Variety

Do you have a jewelry wardrobe? I must confess, I do, very much so. I am practically the Imelda Marcos of earrings (minus the attitude of greed and privilege). Sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed to have such an obvious addiction to and affinity for jewelry. It is as if I were the type of person who dresses my small canine in teeny leather bomber jackets and tuxedos- just a wee bit obsessed and oblivious to the quizzical stares of others. As a jewelry artist I feel a bit more justified in adding to my collection. I've got to wear my own designs, don't I? And I simply must support my fellow jewelry artists (Endangered Creations, Sassy Glass Designs, Made for an Angel, etc.) by purchasing a few of their designs, don't I? But the bottom line is, truly, that I simply love jewelry. I revel in it. My motto is: don't leave home without it. You are not dressed unless you have a pair of earrings bobbing from your ears, at the very least, in addition to a swipe of your favorite lip color atop those pretty lips.

My mother taught me that jewelry is simply not worth having unless it is the 'real deal'. No costume pieces for me, as a general rule, though there have been rare exceptions (especially if vintage is involved).This does not mean that my jewelry must be luxurious or expensive. However, it is essential that my jewelry consist of high quality materials that are constructed in a solid and reliable way. I favor color in my jewelry- sometimes very intense and rich, sometimes very subtle and natural. I love both sterling silver and gold, especially unique, one-of-a-kind pieces crafted by an artist. I love natural stones and glass beads. I am very selective (some might say, PICKY) about jewelry I select for my own use. I have the same point of view regarding jewelry that I create for others to wear.

It is difficult for me to understand women who confine themselves to one small set of jewelry. Just one or two necklaces, bracelets, sets of earrings and a smattering of rings that they wear almost exclusively on a daily basis. I would get bored with that, I'm afraid. I love variety, the unexpected, in my jewelry. To wear the same jewelry everyday, for me, would be like wearing the same clothes everyday. Just. Not. Happening. Besides, I feel it is only fair to give each and every little treasure I own a spin around town, a chance to see daylight. I am wildly impractical in my viewpoints on baubles. But, hey, I am scathingly practical when it comes to shoes. I only wear comfortable (and I mean COMFORTABLE) shoes. No stiletto heels for this girl. Gotta balance the scales somehow, right?

So take a minute to tell me, which type of jewelry person are you? One regular set or a wardrobe to reflect your mood?

(The colorful earrings featured in this post are available in my Artfire shop.)

"Not on one strand are all life's jewels strung."- William Morris

"Variety is the soul of pleasure."- Aphra Behn

Exuberance

Here is a little something I whipped up for myself. Yup, for me. I rarely make things for myself. These colors were crying out to me, as was this design. I think the result is adorable. They are lightweight and swingy- quite eye-catching. It's so hard to be a guinea pig.

I will be cranking out more earrings with this design for you, if you desire. You know you do. Stay tuned.

Girly

When I was a young lady, I really wasn't. I was quite undeniably a tomboy when it came to appearances. I was taught to conduct myself in a lady-like fashion and I truly believed in and applied good manners. I occasionally wore dresses when my mother required it. Otherwise, I happily tore around the neighborhood in play clothes. My mother tried, oh how she tried, to get me to wear pretty colors, like red, purple and pink. When I was deemed old enough to select my own wardrobe, I favored beige, black and, oddly, mustard yellow. Bleh. What was I thinking back then? My dad always said, "Youth is wasted on the young." So true. I had a plethora of lovely colors to choose from and I favored mostly safe, reliable neutrals, eschewing anything lovely. People used to ask me if I was in mourning due to my somber color choices. Good friends would ask me if I was depressed. Obviously, a change was in order. But it wasn't until I reached womanhood that I suddenly underwent a transformation. I embraced all things colorful. I began an intensive study of color theory and came to understand the subtle nuances of it all. I discovered that I have an 'eye' for color. Admittedly, I still adore black as a basic. But now I accent black with spots of lively color. I like feminine touches (though I will never be a lace and ruffle fan). It's fun to be a girl! But a little bit of tomboy never hurt anyone (well, maybe that annoying boy in first grade who was always trying to kiss me).

(Bead featured in detail photograph is called "Girl at Heart" and is available in my Etsy store.)

"When I am an old woman I shall wear purple/ With a red hat that doesn't go and doesn't suit me."- Jenny Joseph

Chaos

LEGOS as far as the eye can see, underfoot, everywhere! That is my living room at present. I can hardly complain. My studio bears a strong resemblance to this LEGO scene. I am inclined to orderliness in my world. I actually enjoy having a place for everything and everything in it's place. So why, WHY is my workspace so disorderly? Some people work best in a tidy space. Having things in order helps them to peacefully focus on the task at hand, without distraction. Others need a modicum of disorder in order to see the possibilities, in order to picture the options. But there are a few artists who get ideas from complete chaos. Their imagination is sparked by seeing colors randomly thrown together in unexpected combinations, shapes playing off of each other, stirring an unexpected response. In my studio, I usually begin with harmony which quickly converts to visual dissonance. Or is it really dissonance? Isn't the creative process almost always a bit untidy? What happens when we make a lasagna for dinner, or any food, for that matter? We are washing dishes for hours afterward. But when we sink our teeth in that stellar home-cooked meal, we realize that the mess was worth it. Women who have given birth know that it is a messy business. But what an incredible result. Look at all creative efforts in the same way. We can always clean up later.

"Beginnings are always messy."- John Galsworthy

Catalyst

What puts a twinkle in your eye? What dazzles your view, overwhelms your senses, tickles your wit, leaves you thunderstruck? These are the things that will drive you to create your art.

Gray matter can be infused with shimmering color when it is riveted on what stirs you deep within. Focus on what brings you bliss. The possibilities are infinite: a purring cat, curled in your lap; a meteor shower hurtling overhead; the merry crackle of a campfire; the bubbly laughter of children; a smooth, silky chocolate treat; the deep silence of a cave; an exquisitely crafted piece of music; a show of affection from a dearly loved one. Take time to reflect on what triggers your passion and use that as a tool to create.