Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Will I Ever...?

I am beginning to think that it is difficult for me to post an entry before the hour of 11pm. It is interesting. I actually start the thinking process for making a piece of jewelry at about 8pm. Most times I don't have an idea of what I would like to create until I sit at my desk.

I look at the hemp, stone, wire, chain, bead, and toggle, and ask what could I do with these today. And not to super spiritualize things, but yup I do pray and ask God for ideas. Yall know that Jesus is my ace boon!

So tonight I wanted to make something simple, but different. I saw some string that I had and thought it would be interesting to add it to some metal. Then I have been on a chain kick, so I added some of them in there.


A nice organic and inorganic mix!

Well, ta ta for the evening! See you manana...maybe earlier than 11pm...LOL!!!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Don't accept that you can't make a difference. Because if you can't make a difference, you won't make a difference, and if you put a multiplier on that we will continue on an unsustainable pathway." ~ Maurice Strong

Be blessed!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Encore!

This will be a combined Sunday and Monday entry. I won't be combining days that often, with the exception of the weekend. However, there were more things going on than I could keep up with.

Sunday was fabulous! Church as usual, and then mom and I had the honor of going to a benefit concert that was being held by a client of mine. I told you all that I have the best clients! She is a wonderful classical singer with a testimony that will blow your wig back. Her name is Celeste Holmes, and as a thyroid cancer survivor (the tumor was attached to the main nerve of her voice box) she was never supposed to sing again. Well, mercy said no! I don't know what she sounded like before cancer, but after she sounded phenomenal! It just goes to show that sometimes we are better after the fire, when all the impurities can be burned off.
Us parlaying at the cafe'. We had a great time!

So the pieces that I have made are necklaces. It's rare, but it does sometimes happen. I reckon I may start to fancy making them if they come out as good as the one pictured below. I don't have a before pic, but this necklace is made from different broken belt pieces that I got from the lot I spoke of the other day. If I am not mistaken, it is actually from three different belts.


Chunky jewelry is "saying something" now, and I am enjoying making it!

That is all there is for this evening folks! I pray you have a fabulous evening, and tone into see what's new for tomorrow!

Pearls of Wisdom:
The road to success is not strait. There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies, caution lights called family, and you will have flats called jobs. If you have a space called determination, an engone called perserverance, insurance called faith, and a driver called JESUS, you will make it to a place called success!!! ~unknown

Be blessed!






Saturday, August 28, 2010

Day 9 & 10: It's The Weekend!

I have decided that it would be best for me to combine Friday and Saturday posts. I will make a piece or two before each weekend is over. On Sunday's I will resume daily blogging!

Yesterday was super busy as my clientele for massage is picking up, which is great for me. I then went and saw the very action pact movie, Takers. Today was full of fun and fellowship at a cookout with VICCC Praise & Worship team.

This weekends pieces are both earrings. I like the simplicity of one, and the intricacies of the other. One was made completely with purchased products, while the other pair is made from recycled jewelry, with the exception of the rulite quarts stone in the middle.





There you have it for the evening...or morning...LOL! I look forward to sharing with you again tomorrow!
Pearls of Wisdom:
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither does change happen that fast either. Take the time to give someone a gift called mercy today, and remember that you are given a hefty, renewed dose daily!
Be blessed!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Day 8: It's Here!

In by the hair of my chin...okay bad metaphor, but so true!

I got my broken jewelry today. The shipper was super, and I wouldn't mind doing business with them again. It was sent on Tuesday, and I received it today, and the stuff is off the hook. I see so much potential!

Broken jewelry pieces!

So while I was so excited to receive my package, I was unable to make anything new today. I wasn't feeling up to par for various reasons. I left work early, laid down, actually took a dose of ibuprophren (those that know me know that is super rare). I managed to feel better in time for Praise and Worship rehearsal, which was phenomenal as always!

Tonight I broke down jewelry, but wanted to post an item that I made a few weeks back for the Piazza show. I am not really one to use swarovski crystals, but I was pleased with the outcome of this piece. The toggle grabbed my attention first, and the rest was a wrap!


I love the mixture of the dainty swarovski crystals and rugged chain!

Well good people, there you have it for the evening! See you manana, with something new!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe." ~ Gail Devers

Be blessed!
Phillipians 4:13




Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Day7: A Change In Plans

Today was a pretty low key day. I took the time to reflect of the path that I need to stay on in order to accomplish what I know I am purposed to accomplish. That meant re-evaluated plenty of things and folks that may distract me on this and other various journeys I am taking.

