The Dreaded Creativity Mind (Road) Block
October 4th, 2010 § 1 Comment
I am one of those creative types with an overactive brain. You know the type: we think too much, do too much, have too many ideas. Creativity unfortunately seems to come with a price. Once in a while the Mind decides it’s time to shut down. I get blocked out of my own brain. It still spins, thoughts still fly around inside, but NOTHING comes out. At least cohesively that is.
I’m an artist but also a writer. Sucks to be me when that creative road block happens – it’s twice as painful.
Thankfully, us creative types are, well, creative. We find ways to recharge and re-inspire ourselves. Over the years I’ve learned a few tricks that I’d like to share with you.
creative block journal by mypipsqueak
Number 1 – The almighty journal. Yes, it’s true, the journal could and should be your best friend. I recommend at least two. A little one for your bed side table and one to carry around with you. Ultimately I’d just like to have one in every room of the house.
mini journal necklace by wayfaringart
2. Word Prompts. You have a few options here. There are books, cards and online creative writing prompts.
journal jar by journaljarsbyjen
3. Stimulate yourself visually. Go old school and browse some design magazines. See what Martha has to say. Go to Flikr and look at pretty pictures.
paintbrushes photo greeting card by broomhillpictures
4. Walk away. Literally. Take a walk, a jog – anything to get your body moving.
dancing in the dark by donera
5. Consider a media diet. Go in the complete opposite direction and just shut it all down. The TV, the computer – everything.
wildflower yoga pants by redbootsdesign
6. Relax. Try Yoga, meditation, get a massage.
Creative minds, like the rest of your body, once in a while need a break. Nurture your brain, treat it with respect and before long you’ll be back on that road to Creativity. If you’re interested in something to feed your brain (literally) check out this list of Brain Food.
My Vintage Jewelry Addiction and the Family that Enables Me
August 20th, 2010 § 1 Comment
I have a strange addiction to vintage – especially vintage jewelry. Things that are worn and have a story just really turn me on. When I started on my jewelry making venture I was unsure of my path; I was creating more of what I thought people wanted rather than what I love. Thankfully, my family began mailing and bringing me little treasures. My husbands aunts (he has FIVE!) were first and it arrived by the box full. Old pearls, lonely clip on earrings, stones, broken necklaces – what they called junk. Well, you know what they say about another persons trash being someone else’s treasure!
some new old things arrive
I pored over bags and boxes for hours. Looking up maker’s marks and trying to figure out when/where/how something was made. It’s a fascinating jaunt into the past.
They would say to me, “I don’t know if you can use this,” or “maybe you can make it into something.” Ding ding ding!! I had a light bulb moment. It was then I began infusing my jewelry with the vintage feel I so very much loved. I turned away from what I thought was “popular” or “marketable” and really got down to my roots. Once this happened I also studied a lot more about technique and my work improved by leaps and bounds. I fell in love with more than just vintage jewelry – I fell in love with making jewelry.
Recently my mother in law visited. I saw her walk in the door with an old jewelry box (a huge-larger-than-a-bread-box jewelry box!) I almost fell over. It was her mothers jewelry and she wanted me to have it. To wear, to use, to sell – whichever I wanted. She and I sat on the couch with that box for over an hour looking at every piece. From the junky to the absolutely fabulous, it all was dear to me. I loved hearing the stories of how or when her mom would wear something or where she got it from.
grandma's watch
I immediately gravitated towards two pieces. The first is a watch worn on a chain. It’s simple yet so elegant. Best yet, it’s still working! This quickly went into the pile for my personal collection.
wearable history
The second piece was a round brass piece with a woman on it. To me it looked like a locket but Mom didn’t think it was. After careful inspection – YES! it was indeed a locket. I carefully opened it and much to our surprise it was not empty. Two pictures inside, very old and worn, one of a man and one of a woman. I showed this to Mom and tears immediately swelled in her eyes. ”That’s my grandmother.” Wow. That’s history right there. It turns out it was her grandmother and grandfather and “Mrs. Quinn”, well, she was quite a fierce woman. During the war, when most women had to “step up”, she ran a bomb factory.
So now you know where the “vintage inspired” actually comes from in my jewelry design. Thanks much to all of my family who continues to enable this addiction I have!!
Featured in the Star News Wilmington!
August 16th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
So a few weeks back I got a random reply to one of my blogs from a reporter for the Star News. She was doing a feature on local Etsy sellers and asked if I’d like to be included. Of course I said yes and waited patiently for the list of questions to arrive in my inbox. Within a few days I had them and answered them promptly. Later in the week a very nice photographer came to my house where I sat in my studio smiling for the camera. I do not like having my picture taken at all! But he was super nice and made it easy for me. After he left, the waiting began. The article was originally supposed to appear online the next week and in print within a few days after that. Unfortunately it was delayed a few days and more waiting ensued.
Last week I received the joyous news that it was due out on August 15th in print – the Sunday paper!! Sometime late Friday night I happened online and found this:
Etsy wraps local artists, buyers in web of commerce
By Carmen Rodriguez
StarNews Correspondent
I was overjoyed to say the least. I’ve never been featured in anything really, let alone the paper. It’s a great article which you should definitely read when you have the time.
