So, they say you have to first admit you have a problem...

MaryAnn Carroll

I debated on whether or not to actually expose this side of myself, but since admitting it to the world is the first step in getting help, I thought it might be the way to go! My studio is a disaster! One of my biggest issues is that I hate to clean up after myself. That does not apply to every aspect of my life, but it does apply to creating. It's not just when I create beads and jewelry, it happened when I was remodeling my former house too. I tend to work until I am exhausted and when I reach the point of oblivion, I rationalize my bad behavior. So.... when that happens over and over and over, you tend to get something that looks like this.

 

My studio is located away from where we do most of our daily living, so I don't really see it unless I actually want to get some work done. I really only use it for a couple of things like enameling, soldering and anything else that has to do with using flames. Everything else finds its way to the kitchen table that starts to resemble something similar to my work bench.  I tend to organize that a little more though since.... well..... the grand kids visit regularly! With stuff all over the kitchen table, it screams, "Come play with me!"

What you see above used to be an organized spot where I kept all of my commercial beads. Somehow, this ended up looking like what you see and I do not really even know how that happened, since I rarely even go through any of this. My best guess is the day I decided to raffle off $500 worth of beads to donate to CNY SPCA.

Here, you see my copper pipe hangin' out with the mandrels that will be cut to size when I cannot find any in my pile on the bench!

And a closer look at my hazardous firing station! Yes, a disaster!

And there was actually a time that I was taking pictures of my creations in my little makeshift light box and listing them on Etsy. That hasn't happened in quite some time either. Life just got the best of me and I have not found the time nor the desire to list on Etsy. I am waiting to get my groove back, which I am sure will come in time.

And lastly, I do not even know why I have this old TV stand. I guess I thought I might make something useful. That didn't happen. No need for any white glove test!!!

So, I am not really one for New Year's resolutions, but I do know that my plan will be to reorganize this small nightmare.  Now, that I have exposed the ugly side of my art, I plan to have a new improved look to share next Sunday. Stop back.... The pressure is on!

Mary Ann

What a Wonderful Year, Can't Wait for the NEXT ONE! By Karen McGovern

As 2013 draws to a close I just wanted to say how thrilled and honored I am to be a part of Love My Art Jewelry.  This group has been a joy to work with and I so love reading our posts and sharing our work together.  What a remarkable group of incredibly talented artists!  This slideshow is but a tiny peek into some of the works created by LMAJ artists...Thank you for inviting me to join and for welcoming me like family.

 

I wish us all a spectacular 2014!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Aftermath

                                         by Kelli Pope

'Twas just days after Christmas, and all through my place,

All creatures were tired, full, and moving at a slow pace.

The presents all opened, all good tidings shared,

Cookies delivered, under the tree it's quite bare.

Frisco and Chopper nestled all snug in their beds,

Visions of new rawhide dance merrily in their heads.

Steve's on the couch, feeling quite content too,

Finally, nowhere else to go, the holiday hustle bustle is through.

And me back to work, no time for a nap,
but at least there aren't more special orders to wrap.
I drag from bed late, tripping over Chopper with a clatter,
My hair all springy, looking like the mad hatter.

Away to the door, I fly like a flash,
Slid in the hall, and my knee I did bash.
When what to my wondering eyes should I see,
Steve with my coffee. As usual, taking care of me.

With his big handsome smile, so lively and quick,
"You're late, get moving", and gave me a li'l kick.
"No more bracelets, or chokers, or earrings to make,
Except for your job, you can take a break!"

Back to the office. Back to the grind.
I'd rather make more jewelry...........( Am I out of my mind?)
But I guess for now, it's time to sit back, 
Let sore hands relax, no metal to whack. 
For all too soon, it will be Spring show time again, 
and buckle down, crank-out-that-jewelry work shall begin. 

Hope you all had a WONDERFUL holiday season!!
Here's wishing you a Happy New Year!!
May 2014 bring you fantastic new handmade ideas!!

Love My Food Ingredients

by Kimberly Rogers

I got to thinking the other day that back before I was involved in the making jewelry and beads business my passion was cooking especially ethnic foods.

And I realized that to this day something that is very much in common with my approach to my craft as it was then and that is the hoarding  collecting of ingredients.

I'm in heaven in any sort of ethnic food aisle in the grocery store or food courts in other countries.

