Working from home means major multitasking to accomplish an endless list of chores. Best way I have found is a daily notebook with 2 lists; Studio & House.
My list always starts with exercise whether it is doing pilates, kickboxing, walking early with a friend or some other program on my exercise on demand channel, it is how I begin. On super busy days when I skip it...I notice that I am not as focused on projects, get bored and find I don't make good use of my time.
If the studio lists includes pouring molds, I find excuses to avoid this task. Sometimes my molds when filled with clay can weigh 100lbs, its a draining job for a 5' 1' gal but if its on a list I do it. I think there is something exhilarating about crossing off a chore that is complete.
My first tip on working from home is create a list...one that is possible.
And do the worst ones first!
Like this one!
Molds for urns, filled with clay these are the heavy ones, emptying into the slipmaster which holds my clay.
Or this one:
Getting a poem printed in a nice font that fits the piece I am putting this on. Pressing hard enough on my transfer paper and going very slowly to get as close to the exact print as possible. This kind of piece can take possibly 2 hours of planning,typing & prepping. The actual painting is 2 plus hours usually more for a custom order like this but the results were awesome!
This custom order was from a husband to his wife for her birthday, he chose her favorite poem for me to paint on a plate for her office desk.
This is not the best photo but here is the finished piece:
The poem was "sweet darkness" so I painted the wording in various shades of black & grey. The flowers & leaves are in 3 shades of grey & the flower centers & small buds on the vine border are in a pale lemon. So pleased with my design & color choice, after reading the words I planned my design & color selection appropriately.
My next tip is take your time & plan your piece, if you do so you won't be disappointed in the results.
Make it a great Day...write a list & be productive!
xo, Pamela
