Creativity Exercise

As most jewelry makers, I always seem to have plenty of ideas and little time to accomplish them. So, the idea of needing a creative boost is rarely a problem. However, I also find myself playing it too safe sometimes. I tend to use the same gage wire, the same kind of beads, the same type findings. They are comfortable.

Recently, I was asked by a fellow jewelry artists to assist her in stringing up some necklaces. She had a big show coming up and was running out of time. She makes many of the components of the necklaces that needed stringing, and though she had an idea of the look she wanted, she knew she didn’t have the time to make all of them before the show. So, I volunteered to help her out. A few minutes later, I was leaving with piles of beads, rolls of stringing wire, bags of charms, and boxes of lampwork beads along with some general instructions about how she wanted the necklaces to look. What I thought would only take a few minutes took much longer than I anticipated, but I ended up having a great time and learning a lot. It was an exercise in creativity.

Much of the materials I was given were unlike what I normally use. Her seed bead choices were rich colors of oranges, yellows, blues, and greens. Her stone beads were a step up from my normal economic round hematite to heart shaped tourmaline, faceted peridot, and fluted flower labadorite. She gave me some soft-flex to string with when I’m normally use to nylon. At first, I got home and it felt weird. It all felt alien, and I didn’t want to disappoint her. But, I soon jumped in and had a blast. It was like playing with another kid’s toys.

Not only did I have fun, but I also discovered a few ideas that I can now use in my own designs:

Try to mix at least three colors of beads, four is even better. It makes the piece more interesting.

Seed beads are good way to allow yourself to use those high end stone or crystal beads. They are less expensive and can be used as filler beads in between the more expensive beads.

Even though the higher ends beads can be very (very) expensive, when used in moderation they don’t add a lot of cost to the piece, and they really add an extra touch.

Use one lampwork bead as the center piece of the necklace and pick the other beads to accent it. Together accents to this one bead can make a very interesting and unique piece.

Soft-flex is great to work with. I never really liked using it with clamp shells, so I used crimp beads with it instead. Now I’m a soft-flex and crimp bead believer.

I could probably think of a few more, but what I hope to pass on is the idea of expanding your jewelry horizons. Step away from your comfortable, safe jewelry routine, and try a new idea or two. In fact, I thought it would be fun to do what I did, and get with a jewelry making buddy. Assign each other a project, provide the materials, and see what happens.

Comments? Questions? Ideas? Share them on the jewelry making forum.

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