Category Archives: Philosophy

Philosophy, Techniques

Using the Right Tools

2 Comments

I started beading ten years ago and remember spending considerable time searching for an appropriate way to store, yet have available, the many beads in my stash. At that time I had no idea that my hobby would eventually require so many different tools. While stringing beads requires several tools, working with wire and metal in jewelry design takes many more. Today, I spent most of the day rearranging my studio and realized just how many great tools I’ve acquired. Most of these came my way as a result of generous gifts from my family and friends. (Thanks!)

I’m not a big tool buyer. I try to make do with what I have, but have learned several lessons lately about how having the correct tools can make things easier. This, of course, doesn’t just apply to making jewelry, but to many other things.

For example, yesterday I visited my mother at the nursing home., I meant to take my good scissors because she has been considering having me cut her hair since before Christmas. I put it off by saying, “Let’s wait and ask your granddaughter.” This seemed to be a good idea and it worked well until after the holidays and everyone, including her granddaughter, went home. I had my nerve up to cut her hair this week, but forgot to take the needed tool – my sharp scissors. When I told Mamaw, she announced that SHE had scissors. “But Mother,” I said, “ those are for paper”. “Well, I don’t want to be butchered up,” she replied. To show her that they wouldn’t work, I took her scissors and whacked through the nearest thing I could find - a Kleenex. Unfortunately, the scissors worked great and we took on the task of cutting her hair with the old pair of scissors meant for paper. Now grey hair is not the same texture as a Kleenex, but by the time I thought of that, I was worn down and resigned to my task. mamaw

We started with a towel around her shoulders to catch the falling hair. She couldn’t see how much the towel was catching, but she could see the tiny pieces of hair that kept falling on her sweatshirt and so she kept wiggling as she flicked them off. Eventually, we removed the sweatshirt, but that didn’t help much. I hooked up her hairdryer and used it to blow the hair off of her, but she insisted that it was “too hot.” She hollered once when I got the comb hung in her earring and we had to stop to remove them. We stopped again to remove her hearing aids since she was sure I was going to cut them and another time to move her glasses (I thought this might help if I got the hair a little crooked, but it didn’t help at all. That woman has great eyes for spotting uneven hair whether or not she’s wearing her glasses.)

A couple of times I thought I was finished, but when she looked in the mirror, she found places that needed more whacking. She was sure one side was longer than the other and I was unable to convince her that her head was just leaning. When I thought I was finished, she still complained about her fly away hair, full of electricity due to the full-blast heating of the room. Thinking I could cure it, I used hair spray and announced her complete. Then she took the comb and, of course, when she ran it through her hair, it flew away again. Eventually, we agreed that we would stop for the day realizing we could always cut a bit more since she had her own scissors. I donned my coat to leave only to see her looking in the mirror and pointing to her neck. Yes, I had left a little long hair that was now showing. I whacked it off and exited quickly.

With the right “tool”, I’m sure I could have done a better job cutting my mother’s hair, but we might not have had such an interesting time. Part of the problem was not the tool, but rather my lack of expertise in cutting hair. I guess you can have the best tools in the world, but without technique and practice, you can’t be an expert.

While I don’t plan to become an expert at cutting hair, this Mamaw episode does bring light upon my wire work. I have good tools, and creative designs, yet much of my work still looks quite amateur. Those great Lindstrom tools that I bought just can’t do it all by themselves. So I guess I’ll keep asking questions of my expert friends and keep practicing. I used to try to teach my highly creative students that they couldn’t get by on just great ideas. They had to learn how to bring them to fruition and that takes practice. Now I need to practice what I used to preach.

As for my wire and metal work, I believe there is hope.  Besides, now if I need to really find out how my designs look or whether the wires are even, I’m just going to ask Mamaw, with or without her glasses.

Bracelets, Philosophy, Wire Work

Curves

I went out looking for curves yesterday, hoping to cure a case of cabin fever. The local book store seemed the perfect start for the hunt and it didn’t disappoint. First, I grabbed the latest bead and wire magazines, a cup of coffee (yes I donated money for this free cup) and then I headed for the books.

The word curves, of course, has numerous connotations and since this is the famous week of fat following the Christmas gorging, I went straight to the books on exercise. Wow, those before and after pictures were outstanding. I want to see that in my mirror! Then I read what a few of the exercise programs entailed. hmm . . . There must be some other meaning for curves.

Moving on, I unashamedly sat at a table with a stack of magazines and didn’t worry as store employees walked by. They know that I will probably end up purchasing one of those magazines as I did yesterday. Unfortunately for my cash reserve, it was the most expensive, $14.95 magazine. But I REALLY needed it!

