Ramblings of an Outside Artist

Gathering Materials

2010-07-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-17T17:44:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

A girl and her cat.

Bold Elements of Inspiration

2010-03-17T22:03:00.001-07:00

Objects

Journal pages

Color, texture, depth...Inspiration!

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

2010-02-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

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!

I am in this Issue!

2009-11-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce that I have an article published in the latest issue of Bell Armoire Jewelry which is due out on the stands today. My article entitled, Inspired by Monet: Antique Tin Box Necklaces, discusses the creative process behind one of my latest obsessions, creating jewelry from antique tin boxes. Want to make one of your own? Check out the article...it lists the step by step directions on how to complete this pretty necklace!

Jewelry for a Good Cause

2009-11-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

A dear friend from work asked me if I would design an original piece of jewelry to donate to a silent auction she was organizing in order to raise money for a dance group. I was happy to oblige and here is the result.

An Evening by the Lake

2009-08-13T18:33:00.001-07:00

My sister, who is an extremely talented knitter, wanted my daughter to model her latest creation; a gorgeous shawl. It flows beautifully as you can see. The yarn is made from (of all materials) bamboo! So off we went to the lake to take the photos. I had the chance to use my new Canon, which I love! I also got some shots of a few old buildings in the quaint town of Ackworth.

I love the way the wind is blowing her dress.

Auntie and niece. Look at the details in the shawl.

Rusty things.

Monet is in Town!

2009-06-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to check out the Monet's Water Lillies collection now on exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Going on "art" trips is an excellent way to keep your own creative juices flowing. Today I took a break from writing and worked on some wonderful jewelry pieces. I was very happy with my hand-wired clasps. I did not realize how much fun they could be to make. I love the idea of using totally original clasps in my designs!

Little tiny paintings.

Old books- fun to collect as well as use in mixed media art work.

Oil pastels

There is nothing more beautiful than the blue of apatite beads! They look so...french!

Sneak Peek- something new coming soon!

Fun with watercolor and pastels...

Blue,blue,blue...I can never get enough.

Book Review- Book and Art

2009-06-22T11:25:00.001-07:00

What have I been reading lately?
Anyone who loves book binding, art journaling, mixed media or photography will absolutely love Dorothy Krause's new book entitled, Book and Art- Handcrafting Artists' Books. I can't seem to put it down. This wonderful book covers my favorite things like how to age paper (I'm always aging something), working with images, gelatin monoprints (this is extremely cool), transferring text and how to create scrolls!! It is packed full of information (extremely comprehensive) and if I ever find some time I am going to sit down and craft a few books of my own. I encourage you to check it out.

Remembering

I finally learned how to make a collage with the free Picasa editing tools. It's downright fun. Reading Book and Art inspired me to pull out some old photos and books. My dad past away quite some time ago and I thought creating a collage would be such a nice reminder of him.

How many of you save your art inserts from your Somerset magazines? I have been guilty of leaving mine inside the book so one day I decided to pull all my favorites and now I have a ton of images for future collage work.

More Mixed Media Elements

Update on my book

2009-06-01T17:12:00.000-07:00

This past week has been a blast! I mentioned many moons ago that my book proposal on jewelry design was accepted by North Light Books (that in and of itself is amazing). Last week, for the first time, I had the opportunity to meet face to face with my editor, Tonia Davenport, who is just wonderful. I also worked very closely with Christine Polomsky, the photographer, who is so patient and made what I thought would be a terrifying experience so much fun. How does she do that?

I was awestruck by the design photographs and the potential cover. They are so beautiful…definitely a personal surreal moment. Could this really be true? Am I dreaming? The official title for my book is…drum roll please…A String of Expression- Techniques for Transforming Life and Art into Jewelry. I just love it! I look forward to sharing more information about this adventure very soon. Here are some pics of the photo shoot.

I carried 33 lbs. of art supplies with me to the shoot.

Weather Talk and Shopping

2009-03-11T14:42:00.001-07:00

Can you believe a week later and it is 70 degrees! The weather in Georgia is always unpredictable. There is talk of another cold front coming in but I will deal with that later (the weather people here are usually wrong). Spring comes early to this part of the country and along with it a cache of allergy issues, sneezing, sinus headaches and burning eyes. Enough about the weather, I am beginning to sound a lot like my mother. Which brings me to my next point... isn't it insane, how as we grow older we hear ourselves beginning to sound a bit like our parents? Over the years I have often thought that if I had one more conversation about the weather from my mother I might have to slit my throat. Well, I think a plethora of weather stories are in my poor daughter’s future and already I feel sorry for her. Who knew?

Even though it was snowing we went shopping anyway and found some interesting stores in the Virginia Highlands section of Atlanta. My new favorite store is Paper Source. It is filled with gorgeous designer papers, a mix media artist's virtual play land. I spent more money than I care to mention in that store. Next we slushed our way over to Knitch, a knitting store that is to die for! Even if you don't knit (which I don't) you will love this place, as the collection of fibers and colors will inspire artists who work in any medium. We ended our day with a fabulous dinner at Twist, a tapas restaurant located at Phipps Plaza (I had a delicious golden beet salad with goat cheese, yummy candied pecans and citrus vinegrette dressing). Such a great snow day!

Fun with Photo Editing

2009-02-18T00:09:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the commercial with the cute little 4 year old who uploads her photos and “makes them better” with the click of the mouse? Well I have been having an equal amount of fun and success with the latest version of Picasa 3 (Goggle’s free photo editing program). I love the simplicity of this program and with the click of the mouse I can make my photos better as well!

Some of my favorite effects include: sepia, focal black and white, film grain (see above photo), soft focus, glow and filtered black and white. I can also create photo collages and make a movie of my selected photos.

I know many of you photo experts out there are thinking…how lame; however, I do plan on graduating from the Picasa school soon enough. My next step is to load my (still in its brand new box) Paint Shop Pro by Corel (similar to Photo Shop Elements) and become even more creative. Maybe I will begin layering stuff on top of each other (shut up!) and sooo much more…stay tuned!

I love the way the slash of color fades to black and white...this is one of my favorite tools!

