Seeing Things From a Different Perspective

What looked like a simple box and packing material wound up being hours of entertainment for my trusted assistant Roxie.  Roxie is in charge of Quality Control - she enjoys knowing where I am at all times and so when I head to the studio, she knows she can take in a good nap because I won't be leaving the studio for hours.

Today, I received some beautiful new trays I ordered for my studio.  After the excitement of opening the box and retrieving the contents, the fun began for Roxie.

Isn't that a great lesson for all of us who long to create beautiful pieces?   What may look like a simple roll of wire can be so much more when you allow your creativity to flow.   Roxie often reminds me to see things in a different light - to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and look at things anew.

New color trends for 2011

Have you ever wondered who decides what the color trends in fashion will be for any given year?   I know I have.   I love to sew and so fabric and colors and textures are things that excite me.   (If you are into fabric, you will understand - I sometimes just go into my local fabric store to wander through the aisles  touching and feeling the fabric and being inspired by the textures, colors, and patterns.)  I think that much of my creative process in wire work comes out of my love for sewing - I approach a new design much the same way as I create a new outfit.  

In the February 2nd issue of Jewelry Making Daily (an online newsletter I subscribe to from Interweave.com) there was an article about the upcoming new color trends for 2011.  Pantone (the famous company that creates the specific formulas for paints) releases a semiannual color chart predicting which color hues  will be upcoming in women's fashion.   What does that mean to those of us that create?   For me, it is intriguing to see what is on the horizon and allows me to better be in touch with what apparel will be paired with my jewelry in the months ahead.   The colors just released are fresh, light, and exciting.  Colors include Peapod, Lavender, and Coral Rose.  Hmmm...my mind is racing with the possibilities of things to create!      

Part of my inspiration

Isn't it amazing where creative inspiration comes from?   I have the huge blessing of having a home overlooking a beautiful lake and wildlife preserve.   As I work in my studio, I get to see so much of God's beauty all around me and I marvel at the details in created things.   Have you ever just looked at the surface of a body of water and watched as it changes via the wind, the arrival of birds landing on it or the ice slowly forming over it?   It is truly a work of art in motion!  

I thought I would share 2 of my "neighbors" who love to swim up to the edge of our property and check in - their feathers, their graceful movements....all lead me to try and capture a bit of that beauty in my jewelry.

Enjoy God's Creation today - take a few extra moments to ponder the beautiful detail of creation!

The first snow

It's snowing today - the first real snow of the season.   I don't like to be cold so I must confess, I am not thrilled.  However, there is something magical about the first snow - it brings you back to childhood - sledding, hot cocoa....mmm....maybe this season, I will just head to my studio with a large cup of hot cocoa and create - now that sounds like a great reason to love winter....perhaps this year I will develop a new appreciation for bitter cold days and creative hours by the space heater :)

My First Blog!

I never thought I would be a blogger but as I type my first post I must admit , I am so excited to begin this new journey!

 I look forward to writing about what jewelry pieces I am working on and what inspired each new design.     I am also looking forward to seeing what has inspired you in your creativity!   I believe we were designed by the Creator to express our wonder at the beauty of this Earth.   Whether that is in song, in writing or in creating beautiful pieces of art, we all have it within us to create!

Happy creating - dare yourself to do something extra creative today!