Finding Inspiration - Creating for the model

We've all had em. Those lows. Those valleys where creativity refuses to dwell. Hitting those lows, leaves me hoping for any sliver of inspiration to needle it's way into the folds of my brain and create the spark that ignites creativity once more. Sometimes - it never comes.

Recently I was in this pre-dic-a-mint. While making jewelry for the Awakening C.H.A.N.G.E. Runway Revolution, I was at a stand still. A vapor lock. I didn't know what to do. I was makeing pieces for specific individuals, I honestly didn't know much about. I was desperatetly trying to get a feel for this person and wasn't connecting.

Of course I had heard of them, but that was about as far as it got. I didn't know anything about their lives, their impacts -only that two had movies made about them, neither of which I have seen.

So I began the trusty google search. I looked for pictures and articles about these women to get a better feel for them. Who am I talking about?

Frida Kahlo
Eva Peron
Nina Simone

It wasn't long before I started to get mental images of jewelry that I could make. The hunt began for components that I may have laying around, or would it require a trip to Michales. I ended up having to go to Michaels for alot of the stuff because I didnt' have time to make any online orders. Out of this process of research I came up with three distinct styles. These styles could easily be incorporated into my designs, and I could start collections named after these women.

All with a little research, and looking for inspiraiton.

Here is what I came up with to represent these women.

Frieda - Global Nomad Base metal focal, 20 mm natural wood beads, 3/0 red toho accent strand, all from Michaels Arts and Crafts







Eva - Re purposed pearl necklace, 8mm facted Czech crystals, Jill MacKay earrings for the focals, I used them as connectors (from Michaels)





Earrings - Jill MacKay from Michaels




Nina - Re purposed wooden necklace pieces. Wire wrapped tops, loaded with pearls from Sedona Stones



What lengths do you go to for your inspiraiton?

August - Peridot

August's birthstone is Peridot - say it with me - Pair-uh-doe.

Peridot is a beautiful stone, the best known gem variety of olivine. Some historians believe that some of the "emeralds" worn by Cleopatra were actually peridot. Peridot is worn not only for its beauty, but also for the belief it is supposed to bring the wearer success, peace, and good luck.

Here are some stunning examples of jewelry I have found online that use peridot, or use a classic peridot color in their designs.

Peridot Stacking Ring Set - BlackLotusDesign



Apple Tree of Life - wearmejewels


Spring Blooming Vine Necklace - SimplyAdorning



Peridot chainmaille Sterling Silver earrings - Cheli



Dramatic Dimensonal Filigree Medallion Necklace with Intaglio - Dawno



Life is But a Dream...Peridot Vesuvianite Green Tourmaline Vermeil Gold Filled Drama Filled Signature Original Draped Gemstone Scrolled Necklace - bellajewels




Now that you have seen these beautiful designs, I know you are itching to get your hands on some peridot, or some peridot colored glass/crystals. Where can you get them??

4-4.5mm Peridot Rounds - On Sale! - ArtBeads



Bead, Gemstone, Chips (Peridot) - Rings & Things



Swarovski Art 6007 Peridot 7x4mm 20 beads - BeadinPath



5 Strands Carmina Glass Pearls, Peridot (026), graduated 6 to 12mm 16 inch SedonaStones




Now I know you are itching to make your own desings using peridot - why not post a link when you are finished and share your work with everyone!

Thursday quickie

I am flat out today. No sleep again last nite, just a nap.

While I was awake I made a necklace for my monthly Facebook giveaway.

I had an old washer and thought I would breath some life into it. It happened rather quickly, one of those, start working, blink and I am done - ever happen to you?

I got to thinking - Y not let the ppl who stop by to visit my blog and are on facebook get in on the fun too. So I put a face book link over on the right hand side of my blog under my profile that will allow you to go to the page and add it to your list of favs.

To get you caught up here is April's giveaway -




Here is Mays giveaway -





Here is what is being given away for June





If you want to get in on the give aways join my fan page and leave me a comment!

Rings & Things blogger challenge - Hammered Oval Cable (Gunmetal)

This was another one that fell in my lap. I had been thinking about the cable chain in the blogger challenge pack from Rings & Things for a while, wanting to incorporate it into a piece and make it work as part of the focal.

*think* *think*

I was a bit mixed about the chain, not due to the quality or the design, was very lovely in that respect. I was mixed because the links were closed. So to remove a link, say to make a matching pair of earrings, I was forced to damage 2 links in the process. If I had not wanted to make the earrings, then I would have been set :) Just a bit fickle sometimes.

I removed two links and set aside for earrings, and then thought about what can I do with the now opened links.


*think* *think*

Oh, Ok, I know - I will scrub the finish off of them - they flake if bent too much, and make earrings from these too......more to come on this one....

Ok back to the project. Now I have my chain links and what am I going to do with them.
Grabbed some fun warm colors to incorporate, and let the fun begin.



Here is what happened with morning while drinking coffee and listening to Andreas Vollenweider






And the earrings to go with them



and i am wearing it today :)

Some fun

I finally got to sit down the other day and play with my new supplies. I know I know, it is spring - but i have always been drawn to the warmer earth tones. AND - what else to go better with the new filigree findings I got.

I have never been a fan of pearls and haven't worked much with them. (they scare me) These jumped out at me - right off the table they did - while i was standing in the check out line at the bead show. the vendors are sneaky, they do this on purpose. They keep you right there, in front of all the beads - taunting you, tempting you to buy more. They know your weaknesses!!! THEY PEY UPON YOUR LACK OF SELF CONTROL!!! ONE MORE STRAND, JUST ONE MORE STRAND YOU KNOW YOU NEED IT!!! YOU KNOW YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT!!!

*blink* *blink*
*pushes up glasses nonchalantly*
*clears throat*

where was i.........

i wanted something fun and drapey with lots of random, so this is what happened.

The Fancy Spade Filigree, (love these!) and the 4mm Round Filigree bead, I picked up from Rings & Things
The Chain came from Firemountain Gems
The pearls came from O mega gems
The random stones faceted carnelian, faceted tiger eye, and red agate came from Sedona Stones.