I gather up condiments much as I collect and buy beads for future projects.

I mean, just what if I want to make Thai food on the spur of the moment? I want all of the ingredients to be on hand if the mood strikes me.

My shelves are stocked with an eclectic exotic mix of Mexican, Greek, Thai and Indian spices at any given moment.  I was pleased to find some of the coveted Sriracha sauce at our local Mexican grocery as I was a little worried that a shortage was going to ensue after the shutdown of one of their plants.

Similarly I always have a treasure trove of beads awaiting for inspiration for my next designs and am constantly sparked by new ones that I see that I simply must have on hand if the mood strikes me.

What's in your cupboard?

Is it OVER YET??? By Karen McGovern

I’m not talking about preparing for Christmas.  So there.  We’ve all heard enough, amiright?  It’s in four days.  Enough said.  Well, okay, the only thing I’ll say about getting ready for Christmas is that I made an ornament.  By accident.  I was fooling around with some copper wire and this happened.  My first, and probably last ornament ever.  A partridge.  Or maybe a French hen?  Is it a calling bird?  Man, that song has a lot of birds in it…whatever.

 

 

In fact, this post is about the aftereffects of Christmas.  The post-holiday funk that can, and does, descend upon many of us.  Not just us artists, but all of us.  The period of delirium that begins in October and rushes through January is pretty spectacular.  Planning, creating, obsessing, scheduling, rushing, procrastinating, then panic with a nice splash of chaos thrown in at the end…just because.  It’s such a weird time of year.  So much crammed into a relatively short time span.  Frankly, it’s exhausting.  Then, the big day comes, we have a blast, and….it’s over.  You wake up after Christmas with an emotional hang-over that can sometimes be pretty crippling.  Family disperses, wrapping paper, boxes and tinsel are thrown away and the tree suddenly looks a bit harsh and dried out in the morning light.  What just happened?

 

I find that after the holidays I need a good 10 days to 2 weeks of ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.  And that is just fine and dandy, thank you.  No, I will not be firing up the torch and creating anything new.  I won’t be in my studio at all.  My brain at this point is equivalent to soft serve ice cream.  Stick a fork in me, I’m DONE.  If you need me I will be curled up on the couch with a book, or listening to the soundtrack from Inside LlewlynDavis (the best collection of music I have come across in a looooong time.  Get it.  Right now.  Seriously).  Or I may be visiting with my new best friend, Delilah, a baby bongo antelope we are hand rearing.

Yes, I am utterly adorable.  Deal with it.

Don’t fret the non-existent afterglow of Christmas.  Embrace it and use the time to recharge.  Let somebody else cook dinner.  Don’t answer the phone if you don’t want to.  Turn off the computer.  Sleep in if you can (YES I KNOW I AM CRAZY HERE).  Most of all, don’t let anyone make you feel bad for…well…feeling bad.  Not everyone fa-la-las happily forever.  For some of us, Christmas is WORK.

Courtesy of craftfail.com

I’m not going to get all dark on you here, just wanted those of you that understand what I’m talking about to know you’re not alone.  I can only use a candy cane as a stir stick in my coffee for so long.  I’ve learned to simplify holidays, so that there might—just might—be a chance to actually enjoy them (or at least recover from them a bit quicker).  While I admire those that can flawlessly pull off a Martha Stewart holiday of dreams, I cannot.  And trying to do so just sets me up for an even bigger let down when it doesn't all come together like the magazine promised. 

There are no rules or sure-fire ways to make it through the holidays if they are difficult for you.  You simply have to find what works for you and stick with it.  I recently read a scientific study has proven that memories of unpleasant events are more firmly planted in our brains than happy memories.  Thanks, Science, we really needed THAT.  Anyway, what I try to do every year is make note, in some real way, of the wonderful things that do occur during the holidays.  The thoughtful, unexpected gift/call/visit from a friend or loved one.  The smell of the Christmas tree.  The look on my cat’s face when he discovers said lit and decorated tree.  The wonderful meals shared with friends, even if it's just a quick lunch on the fly.  All this might sound trite or stupid, but that damned scientific report is right.  We do remember with great ease (and stunning detail) all the uncomfortable or unpleasant things in our past and the good stuff just gets lost.  So capture the good any way you can.  I write it down and take lots of pictures of moments that make me smile.  I make notes and stick them on my ‘fridge.  Song lyrics that cheered me, quotes I’ve read, whatever, so I can see them over and over again and remember that it’s not all bad.  And when that isn’t enough I plug my ears with noise cancelling headphones and crank up some really good music and maybe sit and cry for a bit.  Defuse any way you can, and do not for one minute feel guilty about it.

