Frosty Pink Dream Braided Necklace

What is the stock question invariably asked of a newly published author?

"What was your favorite book to write?", of course.

What is the predictable answer?

"The one I just wrote".

What is my favorite piece of jewlery?

The one I just finished, of course.

www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

This will probably get me in trouble.....

(Bracelet picture complements of my talented daughter)

Even though this will raise the hair on some people's necks....I am just going to say it. It is OK to copy! That's right. It is OK to copy. I think that is one reason why kits of all crafty kinds are so popular. All the ingredients are included, all the instructions are included. A huge portion of the unknown and decision making process has automatically been removed. For someone starting out in a new craft or even a first time crafter....this is the perfect answer. While producing the kit, you are getting a feel for the creative process. You get comfortable with the tools that may be required, you get a tactile connection to creating something. When you are done, and it may not be perfect, but it is all yours! Copying serves a similar purpose. It skips that sometimes overwhelming step of the creation of an idea. Obviously it is NOT ok to copy someone else's work, and then market or sell it as your own. I am merely speaking here of becoming comfortable in the world of creating. The right brain will begin to take a dominate role, and before you are even aware of it, you will make automatic associations with making just a little change here, and a little adjustment there. The next time you try it, you will be putting more of your own brand into whatever it is that you are creating, and a few short steps from there, your comfort level and curiousity level will increase, and you'll be off and running.
It can be something as simple as an elastic bracelet. Use several larger beads that delight you, some elastic cording and larger (3x3) crimp beads. Those three components can all be purchased right at your local bead store or craft store. Cut a piece of cording several inches larger than your wrist and string the cord through the beads in an order that looks good to you. Hold both ends firmly, and roll the bracelet over your wrist to check the finished length. Keep in mind that the bracelet will stretch just a tiny bit after wearing, so it should roll comfortably without stretching too much as it goes over your hand. Take one end of the elastic cord and pass it through the crimp bead, then take the other end and go through the crimp bead in the opposite direction. Another pair of hands is very helpful the first time.....hold the bracelet, and pull the ends of the cording until they are snuggled up against the beads, then use a simple pair of needle nosed pliers, and smash down the crimp bead. Think of a strong handshake as you press down the crimp bead, as that is the amount of force you need to exert. Voila! You have your own designer bracelet! Simply cut off the excess cording on either side of the crimp bead. There is no need to try and work the cord back through the beads. These are very popular right now, and you can find stretch bracelets in trendy boutiques everywhere. As you get comfortable with the process, you can experiment with new beads and combinations. As you wear your very own creation, and look down at it during a stressful day, it will not only tickle you to be reminded that you made it, but it will take you back to an enjoyable experience, and you will naturally be replacing some of those stress hormones with some calming happy thoughts.
Mastering the simple first steps will lead to giant leaps in the creative process.

(An important note of warning:)
Before long, you will find yourself having dreams about new designs...be ready, this is the first sign of addiction!

Finding time to be creative

What does your normal daily schedule look like? Are you a well-scheduled woman with your day planner or PDA broken down into 30 minute increments, with all the slots full? Do you run from sun up to well past sun down and then lament all the tasks that remain undone as you are brushing your teeth at night?

There are certain functions that we involuntarily work into every day, like eating. We become physically hungry and each of us knows that food recharges our bodies.

Finding creative time is just as important to recharging our souls as food is to recharging our bodies. This does not hold true only for artists. This is a basic truth and creating on any scale brings joy and rejuvenation.

When you feel the weight of stress in every pore of your body, try finding any creative outlet to flush out all that negative energy and replace it with positive juices. Think about what brings you happiness. It doesn't matter what you do as long as it taps into your creative side. It can be cooking, drawing, painting, writing, making a bracelet or pair of earrings, singing, or sewing.


The important thing is that you regularly silence the noise of the left brain and move into the quiet and peace of the right brain.

