Dreaming for a Reality

If you have a creative mind you already know that it does not come with an "off switch".  The right-brain users are commonly also lacking of sleep because of  it.  I am one of those, and I try to find ways to help me control the streaming information and ideas that come into my mind.

I keep notebooks around.  I have one for the home and one for the car.  I jot down ideas when they pop into my head and I cut and paste visuals if I do not have the time to process or act on them at the time.  It frees my memory and it also is a sort of documentation for reference later.  

  
When you have dreams, ideas, inspirations, goals and eventually projects in the works, you have a constant flow of information that needs to be sorted.  When your dreams are finally your reality, you can look back on the notes taken and appreciate the creative steps the journey has taken you through.

Take time to save your best thoughts and keep them in the forefront to more readily help put your dreams into real time.

Mini Canvas Series

The mini canvas series is a new category addition to the Club Creative Studio online items that incorporate hand-made beads and other elements.  They are small stretched and primed canvas creations measuring two and one half inches by two and one half inches.  Each item is one-of-a-kind and has various artful techniques used to complete the whimsical style or theme.  They are available for quick and easy display because they arrive with a simple wood display easel that perfectly fits the canvas size.  They are considered a mixed media item and are one-of-a-kind designs perfect for gift giving.

If you are wondering where one may place such an item, there are many suggestions to consider.  It provides a perfect splash of color for any small spot.  Any nook or cranny can be transformed by a focal point with art added to it.  Create a special place where art is displayed and appreciated. Highlight a bare spot on a shelf,  use as a decorative detail in a office waiting room or business space.  It will provide charm to a desk in a dorm, and brighten up the decor of your recreational camper.  Your art may contain and is not limited to containing hand-rolled polymer clay elements, office and craft supplies,torn papers, hand-painted and hand-stamped areas, charms, vintage jewels and other miscellaneous objects.  Unique and petite. All canvas creations are priced afforably at $22.00 USD each. Each canvas is signed by the artist on the back as well. You have the option of also hanging this mini canvas on a flat surface such as a wall or attach a small magnet to the back side to adhere to a metal surface of your choice such as a refrigerator or a file cabnet.

Working With Distractions

It is difficult at times to juggle the many elements of any given day that you would ideally like to be more controlled.  It is difficult in today's life to remain focused.  Everyday, we are challenged to work with the distractions around us and to work with the distractions we create for ourselves.  To make a few suggestions and allow for the possibility of helpful considerations, I offer a few ideas.  I do not have a ton of answers for how to remain on task or not be overly distracted for too long but, it is a process that can be put into practice. 

I have a friend, Kristen of KRDesign, which is a Strategic Marketing firm that has a system that may also work for others.  Her day is organized and blocked out in specific work times (task oriented times) which she expects herself to adhere to when possible.  This chart is placed in a book that is seen often.  There is no real difference between this list and having a calendar with the same information placed in it but, it is a written routine that is pre-printed out.  It reminds me of my high school class schedule.  We had a "block schedule" that included the same classes on a rotation in the week.  Taking time to plan the day will be a less likely excuse to veer from it.  The main reason that it is a great idea to plan a day is so you have that "vision" of productivity seed planted early when you awake.  We know that the mere start of a "bad day" can turn your entire day upside down.  Knowing what is in store (to a degree) can be controlled and anticipated with producing a day of satisfying progress.

Here he is, the reason why I  am posting this particular blog.  I introduce my kitten, Adidas.  What an added joy to my life and...what an added pain to my day as well.  First off...who can resist a cute ball of fur like this?  I use our kitten to some extent, as a well deserved "break".  He becomes too overwhelmingly adorable at times that I have to actually stop work in the studio to take time to cuddle.  I would not do this in the day if it weren't for it's existence. I might think that without him, I might be more productive. It takes time out of my day and diverts me from the task at hand.  However, it is my responsibility to care for and love the pet that we have taken into our family. It turns out though, that he is a type of therapy for me and my work day. Instead, I am finding myself taking and using the down time as a time to recharge- even if it is just for ten minutes.  That gives me returned focus and a bit of urgency to get back to work at the same time.  It works for me...to a point.  The only added distraction is when the kitten discovers that he wants to be my assistant.  His attempts are usually not appreciated by me.  Hopping on top of a half way completed design or scattering beads to the floor is not progress to me.  It takes a bit of time to redirect him or pick up the disorganized mess made.  I deal with it altohough at times I feel like a have an active and spirited two year old child in the house working along side of me.  the kitten will not be a kitten for long, so I will appreciate him and wait patiently for the day that he becomes a friendly lap cat and will do nothing but sit on my lap as a welcome distraction.  Find your focus prompts, recognize them and adjust to grow from them.  Best of luck for progress!
-Club Creative Studio.