So, yesterday – Sunday – finally rolls around and I, of course, had to run to the store and check the paper. I was totally blown away when I turned to the Work section and found this:
I couldn’t be happier and managed to buy a few copies to send to my family. Please take a minute to read the online article (it’s the same as the print) and send me your thoughts!!
Oh My God I’m Turning In To My Mother…
August 9th, 2010 § 1 Comment
It’s true and I just realized it. Yesterday. My husband and I went for a drive to the beach and along the way I kept seeing “junk” and antique shops. After my “oohs” and “aahs” I would say, “I really want to go in there!” To which his response would be some sort of nod or roll of the eyes. (This actually happens on a quite regular basis now) We saw one place – about a 1/2 acre sized property – littered with sheds, lean-to’s and the likes filled to the brim with everything you could imagine. A rainbow of glass bottles, a myriad of lawn ornaments and homemade signs reading things like “Mary’s Art Sold Here” and “30 Year Clearance Sale”. (That one boggled my mind – still does). It was so cluttered with stuff you could not see in the windows. We later passed the giant and foreboding antique’s place I’ve always wanted to go in but never have. My husband said, “looks scary, like something out of a horror movie,” to which I replied “It looks AMAZING!” This place is an old farmhouse next to the highway. It’s falling down. Literally. A huge sign on the sign reads ANTIQUES but you can barely read it. To the untrained eye yes, it looks scary. To me, a virtual treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
So, amidst all of this is when it hit me. I’m turning in to my mother. 
To better understand we need to go back 25 years. My parents divorced when I was very young and both re-married in the very early 80′s. My mom and step-father met at an auction. An antiques auction. (Starting to get the picture?) Every outing, every vacation, every trip we ever took centered around visiting some historic site or some huge antique bizarre/fair/market. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been to Williamsburg. They even owned an antique shop for a spell and their house is still full to the brim with antiques. My step-father actually knows two of the guys from Antiques Roadshow. I’m not kidding.
I never appreciated those things when I was younger but apparently now I do. They were constantly (and still are) on some sort of hunt for the perfect pipe box or Queen Anne table. My step-father eventually decided to earn his keep as a cabinetmaker – specializing in antique reproduction furniture. Today, the older they get, their trips are less frequent and now (of course sans children) are more “vacationey”. But thanks to the internet and Ebay, they still enjoy the proverbial hunt.
So here I am, twenty plus years later creating vintage inspired jewelry. Collecting vintage odds and ends and antiquing modern things to look old. I knew someday parts of my mother would creep in like they do for most women – eventually. I figured it would be along the lines of constantly nagging and writing notes when I have kids. Or taking up painting when I get older. Perhaps having a fondness for all things Italy. Instead I’ve developed a love for things I HATED when I was growing up. Old bottles, vintage jewelry… things I can make new again…or better yet, new things I can make old.
Life has a funny way of coming full circle and surprising us (or biting us on the ass). Instead of shaking my fists in frustration, I’ll embrace the wonderful legacy she has passed on. I only hope I can pass on something equally rewarding and wonderful to my children.
Pensive
August 5th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
I usually post something on “Thirsty Thursdays” today but even though I’m feeling the need for a cocktail, I’m just far too pensive to devote an entire blog on it.
I find myself thinking and reflecting and wondering far too much lately. And worrying. Yes, then there’s that. Most of the daydreaming is of quitting my awful 9-5′er job and going full force as an artist. Spending my days creating, sharing and encouraging growth through creativity. I feel this dream is important to have but in reality, fruition seems always at a finger-lengths away; just beyond my grasp. I guess that is sort of what dreams are intended to be – by definition – something that keeps us constantly striving for more/better/bigger/happier, etc. The elusiveness of this dream (and my impatience to achieve it) is where the worrying comes in. I worry about quitting my job with little savings and a very much under-employed husband. I worry about making ends meet – paying the mortgage, the bills, buying supplies, food and the occasional niceties that life seems to warrant. I then feel a bit selfish musing the thought of quitting a job that provides all of those things, especially in a time where so many cannot find a job at all. But then the worry shifts to something more selfish – what will happen to me if I continue to work a job that makes me mentally, physically and emotionally miserable? Is happiness and being true to self more important than earning a steady paycheck?
On some days the answer is easy and quick coming. It’s a solid YES. Of course. Other days, days like today, it’s a slow, cold, reality slap in the face, NO. How sad is that?