From my desk

2009-02-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

Birthdays make me a little sentimental

It was very cold the day I was born. My mother told me that when she announced to my father and her mother that she thought it was time to go to the hospital… all parties immediately scrambled out of the house, tumbled into the car and promptly left her behind. It’s kind of nice to know how excited everyone was about my impending entry into the world. Mom said I was a beautiful baby and the attending nurses carried me around so much that she had to insist they bring me to her. Apparently I was quite popular (that all ended in junior high school).

I was crazy about my mother when I was a little girl. I constantly kept my eye on her. She had a way of making me feel safe. I thought she was beautiful. Her hair was always perfect and she wore just the right amount of make-up. We walked everywhere together…to the playground, movies, library, school, and friend’s homes. Walking was a huge part of our lives.

I remember school lunches with sandwiches wrapped in wax paper and cupcakes or cookies packed neatly in my lunchbox. I remember freshly pressed dresses, white socks and polished shoes. I remember the Cat in the Hat, and “read it again please.” I remember her calling me on my fake princess telephone. I remember hot tomato soup and saltine crackers on cold rainy days. I remember how much she believed in me and that she would have defend me to the ends of the earth …all of this I remember about my mother who I still, to this day, call "Mommy". Birthdays make me a little sentimental.

Human life is fleeting…temporary…short. I think if I were to die today it would be a surprise but I believe I would be cool with it. I have some regrets, things I can’t change but over all I have had a good life…loving parents, a very close sister, a dear daughter, a funny ex-husband and other close friends and extended family members. The purpose of my life is ever evolving as I attempt to create more inner space for something divine…something beyond words.

Studio Pics

2009-01-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

Several new magazines have been featuring places where woman do their "creating". Some of these rooms are quite beautiful, while others are very organized. I peer longingly into some spaces that are just over the top! My little room doesn't quite fit into any of these categories but I still love it anyway. The deep orange color wasn't quite what I was going for initially, but I must say it has grown on me, besides the thought of repainting makes my stomach turn. ;-)

Suddenly Earrings...Part II

2008-10-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

I am still in the mood for adorning the ears in beauty. I hope you enjoy viewing the rest of the collection.

Suddenly...earrings!

2008-10-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted and for this I apologize. I have purchased a slew of creative books, all of which are crammed with creative ideas that I can’t wait to try out (I will tell you all about that in a future post). I did manage to sit down for a few hours last weekend to design the earrings that you see here. They are available in my Etsy shop for anyone who may be interested.

The days are becoming cooler, a welcome relief from the scorching Georgia heat that knocks me out every summer season. Autumn comes late to this southern region and the leaves still haven’t decided to change colors. I simply can’t wait because fall is my absolute favorite time of the year and I feel compelled to cozy up my surroundings. It’s time spread candle vignettes all over the house, cook home made squash soup and apple pie and burn spicy smelling incense.

She's Leaving Home

2008-07-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

I will soon be facing an empty nest. It seems quite unbelievable to me. My only child, a daughter, just graduated from high school and is going off to college in the fall. I know when it is time to pack her up and take her things to the campus apartment, I won't be much good. Yes, the nerve wracking sound of music will no longer stream from the third floor, the cat may have some peace, and there will be no need to always have to cook dinner...but still. I sure will miss her.

I love the robin egg blue of these turquise beads, they look like they could fit into the empty nest in the mixed media piece above. My mom loved the twists and turns of this necklace and claimed it for herself. I will make some earrings to go with it.

Another view of the Empty Nest necklace.

Day trips are nice...

2008-07-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

It was great getting away from Atlanta for a minute and taking a day trip to Athens, GA, home of the University of Georgia. It is a cute little college town with lots of quaint shops and restaurants. Nourish is a new boutique located in Athens and several of my jewelry pieces are there. I loved the shop!

One of my pieces in the shop was selected to be in a huge one page spread in Southern Distinction magazine. I am thrilled. You can see both my original piece and the magazine spread below.

Of course I had to find a bead store and was very lucky to find some wonderful amazonite bead drops. Here is a pic of downtown Athens.

It was really nice getting away, with gas prices so high, day trips are a nice alternative. Still, I feel the beach calling my name...

What to do...what to do...

2008-06-15T14:13:00.001-07:00

Playing with texture using various types of gesso (i.e. crackle, garnet) on Kozo Rice paper with materials such as cheese clothe and crumpled tissue paper. The text (an original poem) has been printed out on a transparency sheet and slipped under the textured tissue papers.

Selecting stamps and molds...just purchased these goodies the other day...can't wait to see what happens. Picture shot with one of my favorite prints entitled: Kettle and Poppy Seed Heads by Arthur Easten.

Glorious contrast! The small pillow was quilted by my sister, Kathy, who has a wonderful blog called Knitting Sutra, for all of you out there who are passionate about knitting and working with fibers.

White texture...

Placed in the lower right hand corner, is an ink jet transparency made from one of my original mixed media pages. I scanned the mixed media page into the computer, put transparency paper in my printer, and proceeded to print out the image. This is a really fun way to reuse your original art work in new and exciting ways!

A Very Busy Time

2008-05-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been quite awhile since I have posted on my blog and I do apologize. It has been an extremely busy time with my daughter getting ready to graduate from high school! I am also very excited and happy to announce that the book 1,000 Jewelry Inspirations has been released! I am very fortunate that many of my pieces are featured in the book and I have one two page spread! I will be talking more about that feature in an upcoming post. Finally, I am in the process of completing a book proposal (another reason I am so busy). I have to steal time to get away to my tiny studio. I just completed these two special pieces.

String of Prayers Necklace

A very soulful piece of jewelry accented with layers of vibrant color and intricate twists and turns. A grouping of selected beads hang from a knotted turquoise leather lace and forms the centerpiece of this necklace. A long curved inlaid bone bead makes a great statement and the intricately designed Bali bead caps cup vintage glass and beautifully polished turquoise beads. The strand is finished off with coral rondelle beads.

Ancient Voices Necklace

This wonderful mix of jasper, African trade, bone, silver, glass, leather, and wood beads come together to form a sassy adornment. I forgot to mention that it also includes a generous piece of crystal that came from an old chandelier! The style of this necklace is asymmetrical, with one side connected by interlocking seed bead lariats and the other side accented by a select grouping of beads that hang perfectly from knotted leather lace.