The meaning of METROCHIC

In an attempt to describe the term that you may have heard and are seeing on the streets today: the "Metro chic" look, I will tell you how I see it: "corporate-girl-gone-wild"  look.  And, I love it because once again Club Creative Studio offers items that fit into that category of style.  The trend is energetic and experimental, with a bold dash of color.  "Urban Cool" is the look that is inspired by the sights and sounds of a city that never sleeps.  Jewelry trends now are imaginative and beautifully daring as they are fun, ultra feminine and have a slight edge as a twist.

High on the visual appeal in clothing for this trend which is predicted to carry over into 2011 is the pairing of silks and denim, and pearls and leopard print.  With that visual in your mind, you can now add the ideas of combining the metro chic jewelry characteristics.  Faux gemstones, opulent and transparent stones, edgy motifs which are ideal for turning heads and textured designs which create unique and polished looks. 

Metro chic combines resin and acrylic faux gemstones mixed with semi precious or precious gemstones.  You will also notice big singular bauble clusters of faux gemstones used to dress up an outfit and add a touch of elegance.  Collar necklaces, link bracelets and chandelier earrings are included in this mixture of urban cool. 

Celebrities in particular appear to be indulging in motif jewelry.  The specific trends spotted are of snakes, flowers and birds.  The theatrical piece that you will spot quickly is a grown-up accessory with a child-like name: Bib Necklace.   The bib necklace is an instant style of color and material.  The over-all design is bold, large and has texture with eye-popping appeal.  Theatrical necklaces are created using multiple strands with large clustered beads, pearls, semi precious, or precious stones.  The major presence in this season's shows. For those of you who enjoy a subtler style with a daintier and less dramatic look, a small but no less intricate and stylish appeal is also great and less super sized than a runway version.

When you think Soho, Madison Avenue, Broadway, 5th Avenue and Central Park, you are thinking of metrochic. Remember that Metro chic is the bold clash of color, shapes,  and modern details- the vibe that is city-inspired but can have a focus on snakes, flowers and birds as spotted on many celebrities.

Full Steampunk Ahead

The new jewelry trend that you have surely noticed by now is referred to as " SteamPunk" or "Industrial Chic". If you do not think that you know what this style is, you will... once you know the components found in the steampunk designs.

The parts and pieces that make up this style are just that: sections and elements of other items. Steampunk has characteristics of being industrial, quirky, uncommon, unusual, mysterious and interesting to the point of curious and comical. This style surprises viewers of the unexpected elements and highlights a diversity of "vintage charm".

The style includes but is not limited to the inclusion of items such as gears, springs, watch innards, old typewriter keys, buttons, rhinestones, hardware nuts, bolts, washers, wire, old photos, partial watch plate connectors, collectible odds and ends. Miscellaneous items that are found in a junk drawer or old tool box can be used in this art for example; old keys, charms, toy parts, dice, pottery shards, shells, lucite beads, antique tone beads, bottle caps, and loops. Basically, anything that has a vintage or antique feel to it is suitable for an authentic steampunk creation.

Steampunk style should relay a thought-provoking attitude, and a concept capturing essence of age and history. The color scheme is usually from the variety of metals used. It is an over-all eclectic look that embodies funk and mechanics.

Although the look may seem to be a little rough around the edges, that is the draw of this style. The main concerns from the artist in creating a steampunk design is obtaining a pleasing arrangement that is balanced in color and visual weight.

So, tackle your junk drawer(s) to unveil some miscellaneous treasures to be used as elements in your next creation in the steampunk fashion and popular-culture phenomenon. Some artists, like Club Creative Studio will gladly consider using your collection of "junk" to create a unique custom signature piece for you. Although this is not a "new" idea, as the steampunk movement has been around since 1987, you can place your own personal twists in the designs you create, or allow others to create for you in this wonderful style we call steampunk.

Tools of My Trade

There are tools to my trade. Some tools are specific to the jewelry making profession, others are just items that I have found to be helpful and may seem odd to use. The photo above is a range of hand held tools that I use everyday. They are color coded and I usually know which one I need to pick up by either the color of the handle or the location of the tool as I place and replace it onto the work table surface. I'd like to share what each tool is for and comment on them as well.

Starting from left to right:

Wire Cutter (green handle). A wire cutter can be purchased in many different types of stores, a jewelry/bead store, a floral supply store, a "do- it-yourself" home improvement store, a craft store, a tool store, even a dollar store. They are not very expensive and so they can be resharpened or replaced as needed. I cut wire often and the gage of wire is not always the same. My cutters go dull quickly but, it is a must to have one on hand to cut any type of wire, nylon string from packaging, or even cut the end of a metal charm off. It is the number one tool that I use and need often.

Flush Cutter (bright green handle). This is a type of wire cutter but, the cutting jaws are angled for a more accurate cut. This cutter gets "flush" to the wire you are cutting and it is easy to place and see exactly where you want to cut.

