Delias Studio, Inc.

A Handbook....

2011-10-30T21:04:00.000-04:00

Let me start off by sharing the significance of this book. When I was twelve my parents did a variety of odd jobs for Billy Graham. No, not the evangelist but Billy Graham of Billy Graham Presentations..... Don't worry, not many would know the meaning behind this. Billy Graham presented the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd concerts. Because of this I had a colorful childhood and was exposed to more than most small children.

I've gotten off track. So it just so happened that Pink Floyd was at Cal-Expo in Sacramento in 1988 and my parents were able to find some odd jobs with the show. My parents spent the day in the arena putting up chairs and doing a variety of tasks and I was required to spend the day in the van in the parking lot alone. This may sound crazy but let me follow this up with the fact that the van I'm speaking of doubled as our home. I told you my childhood was colorful!

My mother was one who let me read and watch just about anything I wanted. There were no "grown up" books in our household. So it was on this particular day that as my mother was leaving she parted with some clever words. "you can read anything you want, but I don't think you should read this one, you probably wouldn't understand it." Well, you know what I did as soon as she left the van. I cracked the cover of that book and began reading. I was certain that there must be something very forbidden hidden within it's pages. After awhile I forgot that I was supposed to be looking for some very adult passages and became absorbed into the story of the Reluctant Messiah.

I read this book every year and sometimes twice a year. Each and every time I finish it, I think to myself that I will not forget. Each and every time I do. I must be reminded over and over again. I must be surprised by it's meaning and wrapped in it's words each and every time. I come to this book to heal, to learn and to remember NOT TO CLING TO THE ROCKS! I know that I will find what I am looking for hidden within it's pages and each time I come to it reluctantly. I know the story by heart, I know the meaning, I KNOW. Yet, I come eventually to the one story that defines me and reminds me of where I came from and who I am. What I hold true and what I value. These things are true. These things are good. These things I will keep.

I must part with these words in the hope that you too might let go of the rocks;

11. The Master answered and said, "Once there lived a village of creatures along the bottom of a great crystal river.
12. the current of the river swept silently over them all-young and old, rich and poor, good and evil, the current going its own way, knowing only its own crystal self.
13. Each creature in its own manner clung tightly to the twigs and rocks of the river bottom, for clinging was their way of live, and resisting the current what each had learned from birth.
14. But one creature said at last, "I am tired of clinging. Though I cannot see it with my eyes, I trust that the current knows where it is going. I shall let go, and let it take me where it will. Clinging, I shall die of boredom."
15. The other creatures laughed and said, 'fool! Let go, and that current you worship will throw you tumbled and smashed across the rocks, and you will die quicker than boredom!'
16. But the one heeded them not, and taking a breath did let go, and at once was tumbled and smashed by the current across the rocks.

17. Yet in time, as the creature refused to cling again, the current lifted him free from the bottom, and he was bruised and hurt no more.

18. And the creatures downstream, to whom he was a stranger, cried, "see a miracle! A creature like ourselves, yet he flies! See the Messiah, come to save us all!"

19. And the one carried in the current said, "I am no more Messiah than you. The river delights to lift us free, if only we dare let go. Our true work is the voyage, this adventure."
20. "But they cried the more, 'savior!' all the while clinging to the rocks, and when they looked again he was gone, and they were left alone making legends of a savior."

Written By Richard Bach, Illusions.

Finding the steps.

2011-10-18T00:50:00.000-04:00

I don't know what to say other than the steps I knew as the dance of my life changed and I wasn't aware that the music had stopped....

It's taken some time, a lot of time, to regain any sort of balance and now as I near seven months I am just now beginning to feel the stir within. The need for balance, the need for something whole, the need for myself, a return of myself.

And I try to remember the words spoken so often to me as a young child, life isn't fair. I think we all find that at times what we thought would be our lives takes a sudden turn and we find ourselves winded and immersed in disbelief. Nobody plans for the twists and turns that appear so dark and steep. If we knew they were coming perhaps we would have chosen another path entirely. Yet that is the comedy of life and perhaps a great triumph, would we ever jump if we knew we were going to fall?

So Yes, I am stumbling now. I have fallen and I am still discovering the bruises and fractures that heal slowly. Yet, there is a hope, a glimmer of hope that this too shall pass. I am still here. I am still here inside and though it may take time to bring the fullness of Her back I know She will come. For this I am grateful as I did not know if this would ever come.

And simply, I do realize the things I had forgotten. I am the girl who left McMinnville, Oregon for Atlanta, Georgia on a whim. The girl who wanted to discover a life of her own. The girl who chose her own path. The girl who lived without fear. If nothing else, I want to reconnect with Her. I want Her to be apart of my life moving forward. I want to remember the girl who knew anything was possible and all one must do is take a single step in a specific direction to realize it. I am still HER and SHE is still here. We are getting reacquainted but I missed Her.

So we begin with a new dance, new steps and a new direction.

Shades of Gray

2011-06-17T14:17:00.001-04:00

This passage of time feels endless and I have found my world flipped and turned upside down. Reaching deep inside I search for strength to accept what I never knew was possible. Sharp corners - inside my mind feeding me endlessly and I wonder if they were always there. The angles are endless and what I once saw as pure I know was contaminated but not knowing at the time I swallowed it whole and built a life believing what I held as truth, was. I find myself looking at my life like shattered glass and I wonder how shattered glass can be both brilliantly beautiful and hauntingly sad? What do we do with the pieces? And like the chapters previous I know this too shall pass. It will be what it is and I know that accepting that is the only truth I can hold onto. I must celebrate it but I can't seem to find the courage to believe. So I go on because this is what I would tell another..... you must move forward, you must continue, there is no other choice, there is no other direction, you cannot go back, you must continue until the distance between the future and this fades into softer shades of gray.

From out of the shadows...

2011-06-11T16:00:00.001-04:00

I often find that when my life leads to utter and complete chaos, my creativity spikes and my understanding of who I am and my place in the world turns concrete. I wish I could capture this part of the drama and hold it in my pocket but it seems that from out of the shadows this gift comes and I am grateful to be greeted by it. The wheels begin to grind and time spent in the studio allows me to escape from the world at large. Unfortunately I am in such a time now. The world at large is banished to a far corner and I creep to the studio looking for the solace that comes from doing something well and keeping oneself so preoccupied that the dark haunting thoughts that want to enter my mind are barred for a short while. I find strength in who I am when sitting at the bench. There is no pretense, no misunderstandings, no need to try to appear to be something I am not. I can just be and breathe and work. Me and the metal as one forging our way through hours of time as the hands slip around the clock. Perhaps this is what drew me to the arts in the first place. It is the only time I feel no need to be ashamed or cautious. It just is.

From the deepest part of me comes the latest concept that I am defining to collaborate with my current Element Collection. Not sure where it will go but there will be plenty of hours in the studio to discover the path.

The Path Not Traveled....

2011-03-23T22:24:00.001-04:00

Do you ever think about the path not traveled? I love my life but still sometimes I wonder about all the lives I left behind when I chose mine. It surprises me still the person I have become over the person I thought I would be.

I always thought I would wander more.... I wanted to be a journalist for the National Geographic, I wanted to be a tattoo artist, I wanted to join the Peace Corp., I wanted to teach English in Japan..... So many lives I left behind when I chose this one.

I never thought of myself living a fairly ordinary life. My parents led me on a journey of constant variety. In 1988 my parents packed my sister and I up in a Ford Van and we followed the Grateful Dead. My first concert ever was James Taylor followed by Pink Floyd when I was 12. We sold "dancing egg rolls" and tie dye t-shirts, We lived at a campground in California for a month..... none of these would lead one to believe that I would grow up to be such a predictable adult.

It is because of this that from time to time I wonder what it would be like to keep driving right past my exit. What would it be like to sell everything and just live day by day? Then I remember all of the wonderful things I have in my life that fulfill me and I know with certainty that these other lives are only wonderful because they are how I imagine them in a mere moment. The realities of these other lives would surely and eventually turn into a grind and the up side would eventually plateau. It is because I can keep them as visions warm in my mind and delightful in the fact that they were paths I never actually traveled that makes them glorious. Yet from time to time I enjoy a good daydream about all the lives I didn't live and the person I didn't become.

Another Busy Day

2011-01-30T21:14:00.000-05:00

Spent another day working to get ready for BMAC. So this is sorta what I had in mind for the new layout. It's tough to see and I am trying to get an idea of how the cases will work in a very tight space but I think you can get the general idea. My only thought now is; is it too dark brown/black? Does it look too flat? I can't decide if I need to add another color element. I am always trying to be super cautious as I want the work to be really clean and clear..... I think I may consider changing the inside color on two of the cases from dark brown to a light linen just to break it up a bit.

Carlos was super great cutting all of the foam board for me to measure. How many weekends has he spent doing stuff for me? He can be pretty incredible but I can't cut a straight line if my life depended on it so I am so fortunate to have his help! Thanks Carlos!

Redesign for BMAC

2011-01-29T23:08:00.001-05:00

With the Buyer's Market show just a few weeks away I am spending most of my weekends getting ready. I had once thought that once I came up with a booth display - I would be done. Not true. There is a constant need to reinvent, redesign, and solve problems in general.

Last year I shipped my booth to Philadelphia from Atlanta. The cost was amazingly competitive on the way there and I was shocked to find the price quite different on it's return. I have learned to truly appreciate the concept; light as a feather. This year I will be driving to the show but later in the summer I have a show in Las Vegas, knowing that, I am challenging myself to design a beautiful booth at a bargain price and as light as I can possibly keep it. When you are paying per pound; every ounce counts!

The cost to purchase jewelry display items always amazes me. It seems you will either find selection at a high price or no selection at a low price. In addition I found using busts and general jewelry display items in my case has a crowded look. This year I spent a lot of time thinking about how to create a cleaner look and of course to keep it light.

This is the first step leading to the new design. I'm really excited as it looks like it is going to turn out well. I purchased floral arrangement foam and spray painted them black. They now almost look like charcoal or stone. Very cool. I am going to use these as risers to create different levels in the cases. On the top of each riser I am using colored foam board in white and black cut in squares. The jewelry will sit on the boards with the risers underneath. I will be sure to send a picture once I have a set together but I am loving the concept. Super light and all the pieces can fit in a very small space.

I will be writing about this on my next few posts..... all the things I am doing to get ready for the mega wholesale show. So very much to do! Just to cross a few things off my list I managed to get over to Home Depot to purchase additional bulbs, halogen light fixtures and electric cord. Left before realizing I meant to double up on everything! If something can go wrong, it probably will. Always best to have two of everything you cannot function without just in case!

Most of the new line is ready and I am excited to offer a little peak here. I am so excited and so nervous all at the same time. This is a new look but it feels right and I really want to continue to explore it. Lets hope my retailers are as in love with it as I am!

Hammer, metal, and punches....

2010-12-04T12:09:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy creating unique textures in metal. There is something fabulous about the process.... Taking small punches and creating patterns, oxidizing the finished piece and waiting for the complete picture to be unveiled....

I have collected punches for chasing from all sorts of random places and have even made some of my own. An old hex key and a flex shaft can create some really interesting patterns.

This cuff took about four hours to complete. I really loved the process of fabrication and would love to continue making them but I think I will have to break it down across several days to save the pressure on my neck and back.

Just thought you would enjoy a little in the process photo.....

Refine, Refine, Refine!!!!!

2010-11-30T22:32:00.001-05:00

Oh goodness how do we take an idea and bring it to fruition and how many drafts must it go through before we reach the desired effect?

With precious metal prices being what they are I am almost afraid to play and yet I am just not one of those people who can work in anything but the metal itself. I have tried creating models in the past but just never felt like they helped me truly understand what the finished piece would look like so yes... I know... bad delias..... works in sterling even for ideas.

Well I know I am onto something here but I am not there yet. I think the textured metal needs to really slope outward and be much wider with a lot more movement in the broken edge. Next week I go to pick up metal so I will have to try it again because I just know that it is so close to being something rather cool.

Little Pieces...

2010-11-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

I recently had an experience that reminded me of all my faults and fear overwhelmed me. Some of what was said trickled into my head and bounced back and forth creating vibrations in my mind making it difficult to see clearly.

And though this person does not know me well they felt compelled to describe me in such a way that they could not have known they hit every fear I hold inside. It commanded my attention as this special journey is one I take so seriously. Someone once told me that the difference between the past and the future is the happy memories you put between them. We each have a story and though that story may not be clear to everyone I think we would all be better if we tried for a moment to realize that we have no idea where people are coming from. What we see in seconds of conversation is but a minute layer and only when we delve further into true friendship are we able to dig past the surface and find the many parts that make the whole. I am guilty of this too and was reminded of this in another recent experience. How I wish I could remember all of my life's lessons and carry them in my pocket for safe keeping.

Is perception reality? Rarely. It is with this in mind that I have chosen a new concept I want to delve into. The idea that we are broken. Small pieces of our life's experience and rarely does one travel the whole of their life without experiencing some battle scars. It is difficult to lay down our guns when the dust settles and redefine ourselves back to who we were before. It is impossible to not allow these experiences to change how we perceive the world and the objects and people in it. But sometimes we find that through true friendship we can allow ourselves to look forward and try to heal. Someone to remind us that yes, we can lay down our guns and move past these experiences even if we have carried them so long that the burden is part of our own spiritual and physical weight.

