Well, for most of us, it’s a no-brainer. We dream of any place warmer…and greener. We dream of humidity and the smell of growing things. (The first scent to make it’self know in Anchorage in the spring is generally; doggie doo… gross, but unfortunately true.)
My own thoughts have definately turned to the tropics. Since the budget can’t handle a plane ticket to the equator, I thought I would bring the tropics to my work table.
Check out what I’ve been up to. It is the first in a new series I’m working on.

I have always been a big fan of learning.  Whether it is a new technique in polymer clay, beading, or whatever.  Most recently, I have learned the incredible value of coaching.   A business coach to be exact.  What the heck am I talking about?  Let me back up a minute.  I have been creating in polymer clay and selling my work in shows for a few years now.  I love it.  I certainly wish to continue doing it and most importantly, I wish to be successful doing it.  I already know that gaining proficiency with polymer clay comes with time and a great deal of practice.  (often generating a ton of scrap clay!)  What I could not seem to get a handle on was the other stuff.    How do I juggle a polymer clay business with the rest of my life?   How do I get “noticed” by the rest of the polymer clay world?  (or the more basic question; DO I want to be noticed in the polymer clay world?)  How do I measure success?  how do I market myself?  What exactly IS marketing and “branding”  ?    I have no doubt that these are questions many artists selling their work ask themselves.  Over the past few years , I have picked up a thing or two , from reading books and articles, talking to more experienced folks, and attending the odd seminar.  I still felt like something was missing in my education.

I discovered what it was.  It wasn’t my education that was necessarily lacking…it was how to put it all together.  I needed a coach.  I came across a web site called www.artbizcoach.com.   Alyson Stanfield offers a variety of classes  to help artisans grapple with many of those nagging questions and then how to channel their energies in the appropriate areas so they can realize their goals, (what ever they may be).  I am in the process of finishing up one of those classes….and  I can honestly say, I view my business and many other areas of my life quite differently.   It has been eye opening and profoundly empowering.  I would encourage everyone to check out Alyson’s site..or someone like her.

I have no idea what the future has in store for me in regards to my career in polymer clay.  But at least I now know  that I have considerably more control of it than I previously thought I had.  ( a powerful thing in these troubling economic times.)  I have learned that sometimes it takes much more than  talent and luck.   Sometimes, finding the right coach,(whom ever it may be) will help you pull it all together so that you have a shot at achieving your dreams.

Hello and welcome.

I’m certainly late coming to this whole blog party, but I suppose it doesn’t really matter.  I have visited many blogs before deciding to start one myself.  Some have been good, some…. well, less so..  Hopefully, this will develope into one of the better ones.

I wasn’t too sure what I would write about at first.  I mean, what could I write about concerning polymer clay that could possibly be of value?  Well, I’m still  not sure… but I believe I have things to share.  I ‘ve learned a great deal about the business side of polymer clay.  I am in the process of  expanding my comfort zone and looking at exploring markets further afield .

 I am also fortunate enough to live in a remarkable place like Alaska.  Inspiration for my work is literally right outside my door.  (Sometimes, they are large and hairy, and like to get into the trash cans.)  Life in Alaska, certainly has it’s challenges for anybody, but especially the polymer clay artist.

So please do return.  Check out my latest adventures be it in polymer clay or living my Alaskan adventure.