I love orange. I don't think it gets the credit it deserves. I rarely hear anyone say orange when they are asked what their favorite color is.
To be honest, my favorite color is blue, it always has been, but lately (in the last few years) I am really starting to gravitate to orange.
Orange and blue go so well together, it does seem like a perfect progression.
Did you know orange is the color of courage and creativity? Encouragement and fascination?
So many spirals
But it is not a bad thing.
Doing it over and over is called perfecting your craft.
i have to start somewhere so I can get to where I want to be.
This was the day for orange!
All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!
Music is definitely an inspiration motivator for me.
I am a romantic at heart, and music when I hear it, makes me think of a scene in a movie, or a chapter from a book, and I think about the girl, and wonder what jewelry would she wear for that scene/chapter. Funny right? But that is how my mind works.
This song inspires me, and as of late has become my favorite. When I hear the lyrics, I think of sitting in a coffee shop and over hearing people talk, catching random snippets of all of the conversations. I love these conversations because it feels like it is a room of positivity, and they are all dreaming, or changing the world.
Plus it doesn't hurt that I am a Dave head :)
Have a listen if you will, and maybe it will inspire you too!
If I could fly at the speed of light
I could get to Canis Major in 5,000 years
Butterflies and black and blue birds, I'll never be the same since I met you
Pennies thrown into a fountain
Make a wish, blow out the candles, take a breath
Not as troubling when you consider believers that would welcome the end of the world
Got a job and it pays me
I want love more than I deserve
I read the paper, makes me crazy
There's gotta be a way to make it work
Ashes, Stardust
Look at us, crawling out the mud
Let's go, around the block
We'll make the most before the jig is up
Dreamers, the big top
We'll never know, I guess never stop
Ashes, stardust
Look at us, crawling out the mud
I know that dying is scary to us
But everybody do it, 1-2-3
On the sidewalk, the dandelion is reaching from a crack up to the sun
Words can be a wicked tool
For twisting truth
I wanna be true to you
Blood and bones, black holes and stones
All those things paved the way for you and me
Got a job and it pays me
I want love more than I deserve
I read the paper makes me crazy
There's gotta be a way to make it work
Ashes, stardust
Look at us crawling out the mud
Let's go around the block
We'll make the most before the jig is up
Campfires and high rises
You never know quite when to stop
Ashes, stardust
Look at me crawling out the mud
If I could fly at the speed of light
I could get to Betelgeuse in about 600 years
Butterflies and black and bluebirds
I'll never be the same since I met you
Maybe dying is scary too us, but everybody do it A-B-C
Not as troubling when I consider
Believers that would welcome the end of the world.
Got a job 'cause it pays me
I want love more than I deserve
I read the paper, makes me crazy
There's gotta be a way to make it work
Ashes, stardust
Look at us crawling out the mud
Let's go around the block
We'll make the most before the jig is up
Ashes, stardust
Look at us crawling out the mud
Ashes, stardust
Look at me crawling out the mud
Butterflies and black and blue birds
I'll never be the same since I met you
If I could fly at the speed of light
I'd get the Betelgeuse in about 600 years
Butterflies and black and blue birdscould fly at the speed of light
I could get to Canis Major in 5,000 years
Butterflies and black and blue birds, I'll never be the same since I met you
Pennies thrown into a fountain
Make a wish, blow out the candles, take a breath
Not as troubling when you consider believers that would welcome the end of the world
And as always, Be peaceful, Be kind.
All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!
I went to the bead show last weekend to look for some beads for a custom order, some new strands to spark my creativity because I am doing a trunk show at The Purple Loft Art Gallery in OKC in Aug, and to look for some apatite for myself. I wasn't for sure what I wanted in this stone. Did I want beads for a necklace or bracelet? Maybe some earrings. Did I want a small stone for wrapping for a pendant? I figured I would let the stones talk to me while I was shopping and see what happened.
There were so many beautiful stone bead strands there, it was hard to keep my focus. I had to touch all of them!!! I think I did well choosing my selection, and the creations have started to flow!