In this attempt to find closure to the past so that I might learn from my mistakes I am compelled to expand into the many broken pieces. The idea that we are stronger more weathered versions of ourselves once broken but the broken pieces can be mended and can create a whole, a joyful surprise, a something unexpected but real and whole and good. Is this possible? Can we stitch our lives back together and carry the struggle forward embracing it as a life changing experience and create positive consequences? I would say yes to that. I would drink a toast and close my eyes and wish upon stars that this might be true. And so my mind will linger here for awhile..... sifting through little pieces......

Paris - There and Back Again....

2010-11-01T09:47:00.000-04:00

Paris....

And so as always it is exciting to have gone and exciting to come home! I think we saw just about everything there was to see and the richness of the culture and beauty has me inspired....

Our favorites I would have to say were the grounds of Versailles and Sacra Coeur, a cathedral above the city of Paris that has had continuous prayer for 125 years.

I am always amazed at the idea that my feet are now stepping in the shadows of the past and what lingers there, an energy, can still be felt today. Matters of great importance and historic events are ground like powder into the dirt and cobblestones beneath my feet. Such an amazing journey to see what they have seen to feel the same cool breeze sweep off the Seine and row upon waters that once held royal barges..... romantic, humbling, beyond words....

Inspiration.......

2010-09-15T20:03:00.000-04:00

It's time for September's “Talk About” Blog ~ with the Handmade Division Team….

September’s topic:

"Where do you draw your creative inspiration from"

This question is always the hardest one for me to answer because in truth I am inspired by everything. A passage from a good book, a walk in the woods with the pups, lyrics from a song, the hard lines of the skyscrapers that meet the Atlanta skyline and even the materials themselves. I find that all of these elements combine and accumulate in my head and come out in my work. It is really my view of what I see, touch, feel, and hear around me that identifies my work as mine.

In truth though I am not one to follow a pre-determined path. I do use a sketch book and draw up designs but when fabricating them I allow myself the freedom to move away from the original inspiration and explore opportunities as I put things together. I enjoy having freedom at the bench. I believe that the metal itself has a voice and I try to work within it and capture all of the elements for each piece as a balanced whole.

To read more great inspirational stories please visit the following blogs:

Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Susan Moloney: http://susarto.blogspot.com/
Alice Istanbul: http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/
Rebekah Meddles (Lunasa Designs Jewelry): http://lunasadesigns.blogspot.com/
Jewelry by Natsuko http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
nanotopia: http://nanopod.wordpress.com/
Bella-Bijou Jewellery http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
ArtJewel Designs: http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Abhaya Fibers http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/

First Ever Delias Thompson Gallery Love Giveaway Contest!!!!

2010-09-03T17:45:00.000-04:00

Announcing the First Ever Delias Thompson Gallery Love Contest!

Delias Thompson's jewelry is now offered at 37 retail locations across the country. These are amazing places where you can find creative and one of a kind gifts and treasures. Have you been to one of the galleries or gift shops and explored the beautiful handcrafted items?

Well the Gallery Love Contest will require you to dust off your shoes and do some exploring. Here's what you need to do:
Go to www.deliasstudioinc.com and check out the gallery locator page.
Choose a retail location near you
Go visit and snap a digital photo of the OUTSIDE store front of the retail location. (Please take the photo outside the retail location, most retailers will not allow photography inside).
E-Mail the photo to delias@deliasstudioinc.com

On September 30th Delias will randomly choose one of the e-mail recipients as a winner!!!!

Here's what you get!

The winner will receive a Sterling Silver Pebble Ring in their choice of gemstone (topaz, citrine, garnet, peridot, amethyst) and in their requested size Packaged up and mailed to their front door!

Can't get any better than this! Have fun and remember to take photos OUTSIDE the retail establishment. Funny photos may end up on my blog!!!!

xo,
delias

Obsession

2010-08-29T21:10:00.001-04:00

About a year ago I logged into my website comments section to find this post: "I don't think your work is very creative. It all looks the same."

Well, my first reaction was, "screw off...." then it hurt my feelings.... and then believe it or not .... I let this fool get under my skin. BUT. let me say this was a good thing. I took a good long look at my line and I thought well.... maybe this person has a point. I have some redundancy. So I removed some items from my line, cut some other lines down, introduced some new lines and then threw out all of the collections and built just the one; Edge Collection. And then yes, I added the Pebble Collection. I think perhaps the intention of this person was not from the very best place but I am not in need of a yes man or woman and I thought the critique valid after some consideration. It really helped me to look at my line with a critical eye and to take the salt out of a slight and use it for good.

I must admit though.... there are some elements I just love and I will come back to them again and again. I love little granules. I love texture. I love darkened metal. I love these things and grouped together they are what I create. I become obsessed with certain stones and looks.... have you noticed my recent obsession with Montana Agate? Can't get enough of it and want to play with it and set it and make pretty things with it and I don't care if not everyone loves it because the colors make me think of Fall and feed my soul and make me want to make homemade soup! Giggles!

So when you feel the breath knocked out of you from time to time.... learn when to take a good hard look and learn when to smile and do it anyway!

xo

Change.....

2010-08-27T22:25:00.000-04:00

Can I just tell you the truth? I have always been one of those people who sets a goal and becomes completely obsessed with it until the moment I achieve it and then it is onward to the next goal. I love being in flux. There is nothing more exciting than the chase. I'm sure this is attractive and off putting all at once.

However, I think this is why I love the torch and the metal so much. The opportunities to create something new are endless and there is always a new technique or a new tool or a new twist! It keeps things moving...

My friend who is also a jeweler and I constantly debate the optimum length of a product's life cycle. I look at the world around me and see a population infatuated with new, new, new. What is the newest thing you have..... what's next? I believe that being "connected" by the Internet has created a constant buzz.... a constant need for stimulation. In this I find that I feel the need constantly to be designing.... the next collection, next piece, next spin.... next, next, next, NEXT!

I'll be honest I love it but I will also admit that there is the smallest part of me that fears that one day I am going to wake up and find that I have no more new ideas. What if my creativity is like a battery and it only has so much life before it is drained completely. I am so obsessed with this idea. I think it stems from childhood. I remember adults discussing how once people grow up they lose their ability to imagine. It created such an impact on me and I began to worry about losing my imagination. Silly, I know but here I am still haunted by this fear that we only have a limited amount of creativity.

As a solution or a counter plan in case the inevitable ever comes true.... I hoard sketchbooks full of designs that I sketch as ideas for future pieces, collections, etc. It's my back-up plan.... I feel like I am "gaming" destiny with this idea that I will save them up so I can use them later .... just in case.

It's just one of those things.... those strange ideas that get in your head and for some reason you can never really let go of.

Thank goodness, I have a plan!

It’s the August “Talk About” Blog ~ With the Handmade Division Team

2010-08-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

Augusts topic is Talk about something you'd like to create, that you maybe don't have the skills or technology to do currently?

Yes, Yes, Yes! I am planning on correcting this as soon as the class I am waiting for becomes available but I have yet to take a course on forging hollowforms.... Now, I can fabricate a hollowform ring but I'm talking sculpture here! I have seen so many amazing and talented artists forge hollowform sculpture and I have long been waiting to acquire this skill set. However, there is only one instructor who I am yearning to learn this particular skill set from and the class has not been offered for awhile. So I am waiting, waiting, waiting and hoping to rectify this situation soon.

To read more great blog posts:

NEDbeads: http://www.nedbeads.blogspot.com/
Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/
Jewelry by Natsuko: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
ArtJewel Designs: http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/
Abhaya Fibers: http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/
Purified Art: http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/
Nova of Sweden http://nova-designs.blogspot.com/
Bella-Bijou Jewellery: http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/
Pink Crow Studio: http://www.pinkcrowstudio.typepad.com/
Sand Fibers: http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/
Alice Istanbul: http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
Moxie & Oliver: http://moxieandoliver.blogspot.com/
Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Tosca Teran: http://nanopod.wordpress.com

Something Different....

2010-08-05T23:31:00.000-04:00

If you have read my blog for any length of time you will probably notice that I have had trouble with balance for quite some time. Recently though and I must admit I'm almost afraid to jinx it.... I have found a bit of a foothold on this concept.

What was once so beyond my imagination is beginning to form into a perfect dance and my stress level has been greatly reduced. I am finally finding a way to align the business and personal delias side by side.

First I realized that I need help. It took me a long time to realize that by not hiring help I wasn't saving money but really spending money in a way that was not realizing a profitable return. I am coming to terms with my own limitations. There are many things in my business I do well and there are many that I just don't. So first I have hired an assistant to help me in the day to day operations and second I have hired an accountant to do all my paperwork. This has been such a great relief for me and I already feel so much lighter and with renewed strength to look at all the things I still want to do creatively.

My very favorite part of this new direction is that if I work hard all week I get to reward myself with a free Friday. On Fridays I get to enter the studio and make whatever I feel like making. It's so exciting that it helps me stay focused the rest of the week because I know if I stay on task I get to look forward to Friday where the studio really is all mine again and the metal, the torch, and the inspiration can go anywhere I want.....

So here's to what once formed an enigma..... balance..... let's see how long I can stay on the tightrope!

Stones, Stones, Stones

2010-07-25T17:44:00.002-04:00

Just got back from Franklin where I purchased a whole lot of beautiful stones. I have been on a stone buying spree so I am going to have to get to work on fabricating some pieces and using up all of these lovelies!

Just to get an idea.... Labradorite with dark blue flash, Jasper, Peruvian Opal, Oregon Opal, Amazonite, Garnet, Brecciated Sugilite, London Blue Topaz, Larimar, Pink Tourmaline, Garnet, and Rainbow Moonstone.....

Whew, what a mouthful!

Yes, I know....

2010-07-22T23:14:00.000-04:00

I apologize -to my garden. I have abandoned you. Allowed you to become infested with weeds. Left my lilies so untended that they failed to bloom this spring. Allowed my wildflowers to shrivel to nothing...... and let's not even discuss the hydrangeas....

Guilt has finally taken over and I have promised to nurture this small patch back to life. Last weekend I weeded and raked, planted and fertilized... it is getting there. If I can keep Kai from stomping on the poor black eyed susans they may have a fighting chance - even with the heat.....

This weekend I have to tackle the unknown vine that is creeping into everything. It is the reason I gave up last spring.... and with that.... I will have one patch of garden thriving.... after all a promise is a promise....

Be True.

2010-07-15T10:26:00.001-04:00

LAST night I was out with a few fellow jewelers and we were discussing the oh so illusive, Voice. What is the Voice? The Voice is what you as an artist bring to the table. An expression and extension of yourself that can be heard clearly throughout your body of work. It is how you embrace the palette and your own unique brushstroke on the canvas.

For some the Voice is illusive..... hiding behind corners and peaking out for a playful second only to turn to smoke when caught. It is something they long to achieve..... and yet.... the most difficult task as an artist is finding Your Voice and unfortunately it is also a task that you must do alone. For others the Voice comes naturally in everything they do. They are a true extension of themselves in every way and their natural Voice as an artist is found before they even hold a torch. They are so unique, inventive, and utterly themselves that they not only beat to their own drum but build their drum from scratch.

The Voice is a sacred thing. It is who you are inside when you create. Your vision of the world. But not only is the task of finding your Voice excruciating but keeping true to your Voice is the balance between what is excellent and what is common. It defines the work.

It took me years to find my Voice and I must say when I found it I thought to myself, really? Really, that is my Voice? For another secret that is rarely shared is that your Voice is it's own entity and does not always sync with you on a personal level. Sometimes what we create and what we love are two different things. Sometimes, our Voice is an extension of ourselves and not necessarily who we see when we think of ourselves for let's be honest..... how many of us really delve to know all the many layers of ourselves and how many of us have a portrait we think of as us which holds the truths and half truths of who we hope to be and possibly who we are shortcomings included?

For our Voice is the many layers.... those we keep hidden from even ourselves and those we know naturally. It is the third eye.... and so much can be learned from it should we choose to take the task. The Voice is the other self. It is the self in black and white. It needs no thought.... no ultimate capture, only recognition and when we accept that..... we arrive.

Out in the yard...

2010-07-10T19:09:00.001-04:00

Nothing better than sleeping in on a Saturday.... Fresh cut flowers and basil lemonade....

tomorrow... chicken Francese...

a perfect weekend.

Outside the lines....

2010-07-08T19:15:00.001-04:00

98 degrees today and something has to give... I find myself restless with too much heat.... it drifts off the asphalt into a haze and creates mornings filled with longing to go back to bed.

I made some decisions recently which has opened up some time which was supposed to be good.... a very good thing..... but now perhaps too much time.... too much time to think.... to analyze.... to wonder.....

Hitting the wall as an artist is never a good thing and often can create an atmosphere for an amazing break through but still it challenges us each day as we sift through it.

I have been working on a new techniques and as stimulating as it is.... I question each direction and each step forward.... I stumble..... and perhaps it is just this dreaded heat that permeates everything with no escape... perhaps a drop of rain would bring the moisture back into my mind but it feels dry inside and out and stifling....