Enough of that! I ended up having to hold off on the earrings that I started yesterday. I attempted to do some light soldering with a tool that I have, and the pieces just refused to connect. So instead of getting discouraged and sidetracked, I decided to create another piece instead. The project is not a failure by any means. I will pick it back up at a later time when I have the heavy duty tools in order to do so.

Tonight's beauty evolves from a necklace that was given to me by a friend. The necklace was nice, but I am such a bracelet and earrings girl for the most part. They inspire me more than necklaces do.


The necklace before reconstruction!

So I decided to create a simple yet elegant bracelet by adding some strands of yellow jade and adding a faux antique toggle. This piece is ultra light, unlike some of the other chunky bracelets I have been making.

A new bracelet!

I hope that you all enjoy, and don't forget to leave your comments to be entered into a drawing for free jewelry!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Each of us has the right and the responsibility to assess the road which lie ahead and those over which we have traveled, and if the feature road looms ominous or unpromising, and the road back uninviting-inviting, then we need to gather our resolve and carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction. If the new choice is also unpalatable, without embarrassment, we must be ready to change that one as well." ~Maya Angelou

Be blessed!



Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Day 6: I Get It From My Momma!

To start, it is great to know that you are in a position to make someone feel better. Today I realize that I have the best clients in the world. It is an honor to continue learning in order to improve their health from the inside out!

You may be wondering where my artistic prowess comes from. I get it from my momma yall! I won't snubb my dad either, he could sketch with the best of them.

My mom is super creative when it comes to interior decorating. Me...not so much! She has the ability to look at a space, take yours, hers or anyones idea and make it pop. She tells me the story of when she was younger and was excepted to an art school in Philly. She went one day, got lost on the bus, and made up in her mind that she wouldn't go back. My grandparents didn't do anything to fuel her passion at that time. Art wasn't a big money maker, and as most folks see it today, just a hobby for my grandparents. It's okay...I was happy to go on and finish something that she started, getting my bachelors degree in Fine Art.
Thanks mom and dad for believing in, and paying for my passion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She's preparing to decorate for a family friends wedding!

Today's jewelry started off as a bracelet, but will end up as earrings. I haven't actually finished, but the process is a bit more involved. This go round, I didn't take just off things, and add something to make it my own.


I took off the chains of this Kenneth Cole bracelet, along with the pearls and the silver beads for a later project. I then used my electronic rotary tool (one that I am just using after having for a year or so) to file off the KC name and get this gold tone burnished look.

There you have it for this evening. Check back tomorrow for the prayerfully beautiful end product!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies." ~Pietro Aretino
Tell those that you love the truth folks, and set them free. Hate or great dislike lasts momentarily for most, and love is neverending!

Be Blessed!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Day 5: I've Won The Bid!

Yes ladies and gentleman, I have won the lot of broken jewelry that I bid on a few days ago. I know, I hear you saying, "She's so excited about broken jewerly?" Yes, I am! I am a frugal woman (free is the best), and paid a twee more than I really wanted to, but it is worth it. I will definitely post a pic when I receive it.

Today was a sweet day...literally! I spent time reading at a local cafe spot in Philly called Naked Chocolate. Look at that wonderful European hot chocolate below. It was supper yummy...can't you tell!

These earrings are today's creative venture. I created a pair of earrings with some chains a few weeks ago, and liked them and thought I would do something else with chains. Really I will be doing lots of things with chains in the future.



I have made it once again under the wire! Have a great evening, and I look forward to showing more tomorrow!

Pearls of Wisdom:
Express love in many ways today to many people. That may be the only expression of love they receive today!

Be blessed!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Day 4: Almost Can't Believe I'm Keeping Up!



I am still at it, and more excited about this creative journey every day!



It rained like cats and dogs here today. However despite the rain, it was filled with fun! It started off with spending time in fellowship with my church fam and a good word. Then Meli made a fantastic taco going away din din to bid farewell to Bora and Michelle. Prinky and Brianna stopped by...doesn't she look fabulous with her Flower Fairy hand bag!!!



I forgot to mention yesterday that I went a little wild with buying the pens below. Those that know me well know that I spend lots of time journaling. That means that I go through plenty of pens, and I just couldn't pass up these beauties. They were a dollar a pack. Yes, I said a DOLLAR a pack!!! Uniball pens aren't cheap, and at that price, I should have brought the whole store out.



Anywho, the creation for the day is along the same vain as yesterdays. I am enjoying working with hemp. The material is light and easy to work with.





There you have it for today! Stay tuned though, I am going to start giving random free giveaways for those that post comments. I snagged the idea from Marisa over at A New Dress A Day.

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe, and it will come naturally." ~ David Frost

Be blessed!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Day 3 - Making It By The Wire!

