I’ll admit it, I’m not a Summer girl in any way, shape, or form. The heat makes me shut down physically and mentally. My creative juices just dry right up! Now that things have taken a turn towards Fall, they’re coming back.
As usual, I’m drawn to my copper…and stones. They speak to me like no other materials can! Sometimes it’s a simple whisper. Other times they scream at me. I have to learn to listen to them instead of ignoring them. Like other artists, I struggle with the idea of wanting to create what I like, but also create something that is “marketable”. I start to doubt myself. I start to doubt my creations. I leave my beloved stones behind and try to use the “newest and most popular” materials.
And my stones start screaming at me. Those “new popular styles” feel forced when I make them. I start to resent my love of making jewelry. My stones continue screaming at me.
Then I remember. I have to love what I create.
I pick up my beloved stones. I create, and I love it.
Here’s a simple piece that I created a week or so ago. It’s nothing fancy. It’s all about the stones. Matte finished Noreena Jasper from Australia. A copper shield. Some amazingly soft deerskin laces.
Jasper has been used across the centuries and across the globe as a stone of protection and healing. To me, this particular variety of jasper has an amazing grounding quality to it, as well as a gentle way of reminding me to “stick to it”.
Autumn is inspiring. For many reasons. I love it.
Autumn is the best. Hands down. And your Jasper is mysterious and lovely! But I am a copper freak, so i may not have the facility to be impartial…
HA! Thanks Julie!! I’m a copper freak, too. It’s my metal of choice, and has been for many years now. I was so excited when it became “fashionable” and showing up everywhere. It used to be so hard to find copper to work with for jewelry making. Now? It’s EVERYWHERE! <3