And yet the engine continues to move forward because to stop is to admit defeat and it is important not to be confined but to move ever forward..... and hope that you will not be forgotten that you will not become stale that you will not find yourself ten years from now doing the same thing from ten years previous.

I am trying to move away from the poetry collection. Casting a die in the sand and hoping that with my new work and my struggle to come across barriers I can find success and yet I fear that I will not. I fear that when you truly put yourself out there and you put a little something besides labor, perhaps a bit of soul into the work will the rejection come..... for finding great success often allows the possibility for great failure.

Meekly I begin down this new path and so we shall see....

A long Stretch...

2010-07-05T22:36:00.001-04:00

Finally a break...

The last few months have been so filled with things to do that I have not had time to post much. It seems that no matter how hard I try lately I just cannot keep up. Alas, balance will have to be my mantra again next year unless I can make some serious changes with the second half of 2010.

But as my friends tell me.... success is a silly thing to complain about. I had a feeling this year would greet me with a smile and it has and so I will soak up each ray with a smile in return.

Finally the Spring show season has ended and I have time again in my studio. I am snatching it up and enjoying a chance to play and work on new stuff so keep an eye on Etsy as many one of a kind pieces will be popping up for awhile.

I plan to take the month of July slowly and really embrace this one summer month before things get busy again. Taking time to enjoy the pups swimming and walking in the Chattahoochee National forest, a few small home repairs, and some new recipes in the kitchen. Sometimes I have to wonder why we spend so much time keeping busy when there are so many small treasures in life to enjoy.

If you missed it I had a fantastic article come out in Art Jewelry Magazine in June which I wrote demonstrating how to make my wide cluster wrap band and other techniques for making wide bands. It was a lot of fun to write and a lot of work but so exciting to see an article I wrote in print. If you have any questions on any of the steps, let me know, I will help!

Just Be One of a Kind.

2010-06-24T22:03:00.001-04:00

Wholesale and One of a Kind?

For the last two years I have worked steadily on building a collection of production jewelry that can be wholesaled to galleries. It has been exciting to offer my work to a variety of galleries across the country but I have also been yearning to get back to work on some of my one of a kind pieces.

I have been fortunate to have built a business relationship and friendship with one particular gallery owner who I must say has given me so much strength through this difficult journey of wholesaling my work. I cannot tell you how many times she has helped me to put things in perspective and talked me off the ledge so to speak. I trust her implicitly and I know that she will never lead me astray. She has been asking, hinting, pushing, me to wholesale my one of a kind work for some time now. I have been hesitant as I just couldn't wrap my head around the idea of how to do this and if it was even financially possible to align these two concepts in a profitable way. After a lot of thought and my recent mental tug to get back to working on some more time intensive pieces I decided why not try it?

So here I go again with a new challenge and I am so excited I can't wait to get in the studio. I have to force myself not to get lost in the endless possibilities that one of a kind work offers. I've been on a spending spree purchasing new stones and having so much fun I can't help but wonder why I didn't do this sooner. I don't know where this new venture will take me but wouldn't it be great if I could offer a solid production line and something special right next to it?

So all one of a kind pieces will be inscribed one of a kind on the back. I am taking extra time and care to fabricate these special pieces with the many details I just can't always offer on the production line. However, I must admit my amusement when I realized that I have been inscribing one of a kind on one tag and just be. delias. on the other. Wouldn't we all just like to be delias? Giggles. I promise, this was not intentional!

peace.

Each day we arrive...

2010-05-10T18:59:00.000-04:00

"Let go of of the idea that the path will lead you to your goal. The truth is that with each step we take, we arrive."

There is freedom in this passage that I am discovering more each day it crosses my mind.

The years of my life have held me captive in such a way that freedom feels earned and like a badge of courage meant to be displayed proudly. A sense of being is discovered at some point for all. An acceptance of our truth in this world and when we find this- our soul becomes balanced in a way that we can only describe in words.

I have stumbled in the dark trying to put the pieces together, spent hours struggling over the minutia of each small detail, and stayed up watching the minutes pass on the clock as I consider what I must do next to propel myself forward. There is an idea captured in my head of all the things I wish to achieve and I have dissected each unique piece and drawn a map of such intricate detail that one would need a compass not to get lost along it's borders. Yes, I do it too!!!! And yes, I know you have too!!!!

We are not alone on this quest and the further down this path I travel I find that we all, yes - all, have this part of ourselves that is lost and searching for defined instructions in this life. We all have dreams and hopes, ideas of why we are put here and what we are meant to do. We all struggle to stay on the path and we all expect that someday we will arrive to that golden moment where we have achieved those merits for which we have been searching.

And yet this idea is so simple that it should be celebrated each day..... There is no end to this path. No defined moment where we put our paper and ink away, turn off the torch, store the wheel.... the idea of this day is a mirage. There is only each step we take and each step we have taken and in each day we are exactly where we are. Realizing that we have arrived in this moment and that no moment before it and no moment after will ever be quite like this one gives us the freedom to experience the moment for what it is, for we have struggled many steps previous to arrive at this one. I love this idea and the freedom it offers me is inspiring and allows me to understand the true tragedy of always moving forward with back hunched and eyes cast upward towards the top of the mountain. There is no top. There is no summit. For as we all know the goal evolves as we move forward.

The Art of Being Still...

2010-04-09T22:47:00.003-04:00

To Be Still....

Sometimes the world sends us a message and we are too busy to listen. I have recently found emphasis in certain passages referencing the art of listening and being still. I am without a doubt someone who likes to move quickly through life. I have never had very much patience and never really understood why it is said that patience is a virtue. I mean really, why wait when you can have it now? Recently however I am realizing that when you move so quickly through the moments that add up to the sum of your life you lose a large portion of the magic.

Last night I was reading a book when I came across a passage referencing this concept. I fell asleep thinking about it because I felt like this message is much needed in my life. Can we master anything if we are not truly there in a full capacity? Can we realize that moment and listen to the answers in the earth's vibrations if we do not take a moment to be still? I do not consider myself a religious person but I am a spiritual person. I say that with tongue in cheek because though I try to have the hard conversations with myself and though I think deeply I am usually moving too quickly to actually learn anything. It seems every task I take is a process of many steps towards completion and I have become one of those people who realizes that sometimes I cannot quite remember the individual moments of the day, as it has all become a blur. Do we respect the task at hand when we spend the moments doing it thinking only of the next task at hand? Can we offer anything of ourselves to the moment if we are not really there? These are just some of the thoughts going through my head. I have perfected the art of completion. Mastered the ability to move through life quickly but am I willing to also learn the opposite and accept a full moment of being still? How can I possibly learn anything in this life if I do not take a moment to appreciate where I am?

So today I took the first small step in learning to focus on the task at hand. I began fabricating this ring and I actually allowed myself to enjoy each stroke of the file, to watch the process of the flame on metal, to see the flow as the solder moved. I spent the time working on this ring only on fabricating this ring. I tried not to let my mind wander but to master the moment. I found a forgotten respect for my craft. I had forgotten to the point that I didn't even realize it was missing what an amazing experience it is to just fabricate one piece. I will admit that after the process, as fulfilling as it was, I immediately forgot all about mastering the moment and went back to warp speed. Now at the end of the night though I find myself reflecting on how important this first step was. If I can be aware of this missing element in my life perhaps I can move towards satisfying it. In the past I have often thrown the words, "live in the moment." around but never really sought their meaning and never was it described to me as disrespect but when I read this passage I realized that truly is what you are doing, disrespecting the task at hand. Especially in the studio where these tasks are meant to fill my soul and balance my spirit.

thank you.

2010-03-25T18:48:00.004-04:00

So often my creative mind comes in this dreamlike visual phenomena.... an idea sits on the air in front of me but I can't quite grasp it. I fall asleep trying to focus on the abstraction and bring out the detail but sedation comes and I wake with the idea that there was something there.... the beginnings of something I would like to explore...

My creative mind sputters and grinds out ideas slowly. It begins simply and slowly unwinds itself to multiple concepts and then moves swiftly to the surreal before stopping and leaving me behind in its wake.

And then there are ideas that flow naturally and move with grace and purpose. They build themselves with layers and keep me captive as I examine them from the inside out and I find I am too excited to stop and my creative energy spikes in such a way that I find it difficult to complete any other task or to sleep because I want to capture the magical essence while I have it.

These are the moments when it feels good to create. A perfect harmony.... I feel so completely sure of myself as I work the metal and so confident that the finished piece will bring the satisfaction I search for daily.

The pebble collection came so unexpectedly and easily that I couldn’t help but think there is a genius sitting at the edge of my bench and directing me from the paranormal. The beginnings of this idea came a few weeks ago and I began fabricating some pieces but they were off.... wrong... awkward. I moved forward thinking it just another exercise but then a few days later it came to me so simple and full of unexpected bliss..... And so unlike me; miniature. The collection worked perfectly smaller.

I began fabricating all of the pieces in a lighter weight metal and so much smaller than the originals and I realized that it was a perfect fit. Each piece moving forward has come so gracefully and I am full of ideas on how to expand this concept into a full spectrum of organic euphoria.

It is a small glimpse of light at the end of a very long dark winter and all I can say to whomever might be responsible..... Physical or metaphysical..... Is thank you.

A Difficult Task...

2010-03-20T18:32:00.000-04:00

Building a new collection....

It takes time. I have been laughing at myself privately, it seems every year I choose to take on the task of building a new collection. It overwhelms me and brings out all of my anxieties and yet I cannot seem to resist. Perhaps sitting still has never been my strong point but I am promising myself that once I complete the two collections I am working on now I will take some time to enjoy the collections for awhile.

However, I get so excited undertaking a new journey. As frustrating as it can be it is also rewarding to develop new work and find new inspiration. Each piece teaches me so much and helps me to branch out into new areas. I am really enjoying working with color which I have done so little of in the past. It's nice to add a little extra sparkle to my work.

These new necklaces are called, Embrace. They feature circles that fall within the oxidized cable and I love that they are casual and elegant at the same time. I really wanted to design a piece that could express casual elegance at a price point under $100 retail. I am getting ready for the Atlanta Dogwood Festival so I went ahead and fabricated one of these in each color.

So far this collection has been a lot of fun to work on. I am still developing the line but I thought I would share the process with you. I usually fabricate many pieces and then decide which ones to keep for production. I have chosen this piece as the first to keep in the line out of the first five I have fabricated. Once I develop an idea I want to keep I begin the process of designing accompanying pieces such as earrings and perhaps a bracelet. I am working on the earrings for this piece next...... oh such a process....

I

Explore...

2010-03-07T20:03:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you must gracefully bow to the alchemist inside and begin down the wandering path towards the discovery of something new.

I am at the beginning of such a journey in so many ways both personally and professionally. I find that I am yearning to break down mental barriers. Fear is something I knew little when I was younger but as the years pass I find myself hesitating just a little longer than I am comfortable with before jumping.... Those who know me find this a trait I might surrender to a little more willingly but it is not in my nature. I prefer a little risk in life. At this recent discovery of my new found hesitation I can think of only one thing to do...... jump of course.

So with this in mind I am pushing forward and have decided this must be a year of new experiences. It is time to shake things up a little. Now you might laugh at some of the things I have chosen to learn as they are, well, quite domestic. However, for me, finding comfort in domestic activities has been alien. So I have chosen to learn to make and can jellies and jams, to knit socks, and for the first time ever will be skydiving this summer.

So too has my work become a little stale to my fingers as I fabricate..... As much fun as I have in the studio, I must also strengthen my creative mind and explore new opportunities in metal. I have been hasty this last year in designing new work and not quite true to myself. So I am taking my time this year. I will enjoy the path of exploration and explore these new ideas fully before presenting them into a line of production. There is calmness within as I am certain of this new direction. A balance in both living with my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. As physically impossible as this might sound, I plan to grow very tall this year!

This is a new piece; Something wicked, and is a style I worked in several years ago yet differently. It was profound for me to decide to fabricate this piece without a background. Simple, yes, but the clean lines are so much more pronounced and the balance within the piece, even. I find my eye looking further than it once did. So prepare to see many new items from me as I continue my year of exploration. No life jacket needed.

Creative Storms

2010-03-02T09:32:00.001-05:00

Recently I saw a link to Elizabeth Gilbert, Author of Eat, Pray, Love, speaking about the creative process. Her words were inspiring to me as I am finding myself yet again, amidst a creative storm. In the last three years since I decided to earn a living off of my work I have found that the peaks of the mountains are ever so high while the valleys torment me in a way that I feel I should purge myself of my work altogether.

I have spoken with other artists who have had these same feelings. The sense that we can accomplish anything, the heightened exhilaration that comes with success only to be followed by the deepest internal anguish that we will never fulfill our personal vision. This is a battle as true as any other we face in life and one we must find a way to combat in an effort to save our sanity.