Art Party

2008-04-03T16:39:00.001-07:00

Here is another angle of my journal page called "Fusion Heads". I painted it one summer when I was visiting my mother, who at the time, lived in PA. I loved (and miss) those long quiet summer days when you had nothing special planned at all. Sometimes my sister would visit at the same time and we would have one of our famous, "Art Parties". It was like being kids again! We would get out our toys (paints, beads, yarn... whatever) and begin to use our hands to create. We haven't had an Art Party in a long time.

I painted this journal page many years ago. As you can surmise, I was dealing with my ongoing frustration with procrastination. I still struggle, although I feel I am getting a little bit better. I have a great deal of things on my plate (all the time it seems) so it is important that I don’t get too overwhelmed. I just recently submitted several pieces to a new boutique that had its Grand Opening today! I hope all went well. If you are ever in the town of Athens, GA, stop by and check out Nourish. The shop has loads of handcrafted goods by some very talented artists.

Along the Creative Path

2008-03-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Spring has its benefits and one of them is lifting the gloom that was lurking too near the perimeter of my personal space. I think the temp reached 72 today, the sky is clear and I love the way the sun beams are streaming into the house. I have not been in my studio for a very long time. A few weeks ago (March 2^nd) I posted the entry “Beads of Inspiration”. Well, today I started fiddling with the beads and leather and a host of other ingredients. I am going to call this one “Hidden” because you really have to examine it up close to see all that is going on in this necklace, quite a few surprises and hidden elements.

Here is something else I am working on, the texture and the movement of the coral shells as it snakes around your neck makes such a gorgeous statement.

This cache of beads, shells, glass, silver, bone, and gem stones on dyed turquoise leather is another assemblage I started today. I want to call it “Prayer”. There is something about the combination of these elements that make me think about prayers. I do not know how it will end up, this is just the beginning. I will sleep on it. Sometimes I have to let partial design grouping brew a little while (sometimes a long while) before I know exactly what to do with it. An excellent book to read about the universal practice of prayer is by Thich Nhat Hanh, entitled “The Energy of Prayer”. Thich lives in a retreat in France called “Plum Village”. Plum Village is Buddhist monastery for monks and nuns and a mindfulness practice center for lay people.

What a relief to be back in a creative and inspirational groove. It’s like a form of prayer when you really think about it. How else does a formless thought become something genuinely beautiful?

Along the Spiritual Path- Trapped in the Web of Thought

2008-03-23T11:57:00.001-07:00

There is a constant chatter that goes on in our heads, so much so that it is often quite difficult to have a peaceful moment, a moment with no thought, just a stillness. That is why it is hard to meditate. We must constantly remind ourselves to shut up! Concentrate on the breath…just breathe.

I know that when I finally do quiet my mind, I get a glimpse of something ethereal, an “awareness” beyond my thoughts. Just recently I came across a poem by Rumi. He was a Sufi mystic who wrote poetry about his relationship with God, whom he called the “Beloved”. Part of the following poem, which is untitled, talks about being trapped in the web of thought:

…I’m only with you in this transient shadow that is my body;

My joy is beyond the cusp of your frantic imagination;

Now I have broken free of the dull gravity of knowledge

I take it and use it and do not let it oppress and abuse me.

Like insects we are trapped in the web of thought,

We are entwined in cords of anguish from moment to moment.

I can visit thought with diplomatic lightness ready and able

To spring away with the flick of a finger from its net when I will

Thought is my prey waiting for my will, I'm a hunter with a heart

Mathnavi 11, 3547

From:
Words of Paradise
Selected Poems of RUMI

Thank You

2008-03-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

I thank You God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
e.e. cummings

I Remember Sky

2008-03-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

The deepest azure sky I have ever seen was in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Puffs of the whitest fluffiest clouds hung in suspension overhead. Just as delightful and awe inspiring was the black velvet night sky, pierced randomly by twinkling star light. These visuals are forever branded on my brain. I want to go back just to see the sky if nothing else. There is just something about that place that I love and it keeps calling…keeps calling me back. There are certain places that speak to each one of us and there must be a reason why it tugs at our hearts and spirit.

Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now and his latest book, A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, expounded on his podcast with Oprah, that one day he woke up with a strong “knowing” that he had to move to California. He didn’t know why, but he had to go. At the time of this realization he was living in England. He packed his bags and ended up in California by way of Vancouver. While there he began writing his new book. He returned to England, but soon realized while he was there, that he could not come up with new material for book. He could only make editorial revisions. When he returned to California his flow of ideas reignited and he was once again able to write new material. It was at that point that he surmised this was the reason he had to come to California. The “vibration” level was different on the west coast and because of that he was able to complete his book! I find that story quite fascinating!

I think New Mexico has the same kind of power over me. Each time I go there I get fired up with ideas for my art…the entire landscape is so inspiring. The fresh air, dry climate, scrumptious dishes smothered in southwest flavors and magnificent sunsets are enough to make any soul happy. This little place, in the middle of the desert keeps calling me…keeps calling me back and one day I will answer.

Photographs Courtesy of Philip Greenspan

http://philip.greenspan.com/

I'll tell you one thing, this is my baby

2008-03-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

This is my puddy cat and his name is Rickie Boy. Anywhere I happen to flop down in my house, a few moments later my baby shows up and stations himself somewhere in the nearby vicinity. He's like that...he doesn't like to be alone. At night he sleeps under my bed and sometimes he even snores! In the morning when the alarm rings, he jumps on the bed and lays his body across my chest. I feel his little heart beat and that is so precious. Sometimes he sits behind my head and chews my hair. Rickie Boy is a faithful companion. I'll tell you one thing for sure, he's my baby.

Books

2008-03-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

I can never seem to have enough of them. There are piles of books all over my house, on the night table, next to the bed, on chairs, in baskets, on steps and yes, some are even on shelves! The books pictured are just some of the many books I am currently reading. These volumes ignite ideas and provide great inspiration. As soon as I purchase one another one comes out that I must get my hands on! Contrasting colors also spark ideas for design concepts including these wonderful deep blue lapis rondelles that a sweet friend purchased for me at the latest Bead Fair in Tucson, Arizona. Placing them next to a strand of African trade beads and a huge blue and white porcelain bead ( purchased at least 25 years ago in the East village, New York), say something really sublime! Don't you think?