Remember how great it felt to play as a child? Did you think about what you wanted to accomplish? I'll bet you "just did"...you didn't have a blueprint for play, you just played. Approaching your creative time will nourish you if you just enjoy, have fun, play! If you approach it as a task, or concentrate on what you desire to accomplish during your creative time, it may in fact become more of a stress than a benefit.

Many times in taking creative writing classes, an instructor will lead the students through free association or free writing exercises. There are several ways to approach this, but the goal is to free up the left side of the brain, and let the right brain literally take over. It truly is like a meditation, and the benefits are amazing.

So, schedule some time to play! Don't focus on outcome, just let yourself get lost in the moment and have fun. I normally write in this forum about jewelry making, but truly anything creative is good for the soul.

One of my favorite creative outlets beside jewelry making is cooking. Cooking is all about technique. Learning simple techniques takes all the intimidation right out of cooking. Making a pot of soup is one of the most satisfying experiences there is. Take the time to buy fresh vegetables, and chop them by hand. Saute the vegetables before adding the cooking stock to release all those beautiful oils and aromas. Seasoning while simmering allows the essence of the seasoning to permeate the soup ingredients while they cook. Your loved ones will feel physically nourished, and emotionally nurtured with a warm bowl of hot homemade soup for dinner. In fact, they may be so thrilled, that they will offer to do the cleanup while you sit down and find another creative outlet!

Luxe Jewels as a portal to creativity

(This is a kit available through Luxe Jewels. www.luxejewels.com ; Luxe ID:sachacottage)

A question that I hear very often is, "I am dying to be creative, to do anything, but I am overwhelmed with the choices, how can I just get started?"

For those out living life in the everyday world, many have never had any formal training in the arts. Many have never learned a craft, many have never felt they could learn a craft in the small amount of "free" time they have. Picasso said, "Inspiration exists....but it has to find you working!" I think that is a great picture of a simple truth. You really do become inspired, just by doing. My daughter is a great example of this. She never saw herself as the creative type. She never tried anything until I showed her a very simple elastic bracelet made with beads that she had a particular liking for. In a few short weeks, she made a few, got a couple new ideas while making those first bracelets, learned how to string, crimp and wire wrap. This young woman now has her own shop on etsy.com (more to follow on that!) and has SOLD her first piece.

Luxe jewels is an easy, affordable portal into the world of creativity. Their concept is a classic one....basically it is a tupperware party idea with jewelry! Picture yourself in your living room with a few good friends, a glass of wine, surrounded by beautiful beads and gemstones, and a consultant to guide you every step of the way. You can choose beginner kits ahead of time, and make them right there with your consultant standing by to lend a hand, answer questions and provide you with the tools. In an hour or two, you have a stunning new piece of jewelry, you have learned the most basic and important techniques of jewelry stringing, and tapped into that creative self that we ALL have. It cost you only the price of a kit, and some time. There isn't a new craft out there that you can get involved in for such a small financial investment. Luxe never charges for a "class", and you can use the consultant's tools. Then, when you realize just how much you love it, you can have workshops with your friends to learn new techniques. You will see that it literally opens that portal to turn on the creative flow. It literally can be life-changing.

Consider emailing me directly, and I can get you set up with a party, or direct you to a consultant in your area. I would love to hear about your personal creative journey!

www.luxejewels.com

Luxe ID: sachacottage

An Introduction to Luxe Jewels

This company was founded by Jessica Herrin who cofounded the successful weddingchannel.com. With the anticipated arrival of her first child, Jessica set off on a path of starting a jewelry business to allow her more flexibility to be home with her baby. She was surprised to find that there was greater expense and more questions than she planned on. Frequently she wished for a friend to brainstorm with. This was the seed that Luxe Jewels was sprouted from! The company is still fairly new, but I can testify (as their biggest fan) that they really know how to do it all right! I am just thrilled with all the staff. They have set a very high bar for professionalism, warmth, friendliness and support. I can't remember when I have been more impressed by a company. Their foundational beliefs are; passion-balance-creativity-success.