Chain Nose Pliers (red handle). The pliers' jaws are flat on the inside and rounded on the outside. The flat surface creates right angle bends in wire. The rounded outside makes rounded bends. Their tapered point allows me to work in tight places. Pliers' tips are strong and solid foundation to twist or hold wire on one end.

Crimp Pliers (blue handle). Crimping pliers are specialty pliers that have two grooves machined into the jaws and are made to crush and close (fold over) very small crimp beads or tubes. Crimp pliers come in a few different sizes based on the size of crimp beads or tubes used. The one above is a "micro crimper" that crimps or secures smaller crimp beads.

Round Nose Pliers ( lavender handle). The name refers to the shape of the pliers' jaws. I use the round nose to create loops and creative curves in the wire. Most of the round nose pliers have a tapered point. That allows me to vary the size of any loop or bend, also making them consistent in size if looped or bent in the same location of the tip.

Round Nose Pliers (pink handle) is a smaller version of the lavender handle tool. The loops and curves formed with this are much more tight and smaller. Both tools are used interchangeably but they can also be used for a specific bend.

The tools that are not marketed specifically for the jewelry profession and are merely "invented" will be the topic of another post but, for now I did include one item (pictured) that I use on a regular basis that is not common on shelves of beads shops as a tool. I discovered it by playing a board game!

The board game of a jewelry artist's choice should be SCRABBLE. Well...until there are a few missing wooden letter docks, that is! The length of the grooved wooden plank that usually holds the Scrabble game letters (first item left to right in photo) happens to also be the average length of a person's wrist, for a bracelet. Thus, making for a great design shelf for planning and creating a bracelet. The beads can be placed in the desired order to be strung and it will end up measuring seven inches. You can adjust the length by ending the clasp at the end or just before it reaches the end of the mini shelf.

An Awl (second item left to right above) is used for making sure a hole in a bead is uniform and able to allow a wire or string to move completely through the entire bead. For snug fits, the awl makes sure that the pointed end helps ribbons and string move through a bead hole with out snags and smoothly.

Ruler The ruler is used at the beginning and at the end of my creations. In the beginning, I have an idea of the length I want the creation to end up being. Especially if it is a custom piece, the length is very important to get correct. It is always important to allow for extra wire in the beginning so that there is adequate wire for folding over at the ends. When I use links for a connection, it is sometimes good to incorporate extra or expendable options at the ends as well.

Needle Tool This is a tool with a very sharp metal end and the shaft is like a file. It is used to smooth out the inside of a bead hole and can also be used to poke a rough spot out of a metal charm, or make a hole bigger in a metal charm.

Flat Nose Pliers This is used like bent chain nose pliers (not pictured). The bent nose pliers have an end like a hook that grip wire and material in hard-to-reach-places. The flat nose pliers can also do that but, the jaws are entirely flat and smooth and can be sued to grip, bend, and flatten wire without marking it.

Determining your level of projects considers basic knowledge of some tools, materials and beads. The intermediate level person has skills that are working knowledge of basic techniques, tools, and materials. An advanced skill level has experience in technique or medium being used. An advanced skill level person accepts challenges and are looking to push beyond existing skills. Club Creative Studio finds that growth is evident and the moto: Be Creative Everyday is key.

I'd Like Some Cheese With My Whine!

I love a good creative challenge. I also love when others help me to overcome a task that is ridden with questions. Recently, a friend (Jennifer) collected wine bottle corks and presented me with the challenge at hand. I did not whine for long.

How would I approach this magic trick? My mind is racing with a few ideas on how to tackle the first steps. I have found that the pure corks work best for cutting and I was able to smooth the edges with an ordinary finger nail file.

After a few trials and errors and after I was able to decide the best method/tool to use to poke a hole in the center of a cork, so that it broke as smoothly as possible. I was able to celebrate knowing it would all come together nicely. The necklace strand is made with simple wooden beads and spaced with a single seed bead.

The pendant section is a portion of one cork that is flanked with glass round beads and wooden disks dyed in the color green. I used silver and green tone wire as wrapped accents around the cork to add a touch of flair and funk. Since this is the first attempt, I am excited to see what else I can create. I would like to use the remaining pure cork stops for jewelry and then suggest that a cork wreath be made with the plastic coated corks, as to not waste them but, use to further her wine theme in the home as a decorative item- something different to appreciate with wine and cheese!

The second project also features a portion of a cork as well for the focal bead. I placed a brass spacer disk on top to make it look a bit industrial and rugged. The flowers are decorative brads that I often use in the packaging of Club Creative Studio earrings and it is also represented in our logo design. The brads are secured into the side of the cork with the metal point and a dot of jewelry adhesive. Metal butterfly charms and the hand-torched glass dot beads along with the peach colored ceramic beads finish out the entire look and feel of this necklace. It is unique and as always one-of-a-kind.

Thanks for the challenge and I will keep working on improvements and using ideas that are both fun and functional.