I’ve been making jewelry of some sort or another for almost 4 years now (4 years in January).  I started with beading, learned the basics, and moved on to making at least my own focals for the truly one-of-a-kind (just like you!) creation.  Even stringing isn’t the same as I rarely string all of the same beads anymore (here’s another “fall back” piece).  So when I need something NOW for Art Every Day Month, jewelry is my fall back.

It doesn’t hurt that I love making focals and have a bunch already made. 

And this particular necklace is from a necklace that never quite got finished so I took it apart (took the focal area out) and used the already strung part on either side.  So the creative part was actually already done, and the putting it together was all process. Which seems to be my overarching theme for this Art Every Day Month.

The earrings are taken from a design in the latest Wire Jewelry magazine (Dec-Jan 2012 page 28).  I like their random wire-i-ness.

If I could just figure out what it is that I want to make for my 2nd piece for the invitationaly show in February, I’d have something to focus on.  As it is, lack of clarity has me a bit stuck.  Which is why it’s always good to have a fall back.  Because before you know it, that fall back will crack the door open for what’s waiting!  In the meantime, some crayons to coax Inner Child out to play can’t hurt!

crayon doodle

Wylde Women’s Wisdom

My favorite antidote to being stuck is to make soup.  When all else fails, even on the hottest day of summer, making soup focuses my creative energy (this is a “from scratch” endeavor), doesn’t take much thought, and nourishes me bodily, mentally and spiritually.  After I fix the soup, I find one of my pretty bowls (bought or made for just such an occasion), turn on music to fit the mood (rock, blues, celtic – whatever works in the moment), light a candle, turn off the lights (if it’s evening), and spend some time with the heat, the flavor and the satisfaction of having at least followed one thing to completion.  Afterwards I pick one small thing I can do to move toward ungluing myself.  Tammy Vitale.