My Next Endeavor!

It seems the frequency between my posts is getting longer and longer. I did, in fact, complete my play therapy classes -- and Bobs and Bits has remained closed even though I finished up a few months ago. I've been at a part-time social work job since last December, in order to complete my classes, have some time for my family and also have some time to devote to opening a private play therapy practice. While I've loved the time I've spent painting, I now know it's time to move on to something more sustainable. It's with a bit of sadness that I say goodbye to Bobs and Bits, but in the spirit of continued entrepreneurship, I introduce Fleurish Play Therapy, LLC. : )

So Many Changes This Year...

Wow, it has been awhile since I've made a post. This year has been in such flux that I've found it difficult to stay current. So, the part-time job (the one I had such high hopes for) didn't work out as anticipated. Let's just say it was a bad fit, through no fault of my own, and I'm really glad I decided to call it quits early on. Some places are crazy bad, not crazy good. I've got something new in the works and I hope it works out a little better. This will be my third part-time job this year (if you count my stint with the Census) and it's been just a little too much change for me. I have a vision for the future, which includes taking some play therapy classes and eventually opening a private practice. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm on the right track.

How does this affect Bobs and Bits? Truth is, I'm not sure. I keep opening and closing my poor Etsy shop as I try to deal with all the curve balls. I know that I want to continue it in some form, but know that it will ultimately be more limited than what it was.

So, my plan is to work part-time, take classes part-time and run Bobs and Bits part-time. Wait, don't three part-time gigs equal more than one full-time one? Yes, in fact it does. That's why I'm wishing on a star -- that I survive it all and that it ends up being what I hoped it would be. Oh yeah, there's a four year old in the mix and some continued travel plans in there. : )

Artwork courtesy of artsyville's Etsy shop.

Open Again!

Alright, Bobs and Bits is open again. After taking a little time to adjust to my new job outside the home, I have reopened the shop -- albeit it in a new format. My time will be much more limited now, so my plan is to sell mostly items that are already completed (and ready to ship). I do plan to continue selling wall letters and baby birth blocks though. Obviously, these are custom orders. All other custom requests will be considered on a case by case basis and accepted as time (and inclination) permit. We'll see how it goes...

*** Handmade sign courtesy of kerribrewer's Etsy shop. ***

The Dodgers chair is complete!

Wow, this chair has been a challenge. It's not easy to create a design that fits well onto the back of a rocking chair. I think I accomplished it, along with incorporating some elements that were important to the customer. I hope it becomes a family heirloom and gets lots of use!

I have a job offer!

Well, it seems that just as soon as I return from Ireland and re-open my shop, I receive a job offer! I have been planning to switch gears for awhile, but have just been waiting to return from my extended trip to actively start job hunting. In addition to being an artist, I am also a social worker, and while I have enjoyed painting and being a biz owner, I have also missed social work and the rewards that helping others brings. My ultimate goal was to find a part-time social work job that would be meaningful, but would also have some flexibility -- and would help pay the bills too :). It seems that I may have found it -- and I am excited!

These last few years have been an incredible journey. I have had the opportunity to be creative, to learn about running a business and to step away from the hectic life I had before. I felt like I could put my son first, which is the most important thing of all. I do not really know what lies ahead, but I am hopeful that I can combine a social work career with maintaining a scaled back version of my Etsy shop -- and still travel too. And, of course, have time for my family and my son. Tall order? Yes! But I am determined to try. Maybe it is possible to have my cake and eat it too? We will see.

Felt cake photo courtesy of onenonly88's sweet little Etsy shop.

Bobs and Bits Has Re-opened!

I've been gone for awhile! My Etsy shop has been closed for three months while I did some work for the Census and took a month long trip to Ireland. Since opening a few years ago, I've never closed if for this long. It's good to be back!

While some changes are on the horizon -- namely, my searching for employment -- for now, Bobs and Bits will carry on as before. It's my hope to find some additional part-time work so that I can continue painting while still earning money and utilizing my social work degree. Kind of a tall order, but we shall see what the future holds! The long-awaited job search begins now. I still love you, Bobs and Bits!

*** Handmade sign courtesy of Heartfelt Giver's Etsy shop. ***

Off to Ireland!

It seems that my temporary stint with government work will be coming to an end next week. The extra money has been nice, and except for that, I'm happy that it's almost over. It's too hot out there!

Bobs and Bits will remain closed as I prepare for a month long trip to Ireland. Once again, the family will be trekking across the pond to spend some time in idyllic Dublin. When I return, yet another chapter will unfold. What it will be, I'm not sure, but will hopefully involve employment of some type (the type that pays the bills). For now, I'm ready to relax though.