While shopping I walked by this little beauty three times. The last time by, it was time to commit. It was talking to me saying, "you are a pendant wearer, I am perfect for a pendant!!!" So I obliged, and bought it. I wrapped it in sterling silver, and the wire went around it almost by itself!
Gemstones that you wear around your neck are the ones that affect your personality. These are also close to your heart which works with your desires. Apatite is used by artists and others who wish to have more creativity in their lives to increase their creativity and imagination. It may be used as an interface point between consciousness and matter to translate our humanitarian aspirations into healing, information, communication and teaching. It supports creative ideas and bringing them into reality, as well as developing the business skills needed to make a living from one's passions.
I love this little stone, and can't wait to go on our journey together.
And as always,
All of my creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit.
Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry made with love!
September is the month to celebrate sapphires. Did you know sapphire is a
stone of creative expression? Sapphires come in all colors, and if you
have a red sapphire, it is a ruby :) What I love about sapphires is they
are the stone of hope - they bring hope where there is hopelessness.
Isn't that awesome!
I have held onto this strand of raw sapphires for a couple of years now, just waiting on a bit of inspiration. I was at the annual Rings and ThingsBead Tour as it came thru my area, and completely, as always, lost my mind at the selection and the prices.
September is the month to celebrate sapphires. Did you know sapphire is a stone of creative expression? Sapphires come in all colors, and if you have a red sapphire, it is a ruby :) What I love about sapphires is they are the stone of hope - they bring hope where there is hopelessness. Isn't that awesome.
This week I am celebrating sapphires and this is the first of a few designs I want to show you.
These tumbled and raw sapphire beads do not diminish in elegance. The swarovski crystals between the beads allow for more flow of the stones due to their irregular shape, and the copper bead caps just finish off the design.
Poking my way thru some awesome images at Pixabay - (an awesome public domain image site where the posters allow you use their images! ) one afternoon last week, I found this:
This was posted by Shirley of whom I became a fast fan.
I immediately slobbered on myself, because - I am REALLY watching what I eat. (not a diet - i don't believe in them - a life change. 6 lbs so far!)
I got lost in this image - maybe because I was craving something sweet. It became a birds eye view of a map, houses, hilltops, river beds, lakes, I wanted to go there. What would I wear if I went there? (this is how my mind works) Something just as delicious of course!
I let this image which had already taken me to someplace wonderful, take me by the hand, and lead me further into my creativity.
Then this popped up in my head. I RAN to my work table and started sorting thru beads and wire. I couldn't get this finished fast enuff. I was afraid the creativity would melt away like chocolate on a hot summer day, and I would never get it finished
It's a creamy, dreamy, chocolate cuff of stoneware and ceramic, with a touch of swarovski crystals.
Thanks for going on this trip with me. Inspiration can come from many places. Where does yours come from?
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl. It is the "stone of courage". It encourages the innate ability to "always be prepared". Aquamarine also accelerates the intellectual reasoning process.
Bloodstone is a variety of quartz. Bloodstone is also a "stone of courage"! It helps to demonstrate unselfishness and idealism, and to improve talents and creative efforts.
I can't stop with the pendants....I cant' I tell you!!!
I get a sense of freedom when I create them. There is no order or structure, they flow and just...happen.
This one is dyed howlite. Howlite is often dyed this turquoise color and sold as turquoise. It is a cheaper alternative, and has a beautiful color. But....did you know, howlite is the stone of calm, patience, and decreases an overly active critical mind. Blue is the color for calm and relaxation to counteract chaos or agitation.
How is this not the perfect combination!
I fell in love with this little piece of tumbled ocean jasper. Ocean Jasper heals the emotions and brings peace of mind. It helps with acceptance of responsibility and increases patience. Now along with that - do you see that little foot print in the middle? I over emphasized the swirls at the top to represent the paths we take, for they are never straight are they :)
Now this little guy - I am in love with. I chose lapis and bronzite and accented it with citrine. This is meant to be a busy little piece and keep your eyes moving.
Lapis brings truthfulness, openness and inner power. It strengthens the mind and body as well as increasing awareness. It can help organize daily life as well as organizing and quieting a busy or restless mind. Lapis also helps build self-confidence.
