Tis the season!
No, not really, it’s summer- no matter what the stores are telling you. We have months until the holidays!
When I am not feeling crafty but want to feel productive, I find myself organizing my beads. I put away lose beads from previous classes and take apart pieces I made but decided I didn’t like. I also disassemble necklaces, rings and bracelets purchased at yard sales and Goodwill (gold mine for vintage beads). I get my hands in with the glass and crystal and plastic and enjoy the simply playing with the beads.
This is when inspiration hits. Sometimes I find beads or charms I had forgotten about and suddenly an idea forms. Other times I simply find a combination I hadn’t considered before. Today I was putting away charms and found my holiday-themed stash. With these colorful charms, I find less beads is better and these simple designs are quick and easy to put together and make fabulous earrings. Work with what moves you when it moves you.
Books are another great form of inspiration. There are a billion beading magazines and books out there. Your local bookstore or craft store is guaranteed to carry a selection, or check out your local thrift store. I can’t tell you how many different art books I have purchased second hand. My most favorite finds are books from the 70’s-80’s with long forgotten patterns and styles. Jewelry, like fashion, goes in waves and is ever-changing. Of course, there are online options like Pintrest (have you checked out Craftopia’s boards yet?) and simple online searches for ideas.
There are times when this cleaning/organizing doesn’t yield inspiration- and that’s ok! Artists are not always inspired, that’s what makes their pieces of art so special and unique. Don’t force creativity, search for it, and welcome it, but also be prepared to accept that today might not be the day for a masterpiece.
