Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Braindump

Today’s post doesn’t really have an over-arching theme. It’s just a mish-mash of stuff that’s running through my brain at the moment.

I know, fascinating, right?

Anyway, here goes…


First off, I had to post this yummy pendant that I won (ME! I WON SOMETHING!) from Mellisa at Chinook Jewelry. I didn’t want it to get lost in all the show stuff yesterday so I saved it to post by itself.

Because it’s just that beautiful. Thanks, Mellisa!!

Next, I’m thinking about all the stuff I had to leave behind at the show that I REALLY REALLY wanted. I know, I know. You were already thinking yesterday that I bought too much (and I did), but that doesn’t mean I still didn’t have to pass up some things.

Like the INCREDIBLE clasps at Claspon-Claspoff. Wow, were they ever gorgeous. I just couldn’t afford them. Well, okay, I probably could’ve bought ONE…but I couldn’t pick just one. Plus, I’ve found that whenever I add a really pricey component like that to a design, the finished price of the total piece goes so high that I know no one will ever buy it. And yet, if I drop the price, then I know I’m not going to see a return on my investment. It’s a tough line to walk.
Anyway, maybe next year.

And Grace Beads. I seriously could’ve bought one of every set she had. They were all so gorgeous.

And the place where I bought the clasps – wish I had bought more. I can always use good toggle clasps.

Oh, and I really wish I’d bought the bronze mermaid coin from Green Girl when I had the chance. So frustrating to go back and find it gone.

Ah, well.

Maybe all of these great new materials are going to bust me out of the “design paralysis” that's been going on for the past couple of weeks. I take my supplies out, look at them and then just don't feel “in the zone.” It's possible that part of the problem is one bracelet I’ve been trying to finish that I’m just not happy with. I don’t want to take it apart because that will waste about 50 headpins, but just don’t feel like finishing it because I’m not excited about it. I don’t know why, either. There’s nothing technically wrong with it. It’s just kinda blah.

It’s funny how sometimes the Muse hits and I can just crank out a buncha stuff that all comes out good…and then other times…bupkiss. I probably also need to stop looking at other artists’ sites and comparing my stuff (unfavorably) to theirs. I don’t want to copy their designs – what I want is to like my own designs as much as I like theirs LOL!

Oh, and speaking of show stuff…I’ve been shocked that so many people like the dyed magnesite beads and don’t think I was crazy for buying them. I feel so much better now LOL!

And lastly, we have a little section I like to call “Dude, what is UP with the weather around here?”



Now, you may not think there’s anything all that unusual about this picture, but trust me when I tell you that there is.


Y’see, these are CLOUDS.

In Southern California.

In AUGUST!

August is not cloud season in So Cal. Santa Ana season – check. Smog season – yep. Fire season – you betcha. But not cloud season.




Especially not clouds that kinda look like they might have rain in them.

Which we DEFINITELY don’t have in August in So Cal.


I even saw part of a RAINBOW this morning, although my skills with the cell phone camera (while driving) were not good enough to get a picture of it so you’ll just have to trust me on it.

And now the clouds are gone and it’s just REALLY REALLY hot and humid.

Which brings me back to my original point: Dude, seriously, what is up with the weather around here?

KJ

4 comments:

lunedreams said...

ha! congrats on your clouds! and that blue blue sky. I didn't think you had blue sky in So Cal (taupe maybe). We have humidity here in NW Montana. Wha? We never have that. I hear you about getting laid low looking at other people's stuff too much. I sort of stopped doing it. I always think, CRAP! I should have done THAT! And I don't want to copy anyone (subliminally of course) either. I only look around if I get stuck. (congrats on your win!!)

dochoamom said...

Yes our weather has been funny hasn't it...

When I get stuck I make earrings... thats why I always have a lot of earrings... ha ha ha

Maybe just put that bad ol bracelet to the side... and play with your NEW STUFF... for awhile...

Costa Mesa? when?

Mellisa said...

I love that you did the picture of the pendant in the opposite direction than I always think (little hole at the top)- that's the first sign you're going to do something fun with it! Glad it went to a good home :)

Yes, this humidity is totally kicking my behind! It sucks the life out of me.

lunedreams-I can't pass by your comment...I'm in San Diego and pretty much ALL we have is blue sky (we're not in the taupe belt!)

Maybe post a pic of the trouble making bracelet and solicit some suggestions? You might have someone who loves it as-is and just wants to buy it!

Kaos Siberians said...

I'm so done with the weather. I swear I'm going to move somewhere that never hits above 80 in the summer and had a real winter with snow! This humidity is killing me!