I have found over the years that I have gotten better at exposing my creative demons and yet still they come marching towards me as real as any realized fear. They creep up and grip me in a way that I feel unable to work and throttled in a creative slump of failure. I have never quite been able to put these feelings or experiences into words the way Elizabeth Gilbert has and her speech helped me to find a way to make sense of these demons and to realize that any who dares to endeavor on a creative path will find them lurking in the back hallways of their minds. I think I can label them more aptly than demons however, they are really my fears. Deeply placed fears about my abilities to overcome my shortcomings as an artist and achieve something greater than myself. My reaction to the demons has been one that may make little sense to others but I find myself hurdling my body right back at them and chasing down this deepest fear so I can square off with it face to face. I will not be cast aside by my fears and I will not allow these internal threats of failure immobile me.

When the demons beckon out at me I have found that working on production components has been a great way to defeat the build up of negative energy. I know that if I continue trying to build something great that the fears and nasty words in my head will gain strength so I discourage them by setting aside new ideas and working on items my hands know rhythmically by heart. Hammering a bangle, patterning metal, cutting lengths for earrings...... these things are mundane and do not require my third eye.

But why is it that some of us choose a path riddled with demons and ghosts? Why do we find that we must always outdo ourselves and why does the internal mental balance shift so darkly? I cannot quite answer this except to say that for many of us there is no choice in whether or not we will create.... it is what we do. And yes, like all things, we are looking for the yes in life.... yes, the work is good, yes, you have achieved adoration, yes, you are worthy....... There is truth to the fact that many of us may or may not find this self worth among others or that even more dangerous we may find then lose the public's attention, the academic's nod, or the publisher's praise..... And what do we do after? Elizabeth Gilbert renews the roots by insisting we show up anyway...... we do our job anyway.

Next time the creative demons fill my head I will attempt to seek them out apart from myself as individuals and perhaps realize them for who they are..... Separate and within me, they are my fears embedded and my alternate self who insists I am mad to attempt such a journey, they are the cynics and the thief’s, and within them is not only the demon I fear but the dreamer I seek as well. It comes from the same place. They are not one-dimensional as I most certainly am not..... They are the crowd in my head that applauds, the recognition of a job well done, and the fuel to continue climbing ever upwards....

A quick note.

2010-02-22T20:56:00.000-05:00

And with the past firmly tucked under tongue she discovered a way unseen by those who came before
A path hidden by a tree with long branches In the wood
She captured the thumping of her heart in her hand, calming her senses and struggling for courage
It was a dance she knew
A perfect ballet preordained with movements precise
But to break free of the chorus she must only see
With eyes wide open that which lay askew
A twig snapped, a leaf fallen, a print left in the snow
Some had come here before
Each step is not measured by one’s hope but in strength eternal and stretched like an endless stream
It twists and it turns on itself and it keeps one hidden from the truth that can only be found when one faces
Reality with brutal and true recognition
There is no control
There is only freedom
To take each step and move with a determination certain of one’s direction
The die is not cast like a gambler’s crutch
There is more
Within the shadows and outside of blacks and whites
There is more
To capture this one might find a freedom braver than the laugh of the crone, the jester, or the ghost
For they were blind
Too blind to see that with the act of surrender to ones deepest desires
Set within vines and thorns and pain there can be a truth
More certain than the ideal.
More certain than the girl herself
It is not of hope that bridges are built and walls torn
But of knowing that with ones own hands
A temple may be built
If only an internal sanctuary.

And so it is.... And so it was...

2010-02-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

Arriving home from over four feet of snow in Philadelphia left a cold dampness within me. And though by my own calculations the show was a success as with all of life's lessons I found myself reflecting on the past week...

I do not mind reflecting and reviewing the details of any event to find a kernal of knowledge that may make me stronger moving forward but I must admit lately I do this with a sense of exhaustion. At times I look back and wish with all my heart that the lessons could be fewer and further a part. Yet, I find myself content in knowing that as long as there is something to learn there is always more to achieve.

I believe that in this last six months I have lost a part of myself. Looking to balance one's business self with their artistic self can be a dangerous passage and one must not lose either part when venturing out. I have felt myself losing sight of my ultimate goal and trying to determine what others need or want from me leaving me positioned on a plane of unawareness. At last I discovered that "they" do not want the part of me that is trying to be something I am not. This is wonderful and is giving me permission to go back to my true self. Hopefully a lesson I can learn once.

In order to move forward with anything we first must know who we are. This is perhaps my mistake in constantly second guessing myself and constantly trying to be something I simply am not. With this lesson I am firmly planting my feet in the ground and realizing what I am and what I have to offer. There is a balance in this and one I must learn to find comfort in. I am prepared for the next stage of self awareness that will position me as a whole instead of a part.

I am tired of being afraid. Tired of wondering if I am going down the right path or if the path I choose to take will be met with success. I am so tired....... and permission to let go of this other part and to stop trying so hard is welcome at this point. We are who we are. We cannot be something different and if we wander down the path a part from ourselves for too long we may lose sight of the path all together. So with a great effort I am trudging back to the place where I started and taking notice of that which led me astray. I am my best when I am myself.

The sun has chosen to greet me today and I feel a sense of wonderment at the beautiful day that has arrived. It feels like everything will be o.k. and that there is no reason to fret. Don't you wish you could capture the sense of awe and bottle it for later? It is my intention to capture this day in words so i can remind myself later when I get torn and conflicted. Spring is coming and there will be long golden days to bring warmth and smiles and perhaps is is only the long hard winter that has made me lose sight.

Be Charming.....

2010-01-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

Be.

I have shared before that every year I like to choose a new word for myself. It helps me embrace something I need to work on during the year or just a reminder. I am not always successful but I find that having my word nearby helps me to remember my goal as the first few months of the new year passes.

For a long time I have been wanting to roll out the be line using my part of my tag line, be, and adding inspirational words as gentle reminders. I finally came up with a way to do this that I find simply enchanting. These charms are small and delicate and can be worn every day. I usually like to go bold but wanted to design the be line as something you do not have to remove so that your daily reminder doesn't get in the way of your daily life.

I am so excited with the new be necklaces and watned to share them. So what be necklace will I be wearing this year?
be fearless
because this year I plan to spend less time overthinking and more time embracing.....

Be Amazing....

2009-12-30T21:21:00.000-05:00

Amazing.... my favorite word.

Be Amazing. Even better. There is a special place in my heart for those who reach out across the plains of the universe and take hold of that which is greater than themselves. They take risks so dangerous that many on the sidelines gasp! This is life. This day is the only day like it. You can not re-live it, you cannot take it back and you can not change this day. It is what it is.... but yes, tomorrow is a new day.... and tomorrow can be anything you want it to be.

Take pleasure in this day. Fill it up like a cardboard box with anything you like and imagine that you are the star of the show, the queen of the night, and the hero in your own happy ending. I find that those who shoot for the snow covered caps reach heights far beyond they ever imagined even if they do not reach the stars. This is the brilliance that only you can offer and only you can bring....

There is something so special about the New Year! It is a chance to be anything you want to be.... to imagine the wonderous possibilities. Take ownership of this year! It is the most amazing gift I can offer for when you own it, you control it. You can determine the course of this year and where it will take you.

So though many of us have felt the cold set grip of fear this last year I beg each of you to release it. Let it go and capture something true to who you are. Realize that your deepest and darkest fear..... aknowledge it's strength and it's ability to change the course of your life.... then realize it as a change in direction and not the end of a universe. Let go of that which holds you in bonds and remember that being safe rarely brings the pleasure of an unexpected adventure.

There is no place you cannot go, no person you cannot be, no dream you cannot imagine..... you may have to work for it....... but it is there waiting for you to realize it.

Xo and Happy Twenty Ten!
From the one that believes in you!

The Board

2009-12-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

Adapting the Vision Board...

I had a friend introduce me the concept of a vision board a couple of years ago. You create a board using magazines, articles, whatever you want to idealize where you want to be. I loved the idea and went out and purchased this board for the studio.

My board however has adapted over the last couple of years to something I find truly useful. I use the board to develop new work. The actual bulletin portion of the board is where I tack up work that is in progress. I put anything up that has not been finalized whether it is a piece that I like but have not finished, an idea I like but have not fully explored, a piece that is missing a component, or even things that I have finished but have not decided if they will work within my permanent collection.

The white board is always a mess. I use this side for renderings of ideas that have not yet been fabricated in metal, items I need to order, appointments or things I need to do, and of course whatever current mantra I am working within.

This board has really taken on a life of it's own and has really helped me to build on what is missing. I am a visual person so having these pieces up where I can view them while I work helps. I am able to problem solve throughout the day and in a relaxed atmosphere. It seems everything is able to come together in it's own time and nothing is forgotten. I have also begun using the board to put up the finished collection as well. I can immediately see if there is a missing hole that needs to be filled or if there is a piece not getting along with the others.

I thought I would share the idea because it has become such an important tool in my studio.

Restocking....

2009-12-23T22:18:00.001-05:00

Restocking...

So Christmas is just a few days away and November and most of December just flew by. I always forget how hectic this time of year is and how quickly time escapes me. The days flew by as I filled Christmas orders and stocked the shelves of retailers carrying my work.

I always look forward to the months following Christmas, as this is time spent working at a peaceful and steady pace. I enjoy my work most with a little pressure but without the anxiety of more to do in less time than I can do it in. I find that I get a perfect rhythm going when I work steadily and I enjoy each stage; cutting, forming, soldering, filing, sanding... it becomes a dance.

I spent the last three months researching my new designs and am so pleased with the new pieces that will begin rolling out in January. Each has gone through every step of the design stage and has been perfected. There is an ease that comes after this stage and you move from research and development to implementation. I am so excited but just like last year, I plan to begin these steps much earlier next year.

I am always surprised by how quickly the year rolls by when you gauge its progress by shows, holidays, and seasonal market changes.

Website Again....

2009-11-15T22:49:00.000-05:00

Many Hats....

I used to hear this term all the time before I started Delias Studio.... I didn't think much about it until suddenly I found myself trying to specialize in all aspects of the business. There are some things I will always pay for ( a good accountant) but there are others that will stretch me too thin.

I have been wanting to develop my own website for awhile. I have been using creative pixels to host my site but it limited and it has served it's purpose but I have been anxious to get something a little nicer up. I want to keep it simple and clean but interesting and dynamic. I have spent hours trying to develop some skills in order to do this and have always fallen short but this weekend I did some research and found a program that even I could use. I built this using Freeway... and I think I am quite happy with the results. It's still fairly simple but much nicer than my current site and has a little style and edge to it. This is the homepage and I am going to continue developing the rest of the site but it took me most of day to get this page together.

So what do you think? Should I keep moving forward with this concept or should I save my pennies for a webmaster?

It's all Possible.

2009-11-10T20:34:00.000-05:00

Dogwood Festival

I have always had private markers stretched out before me that I felt would check off points of personal success. Things I want but wasn't sure I could achieve. Some of them are short-term goals and some of them long.

In my own mind these things can be a bit intimidating. They are the things that push me to keep moving forward but also bring out the dark secretive thoughts that criticize my work and fear it is not good enough. It's a yen and a yang though for without the fears..... I would not continue to evolve and push myself and through pushing myself I sometimes find I can achieve these goals that seem so difficult when set.

One of my personal goals has been to exhibit at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Considered the premiere show in Atlanta it showcases some pretty extraordinary talent and has course some amazing metalsmiths. Every year I apply and each year I have been declined invitation.

Today I was throwing myself a small pity party, as I was not invited to a local show that highlights both local and national metalsmiths. All of the voices in my head came out to join the party when I received the e-mail congratulating me for my acceptance to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Instant validation prevailed and I realized that I have come so far and perhaps a small nod of encouragement from myself would not be outlandish. This is a big step mentally for me and I feel that I am on track and moving in the right direction. Again, I must remember to believe in the possibilities and myself even when they seem distant.

Never give up. Always believe. It is all possible.

Recharged...

2009-11-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a few days to step away can make all of the difference. This is the first weekend since I can remember that I did not spend a single second in the studio. I ate well, drank well, and generally spent my time enjoying myself.

I think sometimes life can be taken too seriously and only time away can remind you that this great adventure is first and foremost supposed to be fun.

Don't sweat the small stuff and yes, most of it is small stuff!

Escape.

2009-11-03T20:14:00.000-05:00

It's time to rest my mind for a few days and find some inner peace before the rush of the holidays begins. It's been a long year and there has been triumph and loss, love and sadness, new beginnings and chapters ending....

I like to stop when things get to be too much. Just stop. Remember where I am and look back to see where I have been. This helps me to realign myself and choose a new direction and decide where I want to go.

So my husband and our two good friends will be heading off to the mountains for a few days of good food, wine, and fresh crisp air. I can barely wait. I can already feel the release inside.

Standing Up....... Even when it hurts.

2009-11-01T21:50:00.002-05:00

What do you do when you believe with every part of yourself that something is wrong? What do you do when you see someone wronged in a way that turns your stomach? Do you stand up or turn and look away? Do you secretly support them or do you support them for all the world to see? Do you risk it all or do you offer only what you are willing to risk? How far do you go in your support? Does it run deep or is it on the surface?

I am saddened to live in a world where I often see people walk away from things they believe are wrong. It's so easy to choose to walk away or to believe that these things are none of our business and yet I can't help but wonder if we all choose to walk away.... do these things become prevalant and tolerated in a society to such a point that they then become permissable? Do we leave the world a better place by denying that which we do not want to deal with?

