Gathering Materials

Part of my creative process is gathering materials I wish to use in future projects. Flipping through books, stamping words, painting vignettes, experimenting with resin and PMC, pulling strands and individual beads as well as a host of other elements are all a part of this phase. Once I’ve collected my elements and ruminated about the possibilities (this can take minutes or sometimes days), I begin to jot down design ideas in my journal. I especially love juxtaposing the placement of materials that reflect opposing attributes such as hard/soft, hot/cold and light /dark. I find this process challenging and often segues into something extraordinary. Next, I begin to sketch possible designs, knowing all to well that I will most likely stray from the initial rendition...but that's okay!

I like the juxtaposition of the hot and cold temperatures produced by resin and burning treatment.


Bits and pieces.


Dimensional Collage Pendant- effect created by combining elements such as seed pods, shells, decorative papers, text, crackle medium and watercolor paint.


More collage pendants.


Funky earring combination

Always look for the Unusual

I am always on the prowl for the odd or unusual bead to add to my stash. Finding unique beads is a lot harder than you think, so when I received a tip from a friend about the Potomac Bead Company , I was more than thrilled. Knowing I would be traveling through Maryland, I planned to check out the Hagerstown location (cute town by the way) and I am so glad that I did. My mouth dropped to the floor when I opened the door of the shop and the light bulb inserted within the cartoon cloud above my head began to flash incessantly. I was in bead heaven and enjoying every minute of it. I floated around the store resting on one bead station after another. I finally landed squarely on the glass enclosed bead case at the front of the shop (you know…the one with the expensive stuff in it) and gazed at the treasures within. Here are a few of my finds.

Just gorgeous! Bali turquoise/sterling/coral


Faceted lapis lazuli teardrops (they make me want to cry)...


Bali sterling/amber


Ethnic madness! Think color, texture and bold design. Shell/buffalo teeth/ceramic glazed bead/batik bone button



Let me show you how one unusual bead can transform a humdrum necklace into something stunning. Check out the techniques in my book, A String of Expression.

It’s Really OK to Judge this Book by its Cover

While I was designing and creating the jewelry pieces that would be featured in my book I often wondered which one would be selected for the cover. I wasn’t sure how much input I would have regarding this decision; however, I was delighted when the "Sky" pendant necklace was selected. From the moment I completed that necklace I knew it was destined for greatness. I believe this to be the case because the inspiration behind this piece… the recollection of a wonderful childhood memory, held such strong meaning. To find out more about the story behind this piece and to learn how to create a mixed media pendant using crackle paste, be sure to check out my book, A String of Expression- Techniques for Transforming Art and Life into Jewelry.

Blue Skies Smiling at Me

 

I spent the long holiday weekend with a very special friend. This particular friend has been absent from my life for many years…but that’s the funny thing about true friendships, no matter how long you have been separated a loyal friend somehow remains connected. You see, this is what I have learned; the invisible cord that connects genuine friends is undeniably mystical, eternal and quite impossible to break. People cross over each other’s paths continually throughout life; however, when our courses happen to intersect, something magical is bound to occur.

Bona fide friends take the time to tell you the real deal. They notice your accomplishments, praise you from the heart and only want the best for you…period. I love all of my friends for what they bring to my life and how they make each day worth living. True friendship embodies understanding, reciprocal dialog and after all is said and done… unconditional love.

The time I spent with my very special friend this weekend inspired the thoughts within this post. I am very lucky and grateful to have so many friends in my life and I hope I am as good a friend to them as they are to me.

Blue birds singing a song…nothing but blue skies from now on.

The Secrets to successful jewelry design are in this book!

 

I am thrilled and excited! After over a year's worth of hard work my book,
A String of Expression, is actually available for purchase at Amazon.com! The book details my process of creating one of a kind jewelry pieces by capturing ideas and inspiration from the pages of our own art journals. Intrigued? Check out the art pages below and the jewelry pieces that were inspired by them and tell me what you think! Discover more about this unique method of creating jewelry...pieces that are layered with our own genuine life experiences.

 

 

 

Photos taken on a Sunday afternoon

A girl and her cat.

 

 

 

Bold Elements of Inspiration

Objects



Journal pages



Color, texture, depth...Inspiration!

Drawing is a frame of mind, a loving embrace, if you will. (Susan Avishai)

What can be more magical than picking up a pencil and drawing something beautiful? My sister drew this portrait of a girl. It was one of her assignments from the online Portrait Workshop she is currently taking under the auspicious direction of mixed-media artist Misty Mawn. She claims I am capable of doing the same if I just practice. Really? I don’t know but I am willing to give it a try. There are times when it is necessary to stretch our brains around a new concept, go beyond our comfort zone and take an artistic quantum dive into the pool of unlimited universal potential. I will slip into my bathing suit and see what happens and I strongly urge you to come along.

I perpetually dream of going on an artist retreat to some faraway place such as the hills of Umbria but in this economy that can be quite challenging. Taking an online class can be an exciting alternative. There are quite a few artists who offer classes online. Listed below are some I know about…let me know if you hear of any others.

Visual Poetry- Online Art Workshop Series- Digital Photo-manipulation
Instructor- Susan Tuttle

Lk Ludwig offers several online workshops; see her blog page for descriptions.

Misty Mawn is talking about offering future online classes that sound very exciting if you love mixed media!

"Believe it or not, I can actually draw"
Jean-Michel Basquiat

Let the Day Unfold Before You

I can talk myself right out of writing something on my blog. I contend I have a million things to do, and believe me I do, but the crux of the matter is I don’t have anything interesting to say.

I had a normal day. I let it unfold before me, hoping all would be well and it was. I found parking spaces all over the place, I enjoyed being with my co-workers, I finished grading some papers, my car passed its emissions test, and low and behold I am writing on my blog.

I do not take days like this for granted. They are blessings… graciously offered and like a petal of a daisy they feel smooth and slight. That is how I will greet it tomorrow, only it won’t be tomorrow, it will just…be.


Art Pendants- Creating with resin papers and such!