Beads of Inspiration

2008-03-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

I just got these wonderful handcrafted beads from Blue Heeler Glass, a shop on Etsy.com. The row of glass discs in the chalky muted leaf hues are the ones I am specifically talking about... I absolutely love them. Today I was playing around with some of the many beads in my stash and came up with this combination in hopes it will inspire me to return to my studio. I have been in a bit of a funk... may the clouds pass over, allowing me a moment of peace. My mind has been much too over active with work, finances, the upcoming high school graduation of my daughter, fear of empty nest, loneliness, sadness...things I must work through. I have many design sketches on pieces of paper, in notebooks, on napkins, just about everywhere! Tonight I will watch Oprah's Big Give with my mom and eat chocolate cookies with milk, and then to bed!

Creative Everyday

2008-01-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

It is a new year, therefore it is time to do something different. I decided to join the online group of participants that congregate on the blog "Creative Everyday". All of the members vow to do something, anything, that is creative...everyday! To learn more about how it works go to: Creative Everyday 2008. I think this is going to be great fun and I look forward to checking out everybody's blog and gleaning support for my creative efforts along the way.

So far 2008 looks like a very promising year. I have also started a form of yoga called Svaroopa . I tell you it is changing my life. I have attended 10 classes so far and I plan on doing it for the rest of my life. This form of yoga is extremely gentle (especially good for people who have pysical ailments and limitations, of which I have both) anyone, and I am anyone can do it. All of the poses are supported (if needed) with blankets/blocks /head supports etc. Svaroopa is a Therapeutic style of Hatha yoga that uses familiar yoga poses to create a deep opening in the muscles around the spine. You feel absolutley wonderful during and after class. I will talk more about my experiences with this in later posts.

I am excited to show off some of the new pieces I have been working on in my studio. Take a look see.

Something new from Mandala Jewels

2008-01-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is what I have been up to lately. I just love everything about this new piece, from the variation in color of the jasper beads and the way they play against the "spotted" African trade beads, to the knotted suede lace which is threaded with hill tribe beads. I also added an old Asian coin into the mix. On each side of the southwest inspired focal point sits a cluster of semi precious stone charms consisting of primavera (my personal favorite), turquoise, bone and silver. This bracelet is truly an original...and very "rich" looking to boot!

Blue and White

2008-01-02T11:15:00.001-08:00

It's no mystery, blue and white are my favorite colors. I use this color combination in my decorating, jewelry design, and clothing. The deep blue of the New Mexico sky dotted with white cotton candy clouds can stop me dead in my tracks. I drool over blue and white porcelain in antique shops all the time, and I love french country blue and white toile fabrics. The fascination never seems to end. There is just something very fresh about these colors and throw in green or red as a contrast and I am in heaven.

What can you do with coconut beads?

2007-12-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

This one is really different. I don’t know what I was thinking when I created it but it is turning out to be one of my favorite pieces. When I saw the large coconut beads with their wonderful dark coffee color and textured beige stripes, I had to have them. At the time I had no idea what I was going to do with them, but I knew at some point they would be used in something special, and this is the result.Other materials included in this necklace are jasper rondelles, bone, shell, African trade bead, vintage glass, copper, leather, silver and quartz.Odd copper toggle clasp. Measures 16 3/4 inches.

Getting Ready for a Jewelry Party!

2007-12-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

I find that getting ready for one of my jewelry parties is extremely exhausting. It creates more angst than I care to deal with however, the rewards are great!

So, I have been designing my signature funky pieces at a fast and furious pace. I am always afraid that each design may be my last, but thankfully that has not been the case. My craft table looks as if a gigantic bead bomb landed on it.

Check some of my new pieces that I will be presenting.

Much too Short

2007-11-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Our Georgia fall was much too short this year. I mourn because autumn is my favorite time of year and I don't much appreciate a long summer which robs me of this pleasure. After my Sunday yoga class I grabbed my camera hoping to capture the essence of its fleeting presence. I romped around the neighborhood taking pics of things that appealed to me. One of my new necklaces also reminds me of this wonderfully crisp, beautiful, and colorful time of year.

Bead Dance

2007-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

I have been in somewhat of a fog lately…simply going through the daily motions of my existence as if someone else were living this thing I call my life. I am not present. I really want to be, but I am not. I see this person rising from her bed each morning, taking that long walk to the bathroom and peering into the mirror. Who is she? She looks lost, confused, alienated, tired, worried, burdened and buried under something huge and heavy. When will this fog lift? It immediately evaporates when she enters her studio. Someone whispers secrets in her ear and the beads begin to dance. Thank God for that, or else she might be the first person who ever had to be resuscitated from having her head suspended within a cloud.

Love of Color

2007-09-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

When I was a very young child, I lived with my aunt during the week while my parents worked at their government jobs. Every Friday they would come and get me and I would spend the weekends with them. I looked forward to those Fridays, anxiously awaiting their arrival, peering between the banister slats of the upstairs porch, looking for that clunky black car to cross Prescott Place, and land right in front of the steps. Her body leaned sideways, and the soft face with painted lips peeked outside the car window, our eyes met and it was as if she were looking at me for the very first time. At once I screamed her name then ferociously attacked the wooden steps leading to her arms. In her hands she carried a brown paper bag and in it something special for me. What would it be today, a paint set or crayons and a coloring book? Either way, this is when I believe my love of color began. Even now, 50 years later, I must still have my “toys”, be it pastels, paints, beads... whatever!

River Run Necklace- an experiment in color

Paint Box Necklace III- I love color!

I Wonder What I Should Name It?

2007-09-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about a name for this piece. "Ghana Trade Winds", comes to mind due to the african trade beads used in the piece. I also like the name, "Beady Eyes".

This necklace looks as if it has been painted with all the colors of a child's watercolor paintbox. I love it! Elements include African trade beads, old lapis tube bead, turquoise, inlaid bone rondelles, vinatge glass, deep pink opal teardrop on heavily oxidized sterling silver loopy chain.

