Linda B's Blog

Moved Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 12:25:00 +0000

I have moved my blog to my website http://LinorStore.com

It's a work in progress.

Purim: The Whole Megillah

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:30:00 +0000

Purim begins in 2015 at sundown on March 4 and continues through March 5.

The word "purim" means lots and is from the Book of Esther which is read on Purim. It is because Haman, the bad buy wore a tri-cornered lot. The Book is Esther is where the expression "The Whole Megillah" comes from.

For Purim, people dress up in costumes, wear masks and use noisemakers (gragers) to drown out the name of Haman, cursed be he.

Grager Earrings

By Yanki Tauber:

"A person is obligated to drink on Purim," says the Talmud, "until he does not know the difference between 'Cursed be Haman' and 'Blessed be Mordechai'"

Sending Gifts of Food
One of the mitzvot of Purim is sending gifts of food, called Mishloach Manot (literally, "the sending of portions") to acquaintances. The obligation is to send a minimum of two ready-to-eat-foods to at least one person. Often this opportunity is taken to send gifts to many friends and relatives. The source for this mitzvah is in the Megillah. "Mordechai... enjoined the [Jews] to make the fourteenth day of the month of Adar... feasting and joy, and sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor."1

One of the themes of Purim is friendship and unity. When Haman asked King Ahasuerus for permission to destroy the Jews, he said "There is a certain people who are scattered and separate…" In contrast, Queen Esther knew that Jewish unity was essential when praying for G-d's help. She instructed Mordechai to "Go, assemble together all the Jews" for fasting and prayer. G-d is our father, and He loves nothing more than seeing His children unified. When we are united, we merit G-d's blessing and salvation. We give gifts of food on Purim to strengthen our bonds of friendship with our fellow Jews.

Purple Purim Earrings

Turquoise Grager Earrings

How to make perfect Hamentaschen
Bubbie's Hamantaschen Recipe
Chabad Traditional Hamentaschen Recipe

Hamantashen, the classic Purim cookies, are eagerly awaited by everyone young and old. They are versatile and can be made from a good sweet yeast dough, flaky dough or from a traditional cookie dough. The fillings can be mixed and matched. Prune butter and poppy seed are traditional but one can use any kind of jam or preserves.

Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
juice of one lemon
rind of 1 lemon, grated
1 tsp. vanilla extract
5 cups flour
2 tsps. baking powder

Fillings:
1 pound prepared poppy seed filling
or, 1 pound lekvar (apple or prune butter)
or 1 pound strawberry or apricot preserves

Preheat oven to 350
Grease cookie sheets

Beat eggs and sugar. Add remaining ingredients, and mix well. Divide into four parts.

Proceed to assemble and bake:

1. Prepare dough of your choice. Divide into four portions
2. On a floured board roll out each portion to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round bicuit or cookie cutter cut 3-inch circles.
3. Place 1/2 to 2/3 teaspoon of desired filling in the center of each circle.
4. To shape into triangle, lift up right and left sides, leaving the bottom down and bring both side to meet at the center above the filling.
5. Bring top flap down to the center to meet the two sides. Pinch edges together.
6. Place on grease cookie sheet 1 inch apart and bake at 350 degree preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Purim is only 1 month away. Click on the links above to buy your Purim earrings.

WW: Stubs the black cat

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 11:14:00 +0000

Stubs, our black cat, has been in kitty heaven for about 3 years. But, we still talk about Sheriff Stubbers and how smart he was.

1. He knew when donuts came into the house

2. He helped repairmen fix the furnace; in fact, he told us when the furnace went out.

Rest in peace, Stubs. We love you!

This is part of Aquariann's WW Hop.

Tell us: How do your black cats help you?

Mardi Gras

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 17:04:00 +0000

Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday, is also known as Shrove Tuesday, and begins Tuesday, February 17.

Mardi Gras refers to the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Related popular practices were associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent.

Popular practices included wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. Similar expressions to Mardi Gras appear in other European languages sharing the Christian tradition.

Cities famous for Mardi Gras celebrations include Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Quebec City, Quebec in Canada; Mazatlan in Mexico; and, of course New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States.

