These two were actually made for each other, though they both stand well on their own. The Magnesite piece was just listed today, it has so many ways to wear it that I was tempted to spend a lot more time photographing it, I was also very tempted to keep it. Magnesite cultivates peace and acceptance, especially of people, letting them just be who they are. The Garden Jasper necklace (I have my own stone picked out) is what started it all, the swirls of turquoise among the other colors in this piece of Jasper, inspired the Magnesite necklace. Jasper is commonly referred to as the "Gentle Healer" this is one of the first stones I bought when I made my first purchase of jewelry making items. Jasper is in a lot of the jewelry I have made for myself. My experience with Jasper is it seems to amplify the healing aspect of other stones Bloodstone is one example, I will write more about that combination later. Jasper's calming protective influence also helps us (me) to avoid self destructive behavior.
This set has come with a new creative rush. The feel of spring and being surrounded by beauty, of which I am going to post pictures here. Yes I am a shutterbug too :-) I look around me and I am in awe of nature, my hands can't seem to keep up with the designs that rush throughmy mind. They do keep me up at night, in spite of my camera, journal, and rough (very rough) sketches. There are times these rushes of inspiration actually cause a block, I get overwhelmed! At these times I find it is best to leave my desk and get out, clean the house :-) or just relax, my biggest challenge. I have to say how grateful I am to have these kinds of challenges, and this kind of deep passion for life.
This is all I have for now, I am sure as I write here more often and get more comfortable with my "style" of writing...I will have so much more to say. Be Kind too Yourselves ~Dee
Monday, March 8, 2010
Now that I have talked about blocks, I have to say I have been more creative recently. Another thing to remember when I am frustrated, I just finished a necklace using these stones.
I worked on a project for two and a half hours today before finally giving up {not recommended at all}. These days do happen; just because I have an idea does not mean it's going to work for me that day. Today was one of those days I should have let it go long before I did. The level of frustration I let myself get to can color the rest of my day, I am left feeling restless and cranky. I was not even inclined to post here. This is where I need to be, I am starting to feel better as I write, plus I am telling on myself aren't I? :-) There's my sense of humor! I really have to say I feel better about doing this than anything I have done today. I am getting this stuff out and sharing my (very recent) experience.
The solution for me is writing; visit other jeweler's or artist's blogs. I have read some articles that have really changed the way I look at what I do. One of the pieces of advice that has helped me the most was simply, don’t look at other artists work, or sales, on Etsy and compare yourself. I was doing that and driving myself nuts, I felt I had to change my style and simplify my work to keep up with these jewelers making a large amount of sales. Talk about a set up for a huge creative block! I am now much more comfortable with my own style, and for me before I started selling jewelry it was all about the journey, not the destination. I don't see the need for sales to change that for me, how much I love the creative process, is reflected in my work that is what is important. ~Dee