Elements

2007-09-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

I pulled many elements together to create this necklace that I call, Treasures. I wasn't very thrilled with the way my photos came out today, so I will have to reshoot everything tomorrow. Even though the picture isn't the greatest, you can still see some of the detail. I used shell, bone, hill tribe silver, handforged sterling silver rings, suede, leather, coral, african trade beads and more!! This necklace will be for sale in my Etsy Shop some time this week. Below is a sneak peek preview of my Ghana trade Winds Charm necklace (tee hee), it will be in the shop by mid week.

somewhere i have never traveled

2007-09-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon one of my favorite E.E. Cumming’s poem. He knew how to write about love without ever using the word.

Somewhere I have never traveled

somewhere i have never traveled, gladly beyond

any experience, your eyes have their silence:

in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,

or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me

though i have closed myself as fingers,

you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens

(touching skilfully, mysteriously) her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, i and

my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly

as when the heart of this flower imagines

the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals

the power of your intense fragility: whose texture

compels me with the color of its countries,

rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes

and opens; only something in me understands

the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)

nobody,not even the rain, has such small hands

I wrote the following poem after reading several of E.E. Cummings poems and being inspired by his style.

Blackness swallowed me that night
Before lay miles of loneliness
Silence so palpable, wondrous, still
Floating on waves of God’s breath
was thy here near inside there nowhere or will I never know?
i am my savior

Charming and Colorful

2007-09-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Charm Necklaces

New Line Coming Soon!

Here is a preview.

Blog Feature!

2007-09-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I have been featured on Cozy Siter's Blog. Check out the interview here: http://cozysister.com/blog/

Great Photos Make a Difference

2007-09-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

The following photos were taken by one of my dear, Art Jewelry Collective Street Team buddies. I will be using one of these pics for an upcoming ad in Ornament Magazine. Which one would you select?

Streams of Thought- Mixed media collage

2007-08-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Watercolors, acrylic paint, old dictionary pages, clip art, art paper

Cow Girl at Heart II

2007-08-19T13:52:00.001-07:00

I costumed designed this piece for one of my favorite patrons.

Fun design, would go wonderfully with a great white shirt or "T" top

Front details- handcrafted heart/intricately knotted suede adorned with thai silver and jasper beads/horseshoe charm/odd copper bead

Back view- hand wrapped wire beads/african trade bead/antique coral bead/wonderful heavy sterling silver chain

Something New from My Workshop

2007-08-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

I call this one BELIEVE.

I Wonder Why I Cannot Sing

2007-07-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

I wonder why I cannot sing. I honestly cannot carry one single tune. I vaguely remember studying those little black notes in elementary school and being quite the failure at it. Another dreaded memory of my persistent vocal failures is the time I tried out for the Glee Club at school. We each had to sing a designated part of the “Star Spangled Banner”; of course I got the portion of the song that required the highest pitch, you know the line…, “and the rockets red glare, were just bursting in air”. I can still remember the humiliation of it all. I believe my self esteem took a nose dive of at least 50 points that day. However, none of this has stopped me from belting out a song in the privacy of my own home or car when no one else in the world can hear me.

I do sing for my closest family members who cringe at the mere opening of my mouth; nevertheless, I derive so much joy from torturing them with my spontaneous solos. My mother often laments, “Poor Junie, I don’t know why you can’t sing because you want to so much.” Yes mother that is the problem in a nut shell. When my daughter was a baby I always sang songs that I made up at the spare of the moment, little love songs for my special girl. She loved them. Poor baby was tone deaf. Of course that baby is now seventeen years old and threatens to choke me if I dare sing another note in front of her. Where did all the unconditional love go?

Once, a co-worker told me a story about her singing voice. Her voice, by the way, is soulful, strong, and beautiful. She went on to tell me that she could not always sing. At some providential point in her life, she allowed grace to enter and it was at that precise moment that her vocal cords began to ignite in song. It was a miracle. I was amazed by her story and quite honestly, believed every word of it. So, I have concluded that maybe grace will grant me a beautiful voice as well. Until that day I will continue exercising my vocal cords to the horror and astonishment of anyone who happens to be nearby.

Technorati

2007-07-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Technorati Profile

A whole lot of Mumbo Jumbo!

2007-07-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

I call this piece Mumbo Jumbo. It didn't last long in the shop. Someone nabbed it quick. I love the colors in this necklace, very odd choices but somehow it works!

Eye Candy

2007-07-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Vote for Your Favorite!

2007-07-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am a member of the Eclectic Jewelry Artist street team on Etsy. We have a little competition going. Each jewelry artist on the team was asked to create a piece incorporating wire. We need as many people as possible to vote on their favorite entry. In return we will hold a drawing and someone will win a gift bag from EJA members! My entry is pictured below. In order to vote please go to: http://eeja.org/wire_comp/wired.html

What happens when you fuse African, Asian and contempory influences?

2007-07-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

A necklace I have designed called Fusion!

The blue and white porcelian bead served as the major inspiration for this design, but I have also added a couple of african trade beads and an old coin into the mix. I have collected many blue and white pieces and display many of them in my kitchen. As you may have guessed, blue and white are my favorite color combination.

Ring around the Rosie...

2007-06-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Yummy colors...earrings will soon be avalibale in my shop! Aren't they cute?

For a Thousand Summers

2007-06-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have already used up 54 of my summers. This fact finds me a little disgruntled, somewhat piqued, more poignantly…on a roller coaster ride through the narrow curves of hell whilst fighting off impending doom at every rest stop and burger joint. Cheez even my most profound epiphany’s involve food. It also forces me to ask the question, “What the hell am I doing with my life?” Have I wasted 54 summers? Sometimes it feels like it and this summer doesn’t exactly seem to be contradicting my present plight. The little voice outside my head (the one inside my head is writing this post and is a little disturbed) is telling me to get a grip girlie, you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. Stay in the present moment. Yes, 54 summers have passed and only God knows how many more are ahead, but I must be content with this moment, with this breath, with this soul.

Jewelry designs that take place in the "present moment" come out the best. I have photgraphed these pieces on some of my arist journal collage pages. I love the effect.

Featured on Block Party Press Blog!

2007-06-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

What inspires one to create? Tamara, of Block Party Press asked just that question. She asked several artists to detail the inspiration for specific pieces of their artwork. I answered the call! I am happy and excited to annouce that she selected me to be featured on her blog. Keep in mind that she will be featuring additional artists and their inspirations several times a week. You will see everything from paintings and drawings, jewelry, mixed media, assemblage, knitting and polymer clay. Take a peek!