This post originally appeared on my blog in 2010 http://linorstorecom.blogspot.com/2010/02/mardi-gras-fat-tuesday.html

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:27:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day - hope your day if filled with love, romance, chocolate, flowers, kittens and puppies.

Source: Happyvalentinesdayimages.com

Valentine Earrings

WW: Tommy and the mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 15:00:00 +0000

Our Tommy cat loves mirrors. He seems to love seeing his reflection.

What is Tommy thinking when he looks in the mirror?

WW: Cute Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 12:03:00 +0000

This week's cat pictures feature Tommy (left) and Fritz (right).

I had to keep wrapping paper as toys for them.

Tommy sleeps a lot - and I love how he sleeps all spread out.

With 4 cats, everyday is caturday is our house.

President's Day - February 16, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:11:00 +0000

Since 1968, President's Day is observed on the third Monday in February

President's Day is a day set aside to honor all of the U.S. presidents. We often think of two great presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln when we celebrate this holiday, as it falls between their birthdays.

It is a national holiday,. While Federal employees, the post office, and banks have the day off, most businesses and industry do not recognize it as a paid holiday.

I'm a huge fan of Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. Over the years, I've read several books about Abraham Lincoln. I recently saw the made for TV movie "Killing Lincoln" based on the book by Bill O'Reilly (I loved both of them). You get some real insight into the man and what was going on in his life and in his thoughts.

Source: biography.com

You can buy the book here - I am an Amazon Associate, so I may earn 2 cents, if you purchase the books using the links below.

Etsy Treasury Love

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 16:28:00 +0000

These amazing Etsy shop owners have included my work in Etsy Treasuries. I’m featuring an item from their Etsy shop. Please visit their Etsy shops and have a look around for the perfect gift.

Sweets	Heart T-shirt

Season of Love	Love is a 4-legged friend

Gifts	Red heart trio

Tu B’shevat	Love Pillowcase

Thank you for including my work.

WW: Things I Love

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:30:00 +0000

Things I love:

Cats
Magic
Plastic bags
Sunsets
Being Jewish
Making women's kippah and jewelry

What do YOU LOVE? Reply in comments.

SuperBowl Sunday Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:44:00 +0000

Welcome to SuperBowl Sunday. I personally wish it would be on a Saturday, so we can stay to see the whole game at our friends' house.

Appetizer Recipes

Velveeta Cheesy Dip

Ingredients:
1 lb. (16 oz.) VELVEETA®, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
make it

Instructions:
COMBINE ingredients in microwaveable bowl.

MICROWAVE on HIGH 5 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 min.

Warm Spinach & Artichoke Cups

Ingredients:
24 won ton wrappers
1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained, finely chopped
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
1/3 cup KRAFT Mayo with Olive Oil Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
1/3 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped red peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:
HEAT oven to 350°F.

PLACE 1 won ton wrapper in each of 24 mini muffin pan cups sprayed with cooking spray, with edges of wrapper extending over top of cup. Bake 5 min. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients.

SPOON artichoke mixture into won ton cups.

BAKE 12 to 14 min. or until filling is heated through and edges of cups are golden brown.

WHERE TO FIND WON TON WRAPPERS- the produce section of the supermarket.

Super Bowl XLIX

Image from nfl.com

Seattle Seahawks v. New England Patriots - who are you rooting for?

Tu B'Shevat - Jewish New Year for Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 16:30:00 +0000

Tu B’Shevat is known as the “New Year for Trees”, is a Jewish festival similar to Arbor Day.

It is on Feb. 4, 2015

Tree of Life Earrings

Tree of Life Pendant

Tu B’Shevat (Tu Bishvat) is the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat. This festival is also known as the “New Year for Trees” and is observed in Jewish communities in countries such as the United States.

Infographic by aish.com

For Jews outside of Israel, Tu B'Shevat is a celebration of the renewal of vision and awareness, a celebration of connections and connectedness--to our own inner-selves, to the social world of human beings, and to the natural world and its Source.

Green Hamsa Bracelet

Many Jewish communities in the United States observe the festival by eating fruit on this day. The Torah praises seven “fruits”, in particular grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. Many Jewish people also try to eat a new fruit, which can be any seasonal fruit. Some Jewish communities plant trees on Tu B’Shevat.