Being of the creative persuasion I tend to have lofty ideals. What you may call a dreamer, an idealist or possibly even foolish. I believe that there should be a way for more people in this world to do what makes them happy or at least be happy with what they do. I don’t mean “hey, I’m happy sitting on my ass watching TV all day, let this be my job”. What I mean is helping people identify what they’re good at and enjoy doing and then fostering that love into something that is beneficial for others as well. Everyone loves different things and that is the beauty of mankind. Similarly, we all need and want different things. Therefore it makes sense to me (and possibly only me) that there should be something out there for everyone to do that would make them (relatively) happy. I’m always thinking and saying that we need to go back to basics in many ways; this is definitely one of them. There used to be a day when people did what they were good at and that is what defined their careers. It seems now that the love of craft is less important than making tons of money or making tons of things inexpensively and cheaply. It’s more important to make a buck then make something with heart. {Side note – this is why I love the “Handmade Revolution” going on right now 
}
Now before I go off on a tirade about Capitalism run rampant and corporate greed and people start yelling at me that I just don’t understand, let me say take a step back. I know some folks associate the term “artist” with many things – lazy, starving, hippie – I’ve heard them all. Some may say an artist just doesn’t want to put in a hard days work. Trust me, I know all the benefits of putting in a hard days work. But who’s to judge exactly what that hard days work should be for me or for you or even for that guy over there. Being an artist is hard work. It’s never easy and you’re constantly trying to improve yourself and your medium. It’s seeking approval while still being an independent thinker and doer. We cherish it when people adore our art yet must somehow stay true to what we love. You don’t want to “sell out” but you must find a way to bring in buyers. It’s a delicate balance. And it’s WORK. Now imagine trying to do all that hard work while having a job. (And I know so, so, so many of you can). Working 40 hours at a job that numbs every creative piece of your body and then spending your free time creating, learning, marketing and trying to have some sort of a life too. Doing something we do not like or even loathe in order to be able to do what we love. To me, that just doesn’t make sense at all. I guess that’s just the dreamer in me…
So back the beginning and to answering that initial question with a loud, resounding yes.
More on this to come as my journey of becoming a full time artist continues….
It Could Be Worse?
July 27th, 2010 § 1 Comment
Never before in my life have I seen a time where this was an everyday mantra. It could be worse. Economy sucks? Could be worse. Lost your job? Could be worse. Overwhelmed with debt? Could be worse. All the time it surrounds us. From the mouth of the President, to your co-workers and boss, your spouse or partner, to friends and relatives. It could be worse.
Well, yes, it could always be worse. But who wants that? When did believing that things could be BETTER become selfish or even wrong? In my book…my life…my mind, things not only could be better, they can and will be better.
So where to start getting over this negative mentality? First I start to assess what I feel could be worse and why; whether these things are out of my control or if they’re something I can change. For me, the biggest issue is my job. People are always telling me, “in this economy you’re lucky to even have a job – it could be worse!”. And yes, I’m lucky to have a job but for me, personally, I don’t really believe my job could get any worse. If it does, I will surely quit. Just like that. And some folks may get mad at me there, and that’s ok – everyone is different. I don’t know your situation and you don’t mind so let’s not judge each other! :)
Now, if I think about how my job could be BETTER, I already feel some of the weight lifting. There are few aspects of my job I can control but my mentality towards my job I can – in a heartbeat. If I go to bed anxious, dreading the morning I’ve already sabotaged the next day. If I fall asleep really thinking and believing that tomorrow could be worse, I’m pretty sure it will be. But, if I take a few minutes to think of things I can do at work to make my day a little better, then I’ve already succeeded. Take today for instance. I woke up angry, anxious and dreading going to work. I arrived at work worse for wear after my commute. By 8:30 I was ready to go postal. Now here it is, 10:00 am and I’ve taken some deep breaths and have stepped away from “work” to write a blog. I made an active decision to take a break, calm down and do something for myself.
Instead of focusing on what is wrong with my job right now, I need to concentrate on the good things – where this job will take me. Eventually it will let me save enough money to QUIT MY DAY JOB and go full-time with jewelry and crafts. Thinking about that, well, that makes me KNOW that things not only could be but will be better.
Now, to apply this thinking to the rest of my life – on a grander scale – this will be an ongoing blog topic so stay tuned!
Why I Use Brass
July 8th, 2010 § Leave a Comment
People often ask me why I use brass in 99% of my work. Well, the answer is simple and has two parts.
First – brass is naturally hypoallergenic. I have sensitive skin, sometimes even Sterling silver can irritate me. So when choosing materials to use in my jewelry design, I take that into consideration. After all, I am first and foremost, a buyer, lover and wearer of jewelry! Brass is naturally lead-free; an alloy of copper and zinc. Most people that have allergic reactions to metal jewelry are experiencing a nickel allergy. There is no nickel in brass and most people do not experience allergies to it. There are a few folks out there with a brass allergy and this can be alleviated by coating the brass with a protective layer of clear coat.
Second – brass is also eco-friendly! Nowadays most brass that makes it into the market is recycled – approximately 90%!. Also with no lead content, it does not cause lead leaching into the water system, there’s no lead dust blowing around the foundry. Both silver and gold mining have horrible by-products such as lead and cyanide. Since brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and those ore deposits do not contain lead, their processing is significantly more “earth friendly” than gold and silver.
A third (bonus!) reason is cost. It is significantly cheaper than gold or silver (though slightly more expensive than copper). Brass also has a lovely gold color that can be left shiny and bright or antiqued to gorgeous shades of green, blue and warm browns. It’s versatility combined with proportionally low cost makes brass a smart choice for jewelry. It has been for thousands of years!
