Spinning Wheels

In my head that is...I have been reading blogs, listening to tutorials, inspired by so many beautiful pieces but nothing of mine to show for it yet.  Well alot of unfinished pieces!  But not for lack of trying.  I start a piece, can't wait to see the finished product I have in my head....and then discover......I don't have a tool I need or the bead I want for this piece, the ear wires I have in mind, the wrong size leather cord.....or enough time to purchase, practice new techniques, and create.  Oh the frustration!

My husband will tell you I am not one that likes to wait once I set my mind on something. I get excited and want to jump in with everything I've got.  Sometimes good, sometimes not so good.  I have to talk myself down alot.  So as I reign myself in, prioritize, and refocus, I find myself also practicing character building skills.

My Addi

My Addi Boo.....isn't she the cutest little model.  Addison's favorite color is pink, so you know who I was thinking about when I ordered the pink leather. As I have mentioned earlier the quality of leather from Leather Cord USA is phenomenal but the colors are beautiful.  The pictures do not do the pink and turquoise justice.

Productive Or Not????

As far as jewelry making this week, it has not been as fun as I had hoped.  I have focused on a couple of new techniques.  New for me.  I continue to practicing my bead loop wrap and it is looking better.  I received my leather order for Leather Cord USA (thanks Tracy Statler for introducing me to this company).  The leather is beautiful.  As you can see I have made by first bracelets with leather.

In discussing over lunch with a friend I came to realize that my week has been productive even though it does not looking like it in my jewelry making world.  I only have a couple of new pieces to show for my work, but I am learning and perfecting.....in that sense it has been productive.

My lunch friend brought her first polymer clay beads.  She did a great job.  I can't wait to try some myself.

New Bracelets

Basic Jewelry Skills

Well it is time to be honest with myself. I have been stringing beads for alot of years. Why have I not moved on into the more creative pieces that I love? Those pieces that are in my head and never come to fruition? The skill you need for almost every piece beyond stringing is bead loops. I get so frustrated that my wrapping is not pretty like others I see. Yes I know....practice, practice, practice!

Beading for me has been therapy, relaxation. This practice thing would cause my stress levels to go up! Well stress or not I am here to stay. I am at a stage in my life where I want to develop my hobby into something more. Take it to the next level.

Looking back, I see that I have spent my life encouraging others to be the best they can be. I love helping other people see their potential and encouraging them to go for their dreams. Guess what I have done? Not taken the time to do that for myself.

My husband went back to school 5 years ago to become a theraputic massage therapist. He is a natural and never did what he really wanted to do. Working full time and going back to school to be a physcial therapist took alot of time away from family. Time he was not willing to sacrafice. He has always put everyones needs and desires before his own. He is the most selfless person I have ever know. When we were discussing him going into theraputic massage I said "it's your turn now. It has always been about everyone else."

Well it is time for me to put my own words to practice. It is my turn now....time to dream big, go after what I love to do.....

So practice, practice, practice.....I want to be the best I can be at what I love to do.