Tamara also has a wonderful shop on Etsy.com. She creates wonderful graphic and artistic designs with polymer clay, including pendants, earrings, cufflinks, rings etc! Check it out!

A Gift for a Friend

2007-06-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is a charm necklace I designed for a friend who is retiring. I think she really loves it. I used an old piece of crystal from a vintage chandelier for the centerpiece.

Long Weekends Spur Creativity

2007-05-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Aren't holidays wonderful? I look forward to each and every one of them. It means more time to spend in my studio doing what I love, creating and designing jewelry. I may even get a chance to paint. I have a watercolor I would like complete. I have been working on the piece above for quite sometime. Today I had the opportunity to finally complete and put it up for sale in my Etsy shop. The colors are bold and the design is as well. Lots of unusual components have been included in this piece…suede lace, bone, conus shells, inlaid bone rings, and a jasper donut. I wonder what kind of person will but this necklace. What do you think?

Yo Yo Baa

2007-05-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

I really don't know what comes over me when I begin to name my pieces. Sometime I mull it over for a few days and other times a name will jump out of my head immediately, hence Yo Yo Baa for the above masterpiece. I know, it makes no sense but names don't always have to mean something. The colors are yummy. If you want to take a closer look you can visit my shop. The next piece is called The Shield, for obvious reasons. The Thai silver pendant reminded me of a shield. Once again I cannot resist the use of bold colors and different bead shapes, sizes and texture.

I named of this one is called The Kitchen Sink, because everything is in it except the kitchen sink...clever!

Nurturing the Creative Spirit

2007-05-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Picasso said, “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” As a child, I can remember lying face up in my bed with a slight smile on my face, appreciating the initial indications of a bright summer morning. The steady stream of fresh air filled my tiny nostrils, sunshine illuminated every surface, and I could hear the faint sounds of giddy laughter and chatter from children playing down by the water brook. I slowly emerged from my sweet slumber, while simultaneously calculating the possibilities of the day, all before my feet even touched the hardwood floors. I was excited about what the day had in store for me, never doubting it would be brilliant.

I was not intimidated by the box of 64 Crayola colors, nor did I worry about what I would sculpt with my play dough, and good lord, as soon as I could get outside to greet the day there was no need for Parker Brothers to facilitate my game playing adventures. I made up my own games and more importantly, my own rules. There were instances when this unbridled creativity led to my downfall, such as the famous, “Toilet Paper Parade”. I don’t know why I thought it would be a good idea to tie toilet paper on sticks, and encourage a host of friends to do likewise. The inspiration for the parade quickly pursued and we all jump on our bikes, held our handmade flags proudly in the air and took our procession to the streets, unfortunately to the horror and dismay of my poor mother. Needless to say we never made those flags again, but it was a delicious idea at the time. I was not in survival mode back then, life was easy… life was fun.

The creative spirit resides deep within and even as a young child I would lay still in the grass, look up at the bluest sky, and for a fleeting moment realize there was something much bigger than myself at work in the universe. As adults we tend to forget how important it is to just be still, to be quiet and know without any uncertainty that anything is possible. This simple act gives birth to the seeds of greatness.

However, what happens when our creative juices suddenly and unexpectedly run dry? As a jewelry designer, I ponder this dilemma, albeit only momentarily. I have several quick fixes under my belt. Here are some suggestions to help you through those unproductive periods that haunt us all.

Commit to taking time out of your day, preferably very early in the morning before anyone else is awake, to be quiet and at peace, even meditate if the spirit moves you to do so.

The space in which you work needs to be comfortable as well as inspirational. Hang pictures of images that kindle the imagination, paint the walls your favorite color, and place your special pieces in prominent locations throughout the space.

Go for nature works, they are refreshing and you will be surprised by the things that inspire you along the way.

Engage in artistic pursuits other than your chosen medium. Even though I am passionate about jewelry design, I also write, paint, sew, and dabble in mixed media.

Go with the flow. Creativity is an illusive process that ignites unexpectedly and if you allow it, will flow continually until you cease to be no more. When an extraordinary idea explodes let it overtake you, yield immediately, and remove any egotistical leanings. It is not about you, it is about the process. Creating really is a form of surrender. For me, it often takes place in the wee hours of the morn, while I am putting a bead on, taking a bead off, until I am no longer thinking, just doing, and that’s when something genuine becomes form. Once the trance is broken I may as well walk away until the next providential urge to slip back into my studio takes over. I live for those moments.

It is nice to remember the days of my carefree childhood and how much easier it was to be true to my spirit, but I certainly would like to believe it is possible to live that way each and everyday of our lives. So, even though the restrictiveness of our daily schedules try to crowd out our precious play time, it is important to take the time to nourish our spirit, continually engage in creative pursuits, and courageously conceive the impossible!

Five Things I Can Do To Improve Conscious Contact

2007-04-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

"Once we accept that creativity is a spiritual act...we can consciously choose to invite divine participation." Julia Cameron

1. Concentrate on my breathing.

2. Meet the day before it begins and be still.

3. Watch the breeze.

4. Stop thinking.

5. Sit by water and read or listen to spiritually uplifting material.

CONFESSION

2007-04-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

Oh the agony...the guilt...the pain

I haven't been doing my morning pages, taking my walks, or going out on artist dates for the past several weeks. Since I just the read the chapter "Uncovering a Sense of Truth", I felt this might be the opportune time to spill my guts. I think I need encouragement and a B12 shot.

Beginnings of a Poem

I am this rock eroded by harsh winds and trickling water

I am this hollow shell sheltering voices of the sea

the sea salt bathes my wounds

I am this tree rocking to and fro meditating purpose and bliss

I am this breeze perfect in every way reaching beyond the universe

I am not this flesh, blood, and bones

I am so much more than that...

All is not in vain, I have been in my studio, "on fire", creating some awesome jewelry pieces.

Some Believing Mirrors Work Overtime

2007-03-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

The pillow my sister made for me one Christmas.

My sister is my strongest Believing Mirror. Let me try to explain one the reasons why that is the case:

My sister holds the key to all of my memories. I suffer from a kind of self imposed amnesia. Often, when we talk she’ll recollect an event and look across at my questioning face. She realizes I haven’t a clue. “June, don’t you remember, we got up very early that morning, and mommy let us go outside for the first time in our lives without even combing our hair?” “Oh, yeah,” I’d apologetically reply, “I’d forgotten that.”