Currently I am mulling over a situation that has occured that I cannot tolerate, justify or condone. I believe that most things in life are black and white..... that wrong is wrong and right is right. I try to point my inner compass to that which I can stand behind and admit fully and freely to anyone, anywhere. I believe that each step I take in life must be defended and if I do that which I know is right, I can stand proud with my head held high, come what may. And yet...... I find myself torn as to how to feel and what to do about this situation. Does a group's failures become an individual's failures by association? Do these things reflect upon me as an individual. No matter how I try to navigate around this question, I continue to come back to the fact that it does. And though it would be easier to look away or to look at things from such an angle that they can be ignored in my heart I feel that it is not true to who I am.

I want to believe in the things that I represent and the things that represent me. Is it melodramatic? Some would say yes..... Even silly to lose something you hold dear for another you do not know. In the end they say, it will change nothing..... And yet. I know that it will change me. Little by little I will become the girl who walks away. Who justifies my failure to stand up for that which I believe in because it is not my fight.

My best and worst quality..... it is the same. It is a passion that I live with. It divides me some days and it holds me true on others. It gets me into trouble and it helps me break down barriers. And yet, it is the fire which holds me steady and true in the path that I walk. And this no matter how I rearrange it, is true.

So though I may stand alone and though I may change nothing, and though I may lose something I hold dear, I must stand because standing is what I do so that I will never forget how.

Friends You Can Count On...

2009-10-26T21:59:00.000-04:00

What an amazing group.

I joined Etsy Metal several years ago hoping to make friends and connect with people with the same passion for metal....

Little did I know that over the years I would connect with some of the greatest people I know. This is a little thank you to a group that has supported me in hard times and celebrated with me in good. Some of the most passionate and talented people I know..... and also some of the biggest hearts! Thank you!

Please visit the Etsymetal site to immerse yourself in a wonderful world of metal and craft..... Etsy Metal

A little bit of Soul

2009-10-23T22:04:00.000-04:00

Words Speak To Me....

My husband and I listen to music in two different ways. I have to connect to the lyrics as well as the music and he only the music. Half of the time he has no idea what the words being sung actually are.....

I have been on the lookout for new music. I love finding something new and fresh. Something that speaks to me from a deep place. This creates the energy I need to create. Often times the music on my ipod is instrumental in what happens physically with the torch and the metal.

Recently I found Joshua James. He vocalizes in such a way that he creates images from a deep inner part of the soul. He carries me through the drifting fog and uplifts me no matter how dark the sky is outside my window.

If you are in search of something new to play, check him out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_LLL5-pa2s&feature=player_embedded

Dangerous

The TV’s blaring, the radio is turned up loud
Maybe then I’ll sleep well, maybe then I’ll drown you out.
Don’t want to think much I don’ t want to reminisce
Cuz love songs and poems have all lead, they’ve all led me to this.
Chorus:
It’s dangerous, to be sleepin alone.
And it’s way way way it’s way to cold
To be at home.
I’ve locked up tightly I must say I’ve had my doubts
Cuz they will kick and they will scream but there’s no way they’re ever getting out.
They breathed fresh air once, a long time a long time ago.
And now stuck up inside my head, how they ever gonna grow?
Chorus:
It’s dangerous, to be sleepin alone.
And it’s way way way it’s way to cold
To be at home.
And I am what I am, yes I am what I am
It ain’t that bad.
What I’m tryin to say here is not worth, it’s not worth your time
I’m just a lonely, a lonely love sick boy with my rhyme.
Chorus:
It’s dangerous, to be sleepin alone.
And it’s way way way it’s way to cold
To be at home.
And I am what I am, yes I am what I am
It ain’t that bad.
And even the toughest white boy, yes even the baddest white boy
He still gets sad.

Done and Done.

2009-10-21T21:01:00.000-04:00

I looked at my calendar and realized something strange.... Something has changed since I first started Delias Studio, Inc. There are strange notations and blocks of time wiped out, there are odd numbers written in margins and odd acronyms like BMAC and check marks, tallies, and stars..... what does it all mean?

My understanding of the months and seasons has evolved to something from a science fiction mini-series. It seems that there is now a constant flow ..... get ready, go, get ready, go, get ready, go....... breathe...... get ready, go, get ready, go, and though my balance is on par with that of a adolescent great dane, all legs and no grace, I have somehow found a mesmerizing rhythm to this new concept of time.

So alas, last weekend was my last show for awhile and though the excitement was well, exciting! I am ready for the break. I am ready to get back in the studio and fabricate some of the ideas that have bouncing in my head. Of course, I do not have too much time as we all know November and December are right around the corner but for these precious few weeks I hope to play with some stones that have been sitting on my bench and work out some concepts that I have been drawing in my sketch book. This for me is the best time of the year, winter is coming and with it..... the time to design new work!

I gotta admit....

2009-10-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

I really enjoy exhibiting at shows! I know it is a lot of work but I usually have a lot of fun. It is rare for me to get in front of people who are purchasing my work and it is an experience that is significantly thrilling and of course at times, utterly humbling.

This year I have signed up for more shows than ever. Partially due to the economy and a general idea that I need to work harder to get in front of those interested in my work and partially to see which trends will be most popular in my line. I try really hard to watch as things are picked up, touched, and tried on. I try to keep a keen eye out for possible function problems or price hesitation so I can make changes accordingly. All of this has given me a lot of insight to my work and has also helped me solve particular function problems with specific pieces.

One of my most recent discoveries was how troubling it could be to stock both sixteen and eighteen inch necklaces. At times I sell out of a particular length in a particular design and since all of my components are soldered closed, I couldn't change out the chains. I realized that this created a problem on multiple levels. Shortly after the show I changed out my chains to adjust from sixteen to eighteen inches.

All handcrafted items need tweaking from time to time and I am finding the best way to discover objections is to get right in the grit of things. If you have not yet exposed yourself publically, try it, you just might find that you get hooked too.

Are you coming?

2009-09-30T22:58:00.000-04:00

This is my first time being invited to the annual Historic Norcorss Art Fest and I am excited to be exhibiting. The list of participating artists is impressive so if you have some time this weekend and feel like stepping a bit off the beaten path, come visit us in historic Norcross. To catch a preview check out their website at http://www.norcrossartfest.com

Behind the Curtain...

2009-09-27T19:21:00.000-04:00

But How....

So often I have people at shows or even people I meet throughout my day who get confused when I say I make jewelry. Their minds immediately go to beads and strings so I often follow up with the description that I hand fabricate most of my work from precious metals.

A moment goes by and then looking even more confused they follow up with a list of questions until I explain that by fabricating I mean I build jewelry like a contractor would build a house but I use sheet and wire to build my little pieces.

Many people have no earthly idea what it means when I fabricate jewelry and I still have not found a better way to describe it. A picture is worth a thousand words so I thought I would share at least one. In this particular photo I am working on a cluster wrap ring.

I

Silver Lining...

2009-09-23T10:24:00.006-04:00

Silver Lining

Amber skies stretch out across

mountains rich like indigo

Blackness bleeds to grey and light breaks

As dawn slowly lifts the shadows

A path once forgotten as I strayed

looking to follow those from before

Kicking up dust with their swollen shoes

Signs linger cross the earth strung cross the shore

Not as easy to look within and see with eyes

blinded by life's rose colored lenses

To see the truth as bare as a rigid desert

Beyond the walls of brick , beyond chain linked fences

I will not view the world in black and white

as only coal dust in mouth and sweetness of new snow

I will see the reds, the golds, and the silver lining

Adjusting the tip of my soul to capture both ebb and flow.

Shine from within and the light never fades...

2009-09-21T13:05:00.004-04:00

Paper and Pen....

So many of you already know that most of the words that I choose for the Create Your Own Story line are snippets taken from my own private collection of poetry. I thought it might be fun to share some of the poems in their entirety...

Light

because there is a light
shining deep within me
brighter than the rays of the sun
more permanent than the essence of time

wretched days have come and gone
i wear the scars like tattoos on my soul
yet the flicker of hope greets me
no matter the darkness inhabiting my mind

and yes, sometimes i let go
dwelling in the shadows of that yesterday
always to awaken with the strength of my knowledge
when the light shines within, it never fades

EtsyMetal Project Runway 6.4

2009-09-19T10:04:00.003-04:00

Season Six, Episode 4

Etsymetal has created an interesting challenge to follow the season's Project Runway and mimic the challenges through jewelry.

In episode 4 the designers were challenged to design an outfit for their models. Since we do not have models we took three categories and threw them in a hat. Each person involved in the challenge had three chosen for them which they then had to design a piece including the three components.

The three components chosen for me were upcycle/green, plastic, and ring. This was a challenge for me as I typically do not work with alternative materials. I have plenty of pieces on the bench that have not worked out so I decided to start off by choosing a ring that I had messed up and cutting out the section that was unusable. I then rummaged through my scrap box for pieces of wire to use as the wrap. The tricky part for me was the plastic. I went through my jewelry box and found a bracelet that my sister had made for me many years ago. A slight twinge of guilt as I cut it open, but it was for a good cause! I drilled two holes on each side of the back of the ring and sewed sterling wire with plastic beads a long the front into the ring like a button.

I actually think this piece is quite sleek and wearable. My only disappointment would be that I think I could have moved further away from my comfort zone. The next project is newspaper so hopefully this will drive me to try something really new and different.

Please take a minute to check out the Etsymetal Blog for the portfolio of designs completed in this week's challenge.

In The Moment

2009-09-17T21:44:00.006-04:00

Something to Learn....

Earlier this year I realized that frantically moving from one thing to the next was beginning to take create a constant sense of disorientation. I decided to work on balance and thought nobody could teach this better than my three labs....

I must admit that the last few months I have gone a bit astray allowing all the many tasks to take over and fill my days. So as we move into fall I am thankful for the cool air that is beginning to greet me in the mornings and time to get back to the basic fruitfulness of life as it can be when it is not spent all day in the studio.

Every morning I take the pups for a walk on the trails in the Chattahoochee National Park but so often as they leap off the trails and chase the ducks fishing in the water I find my mind is off thinking about all of the many things I need to accomplish that day. Suddenly the walk is over and I realize that I had not spent that time as I intended...... just being.

So with all of the natural abundance and my need for constant inspiration I am looking to spend more time seeing what is in front of me with my own eyes and capturing the amazing elements in nature to inspire me as I move forward this year. As an Oregon girl I know that my natural compass points to the nearest tree and with the Theo's help, I should be able to stay on track this time.

1,999 and Counting....

2009-09-11T14:24:00.003-04:00

I am anxiously waiting to see my sale counter on my Etsy Shop hit 2,000 sales. This is a big deal to me and a personal milestone.

In honor of this event, the 2,000th sale will receive a free poetry bangle as a gesture of thanks!

In addition, I will be holding a secret sale only available to those who read my blog and know about it starting the hour after the 2,000th sale!

Details will be coming soon!!!!! Give you a hint!!!! Right now, it is a secret!

My First Piece of Metalsmithed Jewelry

2009-09-08T09:54:00.005-04:00

This is the first post of mine in a new series I have joined aligned with the Etsymetal blog carnival. For additional posts regarding this topic and EM, please see the links below.

My First Piece of Metalsmithed Jewelry....

Let me first start off by telling you that no, I do not have a photograph of my first piece. I am not a sentimental person when it comes to my work and I long ago scrapped all of my first pieces as looking at them just did not feel good.

I originally signed up for a metalsmithing class at a local art center because I was working full time at Kaiser Permanente as a medical underwriter and going to school full time at night for a degree in Risk Management. I felt overwhelmed with work and realized that if I didn't have something of my own that I enjoyed I was going to burn out. I signed up for a set of ten metalsmithing classes and continued to take classes once a week as I finished the last two years of my degree.

The first project in the class was a basic Egyptian Spiral Bracelet. This is a fairly easy concept but we soldered closed all of the spirals. I quickly realized that I was not going to be one of those innately talented metalsmiths who just automatically picked things up and ran with them. I actually enjoy sharing this portion of the story as many people I talk with are surprised and I think it brings them a little inspiration.

I was a TERRIBLE metalsmith for a long time. Nothing came easily to me. When I picked up a saw, my lines were crooked, when I made spirals, they were uneven, when I soldered, I had lumps. I was probably one of the least talented people in the class and it was embarrassingly hard for me to continue. However, I realized one thing early on. Some people can pick up a guitar, take a few lessons, and begin. Some must learn step by step, note by note, string by string, how to play the guitar. In the end, the result will be the same, two people playing guitar. This is something I hung on to as I learned to metalsmith. There were many people in the class who just seemed to have the natural ability to pick up any tool and use it well. I had to spend grueling hours to hone and practice my skills until I achieved success.

If I were to go back and make an Egyptian Spiral Bracelet today I am sure that I would find success. However, one of the things I have realized about my abilities as a metalsmith and in general is to focus on what you are good at. If you have weaknesses in a particular craft look for ways to move around them or practice them until you achieve perfection. There are still a few areas in metalsmithing that I fall short in (no, I'm not going to tell what.) but..... I have learned other techniques to support the fact that I have weaknesses and I have chosen to move in directions that maximize my strengths and not my weaknesses.

