Besides, the sooner I'm distracted with the creation process again, the less likely I'll be distracted by the urge to buy new art supplies! 

So, happy creating, folks! I'll see you again soon!
Nicole