At some point in my life, I decided I wasn’t worthy of such memories and henceforth arbitrarily dismissed personal moments as they spun past. So, my sister does it for me, until I am capable of doing it for myself, should that day ever come. There are countless blank time periods that lack detail and significance. My sister fills them in with faithful regularity and even composes touching moments that cause my heart to quiver and tears to swell. Fortunately for me, she is a natural story teller of clever wit and insightful commentary.

For a very long time I did not understand the reason why I could not fill in the empty spaces of my own existence. Well, that’s not completely true. I knew the precise moment my life was altered; I just did not consciously recognize it until recently. Nor did I realize its profundity and the absolute impact it would have on my time here on this earth. Please, do not think horrible thoughts. I was not molested, or abused as a child. It had nothing at all to do with mistreatment. It was just a bad mistake, an overheard conversation that was certainly meant to be private, but was nevertheless, overheard by nosey five year old ears.

Yes, my sister holds the key to all of my memories. What does she think of this job? For a long time, I don’t think she even realized she was employed, but thank goodness she is prompt, conscientious, and asks for no compensation, otherwise, the pages of my book would be utterly… blank.

The Loathsome Inner Critic

2007-03-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

It has just recently been reported that my inner critic, "The Wretched Whisperer" (WW for short), has been in a terrible accident and has severely injured her throat chakra. It is my understanding that she will have to undergo extensive surgery. Unfortunately, she always recovers, just in time to wreak havoc in my life. Just as her name implies, she never, and mean never, speaks above a whisper. That behavior is downright insidious, annoying, sneaky, and low. Her soft sickening voice utters nasty sentiments such as, “You are so stupid…So…you think you have talent?...No one is going to appreciate that!” Who would think that whispering could be such a subversive act?

The WW is that fly on the wall that everybody wants to be, the lurking voyeur who peers into my most private moments, ready and willing to annihilate my best intentions. She thrives best in humid, sticky environments, vibrates at low frequency levels, and feeds on negativity. Absolutely nothing is sacred to her, with the exception of the god of pessimism. To him alone she does obeisance.

The WW loves to travel and will go anywhere at a moments notice, but it should be noted that she cannot journey to higher levels of consciousness, abhors zen like retreats and has never been able to find her way in or out of a mandala. She is not privy to my prayers, so to escape, I seek refuge in them. She frequently tries to interrupt the meditative process, but goes limp from lack of air.

The recent accident has lessoned her presence in my life. The injury to her throat has rendered her speechless; therefore, I will take this opportunity to rise above the whispers and persevere.

Divining Rod

2007-02-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

She thinks it odd to live so close to a mountain where deer run free because instead of residing in a rustic habitat, she calls a modern condo with 9 foot ceilings and hardwood floors her home. The juxtaposition of her residence and surroundings makes her smile.

She loves the colors of her walls because they remind her of the turquoise blue ocean of St. Thomas. The coral red sofa she bought makes a bold statement against the sea of blue. It tickles her that the first thing people say when they walk into her home is, “Oh! I just love the color of your living room!”

There are a cache of meaningful objects that are scattered about the condo, funky patchwork pillows her sister made, white dishes she received one Christmas, blue and white porcelain collectibles and her ebony Indonesian hutch. The eclectic cottage look would probably define her style to a “t”.

She’s at an age she would like to forget. Every now and then she notices the ever so slight wrinkles forming on her face. Peering into a mirror, she takes the palms of her hands, places them on each side of her face and gently moves them in an upward direction to receive the free face lift. She then releases the upward pull and accepts the reality that passing time has on the human shell.

She lives with a sense of optimism that blankets some self doubt and insecurities. These ailments act as a low grade fever; consequently, they do not appear to be life threatening at this time.

The best thing is for the first time in her life she knows what she wants, a quiet place to be alive…to create… a Spanish style cottage in the hills of any city beginning with the name Santa. She sees herself walking barefoot across the cool red terra cotta tile floors, her white linen see through gown swishes as a breeze from an open window enters the house. She’s not certain what time of year it is, most likely autumn and the night sky is calling her, beckoning her to come outside and greet the sweet air and view the overwhelmingly beautiful evening performance. God is waiting there for her. He asks her if she likes her grass green kitchen cabinets and Mexican tile counter tops. She howls with laughter nodding in the affirmative. All she has to do is believe.

Inspiration

2007-02-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

“In order to make art we must be willing to labor…willing to reach inside and draw forth what we find there. On an inner plane, we are all connected to a larger whole. This is what is meant by inspiration, this connection to something greater than ourselves.”

Julia Cameron, Finding Water

I say Amen. Here is my plight. Often (very often actually), my mind begins to ignite, ideas are flowing fast and furious, I barely have time to find a piece of paper to quickly sketch out my ideas before another one tumbles out of my head. I’m very excited, almost hyperventilating to the point of passing out, sometimes at this very instant, the axis of the universe shifts and my favorite jazz song will suddenly ooze out of the radio, a song that takes you to another place (chocolate may even be nearby with the promise of cold milk to accompany it), things are just so good…and that’s when it happens. I become paralyzed. I do not want to leave the coziness of my bedroom (where all of my favorite things live) and go to my studio (the room that took me 25 years to get) and bring my wonderful ideas to fruition. Is this a diagnosable condition? Perhaps IDD- Inspiration Deficit Disorder? What is the matter with me?

“We must be willing to labor.”

Yes. Once again I say, amen. We must labor. I must labor. I attack the stairwell, enter my terra cotta colored studio and close the door. I’m in baby! I sit at my table and peruse the hundreds of beads, tools, and silver before me. I rush back downstairs to collect my sketches (because I always forget something) and before long my hands are doing something. The labor begins, it is joyous and the best part is that in a moment unbeknownst to myself, I cross over into inspiration, the zone where God and I collaborate, and I must say that we make such beautiful music together.

This is a "liberated" (no pattern, just sew patches of material together to make a design) quilt I made many years ago. It has served as an inspiration for many things.