So if you are thinking about learning to metalsmith and you are overwhelmed by how terribly difficult it looks..... stop looking at the mountain at begin focusing on the single next step. One step at a time is all it takes..... and sometimes...... the ability to not give up makes all the difference.

For others blog posts about first metalsmithed pieces, please follow the links below for additional inspiration:

1. Sara Westermark http://sarawestermark.blogspot.com/
2. Nina Gibson http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/
3. Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
4. Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
5. duckduckGoose http://duckduckgoosestuff.co.uk/duckduckBLOG
6. Caitlyn Davey http://discomedusa.typepad.com
7. Laura Crawford http://tangerinetreehouse.blogspot.com
8. Tamra Gentry http://gentrydesignco.typepad.com/
9. andes cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
10. Cynthia Del Giudice: http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com/
11. libby Rosas http://elizabethrosasjewelry.blogspot.com
12. Nina Dinoff http://ninadinoff.blogspot.com
13. Clare Stoker http://clarestoker.blogspot.com
14. kerin rose http://kerinrose.blogspot.com
15.Quercus SIlver http://quercussilver.blogspot.com

Fall Festival Circuit Begins....

2009-09-04T22:36:00.003-04:00

Finally, Fall is here and nobody could be happier than I! This weekend begins my Fall festival circuit and I have been busy getting ready. I always get nervous before the shows trying to figure out how much to stock and of course, what to stock.

I am anxious to roll out the new designs and get feedback. This is my favorite way to sell my work as I actually get to see and talk to the end user. This offers me so much valuable information but also really lets me connect with those who purchase my work.

Also, got a call yesterday from the local Sandy Spring's, Northside Neighbor, which is going to feature some of the local artists at the show. How exciting! I was asked to snap a few photos showing myself hard at work so this is one of five I sent over.

If you are in the Atlanta area come spend the day at Piedmont Park for the Atlanta Art Festival.

Challenges.

2009-08-28T20:54:00.003-04:00

So some of you know that earlier this year I decided to work hard to branch into the wholesale arena. I was ready, able, and willing for a new challenge.

In August I participated in my very first wholesale show with the Buyers Market of American Craft. I have received several messages from fellow artists asking how it went and wanting additional information. Where better to tell my experience than on my blog?

Let me say that this may be the ultimate challenge for me and I am realizing that in order to achieve the success I am looking for I need to arm myself with additional tools and resources. I had a semi-successful show. It wasn't great and it wasn't terrible but lets just say it didn't meet my personal expectations.

However, if we measure a show by how much we learn than I would say the show was a brilliant. I don't think you can really understand or develop an idea of how you will succeed at these shows without participating in them. I also don't think that just attending a show will guarantee any sort of success. It will be a process and this is an idea I am trying to adapt to.

Being the girl who would rather learn from others mistakes I thought I would share some things I left the show with. These are the 8 steps I plan to work on for wholesale:

1. Create a vision board depicting the girl who buys my work. Where does she shop, what does she look like, what are her hobbies, who is she? I am going to cut up magazines and create a collage dedicated to this girl. Then with the vision board I will further tweak my current line to meet her needs.

2. Write down a list of objections: What are the objections to my work? People will not always tell you these so my job is to really watch buyers when they look at my work and listen to the customers questions. Once I understand what their objections are I can either change the line to meet their needs or redevelop my dialogue to overcome the objection before it is put forward.

3. Expand on success: I found one particular line was much more successful than the others. I will be expanding on this particular line to offer current and future retailers more choices.

4. Reach retailers before the show: I noticed that many retailers walked by without even looking. The few that did stop were already familiar with my work or stopped once they saw another buyers in my booth. I will continue advertising and will also introduce a postcard mailing to build awareness for my work.

5. Refine my story: Who am I and why do I matter? This is my story and only I can tell it. In order to truly reach people you need to be genuine but retailers and customers want to know more about you and who you are. You have to have a story that connects with people.

6. Know who I am as an artist: I'll admit when I came back there was a part of me that wanted to throw everything out the window and start over. There was a part of me that wanted to just develop a super inexpensive line and throw in the towel on creating a distinctive line.... it just looked easier. However, this is who I am and this is the work I create. I realize now that I will not be for everyone. The key is for me to understand and embrace that. I have to find a way to reach those I am a match for and embrace that this is who I am and what I do.

7. Develop a price spread: This doesn't mean you have to go less expensive all of the time. You can also create a more expensive line to develop a spread but a spread will help you reach out to more galleries both high end, low end, and moderate.

8. Have a script: Will this sounds terrible and I don't really mean to memorize your lines but know how to talk to the people who stop by. Know what you have to say before hand. This was really hard for me.... for once, I was at a loss for words!

So hopefully this will help others looking to break into this side of the business. The best tip I can give is to keep moving forward. Know that you will find success....... it may take some hard work though!

Create Your Own Story

2009-08-08T22:23:00.003-04:00

I am so excited about this new line. For a long time I have been selling the poetry line on etsy which includes my secret poetry stack rings. I often get requests for rings with stones or symbols to go a long with them. I thought it might be nice to create a line of rings featuring words, stones, and symbols so each person can create a set of stack rings that tells their story.

My favorite feature of these rings is that the stones and symbols are raised just slightly so the rings truly stack up. So often I see stack rings with stones that do not and it makes me sad. I wish I had longer fingers, I would wear them all!

The picture shows the first 11 in the series but I will be working to add more.

Choosing a path.....

2009-07-25T22:22:00.002-04:00

One of the most important things I have discovered in my life is that you must choose where you want to go in life. You must have a goal and be able to determine the steps it takes to reach it with success. I know this is often easier said than done but taking the time to write out a list of goals each year and the steps you can take to help you reach them is so helpful in life and in business.

When I was 19 I found that my life was not moving in a direction that I wanted. I wrote down a list of all the things I wanted and didn't have and decided that I would give myself a year to accomplish them all. I was able to accomplish everything on my list within three months. This became a life lesson for me and I found that the act of looking at my life, deciding what I wanted, and writing it down helped me to complete the tasks needed to gain results.

Often times we think that we have an idea of where we want to go and don't feel the need to actually write out a list. It's in your head.... but let me challenge you to write out the list and fill in the steps. I think you will be surprised at how effective the act of writing down what you want and need can be.

Every year I write out a list of annual goals. Throughout the year I keep lists of my next goal and what I need to do to get there. I push myself to look at each of these as steps and to consider only what it takes to get to the next step. It helps to propel me forward and offers me a constant vision in which to focus on.

I am getting ready to leave Tuesday to accomplish a goal I have had for two years. I will be exhibiting at my first wholesale show in Philadelphia. I am so excited to see that I have reached this goal and I know that it is yet another step in a long list but an important one.

Know where you want to go, write it down, and take the steps necessary to get there! All things are easier when you look at the simple components.

Good Luck!

Something different....

2009-07-17T12:05:00.003-04:00

Trying to create an image for Delias Studio has been one of the hardest things I have had to work on. I've spent countless hours previewing websites, magazines, and graphics trying to determine what is my brand and what do I want to evoke.

One important component that came to mind almost immediately was that I did not want to use jury photos or basic product images for my booth and website. However, this seems to be one of those ideas that is easier thought than completed.

I had a million ideas for what I wanted my images to be but as a small company just picking up speed the cost of a professional photographer and model seemed out of my budget. I began to play with taking photos of my work in a way that does not depict the face of the model for two reasons. The first and most obvious being that I am the model for all of the photographs and the second was to tie back into my tag line, just be. I wanted "her" to be anyone. I am trying to depict the image or idea that we as individuals can be anyone and do anything. I thought the idea of not using faces keeps the image on the essence of the photo which is what I want to capture.

This is one of the images that I will be using for my large display pieces at shows. I have a few more worked up. I hope they evoke the message and idea that I planned.

Inspiration...

2009-07-13T00:39:00.002-04:00

"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however."
Richard Bach

The last few days I have found myself looking for inspiration. A new way of looking at things. I love to read the stories and inspiration that allowed others I admire to succeed and today I found a wonderful treasure. I have been reading Cindy Edelstein's blog for some time and today I found a link to a powerful source of inspiration. Karen Lorene, owner of Facere Gallery in Seattle has not only started a blog sharing her expertise in retailing and running a successful business but I was also directed through her blog to the first nine chapters she has written regarding her adventure through retailing. Seven of the nine chapters had links that worked and I read them all. I felt so much inspiration and my mind began to buzz. I felt as if I could almost reach out and touch the strings I needed to give life to my dream. I love that Karen started off knowing so little about her industry but through her drive, ambition, and self-motivation she was able to overcome the obstacles thrust in front of her. I think it takes a certain kind of person to keep moving forward no matter what roadblocks you see up ahead. Sometimes sheer determination will get you further than anything else. I have so much admiration and respect for Mrs. Lorene having read her story and look forward to future chapters....... we all know the story has a happy ending!

I highly recommend reading these first chapters as a tool to help inspire and motivate you. You can find them on them on them at http://www.facerejewelryart.com/newsletters.php

Anything is Possible......

2009-06-29T19:53:00.003-04:00

I am one of those rare people who believe this to be true. I honestly believe it within myself and it is integral in who I am and how I live. I have found this to be a unique quality but one I plan to keep.

We as individuals create our own boundaries and with boundaries we create never ending limitations. Once the limitation is created; it is true. Deny the limitation and it is false. Think of how far you could go if you refused to create the limitation?

I am always surprised when I talk with other artists to find that they have already decided how far they could possibly go and what accomplishments they could achieve. They have created defined lines and in essence a box that they create within. The box is real because they believe it to be real. They have defined their path and how far they will go by defining the landscape and the palette in which they live.

The truth is anything is possible if you choose to believe it. Rarely did those who accomplished so much know that they would get there. They struggled like we did and worked themselves to the bone with hope and a dream. A dream of achieving more and of becoming more. They met with success because they first allowed the success to be a possibility in their lives. I have never met someone who is successful who honestly believed they could never succeed.

So this is my mantra and what has forced me to continue no matter how tired, frustrated, hopeless, and lost I feel. I believe that anything is possible and my belief makes this true.

believe.

Perfecting...... the booth

2009-06-08T22:40:00.004-04:00

I've been working hard on my booth set-up for the art shows and festivals. This is the most recent booth that I used for the Virgina Highlands Summerfest show. I thought this booth looked much better in person but I still feel like something is missing.

It seems the more professional I make my booth the more it loses it's personality. I am thinking about adding some large scale photography in the background to give the booth a little more pop. Also I am contemplating changing the red fabric to the green that matches my logo. This is by far the most professional booth I have had to date and drew a nice crowd to look at my work.

I thought you might find the transition interesting to see as I work on perfecting the booth display. You can see last year's display several posts down.

Not Alone

2009-06-05T22:08:00.003-04:00

I am so thankful for this man, my husband, Carlos. Yesterday I was so stressed and overwhelmed I felt like everything was completely out of control. I called my husband and he was there like he always is.

I am constantly amazed at the support and love he offers me. He reminds me that I am not alone and that the struggles and stresses do not have to be burdened only by me. He will help me, make me laugh and do anything he can to help me. Just knowing that he is always there makes life easier and each struggle somehow less of a struggle.

I know it's simple, but I love him..... he is my hero...

A Little Love from VH Summerfest!

2009-05-30T00:12:00.005-04:00

Well I got a little love letter from Virginia Highlands Summerfest yesterday and I had to share.... I've moved from waitlist to ACCEPTED!

Oh.... it really is love I tell you!

I'm so happy to have this opportunity to show my work at this show. It's a great festival and a lot of fun and I was sad when I thought I would not be attending....

So.... doing a little happy dance and sending some love back out to the folks who run the show.

This must be proof that sometimes if you hope hard enough, pour your heart out on your blog, and pout for weeks...... good things do happen!

Us Vs. Them

2009-05-21T10:30:00.003-04:00

Well first you might ask, who is them? I find it ironic that I left the corporate world because I hated the mindless politics only to find myself in the jewelry world with different mindless politics.

What is it that drives industries, organizations, and individuals to create barriers? Us vs. Them is something I see everyday everywhere. Academic vs. Professional, Retailing vs. Wholesaling, Etsy vs. E-bay..... The list grows as I find myself branching out into new corners of the jewelry world. It's enough to make a single metalsmith crazy.

I recently told a friend that if I ever become someone who must look down my nose at others to feel solid in my own achievements, please tell me! I find the mentality sickening as there is room for all of us and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for others. You must do what works for you and be proud of what you do. At the end of the day it is your life, your vision, and your success that ultimately will tell if you found the right venue and tone for your work.

I must say that I got caught up in the Us. vs. Them recently. I began to feel less than I am and to question my abilities as a what is the word, artist? A word I still am not comfortable with but will use for lack of another, I found myself caving into this belief that I wasn't as good as others because I wasn't academic enough, I sold my work through Etsy, I retail and I wholesale..... All of these things made me what? An amateur.

