Last week when I said I was going to go make jewelry (or at least attempt it), I lied. Please forgive me. I've found that I really have to rally myself, when I even think about making jewelry. I love the way it looks, but apparently it's just not my thing.
I love the findings... and all of the elements... I love the look all the designers use in their jewelry designs. But I've really struggled with this art.
and so I'm giving it up. I have to say I feel a huge relief! I was talking with a friend of mine about my gathering, and collecting of this stuff only to find I'm not doing anything with it. We were at the flea market and I literally banned myself from even looking at any more of it. I don't do anything with what I've already bought!
Then we ran into another friend, she is a wonderful jewelry designer, and her's is the look I really love! After telling her how I was feeling, she told me I should use the things I collected in the art I'm most comfortable... my books.
I'd never looked at these things as pieces to add into my books, but when she said it, it made perfect sense. Tami was right! I don't need to make jewelry, I don't even wear jewelry! 
But, I do love my books. I don't know why I hadn't thought about this before, I guess that's what friends are for. Sometimes they see things we don't see. So now, I really am off to make something... I promise... I'm just not promising what it will be!
13 of you had this to say:
Sometimes we just need a push in the right direction - that's what friends (or other artists) are for! I'm excited to see what you make with your beautiful findings in the medium you're happiest working in!! (PS Love your cute pic with your hubby!)
I hear you, it is sooo easy to collect the stuff but putting it all together in a necklace form is another story. I look forward to seeing how you incorporate your findings into your books. nice seeing you on Sunday.
Your friend is so right!
I go shopping with Robin and want all these jewelry findings and don't buy them because I don't make jewelry but I could use them in my books or assemblages also!
I also save up things I love and ask one of my jewelry making friends to make something with them for me! I love all your goodies, they are all yummy!
hugs! karen...
I am so glad you wrote this post. I agree...I don't wear jewelry...but the idea of putting our treasures "in" a book or on the cover...makes you rethink what we find...
I hunt! I collect! I have WAY to much stuff! Like you, I want to make jewelry -- at least I think do! Took a soldering class. Liked it well enough. Done any more? Nope! Will probably not, either. I can't do it all -- but I sure would like to! I have a bucket list these days. It is getting full! I may not get through it either! Ah! Oh well! Back to the fabric collages I love so much! Now I aim to incorporate the "stuff" in all my work. What am I saving it for anyway?? LOL!!
Dede, what a wonderful idea. The jewellery you made was lovely but if it's not your thing then it's not your thing. Amazing how we can still find ways to use our bits and pieces
Alison
We certainly think alike! Check out my Blog....I'm right there with you in the jewelry making department!
www.TheThingsILove.typepad.com
Dana in Fredericksburg, VA
Wow! I could have written this post too! I finally gave up and just left it for my friend Sarah Fishburn to do. I make things that look great but fall apart!!
so I use all those bits in my art and they work really well with my nichos! Great post, Dede!
Hi Dede, same here!!! I so admire all the talented jewelry designers out there, especially Amy Hannah and I have collected many bits and pieces to make jewelry for myself...I just can't do it! It is not easy and takes tooooo long for me, haha! I was looking at all your gorgeous findings and thinking, Oooh, wish I had all those treasures to use in my art books and collages! I can't wait to see how you use all your pretty findings in YOUR art!
(((hugs)))
Milli
I'm a hunter/gatherer myself, but having all the stuff around me is comforting somehow, and when I do get ready to make something, I have a stockpile of resources on hand. My problem is generally finding the exact thing that I know I bought and put . . . somewhere.
Having said that, I'm off to your Etsy shop to see what you may have cast off there.
xo
So nice to visit with you this morning on the phone and now here, what a beautiful blog.Thanks for your kind encouragement about the dolly! :)
It is good to know that so many of us suffer from the same art affliction! I find that things come together naturally when it is time. Pushing rarely makes anything happen. Twilight seems to make me more creative as I am relaxed and open to ideas.
You know, you might come back to it one day, but for now..do what you feel comfortable doing and love! I am one who wants to try everything and sometimes I need to just step back and enjoy the work of others! I can't wait to see your newest book! :)mendy
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