There have been other scientific studies that prove creative people are often plagued with depression or depressive thoughts because we emote more.  I guess that’s a clinical way to say we FEEL MORE.  I suppose that’s true.  The question is, what do you plan to do about it?  I suggest owning it.  Accept the feelings.  Try not to keep things bottled up.  As cliché as it sounds, writing down your thoughts does help.  I don’t keep a journal or anything; I’m far too undisciplined for that.  But, I do rant on my personal blog and write quite a bit for myself.  Give it a try…it can’t hurt.

In the meantime, try to remain present.  By that I mean try not to let the past become the only reference point for your well-being.  Hang on to happy memories with a white-knuckle grip, but don’t obsess if the current situation pales in comparison.  I often have to give myself a mental shake when I begin to slide into those “I wish Christmas was like it was when I was five” feelings.  That is pointless.  All you have is here and now.  MAN, I AM GIVING AWAY CLICHES TWO FOR ONE TODAY!!!  Lucky you…



Cake stencils?  That's a real thing?

Okay, I’m done.  Grab 2014 by the--ahem--bells and run with it.  There is a fresh, New Year out there waiting for us.  Let’s do something SPECTACULAR with it, shall we?  See you next year….

Trunk Show and Christmas ramblings.......

                                                                                                 by Kelli Pope

Last night I had the privilege of holding a trunk show at the Janet Mason Art Museum in 

Cadiz, Ky. 

   

 Thank you  Megan and all of the lovely ladies who planned and attended this event.  It was a lovely evening.   Plus, Steve and I got to enjoy a road trip.  :o)  

And thus ends my 2013 show season.   whew!!!!!!!!!!  (Although there are a few more special orders to fill quickly this weekend)   I can now turn my attention to Christmas.   Do we have our tree up?   No.   Have I wrapped a single gift? No. Did I send out any Christmas cards?  No.   Have I baked cookies, or made fudge yet?  No. Was I able to make some wonderful piece of art jewelry for this blog?  Yes...but it sold, and I was too busy to take pictures.(sorry!!)   Am I stressed?.... ummmm, no, I don't really think I am.  I have too much for which to be thankful this year.  I will get to spend Christmas Eve with my parents, who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, my sisters and their husbands, my nieces, their husbands and my great-nieces, oh, and of course Steve!! :o)

Christmas morning, we'll get to watch with delight as our granddaughters open gifts, and we'll spend time with them and their parents. The rest of the day we'll hang out with my in-laws.   And all of that to me, is priceless.   Lack of  presents, cards, cookies or even a tree cannot diminish the joy of spending the holidays with our family. (Fah-who, Rah-who!!!!  I think the Whos down in Who-ville got it right!!)    Yes, I will get all of the gifts wrapped at some point this weekend whether a tree is up or not.  Cookies, cards and fudge, we'll just have to give up on this year.  Life is good, and we are blessed.  

May you all have a VERY Merry and Blessed Christmas this year!!!  

AND  

May love and laughter fill your hearts and homes!

Tis the Season

by Staci L. Smith

Tis the season to be busy!  As I read Karen's post from yesterday, I thought, geez- I really am celebrating every moment I can.  EEEVVVVERY moment.  Like, where is all my time going? 

I am not complaining, its full of fun times.

 

However, I am just starting my handmade gifts, and feeling very behind in that regard.  All is good though, I think I have most of my weekend off to work on gifts.

 

We have had lots of snow here on the east coast as well- which delays things.  It's not even winter and it's snowed at least three times in the last two weeks.  It is simply beautiful though. Plus- having snow this week allowed me to sleep in on my birthday (two hour delay- YAY!) 

 

So it really is the season, and I have felt very blessed by friends and family already.  My kids love making gifts- here are some of my handmade birthday gifts they gave me!

 

This may be my favorite, because, where else could I get a robot ninja?

 

My youngest made me books for my reading pleasure..........





I didn't get to make any ornaments yet, and I usually like to.  Perhaps this weekend I can.

 

I have found some ladies who are totally on the ball, and made some killer handmade love this holiday.

