Yesterday's Discovery...I Am Not Random!

Some of you are saying, "Really, Carole? You didn't know that about yourself?" Okay, so it can sometimes take me awhile to figure stuff out, but hey, at least I get there eventually.

As I was sitting in my studio yesterday trying to make a chunky, "random" necklace, I became extremely frustrated.  I questioned my artistic abilities like never before.   Of course I've had some pieces that just didn't work out the way I wanted, and get to the point where I find myself taking them apart.  I wanted this one to be different...and yes, "random", but it wasn't working for me at all.  I must have wire-wrapped some of the beads and chain at least three or four times, to the point where I had to walk away.

Not being one to give up, I found myself back at it again later on, with a "I will conquer" attitude.  And I did conquer the necklace and earrings...but by not being "random" in the design.  Ha Ha!  I have to say, it did bother me that I find I am challenged by anything other than systematic.  I went to the on-line dictionary for the definition of random..."Having no specific pattern, purpose, or objective"...Oh that is SO not me!! Then I brought up the definition of systematic..."Characterized by the use of order and planning; methodical"...and yes, that is me to a T.  Do I fight it?  I didn't yesterday.

Here is my "Systematic" necklace, which I will name "Sis" for short and I have named the matching earrings "Sissy".  You will find it listed in my Etsy Shop later today or this evening.

As you can see, I did mix the metals...copper, pewter, and sterling silver.  I definitely like this set as it's a little more on the trendy side of fashion.

I'm afraid my desire to be "random" might keep me awake at night...but for now, I'll keep moving forward with what makes me smile!

Moving forward one day at a time...
Carole

For the Love of Clusters!

I had an enjoyable weekend filled with quality time with my grandgirls. We had some "girl talk" while riding in the car, while preparing for our Friday Taco Night, and while sitting in the hot tub. Love those priceless times!

On Friday, I worked on a baby shower cake for my niece...whose husband leads worship at our church. As I contemplated the "cake topper", I wanted to have something relevant rather than the typical truck, car, boat or blocks (they are expecting a boy).  So, as I collaborated with my friends, we came up with a bass guitar for the topper.  Here's what it ended up looking like:

I also threw in a little jewelry making this weekend, working on a project that I've wanted to do for almost a year now.  I'm not quite sure what inspired me for this, but as with most of my creations, it was a thought that came into my head and I really felt the need to make it come to life.  It ended up being a complete set...starting with the bracelet, then the earrings, and then the pendant which was made from the one lonely bead that was left over.  Here is a sneak preview of the set:

 Bracelet is a combination of aqua, lime, white, and black. The clusters are made with white crystals, aqua glass beads, and lime glass beads.

This set is fun since it is made with bright colors and it just screams Spring and Summer!  It would be such a compliment to so many tops that are hanging in my closet...but alas, I will list it on Etsy tomorrow.

I am looking forward to spending some time building my inventory in preparation for two events in April.  Details will follow once I've got solid dates and times.

Moving forward one day at a time...
Carole

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Spirals!

I am always, always looking for something new and different...and my brain doesn't like to shut down at night sometimes.  Last night was one of those nights.  I thought of many things to blog about today, and chose the topic of "spirals"...which I think you'll agree, adds so much fun to the piece featured in the header of my blog.

At the bead show earlier this month, I walked away with the purchase-of-the-day...a "Gizmo".  The "Gizmo" is a set of three tools that I use to coil wire into spirals.  I thought I would share a picture of the parts to the "Gizmo".  Maybe you can tell how I would use them?  Sounds like a good contest to me...and the winner gets a free pair of earrings!

Speaking of which, I have made a silver pair of spiral earrings to match the Rainbow Sherbet necklace pictured in the link at the right-hand side entitled, "My Photos".  Here is a sneak peak at the earrings...and I haven't even had a chance to list them on Etsy yet.  And yes, I made them using the "Gizmo"!

