Creativity

I've been busy working this week on some new designs. I picked up some great gemstones, brass, and lucite that I hope will go over well at my shows this summer. I was able to sit down and turn out pieces I am thrilled with, but that isn't always the case. As fellow jewelry designer Teri of S&T Creations shared on her blog, " whenever sales slow down, motivation tends to slip a bit too. And whenever things get slow, for whatever reason, my creative side tends to go on vacation, I think." I can really relate to that. I find if I have nothing great going on with my business, I find less motivation to sit and create. If people aren't buying, why create more? I'm glad I was able to overcome that this week as I look forward to Art on the Avenue next Saturday. I think Teri has overcome that as well. Just look at this stunning piece:



On another creative note, check out Sara's blog to name her new horse! She is a beauty and when you comment, you will have a chance to win either a knitted acorn or a cat scrabble tile pendant if your name is choosen. Fun!

I Want These!

This week's featured Creative Bloggers are two more very talented ladies. This amazing cuff is totally handwoven using the single peyote stitch. Amber Leilani-Middleton is the talented jewelry designer behind this piece. I cannot even imagine the time it must take to create, but I just love the color combination and the boldness of it! Have a look at Amber's blog for some insight behind her design.

If you're a reader of my blog, you know I love cats. Coco is a talented stained glass artist, and I just fell in love with this pretty gray kitty! Each piece of glass is handcut and copper foil is applied to the edges before it's soldered together. The kitty is then put on a copper base. It would be so pretty sitting on a table where the sun could reflect through it! Check out Coco's blog for some more great reads!

What's Your Struggle?

For me I find that I struggle almost every day. I struggle to be a mom, wife, friend, entrepreneur, artist, and writer. With my soon to be 4 yr old daughter at home with me full time, I struggle to find ways to entertain her. She doesn't like to play alone very long, never has. The child has more toys, coloring books, and mind occupiers, but most sit to collect dust. Getting her out the door to go anywhere, fun or not, is also a struggle. So this leads me to letting her watch cartoons and movies so I can try to accomplish anything. I feel bad. I attempt to play, take her outside, and plan the occasional day out, but ultimately, this is her favorite pasttime. I therefore struggle with guilt about that.

The responsibility of all household chores seems to fall on me. So while the little one is wrapped up in Cindrella or Snow White, I clean, cook, do laundry, all the fun things I so enjoy. When my husband returns in the evening, he is often here, there, and everywhere without much question from the girlie. However, if I happen to leave her sight for too long, there is a sudden whining and sense of urgency that I return to her side. Heaven forbid I have to do a show or try to have an evening out with friends. I have never been made to feel so guilty in my entire life! After all, can't daddy put her to bed a or entertain her a few times a month?

With all of this struggle, what I really love to do falls to the bottom of the list. I find that I rarely have time to sit and create. It's next to impossible to do this while girlie is awake, because as any artist knows, it takes time for things to flow. Just when I start on a piece, she needs this or needs that. Even when daddy is home, she always needs me. I realize that comes with the territory of being a full- time, stay at home mom, but at the end of the day, it leaves me feeling depressed. I so want more time to create and to write, which is why I fail to do more than one blog post in a week. I so want to do more!

I did manage to create a few new pieces, which I hope to get onto my site within the next few days. The one pictured above is a bracelet with a large turquoise nugget in the center. It's flanked by two strands of Vintaj brass chain and accented with glass beads, and a Wish charm. Because I wish for less struggling! So my dear readers, I'd love to know (so I don't feel so bad), what is your struggle?

Meet Some Fellow Creative Bloggers!

I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing and gifted artists through my blogging group. This week I will introduce you to two of them, both talented in their respective fields.

First up is Carol of The Blue Cat. This adorable and funny painting is just one of many feline artworks. The piece reminds me of one of my parent's cats who likes to lay on the table. I was drawn to this painting because it features two of my favorite things: cats and coffee! Carol has been such a supporter of Creative Bloggers and I thank her for that!

Sayo of SaruStar Jewelry specializes in unique and eye-catching jewelry. I just love this pyrite ring, probably because I love bold pieces. I can just imagine how it sparkles. Visit her blog for more great info!

A Positive Review!

I just wanted to share with you a really fantastic review done on my Eternal Dragonfly earrings (pictured above). Fiona of the Bantering Blonde was recently sent a pair and this is what she had to say about them. Thanks so much!

They Say It's Your Birthday

Alright, I know that's a bit corny. Today is my birthday though, Happy Birthday to me! I have been busy working on new jewelry, some of which will make it to the site. I have lots of shows coming up, the first is next month at the Art on the Avenue in West Reading.

I mentioned in my last post that I have some exciting things in the works. Well, my jewelry is going to be carried in 2 more boutiques! I am very thrilled and so glad to know people really like my pieces!

I have two talented artists to share with you this week. The first is Andrew of ChainmaillebyMBOI. I have the utmost respect for artists that do chainmaille work. It seems complicated and very time consuming, which is a little more than I can handle with a busy toddler. The result is beautiful though!Secondly is Jenny of Creature of Craft. A talented beadweaver, just take a look at this piece..AMAZING!! Again, I can't even imagine the time it took to make this necklace. I'm so happy with talented artists that have joined my little blogging group. We're all about paying it forward!

I'm off to hopefully do something fun today. My soon to be 4 year old doesn't want me to have a birthday. What's up with that??!!

Elegance of Emerald

I've had a really hectic few weeks and have missed my blogging. I have a few exciting things in the works, which I will share with you soon! Since my birthday is this month, next week actually, I wanted to share a gorgeous necklace I found created with emeralds. It's just stunning, isn't it?! Handcrafted from sterling silver, Prasiolite, Emeralds, Quartz, Cubic Zirconia, Swarovski crystals, and Pearls. Wow! Visit Marie-Michelle's shop for more beauties!