Michelle Mach

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On a long drive across state lines over the holidays, I pulled out a notebook and made a list of ten blog posts from 2010 that were the most memorable to me. This was challenging since I had to rely on my memory and couldn't surf around online.* These were posts that went beyond "hmm, interesting" and introduced a new idea, made an emotional impact, or caused me to change my behavior in some small way. Here they are in no particular order:
Professional Crafters, Hobbyists, Etsy, and Viable Businesses (CraftyPod)
Do you listen to this podcast? If not, you're missing out on some spectacular content, especially the topics geared towards crafters who sell their work. I've been debating whether or not to open an Etsy shop and I've decided to hold off for the moment. This podcast and the related blog post will give you a lot to think about.
Countdown . . . Inspired by Exhibit (Treasures Found)
I remember my mouth falling open when I saw what jewelry designer Erin Prais-Hinz had accomplished. She used art to inspire bead artists to make custom beads which she then used in her original designs. Proof that if you dream it, you can do it. Inspiring!
Thankful for What Didn't Happen (The Writing Bug)
This post by the director of the Northern Colorado Writers blog had me think about my life in a new way. Often posts on Thanksgiving sound all the same and while they may be heartfelt, it would be hard for me to single out any one of them as memorable. This post had me considering all those things that I thought I wanted at one time (think boyfriends, jobs, publications), but that I'm so glad I never got.
I Made 12 in 26 Minutes How About You? (Shiny Little Things)
Cynthia's advice falls into that "easier said than done" category. I've been making one-of-a-kind pieces for so long, that it was difficult to start thinking "quantity" for my holiday show last year. This was something I needed to hear.
How to Work Less (The Renegade Writers)
Don't get the wrong idea. I work very hard as a freelancer. (In fact, lately I've been working more hours than I did as an employee.) However, this post made me realize that I could be much more efficient with my time. I ended up reading several related posts on this blog and making some small but dramatic changes in the areas of organization and time management.
And So It Is (Andrew Thornton)
This sad news from a popular jewelry designer turned out to be a great example of the power of the beading community to pull together in a time of crisis. Many artists auctioned off items to raise money for Andrew's medical bills. I was lucky enough to win one of Gaea Cannaday's original designs (pictured here) in one of the auctions.
Altered Artisan Heart (Vintaj)
Sometime before I became the editor of Beading Daily, I took a wonderful mixed media class with Tim Holtz and made a cute set of pins with dominoes and alcohol inks. Although I loved the experience, I put the inks away and forgot about them. This was one of the posts that reminded me how much I loved this technique and encouraged me to play again. (It's also the reason that if you stop me on a given day, you'll likely see that my fingers are stained with ink!)
Product Discovery: JudiKins TranzIt Rinse-Away Paper (Polymer Clay Review)
You'll notice this post was written in 2007, proof that just because a blog post is old doesn't mean it isn't valuable. I had an assignment to use this transfer method this year in a very short period of time (less than 24 hours—no pressure!) and this blog post saved my life. The most detailed and helpful instructions for this product that I found.
Musical Notes (Something Sublime)
2010 was the year of resins and glosses for me. I experimented with ICE resin, Amazing Glaze, and Glossy Accents. I was so busy filling bezels that it wasn't until I saw this piece by Deryn Mentock that I realized the potential of resin on paper. I've done a bit of experimenting with paper since then, but mainly, this post made me realize how much more there was to explore and learn.
How to Write and Publish a Craft Book (Margot Potter)
This series of posts fell right in line with my goals for this year. 2010 was the year I was going to start writing a craft book. I've got several ideas, including one edited book that would be a collection of work by multiple designers. I've studied the market, made a list of my favorite publishers, and have drafted a short book proposal. In January, I need to make some fresh samples and then press that "send" button to get the process started, no matter what the results. I'm hoping by mentioning this here, you will hold me accountable and ask me at the end of 2011, "So whatever happened to that book you wanted to write?"

* No, I wasn't driving at the time. I was in the passenger's seat. And lest you think I have some kind of über-fabulous memory, my written list said things like "those cute music earrings with resin." I did have to go back to the computer and find the actual link for the post. I do not memorize web links!
What was the most memorable blog post you read this year? Feel free to share links in the comments.