Exhibiting at The Bead & Button Show - Milwaukee, WI 2011

It has been an exciting year so far. We have had a busy show season and recently were exhibiting at The Bead & Button Show. My husband Tony and I had a great time meeting many new people. The response to my work was wonderful. I love going to shows and getting feedback on my art. I came back home with a burning creative spirit within. I am attempting some new designs with mixed media and will post pictures of my finished pieces soon.
There is nothing better than being able to talk to fellow artisans and share inspiration.
I can't wait till my next show.

Designing My New Summer Line

I've been diligently working on designs for my new summer line of jewelry. I went in the torch the other night and produced some really neat looking beads. My favorite set of glass beads have watermelon rind green and rubino hot pink swirls. I am planning on using some watermelon tourmaline gemstone beads to accent my handmade glass beads, and for sparkle, Swarovski crystals. I am still debating if I want to add any metal or seed bead weaving. There are some really interesting designs in fashion lately using asymmetrical paths, so I may also go in that direction. When I have completed the design, I will add the picture to this post.
I have been giggling to myself all day. We are a week into May and here in northern WI, we had quite the snow event. It won't stay long though, it has been too warm. It just feels so odd to be designing for summer, being engaged in the summer mindset, and it is snowing blindly outside! What a great excuse to stay inside and play in my design studio.

Finding Your Creativity

There are many ways to be inspired and find your creativity. Here are some tips on ways to get inspired and help to find ideas for new projects.

Inspiration can come from nature. When it comes to color combinations, nature is always right. Take time to linger over fascinating natural objects. Fabric is another source. If you like colors in a fabric, try them in a jewelry design.

Creativity and emotions go hand in hand. People find different ways to tap into their own creativity, inspiration, insight, and emotions. Some effective ways are by watching movies, listening to music, aromatherapy, quiet walks, long bath, etc. Relaxation, relaxation!
 
Many find inner peace while beading and that alone is all that is needed for inspiration and ideas. Sometimes a simple bead will trigger an idea for a project.

You can find really good project ideas in jewelry design books and magazines. Our favorite magazines are Stringing, Bead and Button, Jewelry Artist, and Bead Style.

Another way to find ideas and keep up with trend is by watching what people are wearing for jewelry when watching movies, t.v., and reading magazines.

Have fun!!

But I'm Not The Creative Type...

I hear these words so often, "I wish I had a talent, but I am just not the creative type".
My answer to that is, "Yes you are". "Everyone has some creativity in them, maybe you haven't found what it is yet".
If you are truly interested in pursuing a craft, you need to start with a small project of interest. If you really connect with that project, work at larger projects of the same type. You will know if it is something you are good at before long. If you like it, and it has been a rewarding journey, then it is worth pursuing. Stay with it.
If you didn't have any sense of accomplishment or reward from it, but still want to pursue your interest in finding your creativity, move on to a new interest.
For those who say "I do not know what my interests are", it is either hogwash (you truly don't want to find your creativity) or you just haven't a clue where to start, but know you would like to have some kind of hobby.
If you want some kind of hobby and need a little push, go to an art/craft show and walk around. Find things you connect with and then either talk to the vendor to find out if they hold classes in your area ,or go to your local library and find books, or search the web for information.
You will soon be off and running.

I will have another post soon on "Finding Your Creativity". I will give tips on ways to get inspired and help to find ideas for new projects.

We All Have Our Moments

There are days when you feel like nothing could bother you. You are at complete peace with yourself and others around you. Then there are days when you wake up ready for a fresh new start, happy, glad to have the life that you do...and then BOOM! Someone or something just lit a fuse and exploded a bomb right in front of you. It could have been words said to you, a gesture, or a situation you are in, that completely throws you for a loop.

That is my day today. No matter what I do, it isn't right or good enough for those around me. Well I am taking charge right now and saying STOP! I am better than this and I do not have to let anyone or anything say different. I am a Christian and know that the only person I truly need to worry about doing good by, is God.

So big, bad world you can't touch me today. I say STOP! This is my day, my moment, and praise the Lord I am going to turn it around for the better no matter what.

Sometimes in life when you surround yourself with negativity, it is easy to succumb. If you are wise, you will know you are the only person that can change negativity into positivity. People see when you have a positive outlook and even though they are having a negative day and want to try and do everything in thier power to have you join them, use your energy and maintain positivity. They will eventually pick up on it and join you instead. It's your choice, we all have our moments.

Getting Ready For Spring

I am always on the search for new ideas for spring designs. Lately I have had somewhat of a creators block. I tried and tried, still not satified with the outcome, the design was taken apart. It had troubled me so, I even went as far as to wake up and write down an idea that had passed under my closed, sleepy eyes.
Then came more daylight, warmer Wisconsin weather, birds chirping, trees blooming, and the gentle drops of an occasional rain shower.
The spring collection was born......
I suddenly felt like a mad scientist. I couldn't stop. Spring designs were everywhere. My studio actually had finished pieces waiting for my clients to see and pluck off of my displays.
I am happily creating once more :)

Post a comment, tell me what you think of my spring collection.