I am closing the gallery. Over the past year I have found that I am not needing that much space. Katie, my employee, had an adorable baby Juniper, so she has been with me as much, and to tell the truth, I am not a big fan of fixed hours. I guess since I've been self employed for 15 years I am used to doing things when I want to do them. I have always loved working from home, I get to see my boys more and I don't mind wearing jammie pants all day.
However, I am going to miss all of the great people who have come in to the gallery. This was definitely the hardest part of making the decision. I have already promised lunches and get togethers with some. If I haven't seen you lately and you're just getting this news, please keep in touch. I don't want to say goodbye.
For those of you folks who aren't local....nothing else is changing. I will still be making beads and buttons, designing fabric and more. You'll just be seeing different studio shots. If you read last weeks post about the new floor that's the start of a very big studio move.
I'm cleaning out as I go, I have piles for donating, for a garage sale, for Habitat, and for a de-stash sale. My piles are getting big, my home studio hasn't been organized in quite awhile. It's taking major reorganization to get it all back in one, well, two spaces.
More studio progress and pictures tomorrow...
Jennifer
Visit my Website, Etsy Shop, Blog, Facebook, or Studio and Gallery
i tried the whole shop/gallery thing a while back and also realized it didnt work for me. i too, was to accustomed to my own scheduale, working my pj's etc.... i am sure people will miss you, but you have to do what is right for you....especially when you are an artist :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! It's a ton of work to run a gallery. Because it was just a side bit of why I had the studio it was hard for me to put the energy into it. I am glad I got to try it without a huge investment because it was something I always wondered about. I am looking forward to being home again.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, I am always happy to hear other artist experiences similar to mine....makes me feel normal. :)
Bravo for making such a hard decision!! We often get so tied up into trying to do it all and then burn out. Good for you - from you #1 Uber Groupie, Lynn
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn, you're absolutely right!
DeleteI could tell that some sea change was afoot. I think that this is the best decision. You will be so much more productive in your cozy studio space. And I know that the gallery was a huge deal for you, but you can say that you took a chance and did it up great! I know that you will be on a new path to success with this move. Just wish I lived closer to help you with the big move. I will be thinking of you! Enjoy the day, Miss Jennifer! Erin
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin...
DeletePoor Nik he's getting stuck moving the studio again. Plus he gave up his office for me on top of it all. He would love it if you were here to help!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I can't decide if I want to open a store or not and have been going back and forth on my decision. I have worked at home for about 8 years (in my PJ's) and even though I work harder than when I worked for someone else I really like the flexibility. You are an inspiration and I think you made a great decision!!
ReplyDeleteThe gallery made me feel like I had a "job" because of the hours. It went both ways on productivity, I did get a lot of things made in the studio but I didn't have as much time for computer work, designing, sewing, etc.
DeleteIt was nice to see people and have conversations with humans instead of dogs! That is what I'm going to miss.