In spite of the fact that I spent a career writing and teaching others to write, I have always resisted the blogging world - until recently… I finally realized that a blog is an excellent way to capture thoughts and share ideas with others. No one makes someone else read a blog - we read what interests us.
When I sat down and made a list of the ideas I needed to record for myself, the list kept getting longer. Well, since I’m not getting any younger…here goes…
Most asked question: Where do you get ideas for your jewelry?
When I first started making jewelry for myself, I immediately attended every class or workshop available locally at my favorite bead shop (now closed), Gone with the Bead. I learned basic stringing, wire work, metal work, polymer clay techniques, Kumihimo, seed bead stitches - the list was endless. These explorations allowed me to see the infinite possibilities for jewelry design and come to understand the ones that interested me most.
Like anyone else, I googled myself crazy (and continue to do so) to scour the web for good ideas and instruction. I discovered, for the most part, that the jewelry making world is incredibly generous with ideas and design inspiration. I often use the work of others as a jumping off point, or I simply purchase the rights to a pattern I love.
After several years, I have begun to see inspiration everywhere, and I try to capture ideas in a quick sketch or on a list of ideas. My sketches and lists are where I go to begin new projects - often starting 2-3 (or more) at the time. You just can’t have too many ideas or projects!
So, that’s where I am with the question of inspiration. Just today, I designed a bracelet pattern based on an outfit Harry Styles wore on the Grammy red carpet. Who knew??
BeadTool software has opened up a whole new world for me in designing hand beaded jewelry. I can play with designs, colors, styles, and print out a layout or bead chart to follow...