 

Diana P of Suburban Girl Studio made these great ornaments for gifts. (by the way, she has some little charms for jewelry in her shop, like these ornaments- perfect for the season)

 

She even made homemade tags!  I love those sort of details,  I am so bad at them myself.

 

Heather Powers of Humblebeads, a endless source of creativity, made these ornaments, that could even be customized.  I love them!

 

 

Erin Praiz-Hintz of Tesori Travati made this as a gift for Heather- isn't it darling?

 

 

And Sue Kennedy of Sue Beads broke out the polymer to make this cute little guy!

 

 

I really like seeing everyone put their handmade bead and jewelry skills to use making something a little different then the norm.  This is a great way to make gifts for people whom may not wear jewelry!

 

Anyone else making ornaments for the Holidays?  Is it a tradition, or something new?  And what is your favorite medium?

 

 

 

 

 



From the Heart...by Karen McGovern

Keith Lo Bue

First, Happy Holidays to one and all!  Can’t quite believe it is almost Christmas, and almost the end of 2013.  I hope you are all celebrating like mad.  Enjoy every moment you can, and get ready to welcome in the NEW YEAR!  This post was originally planned as an artist interview with the extraordinary Keith Lo Bue.  BUT, because I know we are all spread a little thin right now what with all the ho-ho-hoing , jingling, and mistletoeing, I let him off the hook until after Christmas.  I’ll keep you posted, and until then visit his website and prepare to be amazed.  I’m really looking forward to that interview!



Many of us have been in a creative frenzy since October, preparing new designs for the holidays.  I hope you have taken the time to visit the shops linked here, and have supported handmade and independent artists for holiday gift giving.  I have had a very nice season, and have created a few designs that I really enjoyed because the designs were born of collaboration and celebration.  Custom designs can be a complete crap-shoot, and I am often hesitant to agree to them.  Sometime collaboration with a client is a joy, sometimes not so much.  We’ve all been there—amiright??  This year, I had two specific custom collaborations that I just loved.

First, I was asked to create a bracelet for a woman celebrating a milestone birthday.  The gift was to be given by her sisters.  They contacted me and asked for a bracelet that would be made up of stones representing elements of her personality.  They gave me a list including things like “love of family”, “love of music“, “powerful”, etc.  I hit the Google machine and researched gemstones and their meaning.  This was so cool, because prior to this my understanding of gemstone representations was very minimal. I learned quite a bit, and loved the process.  I am fascinated with folklore and mythology, which feature gems quite a bit, plus I learned more about the healing properties associated with certain stones and the role they play in holistic medicine.  Super cool!  The resulting bracelet is pictured here.  Each stone represents a specific aspect of the wearer’s personality.  The clasp is one of my handmade favorites, a “hidden” clasp created using two enamel copper discs (BTW, MaryAnn, I am almost out.  Time for another order!!!), and a kinetic gold hoop.   So many little details in the overall design, from the individual stones to the tiny tag I made that has the sisters initials on one side and a musical note on the other (she is a musician).  Every component in the finished bracelet has meaning.  I really enjoyed every moment of the design process, and also deeply appreciate the glimpse into these girls’ lives that I was allowed.  I hope she loves wearing this!

Next, I recently began creating a series of cuff bracelets that feature a single, meaningful word.  The first that I made was a “Hope” cuff.  I used a ½ inch aluminum band, hand textured and stamped, accented with a tiny, hand cut heart.  Simple, lightweight, and very wearable.  I posted the pic on my Facebook page, and was quickly contacted by some very, very special folks.

 

 As you may know, I am a conservation biologist in “real life”.  Through my work I meet and collaborate with groups and individuals who have dedicated their lives to saving what remains of nature.  This may sound romantic and exciting, but the truth is what we do can be extremely frustrating and depressing.  There is a war against nature raging on our planet, and often we are forced to simply watch and record the wholesale destruction.  Romantic it ‘aint. 