My personal drive to become involved with Luxe Jewels was the ability to do what most want to....teach what I love. I am increasingly convicted that women in our fast paced society need to learn to tap into their creative self. Many times that concept seems like a "task" in itself, and who needs more tasks? We need a fun, quick and rewarding way to do that, and Luxe Jewels is the perfect path to do just that. Heah, you not only get to follow your bliss, but wear it too!

Another very important componant of the core beliefs of Luxe Jewels was an added bonus to me. They have a very strong commitment to the community and the charitable organizations that are making a real difference in lives. The following is a small blurb on their website about their commintment to community.



"The Luxe Jewels Giving Mission is to be a socially responsible member of the community supporting causes that benefit women and children. This is one of our favorite parts of Luxe Jewels - we're a fun and easy way for women to make a difference. Each quarter, our consultants offer tremendous support to our chosen charity, or a charity of their own. For example, in October, Luxe Jewels donated $5 from the sale of our Think Pink bracelet to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the world's largest private funder of breast cancer research and community outreach programs, as well as donated 10% from our Think Pink Boutique. Additionally, consultants and hostesses could choose to donate a portion of their own earnings and rewards to the cause."

The picture at the top of this post is of this quarter's featured piece of jewelry. Here is a little more about that.


"This quarter, we are focusing on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Wear something beautiful, both in its style, and in its contribution to finding a cure for blood cancer. When you purchase either one of these gorgeous freshwater pearl bracelets, Luxe Jewels will donate $5 to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Your Luxe Jewels Consultant can work with you to plan a party where an additional portion of your sales will go to the cause. Your gift will support scientific research, education and programs in your community. Consider it an investment in your own future, as well as the health and well-being of your family and friends. "

Please consider having either yourself or an organization you belong to, host a Luxe Jewels party sometime in the near future to help this very worthwhile cause. I am happy to provide more information, and get you on your way to a very fun and reqarding event!

www.luxejewels.com

Luxe Jewels ID: sachacottage

Creativity is a drug I cannot live without.


Cecil B. DeMille

Ok, maybe it really is spring!

To celebrate that wonderous time of season, I made this necklace with thoughts of the sea and blue summer Maine skies. I was so happy to hear the peepers last night taking Cooper for a late evening walk. Yes, It really may be spring after all.

(This necklace also posted for sale at my etsy shop....www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com)

Getting Started

Just a few words (or paragraphs!) about what got me to this point.

After one career change away from the food industry (that may have been a blunder), a new marriage (the best decision I ever made), the purchase of a home after renting for years, (how fun is that), and the realization that my new career was definately not a good fit....I set off on a new path to try and figure out what was supposed to be next. I had been increasingly convicted that I was supposed to not only be doing something creative, but helping others to be creative too. We ALL get so caught up in living life, getting "it ALL done" every day, that most of us are neglecting the important piece about nurturing ourselves. That is not the same thing as spoiling ourselves, and we all have little (sometimes not so little) ways of doing that. Taking the time to tap into what feeds our soul is a luxury we don't allow ourselves often enough. It is a little like exercising in that the benefits are awesome, and the more you do, the better you feel.

That conviction led me to my next stop which is a business called Luxe Jewelry. This company has super nice, good quality jewelry kits, that can be easily taught in the comfort of home with friends, laughter....and maybe a little glass of wine! I liked this company because it doesn't charge for classes, so there is no pressure. Anyone can come and just watch if they want, or come and buy artisan created jewelry if they see something they like, but truly have no interest in creating it. They have beautiful things that are very easy to learn to make, and then jewelry that is more difficult, so as you master techniques, you can do pieces that are a bit more challenging. I love the idea of not only having the therapy of making something yourself, but the ongoing joy of wearing it, and remembering how good it felt to make it. Though I am just starting, I have already reaped the added benefits of their core staff being some of the most friendly, warm and supportive people I have had the pleasure to come across in a long time.
Oh, and yes, I left the last job (Real Estate) and am now making jewelry at home, selling it various places and getting back into the food industry. (This will be NO surprise to anyone who knows me.) I will be catering again, and am totally stoked for it. My feet on the other hand, will not be as thrilled!