Thankfully, the bead and wire magazines, unlike those books containing before and after curve pictures, brought me back to reality. With pen in hand, I captured several curves to try in new jewelry designs. While I usually solely examine the illustrations found in the magazines, I did read an intriguing tip for shaping wire bracelets. The author suggested freezing a small juice can and then forming and hammering the bracelet on the can.

Last night, I made a couple of wire bracelet armatures and this morning I hunted a juice can. While there were none in my pantry, the tomato paste can appeared to be an appropriate size and I hammered my bracelet on it. The can approach didn’t help hunts1much with front of the bracelet since it was too rounded, yet, it was somewhat useful in forming the back of bracelets. You may note from the second photo that the can is dented. This occurred easily since the tomato paste was not frozen. I will try it another time with a different, frozen can. hunts 2

 

 

 

 

Until I decide to purchase a suitable bracelet mandrel, the frozen can initially appears to be a viable option for curving the back of the bracelets.

The last picture shown here is of a curvy armature conjured as a result of yesterday’s hunt. While I didn’t see this design in anything yesterday, it spawned as a result of actively looking for cures. This bracelet is interesting looking on the wrist and I’m debating about embellishment for the piece. At any rate, these “curves” were much more easily accomplished than the curves found in that before and after exercise book. Perhaps I’ll just write a before and after jewelry design book called “No Sweat Curves.”arm

Philosophy

New Year’s NOT Resolutions

Today is the day people think about their New Year’s resolutions, those things they are going to do better in 2010. These resolutions are really a good idea since conjuring them causes us to think about self improvement. They also help many health food gurus, fitness specialists and diet clubs. Book stores love them because many flock in to pick up the latest self-help editions.

Most New Year’s resolutions are positive. For example, they might include things like this year, I’m going to . . . speak kindly even when I’m angry. . . walk the dogs every day . . . call friends more often . . well, you get the picture and could probably fill in a litany of your own ideas. Here’s the problem with these resolutions. I don’t keep them and then I feel worse than I did before I made them!

This year is going to be different. Let the NOT resolutions flow! (cheer, cheer) Here are a few of mine.

  • I resolve NOT to worry if the dinner dishes are still on the kitchen counter at bedtime. Eating is more important than cleaning.
  • I resolve NOT to feel bad when new lines appear on my aging face and new bulges appear . . . you know where. Some things in life are inevitable.
  • I resolve NOT to fret when friends and customers find my house in a mess. I’m helping them feel better about their own places.
  • I resolve NOT to try to keep my studio neat and tidy. Creativity does often arise out of chaos . . . if you can stand the chaos.
  • I resolve NOT to iron my mother’s clothes when she tells me I let them get too wrinkled. I’ll just run them through the laundry again.
  • I resolve NOT to feel bad when we run out of bread. Someone else could have gone to the store, too.

These NOT resolutions could go on, but you’re probably getting the idea. Why don’t you try a few of your own. Go ahead. Take a little pressure off. It could make for a happier 2010!

Necklaces, Pendants, Philosophy, Wire Work

Little Things . . .

. . . Mean A Lot . . . or so the song goes. I had forgotten some of the words to this piece and looked them up on the internet. That’s where I found a vocal rendition by Kitty Kallen which you can hear at the following address:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=501bwTRmkYY     Some days I might think the song a bit sappy, but today it’s a reminder to quit rushing around and try to be nice.

This song has been tuning its way around my head for about a week. I first thought of it when someone asked me to make some necklaces for little girls – little things. I enjoyed making those and then I realized that most of the jewelry pieces I’ve made lately are fairly large. Where are the little things?

With that in mind, I dove right in and designed some different pieces. First, I tried to picture the women I know who wear smaller or lighter weight necklaces. I thought about the particular style of each and went from there. tur heart 2 I was pleased to find a heart in my drawer of turquoise and accented the necklace for it with black onyx and sterling silver. It was looking awfully traditional until I added the donut achieving an asymmetrical look.

The fossil in the next piece is an unusual gray color; therefore I used hematite and pearls with it.

black cab 2

 

 

 

In the brown necklace, I tried to get a semi-chunky look in a small, short necklace. I wanted it to be completely eclectic and that proved to be quite a chore. I didn’t have quite enough beads of any one kind and must have restrung this one five or six times. brown 

 

The fourth piece  is my favorite. Again, I wanted something that was a mixture of beads and this one also was restrung numerous times. I particularly like this little pendant and the Celtic bead that adorns it. I’ve just started trying to work with sterling silver wire and think I’m going to like it.

celtic pendant

 

There’s a line in the song that says  . . .”never cared much for diamonds and pearls” . . . “little things mean a lot”. . . While the connotation has to do with sentimental demonstrations of caring such as “touch(ing) my hair as you pass my chair” and “say(ing) I look nice when I’m not” . . . , let’s hope someone likes my “little” things. In the mean time, I’m going to try to remember the small gestures I can make that will be meaningful to others.