 

Back to the story of the “Hope” cuff.  I got an email from some folks that are on the front lines of this war.  Turns out, they have been hand rearing an Indian rhinoceros that was abandoned by its mother.  The rhinos in this program are part of a captive breeding effort to save this critically endangered species.  I’m sure you have seen the press coverage about the horrific global wholesale slaughter of elephant and rhino for their horn and tusk.  I could go on and on about how disgusting and unbelievable the situation is, but I won’t.  Simply put, if the poaching of these species isn’t stopped immediately we will lose these magnificent creatures within the next decade.  ANYWAYS, the baby rhino’s name is….wait for it…HOPE!  I was asked to create cuffs for the two girls within the team that have been working around the clock to save this baby.  They spend nearly 24 hours a day with her, and if it wasn’t for this dedication and intensive care, the baby would not have survived.  This is a small, dedicated group of people who have sacrificed so much…needless to say I was THRILLED.  I made one for myself as well, and wear it every day.  That simple word, “Hope”, represents so very, very much.

 

Jewelry—the art of personal adornment—can be an extremely powerful means to convey a heartfelt message.  I try, with every design I create, to tell a story or impart a feeling.  I think I have succeeded with the designs featured here, and in doing so I hope I have created something truly special that is more than just a pretty “thing”.  I often include a note with my work that says “From my Hands and my Heart”.  I mean that.

Happy Holidays to you all, I wish you Peace, Joy and most of all….Hope.

Hold Your Fire! Cold Connections Boot Camp BLOG HOP!!!!!

Welcome to to our Hold Your Fire Cold Connection Art Jewelry Boot Camp BLOG HOP!!!!

pendant by Karen McGovern using a variety of cold connections

 Visit the links at the bottom of this page to visit blogs, flickr and Pinterest. It is not too late to sign up. If you have created jewelry using cold connections, please share a URL where we can read more about it.

If you would like to share your creations, please link your URL below using the inlinkz widget. 

You also might want to check out  LMAJ Boot Camp on.....

FACEBOOK

PINTEREST

FLICKR

So, do you have something to share? Please do.....

Please make sure that you link to a post that includes the current boot camp on cold connections.  Also, on your post or other site, please leave a link back to LMAJ for easier maneuvering.

Blog Hop Preparation for Hold Your Fire! Cold Connections - Riveting

Are you ready to get your blog post pulled together for tomorrow's blog link-up for the Boot Camp: Hold Your Fire! Cold Connections focus on Riveting?

Don't panic if you are a bit behind!

You'll have a couple of days to get your blog post up and linked up.

Remember that even though it is great to see beautiful finished work, it is also inspiring to see experimental work and things that you have learned along the way.

So please create a blog post on your blog showing your work and progress then link up starting tomorrow (there is a countdown on the InLinkz gadget that will show you when it closes).

Love My Art Jewelry Pinterest Board for Hold Your Fire! Cold Connections Boot Camp

And we have been updating our Pinterest Board with some tutorials on riveting and other cold connections to help you find some tips, tricks, and some visual inspiration to get your creative ideas flowing.

Please remember that there is that line, especially on Pinterest, where you can see things that are beautiful pieces of work, created by artists that have found their creative voice.

These things are not there for you to copy and claim as your own.

Please be mindful of this as you sit and get to work.

Letting ideas flow, trying techniques, and finding your own creative voice…

When I need a visual jumping off point, I search for terms like:

Cold Connections

Riveted Jewelry

Then after clicking on an item that interests me, scroll down, and see what else people have pinned.

Visual overload commences…

Remember to leave enough time to go make something yourself!

Then come back and share with us!

be a light

mary jane dodd

while the holidays are a special time of year, it isn't necessarily joyful for everyone. it can bring up feelings of sadness, loneliness... 

gifts are thoughtful and generous - but so is your attention and time. be a light for someone this season - share with them your love.

------

we know
we know.

and  yet we fight it.

fragile strength talisman - shine - mjd 2013

to know light, 

we must know darkness.

in the depths of the pit,

when it rises past your nose

and your eyes are at risk of sinking beneath
that which is known
and that which is unknown,

you'll see it. 

the light.

it may be small,

seem dim,

but it's there. 

it is all you need to begin the ascent. 

you define how you rise. 

mjd - 2013

and while the work is yours, 

you have never been alone.

as it grows in strength

you notice, 

it's no longer in front of you,

but within you. 

what you saw from the deep

was the light of another.

the opportunity is revealed - 

with your strengthening glow

will you show the way

to another who is lost? 

mjd - 2013

shine on.

What have I been up to you ask?

by Staci L. Smith

 

Well, the holidays are all but upon us, and to make it even sweeter, we got some nice snow this week in PA.

(aren't they so creative, I just love my little guys snowman)

 

The boys also built a fort, and it is REALLY good!