Bronzite is called the "Stone of Focused Action", and is helpful for bringing certainty and with taking control of our actions. It can also help one to think ahead about things, enhancing the ability to take control of our own lives.
Citrine is known as a "success" stone. Its lore also says that it enhances mental clarity and will power.
Do you see how they all come together with the quieting of a restless mind, bringing certainty and mental clarity? And all the colors work great too!!!
My creativity comes in waves as of late. There have been several days I didn't even step into my work room. Seems to be too many other things that have sparked my interest and my jewelry is taking a back seat. Maybe I am experiencing a bit of a burn out. *gasp* *hand flies to mouth* Say it ain't so!!!!!
*blink* *blink*
There is nothing wrong in stepping back, re grouping and then diving back in. right........
This morning I was finishing a bracelet that I have promised, and when the bracelet was done, I just sat there. I did not want to start a new project. I got up turned off the light and schluffed off into the yard with the dogs. My coffee was steaming, my cold toes were screaming and I stood there, shoulders slumped in defeat with that 1000 yard stare, motionless, watching the dogs. Then the idea hit me. Why do I have to wait for the creativity to come to me, why can't I go looking for it?
Once a month or so, I don't have any problem getting motivated to create when I receive one of my blog design partner packages. I will get a random selection from Rings & Things of findings, or beads, Beadin Path sends a great selection of vintage lucite beads in a fantastic color pallet and Art Beads has a 'theme' and gives me a choice from one of their categories as a piece to create from. It all starts the ball rolling, the creative juices flowing, and I can't wait to get to work.
That is what I did this morning. I gathered a random selection of items from my inventory and challenged myself to make something.
Would add anything to this challenge or work with just what was given you? I'll show you pictures tomorrow!
*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Beadin Path were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Beadin Path Design Partners. These items are for review or design purposes. Other items were purchased by me, the artist, for my inventory.
You know that cliche, "everything but the kitchen sink" meaning everything that you can think of, but with no rhyme or reason. That was the study in this piece.
I have a box of bead odds and ends. They are left overs from a project that were not put back into the proper baggie or separated out after being swept into a pile during a whirlwind attempt at cleaning.
I love this look, and it is a great activity to jump start your creativity. Grab a handful of beads and arrange them either on the table or by stringing them. You will be amazed at how fast those wheels start to turn and the ideas start to roll out. It may be just the ticket you need if you are looking to expand your jewelry lines. If you always use the same pattern, if you always are symmetrical, if you are afraid to try new looks because you are in a comfort zone. Try it, see where it takes you. I would love to see your designs.
This is truly a random design that is brought together by the repetition of three seed beads between each bead.
Sometimes we all need a little something to hold on to to remind us there is a higher power, or to remind us of our good qualities, or even to give us that little bit of luck we need that day.
Gemstones portray that 'little bit of something' to me. They are easy to carry around or wear as jewelry. I can easily reach up and touch a pendant as a reminder, or reach into my pocket and feel their warmth and reassurance. Silly to some I know, but it is the same as throwing salt over your shoulder when you spill it, crossing your fingers for good luck, keeping your St. Christopher metal on the rear view mirror of your car, or not jinxing your team by always wearing the same outfit to the game. All of these are our little traditions or superstitions that make us feel better about us.
With this in mind, I made this pendant for my sister in law. I chose the stones for their meanings and 'powers'. She is gentle and loving soul, her life is her family and friends, a teacher, with genius creativity.
I wrapped garnet, citrine, iolite and carnelian to the crystal, which is is the focal, which amplifies the qualities of the stones.
I have been eluded - this necklace taunts me so. Three times I have tried to make what is in my head and still it lays in pieces parts. This morning, once again I took it apart and tried to make something come of it. I got three beads strung, *sigh* pushed up from my table and got another cup of coffee.
It just isn't happening.
I think I know why. I have had my "Purpose Pendants" on my mind all week as well. So many different designs are rolling thru my head, it is all I want to do. I made two new ones to try and quell this new obsession so I could start on my necklace, but to no avail.
