Newsletter - April 21, 2010
The Jewelry Crafter
A newsletter for the home jeweler
This newsletter will be published every 2 weeks, and will include hints and tips for your jewelry business. Any feedback or comments about the topics presented here are always appreciated. Click here to e-mail us.
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Navigating the Creative Block
by
Mary Harvey
We’ve all been there - we’re going along, happily creating jewelry, when it hits - the creative block. You run out of ideas, or you just can’t seem to get things right. You scratch your head and wonder what to do to get those old creative juices flowing again. Well, here are a few ideas that might help to get you through that block:
- Make a “catalog of ideas” - go through magazines and clip out pictures of interesting pieces. Put these in a little book where you can go back and look at them whenever you hit a “dry spell”.
- Make sketches - This can go with your catalog of ideas. When I get an idea, I try to sketch it down so I can go back and look at it later. Always have a paper and pencil with you - you never know when that great idea will hit.
- Whenever you are out and about, look at the jewelry people are wearing and sketch any ideas that come to mind.
- Look at artist’s galleries on the internet - just seeing what other people are creating can help you to get fresh ideas.
- Try something new - If you are mainly a wire-artist, try your hand at another medium, like chain mail, metal clay, glass fusing or silversmithing. Learning a new technique can bring a fresh new approach to your jewelry making.
- If you can, try to take a class. Many bead stores or galleries offer them. These are a great way to not only get fresh ideas, but you will meet other people who are interested in the same things you are.
- Join an internet bulletin board - there are many out there that cater to wire artists, beaders, metal clay, etc. Talking to other artists can sometimes lead to fresh ideas, and maybe you will help others who are having the same problem.
- When all else fails, step away - taking a few days off can do wonders. All of a sudden, an idea may hit you and you’ll be back creating beautiful jewelry again.
Creative blocks hit all artists from time to time. The important thing to remember is that it’s TEMPORARY Don’t be too hard on yourself, and know that eventually, this too shall pass.
Happy creating!
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