Tree of Life Earrings - Goldtone

In Israel, Tu B'Shevat marks the beginning of spring in Israel. Sustaining rains are at the peak of their power and the world responds, brimming with buds of fragrant life. To mark this moment, school children plant trees. Often these trees have been provided by the contributions of Jewish students abroad through the good offices of the Jewish National Fund.

6 Facts about Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 10:30:00 +0000

How many of these facts do you know about Valentine's Day?

1. There are two theories about the origin of Valentine’s Day. The first is that the day derives from Lupercalia, a raucous Roman festival on February 15 where men stripped naked and spanked young maidens in hopes of upping their fertility.

Valentine Earrings

The second and more popular theory is that while the Roman Emperor Claudius II was trying to bolster his army, he forbade young men to marry (apparently single men make better soldiers). In the spirit of love, St. Valentine defied the ban and performed secret marriages. For his disobedience, Valentine was executed on February 14.

Red Swarovski necklace Sale Price!

Red Valentine's Day Bracelet

2. According to the Greeting Card Association, 190 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second most popular greeting card–giving occasion, after Christmas.

Red Swarovski crystal ring

3. Husbands and boyfriends like to give bouquets. Men account for 73 percent of Valentine's Day flower sales.

Red Heart Earrings

4. Roses are the flowers of love. The favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love? The red rose, of course. The bud stands for strong romantic feelings, so it’s no surprise they make up the most popular Valentine’s Day bouquets.

5. “Wearing your heart on your sleeve” is more than just a phrase. In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names to see who their Valentine would be. They would wear the name pinned to their sleeve for one week so that everyone would know their supposed true feelings.

6. The chocolate box has been around for more than 140 years. The first Valentine's Day box of chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.

Source: Woman's Day magazine

SRJAD Spring Guide 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 14:04:00 +0000

The Self-Representing Artist in Jewelry Design (SRAJD) has published a new Spring Gift Guide see page 11 for my Peach Swarovski Heart Earrings.

Spring is coming, really.

WW: Love Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 11:00:00 +0000

Love cats? I certainly do. And everyday is caturday.

Sammy and Tommy love to sleep touching

Tommy and Fritz touching

Happy Caturday

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:43:00 +0000

On Monday, Jan 19, we observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In case you don't know much about Dr. King, here is some information.

Martin Luther was born January 15, 1929. He attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduated from high school at the age of fifteen.

He received the B. A. degree in 1948 from Morehouse College, a distinguished Negro institution of Atlanta (where his father and grandfather graduated). After three years of theological study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, he was awarded his B.D. in 1951.

With a fellowship won at Crozer, he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, receiving his doctorate degree in 1953.

In Boston he met and married Coretta Scott, a young woman of uncommon intellectual and artistic attainments. Two sons and two daughters were born into the family.

In 1954, Martin Luther King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

Always a strong worker for civil rights for members of his race, King was a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the leading organization of its kind in the nation.

Source: http://northdallasgazette.com/2012/01/16/freedoms-dream-remembering-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/

On December 21, 1956, after the Supreme Court of the United States had declared unconstitutional the laws requiring segregation on buses, Negroes and whites rode the buses as equals. By this time, Dr. Martin Luther King emerged as a Negro leader.

In 1957 he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization formed to provide new leadership for the now burgeoning civil rights movement. The ideals for this organization
he took from Christianity; its operational techniques from Gandhi.

In 1963, Dr. King directed the peaceful march on Washington, D.C., of 250,000 people to whom he delivered his address, "l Have a Dream."

Read or listen to this famous speech here

The last pragraph bears repeating "And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" (Today, it would be modified to include women and other religions not mentioned).

Dr. King conferred with President John F. Kennedy and campaigned for President Lyndon B. Johnson.

He was arrested more than twenty times and assaulted at least four times, his home was bombed, he was subjected to personal abuse.

Dr. King was awarded five honorary degrees; was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963; and became not only the symbolic leader of American blacks but also a world figure.

At the age of 35. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. He turned over the prize money of $54,123 to further the civil rights movement.

On the evening of April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers of that city, he was assassinated.

In 1977 Dr. King was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously and in 2004, the Congressional Gold Medal.

In 1983, Ronald Reagan signed the bill that named the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Martin Luther King quotes:
"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase."