I have also been experimenting...I made longer spirals and shaped them into hoops to attach to some ear wires.  This was a suggestion from my dear friend Rachel at Koukla Mou Designs!

If you think you know how I make spiral beads with the "Gizmo"...just leave me a comment to this post explaining your thoughts on how it's done.  Oh, this could be quite interesting!!  I am actually planning to document the process in pictures and share with you all at a later date.

Moving forward one day at a time...
Carole

Happy Spring!

Spring has always been my most favorite season...however, I've never been able to quite pinpoint why.  This year is truly different...for me, it represents the hope of "All Things New"! 

To celebrate this great season, I am offering a 20% savings off all of my listings on Etsy!  This offer will expire at midnight Monday, March 21st.  It's my first-ever sale!!  Be sure to use coupon code "SPRING20" on the checkout page.

I've also been busy trying to set up a new, small "studio" in my loft...it surely beats working at my dining room table!  It's such a bright and cheery place.  Here's a picture of where I can be found when I'm actually creating the designs that come into my head...

 

So this looks all nice and tidy right now, doesn't it?  Well, I've added more things since this picture was taken...but at least you can now visualize where I sit and work.  Today I started sorting my supplies...next up is the challenge of labeling the drawers and bins.  I just love being this organized!

Make sure you take advantage of my sale on Etsy.  Just add the coupon code "SPRING20" during checkout and you'll see the 20% savings automatically taken off your purchase.

Happy Spring!

Moving forward one day at a time...

Carole

 

One-of-a-Kind Designs

After years of being a stay-at-home Mom, I decided to go back to working outside my home so I could help pay for my girl's college.  (That was a very long time ago, so it seems!)  Circumstances led me to a fabulous doll collectible company and I'll admit I had more fun than I probably should have while collecting a paycheck.  I grew to LOVE, yes love the artists and their limited edition dolls or even one-of-a-kind dolls.  I stood in awe of their talent and was envious of their ability to be at home or in their studios creating...simply bringing to life all of the images they held in their dreams.

Now, years later, I am finding I never lost my desire to dream, design, create, and grow my own business. Although I wish I could sculpt a doll, I have discovered I am much better at sculpting jewelry.  I love wearing jewelry...it makes me feel so feminine and complete.  It's interesting how I used to pay hundreds of dollars for rings, necklaces, earrings...always giving my darling hubby ideas as to what to buy me for Christmas or birthdays.  This is not my focus any longer...and I think hubby is extremely happy! 

I just love to create jewelry that you can't find on a department store shelf...true, blue, one-of-a-kind type jewelry.  Handcrafted with more love than you could ever imagine.  Never before have I received so many compliments on what I'm wearing for jewelry, and I love the look I get when I say I made it!  I liken it to how I feel when I spend a little extra on a really nicely made outfit versus buying something inexpensive.  When I wear that extra special outfit, I feel like a million bucks!

Do you have a special outfit or occasion that needs a special piece of jewelry?  If you don't see something in my Etsy Shop, please call me.  I would be honored to help you with just the right piece of jewelry at a price you can afford.  Yes, I am rebuilding my career by finally going after my dreams!

Moving forward one day at a time!
Carole   

My First Blog Post

Today is a monumental day in the life of C J Collection.  As I sit here with my wonderful friend, Tracy, who is an expert blogger, I have to say...it's been a blast!  It's the first time this week I've actually felt like I've learned something new and fun!

I will be posting about the dreams and designs that go into my jewelry, and you might even find out more about what keeps me awake until 2:00 a.m.  My hope is that I will meet new friends and stay connected with my current friends...and that you, who take the time to read my thoughts, will also appreciate the love I put into my creations.

You can find C J Collection at www.mycjcollection.com.  If you are on Facebook, you can also "Like" C J Collection and follow me there as well.  It will keep you updated on my latest listings in my online shop.  Please...let's stay connected!

Moving forward one day at a time...
Carole