I haven't made a single thing in three weeks and it is weighing on me.

[Adriane Dalton]

I haven't made a single thing in three weeks and it is weighing on me.

What began as a well deserved break after two extra productive months has shifted into an unwelcome lull. I have illustrations to work on for two different projects, and even just sketching feels daunting. I cleaned and rearranged my studio and re-organized my supplies but i haven't been able to just spend a day at my bench and i think that is what i really need to get back into the swing.

 

On the upside: I recently recieved a wonderful package of supplies from my aunt who gave up on making jewelry and is tired of moving the items from house to house. In exchange for the two huge boxes of stones, and minerals, and sterling and gold wires, a set of diamond burs (and a ton of other totally great items that i didn't even realize i needed) i offered to make her something. The other upside is that my stone setting skills could use some brushing up, and now i have hundreds of stones to practice on/experiment with.

 

this weekend is Mother's Day so i will be heading to Delaware for the first time in a few months. I'm hoping to spend Saturday scouring my favorite thrift stores, shopping at the Natural Foods Co-op, and drinking beers on the patio.

[Adriane Dalton]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and advice! I really appreciate all the great feedback!
Of course now that I am feeling inspired and motivated i am having some joint problems and have been advised by my doctor to not do any metal work for a few days :( I have been working on some illustrations, and i started two non-jewelery enamels (L'imoge wall hangings) and fortunately the issue is in my non-dominant hand. I hope to finish all of these things this week and will post them up asap!

[Alejandro Sifuentes]

Sometimes making something for a friend or family member. Something Simple Fun and Easy. Then Present it with love .Tell them you were thinking of them . The Action Creates a Flow of energy that Stimulates The juice needed to get back into the Flow.

[Jess Guerrieri]

I know the feeling! I am in the same boat. My studio is new and beautiful but my energy is just not there to create. Today I just received my new “Jess” stamp and I realized this is crazy, I need to work in my studio. The same project is sitting right where I left it (3 weeks ago to the day.) I decided I’m going to the Aquarium to be inspired. Hopefully I will come home and make something.
Maybe a trip to the Philly Zoo or Rittenhouse square to inspire you?
I love your work it’s very unique and subtle. I want to see more!

[Julie M.]

I tried the following once and it helped: Instead of having lots of open- ended time, I set myself a one hour time limit to get something done. I turned off the TV , the phone and the internet and sat at my sewing table looking through sketches I had done previously. The one hour provided me with a clearly defined limit, it was necessary to go through my sketches in a very focused way, and the result was astonishing. I quickly realized that some of my great ideas were in fact not so great AND I started to revise and work on new ideas that came from tossing out the old. The 1 hour time limit came and went, I decided to add on another hour to continue working. Sometimes giving yourself some limitations can help with focus. Good luck to you.

[Erin Austin]

Hopefully your slump has passed by now. If not maybe a hand made thank you card will get you back in the creative mood. : )