End of January Blues

Hi All,
Jane here.
I'd rather be in the studio dyeing beautiful silk. I'd rather be making photographs. I'd rather be doing almost anything other than what I'm doing. What I'm doing is learning an accounting program on my computer. Little did I know last January, when I decided to become part of the Ann Arbor Sunday Artisan Market, what I was getting into. I thought, I'll try selling my photography and dyed scarves at the Sunday Artisan Market. I'll probably hate it. I'm more of an introvert than and extrovert, but I'll give it a try. Who knows, I might like it. I might even be successful at selling. People might like what I have...

And the rest is history...or at least a year of history. I loved being part of the Artisan Market. I like the people I sell with and I like the people who wander through each Sunday. I love talking with everyone and watching the various interactions that happen between people. And, I love selling my work. I didn't hate it at all. So now what? What does a person do next? Eventually, I realized that I needed to treat my business like a business. Among other things I needed a good bookkeeping system.

Do you hear the deep moans? I am somewhat computer phobic and quite a bit accounting phobic. This part I hate. The only thing that keeps me going is remembering what it's like each Sunday when the Market is open. Yes, I tell myself, it's worth every frustration and every difficulty. This is what I want to do, so I might as well just sit down and get it done. You might notice how I am, at this particular moment, "getting it done." Yes, well I need a break every now and then to keep from pulling all my hair out before April 6Th.

So that is my End of January Blues. I suspect I am not the only artist and craft person
struggling with accounting right now. We're doing the drudgery part instead of making wonderful and creative work to enjoy and to sell. I'm sure that the effort will be worth it. Besides, I have to have it done by April for both the IRS and the Market and April is only 2 months away! I'd best get back to it.

My condolences and sympathies to everyone out there singing the End of January Blues along with me. May we get these chores done quickly so we can get on with the pieces of this business that we love.

General Vendors Meeting-Jan. 27th

The board had its first 2008 meeting on Sunday, January 20th. That meeting was close to three hours. Yes, we were tired at the end, but I think everyone felt we had accomplished a great deal.

Now we have lots of things to pass on to the rest of our Artisan market group and anyone interested in vending this year. As usual, we are also hoping to have continued input from all of you. I know it is a cliche, but the Artisans Market really does belong to all of us and those of us on the board really do count on and appreciate your input and help.

The season is coming up on us quickly. Believe it, really, believe it!

There is a general vendor's meeting this Sunday (January 27th) at 12:30 at the Ann Arbor Library. The meeting is in the conference room on the Third floor of the library.

Everyone is invited-even if you are just thinking about joining us down at the Market this year. We'd love to see you at the meeting.