Bracing Myself for What's Ahead

Well here it is. Day one of a new year.

I was hoping that this year, I would work less. Take some actual days off.... have a week that ends.... that sort of thing.

And yet here it is, January 1, 2013 and I'm in the studio working.

2012 was good to me. New York was good to me. I'm pleased I took some of the risks I did last year and I'm really feeling like I have turned a corner, and that momentum is starting to build upon itself, instead of me forcing it forward.

A giant order of mugs kept me busy for several months, and I also added an amazing wholesale client who reorders every 5 weeks. I make little dipping dishes and cruets for a specialty olive oil shop which has proven to be very lucrative for me. It's getting my work out there, which has all been decorated with a wee little stamp that says "the Raging Bowl". (I worked on "Branding" in 2012 and can honestly say I'm happy with the results!)

I have lots of new adventures planned for 2013. This February I'm heading to Philly for the Buyer's Market, another wholesale show. I'm hoping this one will be a better fit than the New York Gift Fair. While that show was good to me, I never really felt like my work fit in there. We shall see what Philly brings. And while I'm nervous about losing any momentum I may have started at the NY show, I'm throwing my all behind the Buyer's Market. I bought my first ad - in the guide that the show gives out to everyone that comes, and I also found out I'm going to be featured in the same guide. I have put together a mailing list of potential clients so that I can send out promotional material before the show. I've actually been doing homework! (I made a conscious decision to spend some time on marketing in 2013. We'll see if my efforts pay off.)

I've also go lots of new work coming down the pipes! I'm looking forward to learning some very new and different skills as well as building on and evolving my Arabesque collection and playing with new colors to add to my Classic collection.

Now I just have to work less.
Which probably also means working more efficiently.
So what do you say, 2013? Gonna help a gal out?

What are your plans for 2013? Taking some new risks? Heading on new adventures? Let's hear all about it!