This is a shot from the side.  It is in the tree line.

 this is within the tree line, so you have to climb in to see the opening

 and this is a close up, you can see they hung their gear inside

 

I just love that they are each creative in their own way too!

 

I have been taking some time to play around a little more since my shows are done.  Both with family, and with creating things. 

 

You can read my blog here about these new prong settings I made.

front

back

  They were great practice for soldering, and I even made the larger links in the chain.  So I also got to buff and polish. 

 

I have been working on some mixed media art as well.  I carved some linoleum blocks and made some prints, as well as played with paint and other mixed media techniques.  I justify this, because some will be Christmas gifts !!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Seriously though, I really needed to take some time to play- because its how I learn.  It's how I process, and its how I discover new things too.

 

Now I need to play with some cold connections so I have something new for the blog hop on Monday!  I really hope you join us too!

 

 

Rings and Things recently sent me some samples to try out, and I think they KNEW we were having a cold connection blog hop coming up, because they sent me these............

 

Brass Blank Windows

 

I got one of each of the new designs (I think).  How perfect to add a picture between and rivet together, or make them into pins or pendants!!!!!  They have a bunch of great designs, already cut and ready to assemble.  Check them out here.  (I do not get any endorsement from them for this, I just thought they were perfect for our boot camp).

 

Sorry for the rambling, just wanted to let you all know how many directions my brain has been in this month!  At least things come out of that mess!  Whew!

 

How do you do the holidays' creatively?  Do you do handmade gifts, or just prep for shows?  Or both?  And do you hop to various mediums for gifts (like pull out all your creative juices?)

 



 

 

 

 



Hold Your Fire Boot Camp: Online Tube Rivet Tutorial Videos

by Barbara Bechtel

How have your cold connections been coming along everyone? I had hoped to have my own video on tube rivets prepared for you today but the holiday preparations are getting the best of me this year and so I have a little more work to do on it before it's ready for you! I hope you'll join me on Wednesday to see my take on tube rivets and how to tackle them if you've never tried before!

Until then, I wanted to leave you with these two really great videos by some of my favorite YouTube resources, Nancy L.T. Hamilton and the fine folks at Beaducation.com. If you haven't already subscribed to their YouTube channels, I highly recommend checking out all of their informative videos. Both are always excellent resources.

I also want to remind you that our Boot Camp Blog Hop is next Monday, December 16th! So don't forget to blog the pieces you've been creating and come back next week to share and visit everyone's blogs!

First up is a nice video by Nancy L.T. Hamilton:

and second is this new video by Beaducation.com (it covers all types of rivets)

See you Wednesday for my own video!

Lost Muse and Fast Earrings

As a ceramic artist that makes beads and small bits and pieces,

I find it quite difficult sometimes to just sit and make something.

I have tools, materials of all sorts - but no inspiration...

Get me some music, imagery (nature, design, color, texture, etc) and ceramic clay that wants to play without cracking and some favorite tools - and my must shows up almost immediately, and we can play for as much time allows.

But putting it all together - making finished work - that is a whole other being, and my muse…

she usually goes off wandering somewhere else.

Luckily I have a good friend that lives about a coffee break distance away.

Jenny Davies-Reazor is a ceramic artist, jewelry designer, and mixed media artist.

jdaviesreazor on Instagram

And she invited me over for an afternoon of just hanging out and making stuff at her jewelry table.

I brought beads and tools and left with three simple, fast designs to make into earrings, which once I was home and working with more of my beads, headpins, caps and fibers - led to full on fun...

Oh, the frustration that was coming out of trying to wire wrap these simple forms in my traditional way.

Jenny showed me how to do a briolet wrap that just allowed me to fly through these.

Here are the caps and headpins sitting on my table for the next time I go to sit and make earrings.

I though using the sari ribbon would be a good way to hide a lot of the nichrome wire that is embedded in the ceramic clay headpin.

So these are not only fast - they are light weight and move great!

All things I love in an earring.

Sometimes finding your muse and keeping her around are as simple as time spent with a good friend, looking and using what you have in front of you, without any pressure or deadlines (basically forgetting them for an hour or so and letting creativity settle in), and just stick to the basics and expand from there…

Marsha Neal Studio Rustic Beads used for Wire Wrapped Earrings.

How do you find your muse and then keep her around?