ARTFULGEMS.COM

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

A Simple Piece, For Now


Finally a piece I can wear!
I'm still not all that satisfied, but it will do as my first piece!

I will continue practicing because I do like this medium. I want to have others wear them. So practice, practice, practice!





Their Journey...

I'm still working on the ceramic pendants. I really want to work this medium well. I want to add them to my jewelry so I can use less of other people's handmade stuff. Make my stuff even more handmade!!!! You know?

Anyway, the pendants continue onward. I have only screwed one up. LOL Here are some pics that I have posted to social media. Check them out and leave me some comments!!





I'm still working on them but they are coming along! If you'd like to see the comments, check out the link on Facebook. While you are there say hello and follow my page!

Always,
Norma

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Ceramics with Cold Porcelain



They do not look like much right now, but I'm hoping they will turn out fine.

So this is my first try using cold porcelain. Not only that, I made the clay from scratch!
This is what I mean when I say I take detours along my journey!!!

I'm so loving this!


Another batch almost dry. Can't wait to sink my teeth into them!
Follow me as I learn this new process and see how it turns out.
#Tesoros #storenvy

Now I wish I had taken ceramics in high school or in college. I would be doing a better job.


Follow me as I learn this new process and see how it turns out.


Friday, July 7, 2017

I'm Doing What I Want!!!

I'm so excited!

"You've been accepted!
Norma ,
Congratulations! We're excited to have you join us on the Zazzle Maker Platform — thank you for choosing us."


I wasn't looking to apply but then I saw it and couldn't help myself. I have purchased items from Zazzle before so I knew they were quality items. I knew that to be associated with them would be an asset.

The application required showing samples of my work and describing the ways that I can customize my creations. I showed them several samples and sent them to some of my links online.

Of course, I thought, "Oh well, I've given it a shot,,,   but I doubt they'll accept me..."

That's my fragile, insecure, inner voice who always questions and second guesses everything I do.
Deeply, I was very hopeful... This is my life's direction and I cannot be the one who stands in my own way!

So, I'm working on my storefront as I write this but it is really a big task and it is taking me away from creating. So that is a minus. But, if I want it, I have to work for it. Right?

I'm at a crossroads of sorts. I'm questioning my talent, questioning the direction I am meant to take. I am streamlining my choices of media, choosing what I love to do most and setting aside things I like to do. 

I am finally where I want to be, able to make choices that are about me without the worry of where my next paycheck is coming from. Financial stability is very important when one wants to follow a creative track! I am free to express myself my way and not worry that people won't like my work or that I will fail (even if the inner voice questions me).

So, as much as I love to explore different media and try them on for size, I am getting more focused. I'm reaching out to others and asking for critical comments, what they see as best, ideas on how I should move forward! Creativity is personal! Ideas are personal! How we represent it is personal!

But, it is meant to touch others!

I want those who come in contact with my art to feel a connection... be empowered spiritually... feel positive and hopeful... garner strength and optimism. They must feel all of this as they wear my art! Tall task, but when I work, I am connected with the medium. I let it be what it wants to be. If it is full of frustration, it doesn't make it past my recycle stash. It must go through a calm, peaceful process! I feel it happening! So, I truly believe, once people touch my creations, they will connect!

So once again, I begin again. And  I will have a successful journey. My spiritual voice always wins over my insecure, fragile voice.

Always,
Norma

You can always find me here and on