Like Naomi, I'm not one to wait until January 1 each year to make new goals for myself. But then again, now is as good a time as any to organize my thoughts and ambitions for the coming year.

As a recent college graduate, my goals are very different this year than they have been in the past. I can happily cross off 'finish thesis paper,' 'send our resumes,' and 'find a job' from my list. Now, I get to focus more on the fun things, the things I am passionate about and really want to be doing (but my list isn't all fun and games: I also have to find an apartment and pay off my student loans!).

This year, I want to access my creative side more and more. Working at BeadStyle has gotten my artistic juices, which often didn't have time to flow in college, rushing again. And not just with beads: I've been inspired to do many other creative projects in my free time, so much though that in 2009, I am going to get my own little business going.

Since I was in high school, I've sold paintings on commission. I work mostly with oil paints, and I've recently gotten back in the painting saddle. Last night, I finished a painting for a family friend. I have a few ideas for others, as well. I'm going to take pictures of everything I've done and put them on a blog. Maybe I'll eventually create my own website (we'll see if that web design class I took junior year will pay off!). This will also give me a chance to show some of my cards and collage projects, and drawings and illustrations I've done.

The picture at left is of a painting I did last year, of Vernazza in Italy. This was something I did for fun one afternoon, and since the strokes are all pretty quick and the colors basic, it only took about two hours. If I can do one "quick painting" a week, I'll have quite the collection by the end of the year! 

Another aspect of this new endeavor will take more of a graphic design route. I've created wedding stationery for two friends' weddings. I'm doing another friend-of-a-friend's this summer. My aunt owns her own wedding photography business, so she and I are going to team up and start working together. It will be a blast to work with her and see what kinds of projects are out there. It's so much fun to work with couples and brides and help them design stationery that is so personal and uniquely their own.

So in 2009, I've got paintings, wedding stationery, greeting cards/collages, and a website. That sure sounds like a lot when it's all written down together! I think it's important to stretch yourself, though, because you never know what you're capable of unless you try. I may only accomplish one of these goals, or only sell one painting next year, or only set up a blog, not a full website. But even if it means I spend a little more time each week cultivating my art and creativity, then it's worth setting large goals. It's motivation in itself!
 

I hope your beading inspires you to try new things and to reconnect with your other passions and hobbies this new year! I'll let you know how mine go...wish me luck!