Ugghh..it's day 3 and one would have thought that I would have written an entry by this hour. Instead of it being 11pm, it's almost midnight. I have an early am tomorrow, but need to make sure that I keep up with this creative motion this go round.

Today I actually managed to finish a piece. That's right...no cheating going on today. It was a rather busy morning filled with fellowship with my church family. Shout out to Tammy & Rich...my flyer buddies! We (along with several other folks) handed out flyers for a community outreach program that will be taking place on Memorial Day weekend. It's one thing to have, but it is a blessing to also be able to have in abundance in order to bless others.

After walking quite vigoriously, I was pooped and took the afternoon and much of the evening to take a rest. As the night fell, I ended up trying my hardest to not look so much on ebay for this lot of broken jewelry, but it was calling my name. Anywho, while talking to a wonderful friend, I managed to get the majority of the necklace below done.

My beautiful Mum modeling today's piece for me!

So....that ends my brief description of today's creative journey. I look forward to updating you ladies and gents manana!

Pearls of Wisdom:
Our life is not our own...to GOD we belong, and we should desire to give ourselves to HIM!

Be Blessed!

Friday, August 20, 2010

It's Day 2

Hey folks! It's day 2 and I am just making it in by the skin of my teeth. It's now almost 11pm in what some like to call the "Dirty Jerz", and I am just getting to take pics and write concerning my creative whims for the day.

Okay, so today I am kind of cheating. I didn't really create anything, but I am in the midst of searching endlessly for broken jewelry. Yes, I said broken jewelry. I find so much potential in what people deem trash when it comes to products that can be recycled. So, here is the call to all those that are out there in blogging land:

IF YOU HAVE BROKEN JEWELRY YOU NO LONGER WANT...SEND IT MY WAY!!! TO SAY THANK YOU, I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO MAKE YOU SOMETHING IN RETURN!!!!!!!!!!

Now that my plug is over, a twee about today's featured piece. A few days ago a dear friend of mine was so gracious to pass along a pair of earring. They broke a few times and fed up she trusted that I would be able to transform them into something beautiful. This is what I have come up with.

The earrings consisted of the floral pieces. I added the chains, some aventurine stones, and a toggle. I have also created a pair of earring as well.
There you have it! A short but sweet post for the day. I look forward to continuing tomorrow. Perhaps I will do so before the hour of 11pm :)


Pearls of Wisdom:
"Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love."
~ Rick Warren

If we fear the journey, we will never get to the destination. Getty up and ride the journey express! It's not always guaranteed to be a smooth ride, but one that assures you will arrive to your destination when, and how God desires you to.
Be Blessed!







Thursday, August 19, 2010

Welcome Back Inspiration!

Okay, so using horrible vernacular...you know how I do! I fall off the map, and then I pick back up where I left off last.

This pick up comes at the hands of a young woman by the name of Marisa, who concentrates on spending only a dollar a day (for 365 days) on transforming ordinary clothing found at garage and flea markets into shabby chic apparel. She takes before, after, and how to pictures, and blogs about them everyday! Read it...New Dress A Day @ http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/about/


I first caught an article about the Julie & Julia type story yesterday on yahoo. Her inspiring story of turning one mans (or womans) trash into treasure has caused me to really push myself to do a little something every day.

What is the challenge? Well, I am so glad that you have asked! I won't put a time limit on it, but I am going to try my darndest to blog about what I have created daily. Although I journal faithfully (those that have been reading know that I sketch in my journal) it is probably safe to say that I will be blogging most about jewelry for the next couple of months. I have jumped back on that bandwagon again.

Although the thought of blogging daily seems daunting, I find it hard to believe that I can't post a little something...regardless of how exhausted I may feel. Afterall, I am sure there are folks out there that manage to do it while carrying more responsibilites than myself.

UPDATES:
While I was gone...perhaps contrary to popular belief, I was working. A friend and I sold our creations at a marketplace in the Piazza. I created approximately 75 pieces for the show. Buisness wasn't as jazzed as I would have liked it to be, but we got to meet several talented craftsmen/craftswomen.

I am blessed to have family and friends that will "don" my creations, and as a result I have gained the opportunity to have a few jewelry shows.

The painting has ceased for the moment, and Buddy has been sleep for a minute, but not for long. I can feel the need to put those brushes on canvas, and capture whatever I deem appealing coming up soon, and when I do, I will post them.

So, I thank you all for taking this journey with me. And thanks Marisa for letting me know that it is indeed possible. Let's ride it until the wheels fall off, and hope that they don't fall off tomorrow...LOL!

Melissa and I with our table at the Piazza!
My first jewelry post...one of many to come.
Pearls of Wisdom:
It's not how fast you get to the finish line, but the journey that you take to get there that counts!

Be Blessed!