In an attempt to complete some pieces that have been on the design table way too long, I worked with a copper piece today. It was one that I must have cut over six months ago. Several weeks ago, I picked up this piece and tried to do something with it by adding fine gauge wire and some gemstones. After making numerous holes in the piece, I realized that I didn’t really have a plan and just let the wire and stones meander across the surface of the copper. It looked all “mixed up” to me, but a kind friend saw it and admired it. “OK”, I thought, “maybe I shouldn’t throw it away.” Instead, I put is aside AGAIN! Today, I picked it up, added the chain and put it on leather. It’s finally complete. I believe in creative incubation, but I think this was excessive! The learning I take from this piece is that perhaps I shouldn’t be so quick to throw something out. Some of my work may just need to go to the time out bin.

The second metal pendant resulted from a continuation of my efforts to make mixed metal pieces. I added one of Ralph’s Rocks from Wildtype Ranch (mentioned in an earlier post) to this piece and am pleased with it. The rock hangs atop a copper shape with sterling silver rondells wired to the side. It has a hammered brass circle at the top. I’m finding it difficult to include the brass with the other metals and am hoping to get used to working with it. Brass doesn’t seem as “earthy” as the other metals, but I think small amounts of it may work in the designs.

As I continue the mixed and/or mixed up metal work, I hope to include more gemstones as accents and more unusual shapes and color combinations. While it seems my hope should be that whatever hatches is pleasing and wearable, I know from my educational training that this goal could hold back the creative process. It’s better to remain open to all possibilities and then later alter the ideas to fit the need. A bad case of the “too”s, as in “that would be too big,” that would make it too bright,” that would be too crooked,” etc.  can hold back creative function. So for now, I’m leaving the word “too” in the same wastebasket at “can’t”.