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