Finding Water- Remembering New Mexico

2007-02-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

The author of Finding Water touched on the fact that at one time she lived in New Mexico. She missed the mountains, sage bushes and the smell of pinion. So do I. I have made several sojourns there and each time I was extremely sad to leave. There is just something mystical about the place. Once, when traveling away from Santa Fe and headed for the hills, I pulled over to the side of the road. My sister was with me. It was night. We stepped out of the car and peered upwards at the blackest night sky I had ever seen. The stars were close enough to touch. I was at one with the universe in that most sacred and quiet place. That is precisely why I must return.

Finding Water

2007-02-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

I have just started on a new adventure. I have joined a group of women who are committed to completing the twelve week program outlined in the book, Finding Water. I still need to purchase the book, but I am familiar with morning pages from my short flirtation with the Artist Way program. So, this morning at approximately 5:30 am I began to write. It is so quiet. I am at peace. My thoughts flow easily onto the paper, simply the ramblings of my mind. Cheez, it's full of clutter! It wasn't until the third page of writings that I began to realize that I was writing about something more meaningful than random musings. Once I looked up at the clock it was 6:04. Where did the time go?

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-02-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday (only 2 minutes left and it will be over) and I spent it chilling out at home. I organized a few beads, finished a necklace I was working on, ate cake and drank cold milk...yum!

An old art journal page entitled the three faces of Me.

Something to think about...

2007-01-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

Whether we look in a telescope or a microscope, infinity is the end of it and we are but a spec in this utter vastness.

Flickr Slideshow of my Latest Pieces

2007-01-07T03:59:00.000-08:00

You may now view my latest pieces via the Flickr Slideshow. It is located at the top of my blog, enjoy!

My Etsy Shop

One of my favorite pieces

2007-01-03T21:19:00.000-08:00

Recently I designed a necklace that I was crazy over. I wore it for two days and on the second day someone bought it right off my body! I was definitely in a "design" zone when I came up with the idea for this piece. The large jasper pendant stone served as the inspiration for the rest of the colors and beads I used.Take a look.

Wild Child

2006-12-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

I think I am obsessed with, or either possessed by, the jewelry design spirits. Every waking and sleeping moment visions of daring bead color combinations/designs emerge from my psyche. I want to take my work to another level. My next experiment will be working with enamel, but more about that in another post. You can find my latest designs in my Etsy shop at http://mandalajewels.etsy.com. I am a proud member of Eclectic Jewelry Artisans http://eeja.org Here is another necklace I designed, its name is Wild Child. Can you think of why?

New and lovely and wonderful and...NEW!

2006-11-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy in my studio this past weekend. For quite awhile I have had a lovely Tibetan Prayer box charm and could not figure out what to do with it. I tried it out in several designs, only to take it apart and start again. This weekend I struck gold and was inspired to create this baby. I love the way it turned out and it looks beautiful on the wearer. It is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop @ www.mandalajewels.etsy.com.

New Mandala Woman

2006-11-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

I just completed this painting several days ago. She is going to go on my new business cards for my jewelry shop.

I Made the Treasury Page!

2006-10-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

Unless you own an Etsy shop that title probably means nothing to you. I have a wonderful little jewelry shop filled with one of a kind pieces at my Etsy Shop. Stop by and check it out. Every month they have a challenge. This month's challenge was to create something orange. My piece was one of twelve chosen to be on the Treasury page. If the Treasury page happens to become the front page of the entire site that means more traffic for my shop! Yes that is my intention for this week now lets wait for good things to happen. You can purchase all of the necklaces shown at my Etsy Shop . The necklace above and to the right is the winner! It features various semi precious chips, a sterling silver flower charm, pumpkin colored delica seed beads and a sterling silver clasp. Just lovely!

The necklace above and to the left is called Citrine Dream. It features a gorgeous citrine pendant, a bundle of lapis stones, and amber colored crystals, all joined to an oxidized sterling silver chain.

Collage Fun

2006-10-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Today was crazy. I am not the most tech savvy person, so trying to make my own labels/business cards/stickers for my shop can turn into a big mess! Then on top of that my ADD brain begins to go off on many other tangents, for instance, how to make a collage of my jewelry pictures. I just don’t get how to publish them, but let’s see if I can get it to work. If you see a photo collage underneath this post, or next to this post, or above this post…then you will know that I have been succesful!

I did it! This was accomplished with the Picasa 2 program (free download from Goggle). It's not fancy dancy; however, it's free, so there you go. For anyone with tech challenges this is the program for you. Photo Shop experts move on, please.

And I think I'm goin' out of my head...

2006-10-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

'cause I can't believe the tears that I've shed...

Yes, the madness continues, but this time it is taking place in my studio! Oh, I have been quite the busy person, busting in and out of jewelry stores with no money, tossing and turning at night due to an onslaught of design inspirations, and joyously suffering from this wonderful anticipation that invades my soul. Suddenly I don't know what to do with myself, and I just love it! I am the opposite of blocked. Ever wonder where the creativity comes from and alternatively, what do you do if you become blocked? I have several good fixes that can conjure up the creative juices. Take a listen to The Creative Fire CD by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D. I don't know how or why it works... it just does. Listen to it and let the magic happen.

Fire Heart Necklace on sale in my Etsy Shop

Second fix: The Artist Way by Julia Cameron- Most have heard of it, throngs have purchased it, countless others have even started the process, but how many have actually completed the program? Well, ok, I didn't finish it either, but I know it is good for the soul who wants to lead an inspired life. So try it. I want to hear from those who have completed the prgram and described how it impacted your life...or not.

Etsy = Maddness

2006-10-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

Vintage Amazonite Necklace (for sale in my Etsy Shop)

Since I have just recently opened my shop at Etsy I've gone a little mad. I haven't sold a thing and I know that I need to be patient, but it is really hard. Each day I open my shop and I read "zero sold". As an old song said, (and I don't recall who sang it because my memory along with other things on and of my body are not quite in tact), "one is the loneliest number", but let me tell you, zero is far worst than that. My, what a run on sentence that was, but every word was necessary. Next post will be much more... pithy.

Here and Now

2006-10-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Here and Now

Here and now the ocean waves coincide with the thunder in my chest
Being here is like being home because this where I come from
The Sea
The Salt
The initial freshness sprouting along the coral reef
The Timelessness
The seam rips like a needle running parallel across a 45
The sound is deafening
I am lost, for I am no seamtress