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. . .