Sacha Cottage Studio

Balance

2006-07-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life becomes almost effortless, ebbing and flowing like the ocean's tide with seemingly no conscious effort. A piece of jewelry feels like it almost makes itself, and when done is even better than originally imagined. The sun is warm, the hummingbirds are fighting outside my studio window, my bichon is asleep at my feet, there is a little Tori Amos playing in the background and I revel in the joy of this life. In one instant you hear the news that a good friend has just passed away...described appropriately by his mother as a friend of friends, and the balance shifts, breaking the flow. How do you maintain the balance when life so frequently spins out of control? When someone you have known for years and have been through dark and turbulent times together to pursue and share in the joy of truest love found,and now has just lost her true love?

Her true love, this friend of friends taught us who were watching, many lessons through the living of his life. I know he would want these lessons to be his legacy. It really is all about balance. Living life to its fullest by fully experiencing each and every moment. Work hard....play just as hard. Don't miss an opportunity to pick up the phone and connect with a friend....or walk across the hall to connect with a co-worker for just a moment. We used to work together, and no one was busier, and yet in the midst of the twenty things he was juggling at any given moment, he would come into my office, slap me on the back and plop into a vacant chair and say, "Tell me what's new today deaah."..(he loved the Maine accent!) He would always find a way to get to the important information in a heartbeat and then be up and off to show some property or play a quick game of racquetball.

So I am off today to rediscover my balance. To get back into that zone of a gentle and effortless rhythm to accomplish all that needs to be done, to make that necessary income while at the same time, having some time to create. To have time to love, and enjoy those I love so much, to cherish the companionship of my animals, to take a moment to pull a few weeds in the garden, check on the growth of the tadpoles in the pond, get lost in a little music, write or talk to a few friends, and just be. My life is not all about the accomplishments anymore. Say a prayer of thanks that I grew away from that years ago and thankfully while I still had one child at home. And say a prayer of thanks for knowing you, Wayne. Be well.

Maya Brenner's New Book

2006-07-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Available Here Through Amazon.com

Beaded Jewelry By Maya Brenner:
This book is full of great designs and great tips. The photography is wonderful, and overall, inspirational. Maya is a great designer whose work can be found in over 80 stores nationwide. I came to be aware of Maya through Luxe Jewelry, where you can find several of her exclusive designs in a kit format. I am very pleased to have Maya's book be the first jewelry book that I am featuring here.

Crystal and Chrysocolla Necklace

2006-07-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

I just can't get enough of the beauty of Chrysocolla. Thanks once again to Sybella Designs for providing the chrysocolla pieces. (http://www.sybelladesigns.etsy.com) Light and airy gold filled oval chain is wire wrapped with 6 mm teal swarovski crystals and daisy spacers, interspersed with wire wrapped 6 mm round chrysocolla beads. The pendant drop is wire wrapped with the chrysocolla disk and a faceted rectangle of chrysocolla. This 18" necklace features a single drop at the lobster claw closure of a teal swarovski crystal. One of the nice features of an oval chain is the ability to change the length of the necklace to suit a change in necklines. This great color combination will take you right into your fall wardobe. This item features free shipping!

This necklace can be purchased at http://www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

Wooden It Be Lovely

2006-07-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

A great combination of mixed elements. Wood, copper, yellow jade, and teal faceted quartz. Surprisingly light and oh, so summery. Here is what you get....rosewood dice beads that are 15x15x20mm, 6mm round yellow jade beads, 8x10mm teal faceted quartz beads, copper 24 gauge wire, copper jump rings and a lovely copper heart closure. This necklace measures 18" in length.

This necklace can be purchased at www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

Summer, Summer I love Summer...

2006-06-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's hot...it's steamy....it's full of creative inspiration.
Here's to summer!

Mussels Marina Necklace
I could have named this necklace and the matching earrings lots of things, but let's face it....they remind me of mussels marinara. Why? The blue shell beads are exactly the color of beautiful Maine Coast mussel shells, and the fire polished 8mm red beads are the color of....you guessed it, marinara sauce. This light weight necklace is constructed of oval sterling chain from Luxe Jewels, antiqued sterling silver daisy spacer beads, and sterling wire wrapped shell beads and fire polished beads. The focal point is stunning with the blue shell beads surrounding antiqued sterling silver beads and a wire wrapped drop measuring just under 1 1/2". There is one more wire wrapped drop in the back at the sterling lobster claw closure. If you can't be in Maine this summer...you can wear this necklace and matching earrings and FEEL like you are on the beach in style.

This necklace and the matching earrings can be purchased online at: Sachacottagestudio

Vintage Copper Swirls Necklace

2006-06-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

These unique vintage copper swirls were found in an old warehouse...no one quite knows what they were meant for...so of course, I say... make jewelry out of them! They have been paired up with 6/0 seed beads that are somewhat turquoise, somewhat greenish, and a few tan ones thrown in for interest. There are also fun metallic drizzle cube beads and a couple of cut copper beads as well. The closure is a copper square toggle. This choker length necklace measures 16" in length. It is meant to be ever so slightly longer than a choker due to the interesting components of the copper swirl. For a little bit of interest, I have added a wire wrapped drop between the two copper swirls with seed beads and the cut copper beads. The drop is wrapped with copper.

You will stop them on the street with a white tee, little denim capris and this necklace....

To stop 'em on the street, this necklace can be purchased at:
sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

This necklace has been purchased. Visit my online shop for other artisan crafted jewelry. I love custom orders, so if you have a vision, but don't know how to create it....we can collaborate!
I can be reached at lgreg@tidewater.net

Here's to Health, Happiness and Bustin Your Fanny

2006-06-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

This necklace can be purchased at sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

There hasn't been much action here lately. In my absence there has been a quantum leap of change in my life in almost every way.