Here are the two new pendants.
Creativity Coral, aventurine, apatite and citrine all for creativity
Balance - Iolite and agate for balance. The double swirl is also the celtic symbol for balance.
My shutter stuck on the last shot, and this is what it took. I think it is a fun shot
Smoookin!!!
Don't forget to check back on Monday for more updates on the Artist Exchange!
I have been up since 3:30 pacing with Newd. He has been restless all nite and has a more pronounced limp than usual. I did take him on his first walk yesterday and he may just be sore. He has been kenneled for nearly two weeks now and I am starting to add more exercise back into his routine.
I microwaved towels and made him a heating pad and he settled in for a while.
Now I am pacing. I have an interview in a few hours for the Associate Producer position. A great move up into the company from where I am, and good solid career move. I am nervous. I am always at a loss for words, have a tendency to make jokes and act a clown when I am nervous, and I can't do that today. I have to be on target and give them what they are looking for.
*think* *think*
I need to channel this energy into something, something positive.
*snap*
I am going to give you an inside look at my creative process. How my pieces go together and how my thought processes work when designing a piece.
I grab my books and begin to do some looking - I have it! I am making a new necklace to wear to the interview. I necklace charged with positive energy, creativity, organization, and communication. Just what I need to get me thru the day. I chose moonstone, labradorite, quartz, blue lace agate, jasper, rutilated quartz, and carnelian for my base stones. The bulk of the design in seed beads,crystals, some chain and a few buttons for focals.
I chose - moonstone, blue lace agate, labradorite and quartz for communication. jasper for organization. rutilated quartz and carnelian for creativity. The buttons are a representation of me. The chain is to show how each link is needed for the fluidity of the movement. Just like a team has to depend on each other for the outcome.
I was going to document the process but I chose to go with my 'tantrum' style necklace, and it is difficult to do. I chose the tantrum because order has to come from chaos in the position I am applying for. What I can show you is one of the draw backs to making this style of necklace and how you can fix it with no one the wiser.
During the beading of the 'tantrum' you weave the tail of the beading wire in and out of beads randomly. You have to keep the beading wire taunt during the process or you will have gaps in your beads after you anchor it like this -
What do you do? it is a pain to take the crimps off , pull in the slack, and set a new crimp - most times, I end up snipping the cover of the beading wire and have a fray. Not good.
So for a random tantrum style necklace like this, all you can do is go with it. You can create a coil. For this necklace I created a coil in copper, bout the same size as the 'slack'
Once the coil is made - 'screw' it onto the beading wire
Deep down, you and I can't be that different. How we gain our inspiraiton, express our emotions into our craft, or how we dig through our supplies to find just the right piece. I felt that you would have an appreciation of the effort required to create such beauty. I thought I would throw caution to the wind and bring a real side of me to you.
My Muse
The weather has been cold, and my muse has packed up and moved on south. This time of year is the worst for me and finding my creative vein. I just want to curl up with a good book and wait for spring. I sit at my craft table looking for inspiration, finding little and forced to create from the chaos that is my life.
I use to have the spare bedroom of the house set up as my crafting domain. I could close the door, turn on my music and get lost for hours. Now, I have been displaced - maybe that is it. Due to the life of chaos that I lead, add in a troubled nephew, and a jilted best friend with no where to go, I have no room. My spare rooms are now in use, and I am downstairs, in the wide open, with no doors, and no privacy. I think my muse, the fussy diva that she is, liked the coziness and the privacy of the spare room.
Across my craft tables, the cats now sleep. Beads and baubles getting stuck between their toes, and dropped throughout the house as they preen. The dogs chase the cats thru the house in good humor, ending up in a spray of supplies across the floor........ *sigh*
Our show schedules have slowed to a crawl, one here, one there. I sit at my table and stare, slurping on my coffee and trying to justify why i am not organized, or why I am not producing new product. I look around me, trying to make sence of the lack of organization, look out the window at the dim summer sun and shudder.
I have attached an image of my craft room and I have to laugh, for what would I gain by crying? Messy mascara :)