Philosophy

Cleaning: A Necessary Evil

I hate to clean! There’s just no way around it, though; it has to be done. Whether it’s cleaning the kitchen after cooking, cleaning the house or cleaning the studio, I just don’t like it. As we can all attest, cleaning doesn’t last. Yet, ever once in a while, I decide that I just can’t stand it any longer and I plunge into the chore with great gusto. Today, was one of those days.

Today was the day I finally cleaned the inside of my car. Anyone who has ever lived on a ranch can easily tell you what the inside of the ranch vehicles look like following a few days of muddy weather. Not only was the inside dirty, the outside of the car window had been licked by several hungry cows who thought the car might be housing their food. Muddy boots, shoes and jeans certainly left their mark on the inside of the car. I could, of course, go into great detail about the yuk I cleaned up, but I’ll just let you use your imagination. Be sure to apply all your senses, including sight, touch and smell to the conjured image!

Some say that out of “yuk” may come something good and today it happened. It’s always interesting to vacuum my car because I can’t see what’s under the seats and the cleaning often finds all sorts of things. Today was no exception. I found my long lost emery board, a receipt that I needed and then something I didn’t recognize emerged. I quickly turned off the machine and see what rose from the depths of the yuk. puzzle pieces At first, I thought the vacuum had discovered some puzzle pieces, but I was wrong. The small sack under the seat contained three little hand cut cabochons that had been missing for quite some time. cabs

 

 

 

 

This was a great find and I’ll be using those in my work tonight.

Before putting away the vacuum cleaner, I couldn’t help but wonder if anything else of value had been in the yuk and eaten by the machine. I opened the machine’s dirt container and found a small stretchy bracelet that was intended for the nursing home bazaar and a mustard colored bead. I retrieved the bracelet, but as I held the bead in my hand, I realized it was only a berry that must have fallen from an artificial plant. Following the pleasure of finding the cabs, I decided to forego cleaning the car windows, It is, after all, a ranch vehicle and it could rain again tomorrow and wash off those cow licks.

This car cleaning made me wonder what surprises await if only I would vacuum the couch or under the beds. Hmmm . . . should I do it? No, I think more cleaning can wait. Perhaps the anticipation of more buried treasure will motivate me another day.

Necklaces, Philosophy

Little Lights

At dusk the other evening I drove past a yard surrounded by paper bag lanterns. This is a sure sign that Christmas is upon us. While I realize that those lights take many more sophisticated forms than they used to, such as some that use light bulbs rather than candles in the bags, they still remind me of Rudolpho Anaya’s children’s book, The Farolitos of Christmas. Anaya tells the story of an old San Juan tradition wherein some of the people dress like shepherds and enact a play showing the journey taken to visit Jesus. On the way to the church these pastores stop and sing in front of the house with the brightest lights. Although this has always been the little girl Luz’s house, one particular year, her abuelo, grandfather, is not healthy enough to chop the wood and build the fire and her father is away at war. A disappointed Luz wants to help, but can’t find an answer. Although she is too small to build a bonfire, she continues to think about the situation until one day she makes an analogical connection that guides her to a solution. The girl watches at the store while the merchant pours sugar into a brown paper bag providing the idea for building little bonfires, or lights made with bags, sugar and candles. These beautiful farolitos light the path for the Christmas celebration.

I was fortunate to meet the author, whom some may know from his adult books such as Bless Me Ultima, when I was teaching at Texas State University. I told him that I was so pleased to know the story of the little lanterns and asked how he learned about it. He laughed, saying, “I made it up.” I suppose the gift we give in writing fiction is to make others believe our stories are true. He certainly had me believing.

We simulate little lights in many ways. In our designs, certainly the bright faceted crystals sparkle to simulate light. Since I love a more natural, earthy look, one of my favorite sparkles is citrine, pictured in a double strand here. citrine It reminds me of the color of the farolitos.

Sometimes we create our own lights. My mother had little lights sparkling in her eyes as she told me about her “date” at the nursing home and my friend sparkles when we talk about her upcoming marriage. Both of these occurrences put a little sparkle in my own smile.

