Halloween Stretch Bracelet

So you may remember in my last post that I was talking about creative blocks and possible ways to get past this.  I decided it was time to break my own creative block and get back to work! I have a friend who likes to buy beads and other items, then pass them on to me to make items for her.  In the last month, she gave me two ghost beads for a piece for Halloween.  I remembered that she had also given me some other glass Halloween beads that may correspond well with these beads.  After mulling over these items for some time, I decided that they may be best used in a stretch bracelet.  

I remembered that I had purchased some powercord in black a while back so decided it was time to experiment.  This was not only my first time using stretch cord, but also my first time using a surgeon's knot.  I definitely recommend using glue on the knot and letting it dry suitably before stretching or testing the piece.  Surgeon's knots can be very secure, but you definitely want the added protection from the glue. 

This piece went by relatively quickly, but I did have to remake it a couple times.  Figuring out the length with a stretch cord can be hard.  I finally used my own wrist as a template to figure out how all of the beads would lay, especially when the cord was stretched. 

I think the finished piece came out pretty well and my friend likes it.  So overall I would say it was a success!

Creative Block - How Do You Deal With It?

I haven't been creating many pieces as of late, though I have some works in progress that are on their way.  There's a horrible thing that affects most artists, whether it be writers, creators or any other arts - an inspiration block. It's awful, especially when you want to create things and you have so many ideas, but they just won't flow like you want them to.  Sometimes working yourself out of this block can be relatively easy, but often it can be a struggle.  Here are some methods I use to try and break free.

1. Find new sources of inspiration: Photographs, books, surroundings - this can be anything! A lot of my color combinations can come from nature, so a way to break a block could simply be to immerse yourself in the items or images that inspire you.  

2. Walk away from it! No, I'm serious - really! Sometimes you just need to put your project down and walk away.  Take a day away from it, then come back to it with fresh eyes.  Many of my own moments of frustration have been cured using this method.  You can get so immersed in it that you lose sight of the design that you wish to create, or you simply can't make any progress. 

3. Start working on something else.  This is another version of number 2, but it can also work.  Switch from a labor intensive project to some quick earrings or fun bracelets.  The change in pace and type of pace could re-energize you or inspire you to start working on your more detailed piece again. 

4. Clean your work area! This can be my least favorite of the different techniques I use, but it often can work the best.  Often your workspace may become covered in supplies, cast offs, or simply items that need to be put away.  Organizing and cleaning your area can not only help you to get refocused on your project, but you can discover items that you forgot you had, or find points of inspiration for a piece in the future. 

These are some of the techniques that I use when I am having trouble focusing or continuing a project.  Since I've been experiencing a little bit of creative blocking lately I should hurry up and employ some of them! :)

Exciting News!

Guys! Guys!! GUYS!  Big news!

Just Another Symphony has been chosen as a Friday Spotlight artist on Peacock's Roost (simplycherise.net)!  I'm probably a bit over excited about this, but it's the first time I have been featured anywhere.  Please take some time to wander over and take a look!

A big thank you to Cherise over at simplycherise.net for giving me this opportunity.  I truly appreciate it! :D

Update

So...it has been a while.  I really didn't intend for this span of time to pass in between blog posts, but alas, life throws things at you.  Nothing drastic has happened, but between my day job, freelance jobs, boyfriend, parents, health issues and the like - I haven't had many spare moments.  What can I say? There are only so many hours in the day and lately it doesn't seem there are enough.  There are a number of things planned for this blog, as well as for my etsy store and facebook page. Some exciting things that are to come? Oh alright, I'll share some with you. 

• A post dedicated to the wood pendants I make, as well as info on how I create them.
• Posts on inspiration
• Posts on breaking creative blocks
• More new stuff listed and shown
• And much more!

This blog is still very much in its infancy, but I hope as I get more used to the format I will be able to share experiences and knowledge with any who read it. I look forward to creating these posts and hearing from anyone who reads them!