But it's hard to make jewelry when iCarly is on TV or MySims is on the Wii. Ah, life with a seven-year old. Love him dearly, but he rules the TV.
So this weekend Rick and Zack headed to the farm in PA so I could have a day and a half of quiet to bead. And of course, I had a headache, but I was bound and determined to make things.
I don't have photos yet, but I did manage to make some new things with Floridity's beads I bought for this month's Personal Bead Soup challenge I set for myself, and a couple of them were totally new designs to me.
But because of the headache, I found that I just had to make what I know -- the tried and true and (sigh) trite. OK, not trite. That's being to harsh on myself.
This morning, though, I looked through what I made and realized, someone's going to love those things. If I change my style too much, and have too many new designs, I'll lose my valuable customer base. The new designs will hopefully gain me new customers, but I can't forget the people who got me to where I am -- able to make this a full-time job.
The point of this post? I'm trying. And that's fine. I think I'll be "trying" all my life. I'll never be "there" because if I decide, "I'm done, there's nothing left to learn", I'm doing myself such a disservice.
So maybe this weekend was a pretty good weekend for beading after all.
Lori Anderson designs jewelry for Lori Anderson Designs and also writes the blog Pretty Things. She lives in Maryland.
Through the headache, I'm sure your ideas will sing. You know, that's the sign of a true artist/creator...to push through. :)
ReplyDeleteLove that bracelet! Those beads are awesome.
ReplyDeleteNo, not even remotely "trite". I agree with you that you have your current customer base and there's a reason they love your work - if you change too much, you run a risk. I love that first bracelet - those colors make me sooo happy!
ReplyDeleteLori, the lampwork bracelet is beautiful. You always work magic wit lampwork beads, something I have trouble with.
ReplyDeleteFamiliarity breeds contempt. You see your creations every day, and they grow old. But customers see each one as a bright and shiny and new, because it is new to them. :) Love all your suff!
ReplyDeleteboy do i understand. i'm also trying to just figure out the whole learning curve of the ever-changing fashion world. it's difficult to make new things and worry if anyone else (other than yourself) will love them. it's a fear, for sure! i love your new things. :)
ReplyDeleteglad to hear that you were able to create - i wish there could be a discussion forum at one of the big bead fests about juggling motherhood with a creative mind - challenging to say the least... i have been known to let things burn because i got distracted by a 'gotta try this' urge at the torch... sigh... your work is beautiful...
ReplyDeletenothing trite about those! Yes, I experience the "iCarly" scourge pretty much daily, although it is much better than "FanBoy and Chum Chum"...yikes!
ReplyDeleteI am curious about your new things, but your "old" ones are really special too, so do not worry too much about it. If it is your style, your customers will love it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is o.k. to make new, different things, but still make your tried and true things as well. Then you'll cover all bases and attract new customers as well as keep the repeat customers. Can't wait to see what you made with Floridity's beads!
ReplyDeleteStop being so hard on yourself, although you sound a bit like me in this area. I had a bad couple of days this week and I found this. It's good for a laugh, because I was doing all this stuff. I printed it out and hung it on my studio wall to remind myself. Especially, "how to feel miserable as an artist" :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kerismith.com/popular-posts/the-artists-survival-kit/
Love your style, do not change too much. But as you say, we got to keep learning and your new style will look just as good. Love the earrings. Have a good 'headache free' week!
ReplyDeleteGradual change...I think I'm gradually changing my design all the time. I get bored when it's the...same thing, same thing. Love those earrings.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to juggle and you must do without sleep to get as much done as you have. No wonder you get headaches! Beautiful bracelet.
ReplyDeleteLori, "trite" isn't a word that would come to my mind when looking at your work. Both pieces are exquisite!
ReplyDeleteI really like that bracelet, Lori. Nothing trite about it. Glad you got some time to yourself to make things. That's always good. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful new designs. It is so important to keep refreshing designs and styles to keep the passion for jewelry making alive!
ReplyDeleteI always say do what you feel, that's what I do, and I seem to wander sometimes and want to make things I don't ordinarily, but I like the option!
ReplyDeleteYour signature style is so beautiful!
Do what you love, and love what you do. Stop trying so hard to please someone else when you don't even know who that is. Make things that are dear to your own heart. Your work is outstanding, and I always look forward to seeing your new creations.
ReplyDeleteIf you make things that are not "you", then you loose the fun and creativity you own.
You are very talented, make things that speak volumns of what's inside your heart and mind.
You'll see how much easier it is! good luck!
Chris
Can't see anything 'trite' about your jewelry, Lori! Your work is just fabulous and the new ones make no exception!!! I simply love them!
ReplyDeleteLots of love, Sanda xoxo
Beautiful jewelry. And Lori, you said something very profound in your blog today. If I reach the destination there is no more going...
ReplyDeleteTake care. Hope you feel better with your headache.
Dita