Some of us buy our sparkles while others bring their own. Those that bring their own seem to pass them on as in the single candle that lights the others. Let’s just hope that in this season of tough weather, heavy traffic and busy schedules we can still “pass it own” with our own farolitos.

Philosophy

Ending the Odds

Do you ever feel as though you are just running in place? I often feel that way this time of year and I can’t even pretend to be like the proverbial duck who is smooth and unruffled above water and paddles like crazy below. I do not look or act unruffled!

Yesterday, I decided that part of the problem is that I have too many odds, as in odds and ends. Those are all those things that are lying around waiting to be finished. I used to have more follow-through and quickly finish whatever I started, but lately that hasn’t been the case. For example, I found 5 necklaces strewn about the work table just waiting for clasps. Several others lay about in various stages waiting for a piece to go through the patina process or a pendent to be wired. In one corner, I found several stacked containers of complimentary beads that were organized for projects and on the sewing machine, there were two garments cut out amidst the stack of mending. Obviously, I’ve not exactly been twiddling my thumbs, it’s just that the work had not reached fruition. So, with determination I commenced to finished things.

One afternoon later, the necklaces now have closures. Most of the beads in the containers have been put away (some of them were not so complimentary after all), and I even completed the mending. In other words, many of my odds now have ends.

There are many other areas of my ranch work, house work and bookkeeping that remain as odds with no current ends. I have no control over most of those until other things fall into place. I do, however, have control over my studio and it feels good to complete several creative tasks. This has given me a better outlook on things and although my web feet are still paddling like crazy, I think I’m looking more smooth and unruffled on the top. Let’s just hope my feet don’t get tired!

Pendants, Philosophy, Techniques

Sinful Hammering

4 Comments

Last night I picked up my largest hammer and smashed the beads!

It took a good deal of nerve and went against my usual routine of caring for the beads, but I did it anyway. It was the right thing to do.

I decided my relationship with those beads was an analogy to people relationships. Most of the time, you really nurture them, but occasionally, things just need a good whack, figuratively speaking. ( I don’t believe in violence.)

A customer mentioned that she was hunting a large black cross and, looking at all my earth colored offerings, said that she really liked burgundy, black and silver. Hmm . . . I guess my carnelian, turquoise and copper didn’t quite work. Figuring that if this person spoke up about wanting different colors there were probably others who were too timid to tell me, I launched a search to fill her desires.

I located a big silver plated cross at Paper Bear in San Marcos. It is the type with a reservoir for filling (a smaller one is pictured here). The problem became how to fill it. It tried various beads, chips, etc., but came up a loser. Finally, in desperation I saw my hammer and took action. First I tried to hammer black obsidian. I think the beads broke, but they went scurrying off the bench block so quickly, disappearing into the carpet, that I really can’t say how they turned out. Next, I tried hammering black onyx. Starting gently, not wanting to lose onyx like I did obsidian, I whacked the bead. Nothing . . . adding a bit more umph, I whacked again . . . nothing. I do believe that onyx is tougher than obsidian. cross empty

Now what? I hunted for black chips appropriate for smashing and finding none, I grabbed some Miyuki 4 mm cubes. I put them in a plastic sack and hammered. Those little guys are stronger than you think and punched holes in my sack before morphing into the small powder-like substance I wanted. Three punctured sacks later, I had the material for filling the cross. As the picture shows, the effect is rather unusual, but it certainly was a good deal of trouble. The cross will hang from a strand composed of sterling silver spacers, black onyx rounds and kiwi from Magpie Gemstones. I’m also thinking that the next time I decide to hammer beads, I’ll use the less expensive variety and a stronger sack.

black cross

Here’s the question. Is it a sin to hammer your beads? Someone or something worked hard to get them into their purchased shape and with a wham of the hammer, it can be gone.

I think it’s OK. I have a feeling there will be many sinners in bead heaven. Perhaps some will have done far worse things than hammering the beads. Here’s my philosophy . . . it’s better to take your frustrations out on your beads than on your family and friends. So, go ahead and WHACK!

Earrings, Philosophy, Wire Work

Pondering Patience

‘Tis the season to rush about in the annual sprint to the end of the year. During this time, in particular, patience can be pushed to the limit. Aren’t we supposed to be happy as we secure just the right gifts for others – not upset because Target just sold the last xxx and we don’t know where to find another? Shouldn’t we enjoy decorating our abodes rather than wondering why in the world we purchased that ugly centerpiece during the 75% off after Christmas sale last year? And what about that cute Santa sweatshirt that you also got on sale last year, but wouldn’t be caught dead in this year?  Right now, I’m thinking that I should give myself a break and be patient with this year’s deadlines and disasters. (Maybe Goodwill would want the centerpiece and sweatshirt.)

