Creative Collection Ideas and Inpirations...

Having trouble coming up with a theme for your next jewelry collection? Here are a few ideas that may spark your imagination, while also inspiring you and your customers...

- Seasonal and other symbols and/or archetypes i.e.; Fall leaves, the queen, OM, etc...

- Inner reflections i.e.; Keep a journal to record dream images, emotional and/or relationship patterns, feelings that come up in everyday interactions.

- Outer reflections i.e.; Become aware of your surroundings, taking note of images, sounds, smells, tastes and attractions in your immediate environment.

- Explore art i.e.; Make a point of visiting museums, art openings/shows, craft markets, Etsy ... Get inspiration from other artists and record your musings in your journal.

-Take a class i.e.; Take time to explore yourself as a multidimensional being in community with others. Get your creative juices flowing by taking a class. Here are just a few suggestions: yoga, meditation, Zumba, cycling, digital photography, gardening, rock climbing, weaving, tennis, encaustic painting, nature printing, boxing, chess, book binding, hoop-dance, positive parenting, floral arrangement, zine making, frisbee golf, permaculture, backyard birds, etc...

Creating Community Through Craft: Connection, Awareness and Social Change

This Fall I will be teaching a couple of jewelry classes here in Portland, Oregon in collaboration with Skillshare at the 100th Monkey Studio. The 100th Monkey Studio opened it's doors six years ago with the intention to create community, through an open studio model, which gives every human being interested in art a place to come create. To read more about the inspiration behind their business name go to:http://the100thmonkeystudio.com/our-story.html.

I was introduced to Skillshare by fellow artist Christine Claringbold, http://www.etsy.com/shop/eyepopart, whom I took an Etsy Selling Class from a few years back. Inspired by Skillshare's mission to encourage people with passions in a particular subject to teach others what they love, I joined the Portland Skillshare teaching community. Be curious, read more about the Skillshare manifesto: http://www.skillshare.com/about/manifesto

Please join me this Fall, as I embark on an exciting teaching journey. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about sustainable jewelry making techniques and/or practices, my classes may be of interest. All are welcome and encouraged to come with an open mind, curiosity of spirit and a willingness to share in this experience with myself and other. 

You can explore my Skillshare classes here:

http://skl.sh/T3KC17 and  http://skl.sh/T3LOBy

Metal Clay Impressions: Texture, Shape and Color

 Use stamps, stencils, or other textured objects to create unique impressions in your Metal Clay Pieces.

 Choose a theme for your piece and let that inform your process as you cut out, shape and create your piece.

I began with a heart theme,  using texture, shape and mixed metals to create the above pieces.