I Want to Win. . .

Vintaj Natural Brass is once again being very generous.  They have teamed up with Beadaholique.com and are having a Crystal Copper Giveaway!

Wouldn't you LOVE to win that fun collection of copper and beads??  Stop by the Vintaj Blog and enter for your chance to win!

Here's the statement I need to post to earn the winning entry:

 I want to win the @vintajco & @beadaholique Crystal Copper Giveaway! #ilovevintaj

. . .and I truly do ♥ Vintaj!! 

Squirrel!!

I will be the first to admit. . .I am easily distracted.  Often during a conversation, a friend will let me know I've wandered off topic by quickly turning her head and shouting "Squirrel!!"  It definitely works to get me back on track. . .and it's always good for a laugh.

My true "squirrel"?  Baubles and beads.  The first time I attended the Bead & Button Show and entered the Bead Marketplace, I was in total sensory overload.  My head was snapping back and forth from booth to booth. . ."oooo look at that!". . ."pretty". . ."shiny". . ."must have it!". . .I didn't know which way to turn or what to buy first.  And I wanted it all.  I still have that reaction each year, but have learned to control it a little better and actually have a method to my madness.  Occasionally while going through things in my studio months later, I will find a bag with some treasure in it that I totally had to have and forgot I even purchased.  It's kind of like hiding my own Easter eggs, and always a fun surprise.  :)

I'm coming to the realization that I am the same way with techniques.  I've gotten my certification in Precious Metal Clay (PMC), and have taken classes in ICE Resin, polymer clay, glass fusing, lampworking, metalwork, riveting, etching, enameling, wirewrapping, and the list goes on.  I have been fortunate enough to work with many incredible teachers I have to give a shout out to including: Jess Italia Lincoln, Susan Lenart Kazmer, Debbi Simon, Tracy Stanley, Krisen Robinson, Kieu Pham Gray, Lisa Claxton. . .I have learned so much from all of them, and highly recommend taking a class from any of them if you have a chance.  My problem is, I wonder sometimes if I'm a jack of all trades and master of none.  Are there some techniques I'll never use again?  Probably.  Are there some I wish I was more proficient at?  Yes.  Are there any classes I wish I wouldn't have taken?  Definitely not.

I simply wish there were more hours in the day to spend in my studio playing with the squirrels. . .

My Studio. . .

. . .is totally trashed.  We have been remodeling at our house, and for some reason my studio has turned into the "just put it in there for now" room.  It's got boxes, pieces, parts, tools, and yes. . .even a toilet in it right now!  Seriously?

It's location is perfect when I'm feeling creative.  It's on the main level of the house, and right off the kitchen and living room.  So easy for grabbing a cup of tea or a latte when I'm ready for a break, the bathroom is right across the hall for an easy access water source (and getting rid of the tea or latte), and it's got a door to close out the kitty girls so they aren't playing in all those baubles & beads while we're at work during the day.  Unfortunately, that also makes it perfect for hiding and storing stuff so the rest of the house looks nice while we're in the middle of chaos. 

The last few weeks when I open the door and walk in the room, I stand there feeling overwhelmed for a minute, and then turn around and walk out.  It's very hard to feel inspired to create when I can barely find my workbench. . .although, I could use the toilet for additional seating at one of my workstations! 

I'm hoping we finish up the remodel within a week or so, and that my little piece of the world will be restored.  I miss it, and can't wait to open that door again and feel inspired.  In the meantime?  I'll find inspiration in my many design books and magazines; in my fellow designers' websites, blogs, and Etsy sites; and will simply find the beautiful in all the things around me.

Posting Again. . .

Has it really been a year since I've posted??  YIKES!  Between my "real" job, classes & shows, and life in general. . .things seem to have gotten away from me.  I'm hoping over the quieter Winter months that I'll be able to share the things I'm learning and creating, as well as introduce you to some of my very talented designer friends.  It's been amazing how welcoming and supportive they've been in my journey to create, and I can't wait to share them and their beautiful designs with you.

Here's hoping to post again soon!  ;-)