"All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem."

From his book Strength to Love
"Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"

From the March on Washington
"...And I've looked over and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man."

From his speech the day before he was assassinated
"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."

Reprint from Jan. 2013

Feb Birthstone - Amethyst

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:40:00 +0000

Amethyst: February birthstone
Dates: February 21 – March 20
Sign: Pisces

Happy Birthday Pisces (mom -[z'l])

It is a crystalline quartz gemstone in shades of purple, lilac or mauve.

I like to match amethyst with pink, white and even light green.

Amethyst gemstone Necklace

Purple Gemstone Necklace

The word amethyst comes from the Greek meaning "without drunkenness" and amethyst was worn as a guard against drunkeness and to instill a sober mind.

Locations: Sri Lanka, India, Uruguay, Madagascar, USA, Germany, Australia, Namibia and Zambia, Uruguay, Mexico, Western Australia, and Morocco.

Amethyst properties:

Amethyst is associated with the Crown Chakra (the top of your head)
Increases concentration and confidence in life.
Has been used to open the spiritual and psychic centers
Used as a meditation aid when worn as a necklace.

Amethyst Swarovski earrings

Amethyst Healing Powers:

Put an amethyst under your pillow to promote healthy sleep and help fight insomnia
Use amethyst to help improve concentration
Rub it across your forehead for relief from a headache
General healing and strengthening the immune system
Freedom from any kind of addictions
Problems in the blood and in breathing problems.
Amethyst crystal clusters are used to keep the air and life force in the home clean and positive

WW: Peach

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 16:30:00 +0000

This peach necklace was inspired by a dress I purchased to wear to a bar mitzvah.

I now realize that peach complements many other colors, including black and gray. I've worn this necklace with turtleneck tops, the scoopneck style dress, with brown and a light gray sweater and jacket.

Do YOU wear peach?

I'm linking up with a Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

January Birthstone - Garnet

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 01:03:00 +0000

January Birthstone: Garnet
Dates: December 22 - January 20
Sign: Capricorn (The sign of the Goat)

Happy Birthday Capricorns!

The word "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatus," meaning "grain" or "seed." This name was given to the garnet because of its close resemblance to the succulent pomegranate seed.

Garnet Hoop Earrings

One Biblical legend about garnet is that Noah hung this gem on the ark to light his way through the dark and stormy nights of God's wrath.

First mined in Sri Lanka over 2,500 years ago, the garnet is also found in Africa, Australia,
India, Russia, Brazil, and in the United States, in Arizona and Idaho.

Although most commonly known as a red gemstone, the garnet comes in a variety of other hues, including muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets—a virtual bouquet of colors.

The garnet continues to be the protective gem of journeyers. A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming.

Spiritual meaning of garnet:
The Garnet is known as the stone for a successful business.

If your business is not as good as it should be, just put 3 or more garnets on your desk.
It is believed that if a garnet is put under a pillow it will cure depression.
Garnets can be used to make a person popular and have self-esteem when worn as jewelry.
It helps protect one on trips.
Garnets bring constancy to friendships

Note: The healing properties are not a substitute for medical advice, nor should they be used by anyone without experience.

Healing properties of Garnet:
Garnet comes in many colors, but now we will speak only about red Garnet. The red Garnet is associated with the thyroid and spleen. It helps cleanse and purify both when held over the
area. The Garnet is usually held in the hand or placed on top of the head when searching or
meditating on past lives. Information that is beneficial and helpful will usually be released
for the searcher.

The Garnet is a stone of purity and truth as well as a symbol of love and compassion. The
information released in a search may be painful, but it will always be what the searcher needs.

The Garnet will help everyone's security level and spiritual awareness. It can also help increase the sex drive, since it is in the color family of the 1st or root chakra.

January Sale through 2/2/15

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 11:28:00 +0000

To clear out some of my older designs, there's an ongoing Inventory Reduction January Sale section in my Etsy shop.

I'm making room for new designs and clearing out the older one-of-a-kind jewelry designs that I've made before.

There are incredible deals

Get Pink Rose Bracelet, Necklace and Earrings - 3 pieces for $25

Wire Wrapped Love Necklace $18

Red Swarovski Crystal Necklace/Earrings (and gemstones) $27

Tell your friends, too.

