Blog

It's interesting to me how my creative process works.  

Sometimes it feels just like this.

Scoop up a handful of materials (in this case beads).

And then roll them out like you are throwing dice. 

Ideas then appear to me. Sometimes they are similar to the one I started with when I made the bead.  

And sometimes they surprise even me!

Want to be surprised?!  Join up to my email list - be first to shop new collection releases and just maybe receive an insider surprise now and then...

Every year, usually in January, I head off to California for a week of intensive learning of new techniques, taught at my mentor's studio in Berkley.  I love being at my teacher's workshop and I always learn a ton of new things to incorporate into my style and pieces.  You can see some of last year's posts here and here.  

Of course this year, there was NO travel.  The workshop was held by Zoom - apart but together.  One of the participants said to her partner that she was "going to California" for the day, each day of the workshop.  That was a great way to look at it.  

Of course, I did learn new things and I have put on my creative hat to see what collections and pieces I can come up with for you for the future, likely this fall. 

If you want to be "in" on the fun new pieces, then be sure to sign up for my email list below.  Insiders are always first to shop!  

I wanted to show you where I create, so I cleaned up my in-home jewelry studio.  

I also cleaned up because soon it is time for my annual workshop with my jewelry mentor.  This is when I learn new techniques and skills that I then incorporate into my pieces.  (See last year's posts here and here)

Of course the workshops will be virtual.  I still get to learn and create new things, but I will miss my annual California trip this year.  

A clean studio where this woman creates is the best way to set up for a successful workshop!  

Become an INSIDER.  Shop all new releases first and receive exclusive offers.  Sign up with your email below.  

One of the things I love about my creative art process is the transformation all my pieces go through.  

I take my inspiration and my skill set and marry them up to create each piece, stage by stage.  

Now that I am adding the bronze to this piece, it is really starting to look like the sketch.  

Insiders have first dibs and access to exclusive offers.  Not on the list?  Then sign up with your email below.  

When I see bronze and steel together, I often think of opposites attracting.  

The steel is all dark and strong and stable. 

While the bronze is more flashy; the life of the party. 

Together, they create strength and beauty.  

Want to be the first to shop these pieces when they are released?  Then enter your email to become an Insider >>>>>> Always first dibs!

Don't be alarmed, though, I am not out to hurt anyone!

Since I am on "staycation" this week and with my perspective shift, my creative ideas are swirling around.  

So I am spending some studio time whipping up some prototypes to see what is calling to be made.

I am starting to work in a new way.  That is, I am working towards limited editions and one of a kind work then releasing items all at one time.  This will be a gradual transition and the pretties in my shop are not going away.  Soon I will start to announce shop updates ahead of time.  

But for now, if you want to be the first to shop new items, then you had better get on my mailing list by signing up with your email below!  

Well looky who showed up in the studio this weekend.  

Is it Peter Cottontail, hippity hoppin' around?  Did he bring me any treats?  Or is he hopping away down the bunny trail?

He could at least get off the beads and help me out with my collection release...

Happy Easter everyone! 

PSSST:  Hop on down below and join my email list.  Then you can join the Bunny in being first to shop the new pieces.

I have told you I am playing with chain to go with my bronze beads and showed off some earrings under development.   

This is some of the sketching I have been doing ahead of playing with the beads and chain together.  

I find it easier to organize my thoughts and keep my focus when I sketch things down.  Otherwise, I am a bit like the crow from the other day....look, shiny thing!!!

YOU can be first to shop when the new collection comes out >>>>>

Sign up with your email and become an Elegantly Audacious Insider!

As a designer of beads and jewelry, I get to play.  A LOT!  

I like to dump out my beads and move them around, lining them up in various ways, until something clicks.  

That is what I have been doing lately - it's time to wind up for another collection release.  I am working on multi-bead necklaces to launch in the coming weeks.  

Want in early????  INSIDERS see and shop new collections FIRST, always.  Enter your email below and "poof" you are an Insider!  

I am applying for shows again this year to be able to get out and see my customers in person.  

That means not only showing what you currently have, but also what you might be planning to add.  

This shows versatility and gives you an idea of what you could see in the future with my work.  

If you want to be the first to see new pieces, sign up to my Insiders email list.  

I was again playing around with my new bronze beads to create some designs when I noticed that I have not one...

But two...wait not two...

THREE - three pairs of glasses - my everyday pair, my "task specific" pair (for working on the computer at the day job) and my magnifiers to make the small work easier!  

Good thing I don't have to wear them all at the same time...

Want to know when the new bead designs are released.  If you sign up to be an Insider, you will be first to know and shop.  Sign up now!

It's no coincidence that my creative process involves transformation. Fire burns away what is unnecessary.  What was brittle and fragile becomes strong.  What was dull and rough becomes refined and beautiful.  Elegantly Audacious.  

This time around with my creations, feels transformative.  I am regenerating from the wreckage I talk about here - rising from the ashes of that time.  I have renewed spirit and a different perspective on life, on my creative process and my jewelry.  

My jewelry has become my offering to you for your own transformation.  Maybe not as dramatic as mine has been.  But rising from your life as you have known and transforming into life as you want it to be.  

Rise Sister Rise