Pretty Containers for Pretty Supplies

I love my jewelry supplies!

Sometimes I don't want to use them because I like looking at them so much.

One thing that I have really changed in the last few years is how I store them and how I set up my studio.

I enjoy finding pretty containers, boxes and trays to jeep my findings and beads in. Like the small beaded box above (from an import store) it makes me happy to be surrounded by pretty items.

I could have used any old thing to store my buttons but when I reach for this smooth, shiny box, it makes me feel good.

I think it's important to take pride in your surroundings and give yourself little treats.
They don't have to be expensive or elaborate as long as they speak to you.

Twittering, Tweeting, Tweets...

Well, I have joined the ranks on Twitter...




Come follow me at
http://twitter.com/cpotential

I am not quite sure what it's all about yet but we shall see...

Let me know if I can follow you too!

Necessity - The Mother of Jewelry Design!

Ok, so math isn't my thing.

With my new need to be able to figure out time in another part of the country I went on a search to find a watch with two faces.

"No problem" I thought...just run to the store and choose from a selection of styles.

Well, I guess that fad that was around several years ago no longer exists because after visiting many stores I came home with not even one option!

I poked around online but really felt like I needed to be able to try them on.

Then it hit me...I am a jewelry designer...duh.

So I purchased two retail watches that had faces I liked and that would fit my small wrist...yea, I know I could have bought the watch faces wholesale from a jewelry supplier...but I am slightly impatient and in need of instant gratification. Plus these were on sale.

They both had stretchy bracelet style bands, which I promptly removed. I attached them together with several jump rings and added a black leather band.

Voila! A custom, two faced watch...like none other.

I am the white and my husband is the black.

Acknowledgement Feels Great!

I had such a wonderful surprise last week when I opened my email and found that Pearl from the inspirational website "The Beading Gem" had selected my blog to receive the "Lemonade Award".

"What is the Lemonade Award?" you might say...

The Lemonade award is given for gratitude and attitude.

The rules are:


1.Put the logo on your blog or post
2.Nominate blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude and link to your post.
3. Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.

Isn't that the coolest?

It made my day.


Thank you Pearl!

Please visit http://www.beadinggem.com
and see all of the great content on her site!



Below is the very thoughtful blurb she wrote about my site...



Pamela Vale is a multi-talented artist who lives up to the name of her shop and blog for she is just a-bubbling with lots of ideas. Like me, she also believes you can make great jewelry from unusual materials such as a bracelet a clear plastic tubing stuffed with pretty yarns. Dipping into her past posts, you can find off-centred wire worked bails, trompe l'oeil paintings, artwork, home decor and a series of antique store finds such as this jewelry display. Her artistic eye also results in some clever jewelry photography ideas such as using scrapbook props (not paper). Her floating earring photo shoot was really cool! She does indeed see potential in everything around her. So thank you for inspiring us all.

Slow Down and Enjoy Your Craft

Take a deep breath, have a cup of tea, light a candle...

Often I can find myself rushing through projects with my sights set on the next thing on my list instead of being present to what is actually in my hands.

Sometimes that is ok...sometimes I need to just plow through several things sort of like cleaning out my engine or when you have to turn the can of spray paint over to clear the nozzle.

But generally I believe that it is better to be more deliberate and in tune with the present moment, especially creatively.

There are those times where I am totally aware of everything around me... the way things feel, look, smell and that's when I feel a connection between my art and my self.

This picture makes me smile whenever I see it. Our dog, Nilak, runs so fast she is like a blur. I don't want to power through my life like that. I want to experience my life.

Scrapbooking Cutting Tools for Jewelry Making?

The right tool can make your life easier!

I did a series of jewelry pieces where I incorporated photographs and decorative papers.

At first I liked the process of cutting the papers and photographs by hand with a knife or tiny scissors and really taking the time to get each shape just how I wanted it.

That novelty quickly wore off and soon I was on a mission to find tools that could help me expedite that part of the process.

My large national arts and crafts store was the answer.

In the scrap booking section there is an entire wall of cutting tools and accessories!

Not really needing to get sucked into another craft I stayed away from the big machine type models and opted for the simple hand held cutter like the one pictured above. I was able to use a 40% off coupon and each time I went back I added to my shape collection.

They are available in many decorative shapes and sizes and can really fit any crafty need you might have.

It made my life easier and I was able to more fully enjoy my creative process.

The Creative Power of Love and Support

Today is my 11th wedding anniversary! Yea!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank my spectacular husband for all of the creative juice he gives me. It makes a huge difference for me to have the unconditional love and support of my partner.

He allows me to explore and experiment with whatever my current whim is and never crushes an idea...no matter how weird it might seem. (and I have tested that)

He provides a safe environment for me to flourish and grow as an artist.

My art comes from a place of love and he is a big reason why.