Nurture my creativity

I’ve taken out almost every book from the library on polymer clay and jewelry. Many were helpful, some not so much. I still have about 30 books waiting for me to pick up. I’m learning a lot, getting new ideas, and since my creativity is selective, I sketch everything when the idea hits or I might lose it. I have new sketches for Frannie and Tika.

New canes and millifiori and the moku cane thingy. I want to learn the general techniques so I can come up with my own designs. So far, I have the checkerboard down, the stripes and consentric circles. Also, I can do lace. Next, probably flowers and other patterns. I want to do the whole checkerboard thing over using different colors. Rthis time I want to make sure the design has the right angle so I can mix and match pieces like in the book.

Edge isn’t working so I’m journaling my crafts here.
I made earrings, necklaces, a ring, and a orangy, yellowy cane. Actually, it was supposed to be the chrisanthemum cane, but instead it turned out to be an ugly mustard and ketchup swirl. YUCK!! So, I did a swirl and now it’s terrific. I made beads and a few cabochons. I used redish colored scrap for beads for a necklace and earrings. I’m doing a wire wrap on some rather than the hole for jump rings. Today I’m wearing my black slab pendent and matching earrings. I got one compliment already and I just got to work.

I need to work on my canes and mokume gane. I have my skinner blends down pretty good now that I have my pasta machine. I really want to learn some good caning techniques. If I create a bunch of canes and mokume gane and other faux treatments, I can use them to make anything. I found some really nice creations in a clay book (non-jewelry) that I’d love to try, but without great canes and blends I won’t be very successful with them.

I’m taking extensive notes on several pieces that I’m confident that I can do now. Unfortunately, that means I have to expand my list of purchases and now is the worst time ever for me to make extraneous purchases. But I know I’ll find a way. Even if I have to sell everything I’ve made so far.

How can I NOT nurture my creativity. I think I should change this to Continually work on my craft and not put it down for periods of time. I just got a stack of books from the library and just thumbing through I’ve found a ton of things I want to try. I can easily overwhelm myself if I don’t stay on track. Tonight, I’m working on orders.

I’m removing the pressure. I made a list of current projects, future projects and ideas for projects. I will duplicate on the Edge under clay. This helps organize my mind and declutter. Also, it keeps me on track and moving through my projects instead of letting them sit for weeks and months. I want to get used to working steadily regardless of creative flow which means I have to work consistently. Also, I’ll keep a list of weekly purchases. Last night I worked on 2 desk sets (which I’m very disappointed with) and a new necklace and earring set. I need lots more black Premo.

I want to resist crowding my mind and clogging my creative flow with clutter (unfinished projects, forced ideas, cluttered work area). I want to record my ideas and keep a project running. I want to allow myself to stop a project without guilt and move on to another until my creative flow returns or is replenished. I want to continually read and seek ideas to spark creativity. I want to sell my work so I can afford to make more pieces.

I don’t think I can beat that as a completion indicator.

So today we were set the assignment of creating a lampshade to go on a particular light that we have to purchase. We are using a type of plastic for it but are still at the research stage. This is going to be an interesting challenge!

yayyyyy.
I finally have my uber camera but I haven’t got to play with it yet as I got it delivered to my work but will at lunch time.

Everything looks perfect & fancy & it came with the perfect carry bag & I just cannot wait to get using it!

I’m so glad I decided to buy this, I’ve wanted it for so long & got SUCH a good deal :)