What's Your Inspiration?

Inspiration comes from many places. For me, I'm often inspired by the beads themselves. The necklace pictured above is the perfect example. I found these gorgeous, large olive jade rectangle beads at a shop in Philly. I didn't know what I was going to do with them, but since I LOVE this shade of green and knew they were one of a kind, I bought them. Since I try to keep my pieces affordable, and the beads were pricey, I knew I wanted to use them combined with something else. When I saw this carved Olive Jade flower pendant online, I felt I was onto something. I thought the color would combine well with the natural brass chain and that's how I designed the Jaded necklace. There's only 1 left, so if you'd like it, pick it up!

The second week of the HiP blog challenge is here and that brings me to my question for YOU..What Inspires You? You've heard what inspires me, and I would love to know what your inspiration is for the things you create. I can't wait to read your answers!

Inspiration and A Tagging Game

I am asked quite often where I get the inspiration for my designs. There are many things that inspire me. First and foremost, I think the beads themselves make the design. I often by a bead because I love it, then later on figure out what to do with it. I'm also inspired by TV, fashion magazines, and images on the internet. I love to see what other people are wearing and sometimes I take something I've seen and put my own spin on it. I'm also inspired by the seasons: fall brings about the changes in the leaves, winter brings sparkly snow, spring with it's vibrant flowers, and summer just reminds me of the beach. I was recently reading the blog, Designing Hilary, where she talks about her inspirations. Hilary is a very talented jewelry designer whom I've met in several of the social networks we belong to. Check out her shop to see what I mean!

The ring above is one of my newest designs and I was inspired by the beautiful Vintaj brass pieces. I wanted to do a ring in brass, and when I saw they introduced this etruscan piece that could be manipulated into a ring band, I was thrilled. I love the look of this brass, it has a vintage look while still being modern. I used a round of Chinese Ocean Jasper which I think compliments it perfectly.

Lastly, I've been tagged! I have to say it's a first. My wonderful buddy Annette of Under the Loupe tagged me and I must tell you 7 things you may not know about me and then nominate 7 other blogs, with a link to the person's blog who tagged you. Here goes:

1. I was raised by a single mother.

2. I've always been very shy and mostly a loner.

3. I wanted to be a veternarian when I was little.

4. I have a B.A. in Visual & Apparel Merchandising.

5. I was diagnosed with Endometriosis when I was 13, and was told I most likely would never be able to have children. I proved the doctor's wrong and had my miracle baby 3 years ago!

6. I used to model in high school.

7. I have a very mixed ancestry. I am part Irish, German, Dutch, Italian, and Native American. My husband calls me the melting pot!

Okay, enough of that! Here are the 7 blogs I've tagged:

Macaroni and Glue

Nina's Window

House of Raquel

Lady Lynn's Boutique

Top Cat Creations

Nighthelper Blog

La Dolce Vita