It's been a while...

...and I am feeling a bit frustrated.
Needing, wanting to do something creative and having some kind of block.
It's almost painful. Like a loss. I have been sitting with it, waiting, trying not to force anything, let it flow...
but nothing is coming out.

It is swirling around inside of me feeling trapped. In my stomach...then up to my head, down my arms...back up...trying to find an exit.

I have never felt quite like this before. The creative juices always poured freely out of me in the form of many mediums/styles/techniques. This is new and uncomfortable.

Any wisdom, guidance, thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

- from a greatful heart

Photo Jewelry Series – Part Three of Three

These are the two products I use to secure and seal my photographs when creating my photo jewelry.

They can each be found at most national craft retailers or online.

The Glossy Accents is thick and great for filling in a "well" or covering small beads, findings or paper layers. It has it's own applicator and can fit in small areas. A very tiny amount can be applied to the back of your photograph to secure it to the piece of jewelry before covering the top.

The Triple Thick is thinner and easier to spread over larger surfaces. I use a clean, soft, synthetic craft brush to apply it. It gives a uniform look to a wider surface. You must take care not to over-brush the top or your photo might smear.

I also sometimes use a spray fixative (found at any art store) to "fix" or seal my photographs or paper art before finishing with one of the above products.

Be sure to experiment with any product you use and get comfortable with it. There can be a slight learning curve and it will make for happier creating if you feel secure with your supplies.

Natures Earrings

On a recent trip to California I took a bunch of pictures of the beautiful desert wildlife.

I am sharing some of these to show how inspiration for jewelry pieces can be found everywhere.

The flowers on this bush, when grouped all together, kind of got lost…but I think when you separate them and focus on just one the look like delicate, dangling earrings handmade by Mother Nature.

It made me picture a thin chain with long tube beads attached…capped off by little floating crystals…what does this picture make you think about?

Does it inspire certain materials, colors, shapes?

Picture making something this shape using only wire…or all one color…or a shorter length.

Next time you are out in nature…take a closer look…or better yet…take your camera!