Yet..... Yesterday while talking with a friend I realized that I had moved away from everything I know. Everything that makes me happy and fulfilled as well as successful in my chosen medium. I allowed others who didn't know me and do not have my best interest at heart to sway me into thinking that I am not as good as they. That I am not following some pre-determined rules.... and then I remembered, well hell, I've never been good at following the rules anyway! Perhaps this makes me an amateur but I enjoy wandering the course and making choices that I feel confident in. I enjoy the process of finding my own way.... and dare I say it? If They have all the answers, how is it They have time to tell me how I should be running my business?

Realizing all of this ultimately led me to the conclusion that I had in the beginning. I am the only one who cares enough about my work to go the extra mile, take the extra risk, and invest the money and time that will make it successful. I am the only one who will ultimately make this venture successful. That is not to say that others do not want to see me succeed but I am the only one without any other conflict..... just me and my little company. So.... I must do what is best for this little company. I must make the best decisions I know how with what I have and I must embrace what works for me.

And realizing this I too realize that there will be doors closed in my face for my choices. There will be those who believe I am somewhat contaminated, there will be those who mock me, and I must find the ability to overcome that mentally and balance it with the doors that will open for me.

Waitlisted.

2009-05-11T21:08:00.004-04:00

Well, let me start by saying, anything less than yes, is pure rejection. I have had a bitter sweet year; so many wonderful situations mixed with so many frustrating ones.

This year I decided to expand into some local art festivals and shows. I was hoping to introduce my Cobblestone and Reflections line to the local market. Not everyone knows that there is a steady process one must follow to get into shows which can be fairly subjective. Art festivals tend to be juried meaning that you submit photos of your work and booth and a jury or panel reviews the work of the artists and assigns the artist a score. Depending on what your score is and how it falls in the range of other like artists you may or may not be accepted into the show. Typically you will get one of three results, Accepted, Denied, or Waitlist.

This year has been the year of the waitlist for me. Technically speaking this is not a denial but a way of letting me know that my score was not high enough to get into the show but high enough that I will be in line if another or several other artists decline to do the show. Of course, I am not a glass half full girl when I get the waitlist letter. This feels like pure rejection to me. I have been devastated and my self confidence has been shaken. The jury does not send out feedback or let you know what it is that you could have done better so you the artist are left to criticize your work, your photos, your booth, and anything else you can think of. I have been wait listed for almost every show I have applied to this year. Adding salt to the wound, I realized, this means if I had only done just a little better I might have been able to turn the denials into acceptances.

So, I don't know for sure where I missed the mark but have spent hours racking my brain. I have spent thousands of dollars revamping my booth and will now send yet another set of pieces off to be professionally photographed. The jury is a tough mistress and she expects only the best. I am hopeful that by working hard to get each and every piece just a bit better that perhaps next year I will find more success.

Not everyone knows me personally but this has been a heartbreaking experience for me. Failure. I feel like I have failed in some way..... and even when I put it kindly..... I failed to live up to some expectation, I still feel this sinking in my chest that perhaps I'm just not good enough. Pair this up with a personality that doesn't allow failure and ultimately devastation occurs and then torment as now I must figure it out. I must find the missing link and fill the void of the missing piece. I must make sure that next year is better....... I can't handle another year of rejection.

What Inspires me.....

2009-05-07T22:37:00.004-04:00

Inspiration...... I must confess that I enjoy reading what inspires artists of all mediums to create.... It's such a difficult question for me to answer directly as I believe that the inspiration to create is just an extension of who I am. It is there and the desire to see what lies in my sub-conscience as a physical entity is real. But where does such inspiration stem from? Where do I get my ideas?

Well, to be truly honest, life. My life. What I see and what I have seen creates images of how I choose to view the world. What I have experienced both good and bad drive me to find peace within my chosen medium. I find that my work is often therapeutic. There is true meaning in each piece for me. There is a story.... and it is my story, my vision, my reality. I often thought that I would be a writer of some sort growing up but find that though my story is not written in words it is still written in form. I want my work to inspire others to make each day count. I want them to see the hope and possibility we have as human beings and to find in our humanity the compassion that we often lack... to take the second of the day and appreciate it for what it is and to appreciate and value the fullness in spectrum of who we are. I want us to find the individual in the ever growing we. So this is the story I work to breathe life into and the meaning behind my pieces. So though my inspiration is not concrete.... it is what it is. It is my vision that I hope to share....

There is a part of us that is hidden within. A brighter version of ourselves that only those who truly know us can see. This small part of me is the part that I put in my work. The true optimist.... the person that I wish I could be all the time. The glass is full girl, the dreamer, the hero, the lover, the faithful..... this is the girl I know and the girl I work to build upon. The perfect me on the perfect day. This is what inspires me.... the better version of myself and the better version of the world she would imagine.

To read more stories of inspiration, check out the following blogs:

http://ninadinoff.blogspot.com/
http://www.chris-parry.blogspot.com/
http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/
http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com

The Weight of Metal

2009-04-27T21:49:00.002-04:00

I can't help it, I love to fabricate my work with weight. I was pricing some new work recently and when I weighed this necklace was astounded to find that it weighed in at 58.6 grams. While I could recreate this piece for a lighter version.... I love the weight of it. I love to fabricate work that feels strong and durable.... pieces that will last.

I was speaking to a friend recently who too has this problem and it got me to thinking about why I create work that is so heavy and strong when I could fabricate the work much lighter with a lower selling point. I love strength.... it's so important to me in all aspects of my life. I love the strength of who I am as an individual and I love that the things I cherish will live through the chaos such as it is in my life. The things I love I use! I wear them, sit on them, drop them, use them...... they have to be things that will fit in my life as it is. I love the scratches and the dings that resemble the love I felt for them. I have never been one to purchase an item just so I could look at it. I want the things I love to be put to use in my life. This is why I cannot justify making work that is fragile no matter how much sense it makes from a business stand point..... Of course, that got me to thinking, perhaps those who purchase my work, love the weight too!

Twilight

2009-04-09T19:40:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you create something and for whatever reason you walk away from it. Sometimes it remains as one piece never to be thought of again.... and sometimes.... the piece calls you back.

The Twilight Collection has done just that. It kept nagging at the back of my mind until a friend finally convinced me it deserved a place in my permanent collection.

Twilight has always been my favorite time of day. The last streams of light falling silent and steadily, the shadows that deepen and the brightness of the street lamps just before night swallows us whole. In honor of my love for this hour when everything feels a bit more magical and all dreams become possible I decided to name this new collection, Twilight, as it too plays with light and dark balancing them both with an elegant edge.

Just be.

2009-03-10T23:04:00.004-04:00

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? Like there was something missing? As a child I always felt like an oddity even among the oddities! It's something that has frustrated me all my life. This feeling of not really belonging. A few years ago I decided to give it my best shot. I really worked hard to say and do the right things until I felt like I wasn't even sure who I was anymore. My husband kept telling me that when I reached my thirties everything would change. That something shifts ever so slightly and you stop caring about what everyone else thinks. I guess he was right because as I move into my thirties I do find that I am more willing to embrace the best and less gracious aspects of who I am. I feel more willing to allow others to see me as I am.

This is why I decided to use the tag line just be. In a climate where everyone feels the need to blend within the group I wanted to embrace those who stand a part. Whether this be the individual hidden within or the outrageous that beats to her own drum. It is the ultimate challenge as a woman to love ourselves thoroughly and with a maturity that embraces the fullness of all the many facets. Yes, I am wild and crazy, Yes, I jump headfirst, Yes, I speak my mind without thinking, Yes, I make mistakes, Yes, I have regrets, but that is me. Full of life and breath and without these I would no longer be me so I embrace them. And as I allow myself to embrace the things I wished for many years I could change I realize the best parts of me stand taller and prouder than before because Yes, I am compassionate, Yes, I love animals, Yes, I give to those in need, Yes, I stand up for what I believe in, Yes, I help others.... and the image shifts creating a full portrait of an individual I admire.

So just be is just that. be. Be full, fearless, bold, and unapologetic for all of the many dynamic qualities that make you, you and me, me. A celebration of those unwilling to change for they know that without the valleys the peaks would not be near as high.

EtsyMetal Charm Swap

2009-02-25T19:06:00.003-05:00

It can be a lot of fun to get involved in a group project with other artists. Etsymetal, a team of fabulous metalsmiths who sell their work on Etsy, started the charm swap amongst artists last year as a way to collect great work from other EM artists. The first charm swap was a great success and featured such amazing work that a charm bracelet was fabricated featuring all of the charms and is for sell in the Etsymetal shop.

I signed up to participate in the third charm swap on EM after I got tired of being jealous of all of the wonderful work! Each artist makes 22 charms and they are sent to one person who repackages them one for each artist and mailed back out. An extra set of charms is used for the EM charm bracelet and is listed on Etsy for sale. I have already gotten a sneak preview of some of the artists charms and I'm so excited I can hardly wait!

Really, 32?

2009-02-22T22:05:00.002-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of celebrating my 32nd birthday and I keep thinking to myself, really, 32? It's hard to imagine! Of course, the best part of turning a year older is that it means my sister is as well! The slight twinge of disappointment is always traded in for the sheer glee of giving her a harder time still.

I often look at the years as a massive map with drawn out plans for my life. Though my life rarely follows the step by step instructions I have written, it helps me to realize where I am , where I thought I would be, and where I fell short. I know it is a bit neurotic and I am trying really hard to do away with this type of thinking all together but it is a bit compulsive very much like I am.

So it is up to Theo, Kai, and Maya to remind me to celebrate my youth (however fleeting)! There is always time for a long walk in the woods, a game of fetch, an extra cookie! So here is to 32, and really, it doesn't feel that different than 31!

Telling a Story

2009-02-03T21:45:00.003-05:00

Last year I went to an emerging artist program for the Buyers Market of American Craft. One of the speakers emphasized the importance artists needed to place on telling a story. I spent a lot of time thinking about this and when given the opportunity to walk the floor I saw an artist who did it in such a way that though I did not need what he was selling, I wanted one. I wanted to be a part of his story and his vision. It was igniting and I felt like I grasped what they meant.

Since coming home, i have spent a lot of time thinking about my story. Allowing the random thoughts that jumble around in my head to be sorted into cohesive sentences and thoughts. It has really helped me to strengthen my vision and has stimulated an understanding of my collection that I had not realized previously.

After developing the story for each of my lines I couldn't contain my enthusiasm in sharing it with others. I told the story to each retail gallery and became fascinated with the changes in their facial expressions as they too became caught up in the idea behind the collection. Once I gave the collections an idea and allowed everyone to share in it's roots I was able to allow them to connect on a level usually only experienced by the artist. Previously only I was allowed to experience both the tangible and intangible merits of each piece and only I was able to enjoy the spiritual side of what I had created. By sharing the story with them I felt it truly gave meaning to the concept of art jewelry for now they could appreciate both fully.

So though they call this process, telling a story, I think it is better described as sharing the story.

Cobblestone...

2009-01-11T18:26:00.002-05:00

There is something about coming upon a cobblestone path that excites and enchants me. A feeling of mystery steep with historic sentiment that fills my soul. When I first visited London at 21 I became positive that if there are past lives... then I must have lived in it's cold, breathless, city. A connection. I felt in awe of the city's history and enraptured with the ancient bold and beautiful amongst the modern cold and colorful, a beautiful combination.

I feel so much like the city of London. A desire for the old and ancient, a memory long and sharp, and an awakening for all the new that has not yet emerged. A twisted personal desire to stand in both time frames at once. One foot steadily held in the wisdom of the past and one looking forward to a brave new world. An oxymoron if one exists but one I delight in.

I love the idea that I have left a footprint on the world. Everywhere I have been shares a small almost untraceable stain of my energy. I feel this energy when I walk on the surfaces of the earth. Who has come before me and what did they do? Where were they going and how did they feel? I am amazed at my own imaginations ability to construct images of a time before I. Even more striking though is walking upon a cobblestone surface. Knowing that history is etched in the footprints of those long gone but still very much alive. Have my footsteps crossed the traces of historic figures I admire? Did I gain just a bit of their energy as I passed the threshold?

2009

2009-01-05T21:35:00.004-05:00

Wow, what an amazing year 2008 was. I have high hopes for 2009 and I'm positive that it will bring many new challenges. I've already been working on so many new things to get geared up that I can hardly bare waiting.... giggles!

I thought it might be fun to share a few interesting things about my 2008 in perspective.

Most Played Songs on my IPOD
1. Society - Eddie Vedder
2. One of the Brightest Stars - James Blunt
3. Listen - Dreamgirls
4. Only the Good Die Young - Billy Joel
5. No Bravery - James Blunt
6. Foundations - Kate Nash
7. Stay On the Ride - Patty Griffin
8. Big Love - Fleetwood Mac
9. Crazy - James Michael Mix - Alanis Morissette
10. Benny and the Jets - Elton John

Top 5 Books of the Year:
1. Child 44- Tom Rob Smith
2. Factory Girls -Leslie T. Chang
3. Illusions - Richard Bach (I read this one every year).
4. Wicked- Gregory Maguire
5. The Bookseller of Kabul- Asne Seierstad

2008 New Years Resolutions
1. Approach galleries with my work
2. Build booth for shows and festivals
3. Add two new galleries
4. Spend more time with family
5. Learn to cook

Did I accomplish these things?
Yes, I did begin approaching galleries with my work and an happy to reveal I added six new galleries this year. I added a few new recipes to the short list of things I cook and started off 2008 strong but could have done much better if I had stuck with it. I failed miserably at spending more time with family. Seems there just are not enough hours in the day....

