Saturday, September 2, 2017

Creative Block. Now What?

Anyone who creates, whether it be crafts, writing, dancing, songwriting, etc. has had many days when the creative juices don't flow. It goes with the territory.

When I am creatively blocked, I will start a piece of jewelry and find that I don't like the color combination or the pattern or style. I'll take it apart and start over, usually repeating the same frustration. After several attempts, I will stop what I'm doing and look through bracelets or necklaces that haven't sold or pieces that I really don't like and I'll take them apart, bead by bead. When I tell people that, they are often horrified but I have to say it is so relaxing to sort beads!

The important thing is to step away from the project, go do something else and come back on another day. Or, I can often go to a project that I've started (I have several of those) and work on that. The necklace featured here took months to make because it was one that I would pick up when my creativity was blocked.

Friday, July 13, 2012

I've decided to create another website dedicated to BLING only: http://mustlovebling.etsy.com I don't know what it is about sparkle, but I feel that I need to wear something with crystals every day. I just feel more happy, calm and pretty. A little bling never hurt anyone!

Newest creations:


Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Sharing the Excitement of Sparkle and Bling

The internet allows us to share ourselves with the world! "Word of mouth" takes on a whole new meaning. In a matter of hours, videos can go "viral." Although I am still a novice in the geek world, I am finding ways to get myself and my jewelery out there for people to see. I'd like to share some sites that everyone can enjoy as a buyer or a seller.

More and more people are aware of etsy as a premier site for crafty people. It is a very inexpensive way to get your products out there with an easy to use website. It is also a wonderful way to meet other creative people and support small business. For buyers - you will find unusual products that could never be found at a mall!

My page: www.gingerbeaddesigns.etsy.com

I have had a great deal of fun on flickr, a website for displaying your favorite photos ranging from your family, your pets, your jewelry, your passions, your favorite places, etc. It is endless what you can upload on your own site. The first 200 uploaded photos are free. I have also made contacts with people around the world by joining groups and having conversations with those who share similar passions.

My page: www.flickr.com/photos/gingerbeaddesigns



Recently, I've joined the fun on an auction site: www.Tophatter.com

I'm still learning the ropes, but I was able to sell a bracelet last week and I look forward to selling another one tonight. Fingers crossed. 
Let me just say, that this can be very addicting. Decide ahead of time what you are willing to spend or know how much money you have in your PayPal account.


These are just three sites that are easy to use, inexpensive and a simple way of getting known in the big, wide world of the web! Buyers - again, the sky is the limit as it relates to creativity. You will find the most amazing things.


Enjoy!!








Saturday, October 9, 2010

Fun with Russian Spiral

The Russian Spiral stitch was the first beadweaving class that I took and I've been addicted ever since.  There are so many different materials and designs that can be created with this one pattern.

A few examples:

This is a Chakra bracelet using the 7 colors of the chakra system


A Russian Spiral using 3mm Swarovski crystals and size 15 seed beads

Russian Spiral with Hex beads and size 11 seed beads
Variation on the Russian Spiral          




Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fun with Color

I love wearing colors, beading with colors and discovering new color combinations.  I also have wonderful, colorful friends!!!

This is a custom design for one of my friends who exudes fun, laughter and enjoying all that life has to offer.

 My daughter has always been a pink girl and even as a young adult, she has found a way to make pink classy I made this bracelet to match a dress that I bought her for her birthday.

And if color doesn't excite you, materials may be the secret.  Daggers intrigued me and I love the way this came out.

                                It's all about having fun!

Monday, July 12, 2010