Wordless Wed. 2015 Cat Calendars

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 21:30:00 +0000

We have two 2015 cat calendars, one for home and the other for my work. Both are by Workman Publishing.

Work - Cat Gallery Calendar by Workman Publishing

Home - Bad Cat Wall Calendar

I am a new Amazon affiliate. If you purchase these items through my links, I might make a whopping 2 cents, which I'll use to spoil our cats.

I showed you mine, now show me yours.

Etsy Treasury Love

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 17:37:00 +0000

These Etsy sellers have included my work in an Etsy treasury. I’m so grateful. Please visit their Etsy shops and show them some love.

Fabulous Finds includes my Christmas tree earrings	Ceramic Heart Ornament

New Year’s Resolutions included my Pink Swarovski earrings	ACEO Shema

What’s Cooking in 2015 includes my Judaica wine charms	Retro Baking Oven Mitt

Blue New Year features my gold and blue wire kippah	Raspberry Crochet Headband

2015 Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:13:00 +0000

It's a new year and time to set some new 2015 goals. Happy New Year!

Continue making an exceptional client experience - think of cards/notes I can send with each order:

about kippot and jewelry care
discount coupons to send with orders (partially done), and
to encourage client feedback with cards (think about this)

In client emails, encourage feedback and social media participation (e.g., Pinterest contest)

Achieve a 12% increase in income

Clear out older jewelry inventory and destash supplies

Sale section in my Etsy shop

Pink Swarovski Crystal Earrings

Photograph and list supplies in my Facebook groups in January

Focus on Judaica products:

Contact (Conservative) synagogues about kippot with wholesale pricing strategies (discounts for multiple purchases) - research 2-3 days a week
Create more reproducible Jewish jewelry sets, bracelets, necklaces and Bat Mitzvah kippah and jewelry sets non-specific to holidays

Survey customers about their purchasing experience, why they chose me. Offer an incentive to purchase a new design from me.

Decide about smaller craft show participation (March 2015):

make less expensive items that will sell – angels, tree of life
look at new wire wrap n bead creations I could make
or, opt out of these shows.
No more 2-day shows

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Personal Goals:

Eat less sugar
Workout in some form 1x per wk
Find time to pray/meditate 2x per wk (besides Shabbat services on Sat.)
Be more loving and positive
Continue to declutter and toss things I don't need (I'm a packrat)
Cats – trim their claws and brush them on a more regular schedule
See Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga at Ravinia this summer
Enjoy each day

Happy New Year 2015

Are you setting goals? Do you have ways to achieve them? Share yours in the comments below.

WW: Happy New Year 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:58:00 +0000

Happy New Year

I found so many images that express wonderful thoughts.

Hope your new year is great, happy, joyous, healthy, successful and more.

Are you making any New Year resolutions? Goals?

2014 Achievements: Year in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Linda Blatchford) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:57:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

It's a time of taking inventory of what I've achieved and setting new goals for 2015.

Achievements

For my personal goals, I was successful by having a more positive attitude. I did not do much to achieve my weight loss goals. And, my organization and declutter goals were not totally met, but I'm working on them.

For 2014, I am happy to say that I achieved most of my business goals.

Gross revenue goal - exceeded - Increased sales by 13% over last year.

Collections: made more Judaica reproducible jewelry designs = met goal.

Hanukah Dreidel Bracelet Set

Kippot - goal to increase synagogue gift shops carrying my designs = met - there are now 3 synagogues in the Chicagoland area carrying my kippot.

White Bridal Kippah

Shows - I did more craft shows this year than I've ever done before; I've learned that my higher end jewelry doesn't sell at the smaller shows.

For 2015, I need to decide if I'm going to do these shows again and make less expensive items or not do them.
2-day shows are OUT! I can't work full-time and do 2-day shows. It's too exhausting.

Part of my jewelry display

Press - I sent pitch emails even if I was scared and was in holiday gift guides

Top 100 Women of the year in business

New Jersey Standard Holiday Gift Guide

Jewish Exponent Holiday Gift Guide

Self-Representing Jewelry Artists Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide

Photography is always an issue - I purchased a photo tent this year to improve photos.

What goals are you most proud of achieving? Share them with me in the comments below.