2009 New Years Resolutions
1. Cook a new meal at least 3 nights a week with my husband with the television off, computers put away, and a good bottle of pinot.
2. Spend more quality time with my husband
3. Live in the Moment!
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables
5. Budget finances and live within a budget

Interesting... Last year all of my goals revolved around my business and this year all of my goals revolve around my family. I think I am searching for balance between the two.

Taking Pause....

2008-12-28T12:15:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year when one finds themselves thinking about the final tasks and new goals. I love New Year's only because it reminds me to take pause. Every year I choose a new word to represent what I want to embody as I move forward. I chose the word grateful to represent 2008 because I find myself often rushing through to put out fires and climb new ladders rarely remembering to find joy in the small accomplishments. My goal in using the word grateful was to encourage myself to give just as much devotion to the things in my life that are set right as those left askew. What is the point of this strange and lucid journey if we cannot remember to be grateful for the journey itself?

I have been thinking about the word I would like for the upcoming year and I keep coming back to the word balance. Now is the time to find balance within my life and to balance the wants and desires a long side the needs of my family and time required for solitude. There is a yearning in my mind now that was not always there to enjoy each moment as it unfolds and to be in the moment before it passes. It seems a simple task but as I find myself moving through my day my mind seems to wander to all the things that need to be completed next and the day ends with me now quite knowing where the time went only to start again the following morning.

Balance is what my soul desires now.

So Much To Do!

2008-12-16T21:47:00.003-05:00

Well, I was given a great opportunity to show my work at the American Craft Retailer's Expo in Las Vegas. in May. I had planned on waiting at least a year before my first wholesale show but this was too good to pass. So I'm frantically looking at everything I need to do and thankful that I have several months to figure it all out. Of course that old demon, fear, keeps creeping up on me and I wonder if I will get even one order.... but all I can do is my best and hope that people will respond to it. Over the next few months I will be working hard to complete the Reflections Collection and filling in some of the gaps for my existing work. If you have any great tips, feel free to share!

Room for change...

2008-11-23T20:35:00.004-05:00

I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about change. There is so much going on in the United States right now that I think we all need to take some time and think about ourselves with some reflection. I have spent the last ten years of my life with some solid views and beliefs but lately I have begun questioning some of them. It's difficult when you are faced with questioning some of your steadfast beliefs but I think it's important to keep the doorways in your mind open to new possibilities. I was listening to some music the other day and realized how I have been wrong about some of the things I one held as truths in my life. It was humbling to allow myself to question my own beliefs and I realized that it's important to think about our own inner compass from time to time and allow it to change direction.

I think a lot about the person I want to be. I find that often times people become who they are without a definite goal but allow life's circumstances to determine their course. I have always wanted to be the person who chose my own path. I've always wanted to stay on a definite course. I think it's easier to become who you want to be and to ultimately realize where you want to be if you know who and where that is. Today I realized that this needs to be fluid. Who and where can change over the years of your life. With the recent events in the United States it has made me realize that it is important to me to smile a little brighter, be a little more forgiving, and realize a stronger sense of compassion. After all, though we are individuals.... we can create enormous amounts of warmth one person at a time. So though I live in a large city where life is often rushed, I plan to take things a bit slower and see the humanity in those around me.

The Way to My heart...

2008-11-20T18:27:00.010-05:00

Some of you may already know that I adopted three black labs this year; Kai, Maya, and Theo. They have brought me so much joy and have taught me how to laugh at life. I am forever grateful to have them as part of my family and an integral part of my life. I found Erika's shop, Blomma, a few months ago and fell in love with her Labrador greeting cards. She has a way of capturing the essence of a Labrador's playfulness and bringing it to life.

Today a special package arrived in the mail. Inside was a lovely thank you note from Erika and a beautiful Christmas ornament her father hand carved. I am so touched at the thoughtfulness of her gift. This piece will adorn my Christmas tree for many years to come. Thank you Erika and thank your father from one lab lover to another. Tomorrow I will walk the dogs extra long in your honor.

Erika owns an Etsy shop called Blomma. You can view an assortment of contemporary paper goods by clicking on her name.

Her father who hand carved the Christmas ornament can be found at Ctawoodart

One Piece At a Time.....

2008-11-17T22:29:00.002-05:00

I recently decided that yes, I would like to begin working with retailers on a larger scale to expand the locations where my work will be available. This was such a difficult decision for me to make and I went back and forth trying to decide what I really wanted to do. Then I thought; is it possible to have my cake and eat it too? Yes, I think it might.

See, the difficult part of this decision stems from my love to explore new design possibilities. I enjoy the process of discovering a new look or theme to work off of. I have been concerned that moving into a wholesale venue would limit my ability to work on new designs and would inhibit my creative spirit. I've spent a lot of time dwelling over the solution. Recently it came to me through a discussion with a fellow metalsmith. Why can't I offer a collection for wholesale and continue to fabricate one of a kind and limited edition work? Well, I can think of no reason. So, I have decided to embark on this new journey with an open mind and heart.

I have chosen the Reflections Collection as the first to complete. I am working on expanding the line to include many pieces and I'm excited about all of the great new ideas I have. I plan to introduce the collection to a venue in 2010. This gives me plenty of time to complete the collection and work out all design components and fabrication issues.

Wish Me Luck!

Our Deepest Fear...

2008-11-10T22:01:00.005-05:00

The biggest secret that no one ever tells is that we are all afraid. We fear so many things but ultimately it is failure that keeps us paralyzed and unable to do the things that must be done to accomplish our goals and fulfill our dreams. This is something I discovered awhile ago and knowing this has changed my life. So many times I hear people say that they would love to do x... when I ask them why they don't they usually respond with a myriad of excuses. I know the real reason, fear. But, the truth about fear is that it will eat you alive with no regret. Fear is something inside you that plays with your mind and creates chaos but is merely an illusion. It remains real only by the oxygen you breathe into it. Ultimately it is you who decide how far you will go and it is reaching out beyond the shadows and the inner critic that will allow you to accomplish your goals. Have you ever noticed that when you talk to others about your dreams many will tell you to be realistic... well, that is their fear. You must give yourself permission to succeed and take responsibility for the dream. It is so often what you tell yourself that ultimately comes to fruition so be bold.... and just do it!

This is my favorite poem written by Marianne Williamson. It hangs near my bench so I too remember my deepest fear...

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

A Little Bit Kinder...

2008-11-09T14:58:00.005-05:00

The last couple of years have been some of the most incredible and some of the toughest. I feel thankful that I have been able to work full time as a metalsmith and at the same time constantly confused and full of self doubt. I keep waiting to be one of those people who doesn't care what others think, but still I do. I find myself constantly judging my work by what others will think. Is it artistic enough..... is it unusual, is it new, is it unique and different.... and as thankful as I am that I have had so many wonderful people support me and my work I still question myself as an artist... ( for lack of a better word). Yet today while I was working in the studio the better side of me rose up. Really, I'm so over worrying about the scholastic side of my work. I love my work and I love what I do. Isn't that enough? In the end it is ultimately those who collect my work who will judge it's merits and there voice should be the loudest and most dear to me. So though I know this is not the last time I will doubt myself or my work, I vow to try harder to be kinder to myself.

One Vote

2008-11-04T17:55:00.004-05:00

I'm only one but I am one. I can't do everything but I can do something and what I can do I ought to do and that by the grace of God I will do.

- Brett Blair, Sermon Illustrations, 1999

Never Really Lost....

2008-11-03T20:26:00.004-05:00

Have you been introduced to Facebook? About six months ago I began hearing about Facebook everywhere. It seemed there was a vibe in the air... you must be on Facebook! Well, I thought, I better check it out. I signed up for an account and for the life of me had no idea what to do with it. I just didn't get it. Now I consider myself to be fairly savvy when it comes to using the web but I just didn't understand what Facebook was meant to do or why it had so much hype. Well yesterday I decided to check it out again to see what it was I missed and low and behold.... Facebook is an amazing concept. Upon logging in I found that some of my friends and acquaintances had found me and marked me as a friend. When I accepted Facebook was able to connect their contacts with me and suddenly I was finding and talking to people I hadn't seen or heard from in years. People I thought were lost ... in this giant world... but now I know.. with the web, no one is really ever lost. Try it. You will become addicted and reunite with old friends. It's a good thing.

A Little Bit of Joy

2008-11-01T20:39:00.004-04:00

This beautiful piece arrived in the mail a couple of days ago. I purchased this lovely sculpture from Heather Knight of Element Clay Studio. Her work is amazingly detailed and scrumptiously different. You can see more of her work at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5226330 or visit her in her studio in Asheville, North Carolina.

Star Light, Star Bright....

2008-10-29T21:57:00.006-04:00

With winter approaching, I find myself searching harder for things that sparkle and shine. This is a new addition to my collection, a beautiful star filled with tiny granules that reflect points of light.

I decided recently that I would begin to use the tag, just be. This has been a struggle for me in my life as I have often felt that I needed to be someone other than who I am. How often do we feel the need to put ourselves on before leaving the house? It is now in my thirties that I find myself wanting..... to just be. To be me freely and fully and to enjoy the many tiny details that are who I am. The reflections series is part of these, well, reflections..... as I look inward. I find that as I go throughout my days, busy, working, taking care of and being taken care of that I forget sometimes even to breathe. Every now and then though a moment comes that is so true to life and shines so brightly that the world just stands still and we stop and take notice. These are the moments we strive to fill our lives with and however fleeting give us the most fulfillment. The reflections series carries these small points of light as a reminder of those precious moments in our life when all is perfect and all is just as it should be. The moments are the light in our lives and our job in life of course; is to find them.

Two is easier than one.....

2008-01-04T21:22:00.001-05:00

I can't tell you how many times I have heard my friends say that two children are easier than one. The common conception is that they can keep eachother entertained thus freeing up valuable time for the parents. Well, my husband and I adopted Kai, a beautiful English lab, about a year ago. He was wonderful! Sweet, playful, beautiful, easy to train..... and loved to be as close as possible to his mama (me) at all times! Well, as much as I adore Kai, it got pretty difficult to get work done. He would sit at my bench and whimper and whine until I stopped and amused him with a squeaky toy, a ball of yarn, a good stick.....

When Kai turned about six months old my husband and I got to thinking..... if two children are easier than one then two dogs must be easier still......

Well, the thing they don't tell you is that when you are blessed enough to have that perfect child the first time, don't tempt fate!!!! Stop there!!! Do not pass go, do not collect $200.00, just thank your lucky stars!!!

My husband and I adopted Maya from the Atlanta Dog Squad about six months ago and as sweet and lovable as she is; She is a handfull of Trouble!!!! Every problem that we never had with Kai, we have had with our darling Maya. She jumps on strangers, chews up furniture, farts out loud and in public, chases the cats, steals items off counters and tables.... need I go on?

Don't worry, we adore her and she knows it..... but we were thinking.... perhaps if we adopted another dog it could train Maya for us.... what do you think?

It's All About Texture

2008-01-03T21:42:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine loaned me her rolling mill a few months ago and believe it or not I've barely used it! I decided that this year I really wanted to experiment with creating texture using the rolling mill. I have always added a lot of texture to my work but have rarely used the rolling mill to do so. In my quest to find ways to fabricate beautiful jewelry but also to increase production so I can expand my business I find that this has been a real mistake. This is one of the first pieces I fabricated using the rolling mill to add texture. I crumpled up an old paper Starbucks bag and rolled the metal through with it. You can actually see some of the creases in the metal from the paper. It's interesting to me how an old crumpled up paper bag can add so much visual stimulation to what would otherwise be a boring ring. It really completes this particular piece. My studio mate, MG, is going to bring me a whole slew of different papers and I can't wait to play with them. I think I will create a sample board with the papers and a small metal chip so I will know how to acchieve what I want in the future.

2008

2008-01-02T22:19:00.001-05:00

At the top of my list of things to do for 2008 is to create and maintain a blog. This has been difficult for me though I have no idea why. As someone who has never had trouble writing, I have found that I really have a lot of trouble writing about myself and my work. It's difficult to know how writing in a blog contributes to the heavy flow of traffic on the world wide web. However, as this is something I feel is important for any indie artist, I will struggle on.

I often use words in my jewelry and try to find ways to inspire women in a positive and constructive manner. As I have found it so important to find the strength to live the life I want to lead I feel it's equally important to help others strive to find the same perfection (not that I am perfect)! My goal in life is to find a balance between pleasure and work. My mother has told me many times in the past not to forget to enjoy the journey. I finally heard her and realized that if I didn't start living my dream NOW, I never would. It's so easy to let each day slip by and think to yourself that you will begin that new project or take that new class tomorrow...... However, there is always a new to do list and responsibilities tend to grow rather than shrink. If not now then when?

I hope to share a little bit about my thoughts and my work and perhaps find a way to share my experience with other indie artists and lover's of the arts. How often do we get to know one another really?

Words of the Day: She who seeks to find happiness must begin her quest within.