Support Your Local Artist

I as a jewelry designer know that creation is personal and I love to create. I therefore know how important it is to support other creative types. We can do this by thanking them for filling our lives with beauty.

We can support them by promoting their works. We definitely can support them by personally purchasing their creations.

I buy other designers jewelry.

Why? because others can create beautiful jewelry and I want to support their desire to do so.

I buy artist prints for my six year olds sons room.

Why? So he can have the coolest paintings and prints and learns the value of supporting others.

I buy music created by local and up and coming artists.

Why? Because there is really truly awesome talent to be discovered and I LOVE music. Music makes our world go round. Music fills our homes, our hearts and wakes up our minds.

 

Music inspires us...

Music is art

and I support artists

 

 

To Write or Create

How about write about creating? I go between designing jewelry to writing, my two loves. Throw in music, at this time I am listening to Anuna Celtic Origins. I am not sure which if I had to pick could I do without the longest for within me they intermix and encourage growth of the other.

I started designing jewelry about twelve years ago when my idea of excitement was going to the nearest craft store and buying a set of pliers. I grew in my knowledge and discovered more venues to purchase goods from. I am now on my third or fourth set of tools, having given the first set to a friends daughter.

Once you have the creative bug in your veins, it never leaves. When I don't want anyone to know the thoughts in my head jewelry creation is the perfect outlet for me. I loose myself in the colors, the textures and endless ideas abound. A few years back I sat at my desk wildly creating for nearly six hours.

The problem I have discovered is that I am quite content many times to just be left alone. Are you really ever alone when surrounded by fifteen cases of beads? The beads don't talk back to you, right? Wrong. To me, they say "I belong on a necklace, I long to be a great centerpiece" another might say "I deserve to sway from ears while the lady dances".

The beads most certainly do talk. Even before they are completed peices they tell stories. Lampwork beads from an artist bare heart and soul, wind and fire, playfulness and absolute passion. Vintage beads hold a special history and when I handle them I can imagine tea parties, ballroom dances and beach picnics.

I prefer polymer clay to sculpt with. I sit and gather the colors, mulling over the possibilites without ever knowing what I may create. I have shown peices in galleries and those are usually the ones my daughter either takes for herself or to send to her friends. I consider it the biggest of compliments. Here is a picture of my lovely daughter wearing one of my creations.

I wish I could spend my days doing nothing but writing and creating jewelry. Maybe someday I will get there. As for music, it's in my veins in a different way. I sang with school choirs, church choirs, caroling groups, the Sweet Adelines and at home or even in the grocery store.

Currently, I sing my young son to sleep just like I used to sing my daughter to bed who is now twenty years old. I have changed the songs I sing very slightly and tonight for the first time, my son sang with me.

Our song of choice for the evening "Take Me Home Country Roads". It is the most precious of all gifts to sit with my son and watch him watch me and have him mimic my mouth movements and hold my chin up while doing so. My life is truly blessed.

God Bless,
Tera

New Directions

Good Sunday morning all,

I looked back a bit on my posts and I believe I failed to mention my new etsy shop. I love to create. I would if possible sit at my desk which happens to be my late grandmothers black metal desk and create until my fingers give way.

Since I am forever creating my styles evolve and often I can not stay within one style. I fill my etsy shop with rocks and vintage items I have collected. So, in order to bring a little order to my etsy world I have decided to open a new shop with strictly jewelry in it. Mostly high end items but not too pricey. They will all sing a little luxury.

Not too many items have made it in there but when you have a moment, take a peek Bohemian Glitz on etsy.

Times A Wasting Or is it?

Really, if we are enjoying our day even if we didn't accomplish anything, is time really wasted?

In my opinion, no. Time is precious and as long as the important things get done in a reasonable time manner then, all is "good". For instance, don't let your taxes go by the wayside do play chase with your son. Do play everyday! Whether it be with your craft, your kids, your pets or just hanging out with your friends. Let's not forget our significant others as well.

They support us in all that we do, hopefully anyway. This can be where the hard struggle is. The husband works hard, the wife works just as hard, the kids play hard and their is almost no time for the husband and wife to get together. Remember to thank your significant other for doing all they do even if at times it doesn't seem like much. Possibly they are doing all they can and recognizing this can actually motivate them, encourage them and uplift them. In doing so, you have just made yourself feel better too.

My quote of the day: "Time is not wasted if we are spending it with the ones we love."

I read an article recently that reinforced what I already knew and had been telling a friend: Smile, it instantly cheers you up! The simple act of acting happy actually makes you feel happier!

I often find myself taking several days to create a new design that I should have completed easily within a day. So, what takes me so long? I have cats that want to play, eat and get brushed. I have two dogs who think they are the babies in the house. I have a teenager graduating this year. I have a toddler who wants my undivided attention. In fact, as soon as I stop typing he has a book he wants me to read to him. I also have a husband who is supportive of my late nights creating, typing and networking whether it be for social interaction or business.

So, there you have it. Time is not wasting, at least not around here.

God bless,
Tera