Follow Up on the Plan

After experimenting with different silver findings for the unfinished bracelet I wrote about in my last post (see below), something was bothering me. The silver was just sticking out too much and didn't seem to coordinate well with the colors in the bracelet.Of course, I hadn't thought about finishing the piece until it was time to finish the piece which is the way I always do things but it's also a major time-waster.

Then it struck me. Bronze. It makes so much sense. Perfect. The bronze works really well with the acrylic flowers and pearls; giving it a vintage feel which I love.

I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out, and even made earrings to coordinate (not match as I'm not the matchy matchy type). My whole point here is that you don't always have to have a plan in mind when starting a new design. Sometimes you just need to step away, clear your mind, and then the ideas start flowing. Do you plan your designs in advance or do you just wing it? I'd love to know.

To Plan or Not To Plan?

It's rare that I have a design in mind before I begin a new project and while spontaneity is great for the creative spirit, not having a plan can also be a real real time-waster. Like today.

I spent a good chunk of time working on this bracelet, carefully choosing the color pearls I liked and working in the resin flowers I've had for awhile, but now I can't decide how to finish it. Silver might look too heavy but I need something sturdy that will take some wear and tear and still look great. Sometimes just stepping away from a project and taking a break can get the ideas rolling. Which I really hope is the case today.

Any suggestions on what type of finishing or clasp that would work with this bracelet would be greatly appreciated.

I'm Featured on a Beautiful Blog

What an honor to receive an email from artist and fellow Etsy seller Gracie Wieber telling me she included one of my bracelets on her blog Artists/Artisans. It's part of her Karma Collection, a weekly feature of artists selling on the web.

This is a first for me and to say I'm excited is, well, ridiculously understated. I'm ecstatic. Please read it and browse her fabulous paintings and jewelry made of fibers. Great stuff.

Thanks Gracie!

Happy Valentine's Day

This is a great day to start a blog -- lots of love for my family and friends,  now and always.

To celebrate the special day, I made this bracelet for my friend Sarah. It was "commissioned" by her young son who wanted something with a heart on it. Hope she loves it and that it always reminds her of him.

I just put these new blush or champagne-pink earrings up on Etsy. I love the color. I'm dreaming of spring. There will be lots more of these in great colors.