Seeped in patience, I took my mother to have a tooth pulled early Monday morning. This involved early rising, driving to her nursing home in another town and driving back to my town to the dentist. All of this was accomplished in the rain. (Patience) Following a short 15 minute and $347 procedure, we were on the road back and forth one more time. Bless my mother and the dentist – all went well and I was back home shortly after noon. Patience paid off.

Continuing my effort to remain patient, I attempted to be productive and replenish my supply of “for sale” earrings. I wanted to make mixed metal designs which  seemed like an easy task. I arranged all the supplies in front of me, picked up my pliers and waited . . . for an idea. I waited and waited, but no great one appeared. While trying to ward off frustration, I rearranged my supplies thinking a juxtaposition might help. It didn’t! Then I remembered that I was supposed to be exercising patience; so I just sat. ear mixed metal circles heart

Finally, following a long period of incubation, the earrings below hatched. I’m embarrassed to say that it took two hours to design a mere 3 pair of earrings. I did, however, learn again that being patient with yourself is important. ear turq jasper mixed While I don’t know if customers will like these earrings, I did accomplish the task I set out to complete. I do have mixed metal earrings.ear silver cogs

 

 

 

Today, the need for patience continues. A morning of design work was halted by a phone call from the pasture about a newborn calf that needed help. Rather than griping, which was my first instinct, I drove to the store, secured the required materials and came home to help save a life. The newborn thankfully gulped down his bottle and nuzzled me as though I were his mother. He was much nicer than the one I helped last week who felt the need to kick me each time I gave her a bottle. Today’s calf will need my help every few hours for several days and I will patiently help him until nature allows his bovine mother to take over. I just hope she is also patient while I’m in the pen with her boy and doesn’t try to eliminate me.

This drawn out tale could, of course, go on and on. We all have episodes that call on our reserves, particularly at this time of the year. We could collectively paraphrase that old poem, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways. When Do I Need Patience? Let Me Count the Ways. Yet, that would trivialize the need for this virtue. Let’s just leave it at “give yourself and others a break” and remember to breath. ‘tis the season!

Philosophy

Shopping and Lurking

2 Comments

I try to make an effort to see what other designers are making and occasionally take an afternoon to peruse the offerings at local boutiques. I’m not looking for ideas to “borrow”, but rather for styles that seem to be popular. I used to simply look at what was being offered. Is big and chunky “in” or is light and airy more popular? Are there any new color combinations that I’ve been missing? While this may sound like a good idea, it hit me that it’s possible that what I see a lot of in the stores isn’t really what’s popular, but rather what’s left over. In that case, the question could be “what isn’t here that’s already sold?”

Last week I tried a new approach. I lurked. Although I must have looked like a shopper, I was really watching and listening to see what customers liked and what they asked for. It was all that I could do to keep from giving my business card to the man who wanted to purchase a double strand of turquoise for his wife and was told he would need to by two necklaces of different lengths. I also wanted to tell him that what he thought was turquoise was actually magnesite; but, since I didn’t want to be escorted out of the establishment, I kept my mouth shut and my card in my pocket. Another customer wanted something light and airy with pearls for her adult granddaughter. She was fortunate to find a necklace that would work and I didn’t even try to accost her as she left with her purchase. I really wanted to tell her that what the clerk described as “handmade” looked strangely like a chain marketed at the bead shows, albeit the pearls were probably added by hand.

My other task as a lurker, is to see if my pieces look just like those made by other designers. I’ve never believed in sameness and don’t want to replicate what’s already available. I used to apply this approach when I wanted to author a new book for school teachers. I would study the books available from various publishers to see if what I wanted to author had already been written. If it had, then I turned to another theme. Then, I would talk to publishers’ representatives at conferences to see what kind of books teachers asked for that the publishers were unable to provide. My last book evolved from ideas hatched when a publisher said, “the teachers really want a book about . . . . “ I think great ideas for jewelry can emerge the same way. What do you hear shoppers in the boutiques say they want? Are they looking for a particular length or color that has been hard to find. Is that a design opening that needs to be filled?

Speaking of shopping, you probably know the rule for this time of year. Never go to the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving or the day before Christmas Eve. It’s dangerous! My father and I made this rule long ago and I take it to extremes. There are all kinds of substitutions that you can make for items you forgot to purchase such as corn juice for milk in bread, honey for corn syrup in baked goods, etc. No matter what, DON’T go to the store and if you simply HAVE to have a certain item, remember this rule: Send Someone Else!