Most importantly, I received the results from medical tests that had me, my family, my friends on pins and needles. I had been having a series of physical problems for several months, and to an outsider it would apppear it may all culminate in a very scarey result. To the contrary!! I got great news and although not definative as to the root of some of the symptoms, subconsciously I believe that I chose in that moment to be healed. I don't expect that to make any sense to anyone but perhaps myself. All I know is that since that day, my life has been changing in more ways that I can even relate here. I started two new jobs, both in the catering field. Anyone who caters or has catered, knows the demand that it puts on the body physically. Long hours on your feet, incredible heat, mental intensity, and lots and lots and lots of heavy lifting. There have been 8-10-12 and 15 hour days in the last few weeks. I may have felt like I was hit by a bus, but I did it, and then got back up the next morning and did it again. I feel 10 years younger than last month at this time. I know that I am one of those people that has truly been blessed with a second chance. I have never taken things, or people or health for granted....but this truly is like a rebirth of self, and I will never forget it. Right now down to my core, I know that all things are possible. My jewelry business is beginning to take off in the midst of all this wonderful physical healing as well. I have no idea where this all will end, and I don't need to know. Right now...I am just lovin the ride.

Foggy Beach Treasures Necklace

2006-06-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

Choker style two-strand necklace features yellow quartz chunks as a focal point on the shorter choker strand. Also incorporated in random throughout both strands are 6/0 seed beeds in matte sandy beige, and matte metallic appearing purplish seed beads, brass twisted beads and unique metal drizzled cube beads. The toggle closure is brass with the shorter necklace measuring 15" and the other strand one inch longer in length. Will I adjust the length to your desires? You bet!

This necklace can be purchased at www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

Congratulations, Jarred!

2006-06-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today was graduation day for my daughter's boyfriend.
After days and days of cold rain, this afternoon the sun came out and the breezes died down to offer up a beautiful outdoor setting for high school graduation.

What are the things that a Mom hopes for in a boyfriend? Someone who is kind and considerate, well mannered, friendly, comfortable, and hardworking. Being totally adorable doesn't hurt the picture either. He has been all those things and more, and I feel blessed that he is a part of my daughter's life. I watched a young man who had real questions about whether he even wanted to play basketball his senior year, follow through because he knew how happy it would make his family. He turned into one of the most aggressive and certainly the most composed and mature members of the team this year. They had the pleasure of going all the way to the State Finals where they came very close to moving up in the ranks. The pride that I felt in him during the course of the season grew and grew, and I can only imagine what his parents and grand parents felt.

He walked down the isle today wearing the gold scarf of an honor student with plans to attend college in the fall to study fire sciences. I saw a mature, fun loving, and perhaps a little bit anxious man walking down that isle this afternoon. For him I wish all the best in life, but know there will be heart ache as well, for there always is. I do know that he has a loving young woman by his side, family that loves him dearly and who will support him all along the way.

Jarred, we are so happy to have you as a part of our family. We love you....here's to you!

Afternoon Garden Party Earrings

2006-06-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Lovely, dainty sterling silver drop earrings.
Sterling french wire, sterling silver fine chain with ivory pearls, peridot green 4mm swarovski crystals, opal pearl 4mm swarovski crystals. Drop measures 1 1/2" from bottom of ear wire. I put these earrings next to white, black, green, red, denim, khaki and they go with everything!

These earrings can be purchased at my online shop:
http://www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

I Heart Chrysocolla Necklace

2006-06-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

This double strand necklace measures 16" for the inner strand, with the longer strand being about a 1" drop. Featuring beautiful chrysocolla gemstones from Sybella Designs, it also has cut copper beads, wooden oval beads, olive green faceted beads, and seed beads in the same color families. The chrysocolla drop measures 1 3/4" in length with the focal being a beautifully striking chrysocolla briolette. The colors in this necklace remind of the deep woods just before sun down when all the colors are muted, green and coppery with shaft of spectalular unexpected light.

This necklace can be purchased at: http://www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

Emerald Isle Cuff

2006-05-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

This bracelet can be purchased at
www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

Frustration can snowball....

2006-05-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah, frustration can get out of hand. I have found my frustration with my health mounting, and with it a loss of control over all those "things" I determine I "should" be doing. This little cutie is at the groomer because I let him get out of control. He is a demanding young man....he needs daily brushing, weekly trims, biweekly baths to keep looking like the canine stud that he is. Unfortunately, I have not been well enough to do all of that...one thing leads to another, and suddenly he is a mess. Now he is probably undergoing the trauma of his young life by getting a buzz cut. My bad.

This is a pretty good analogy for my general life right now. My head is full of ideas, projects, jewelry, paintings, gardens, gourmet meals to name just a few, and body is saying, "Good God woman, you have GOT to be kidding me." Right now, no matter what I do get around to, it is a generator of guilt. If I sit down in the "studio" and work on a piece, the left side of my brain is giving me grief that I am not scrubbing the kitchen floor. If I actually conjure up enough energy to scrub the kitchen floor, my right brain is crying, whining, stamping her foot to get creating. Like most negative things, the battle begins to take over, and less and less and less gets accomplished.

I am trying to be gentle with myself, and recognize the vailidity of not being well. I am trying to take things in little bites....all you type A's out there are belly laughing at the mere thought of that! And probably most of all, I am trying to allow pleasure and a little reveling in getting each little bite down. Maybe this is all about my need to (re)learn to enjoy the ride. This was top priority for me for years after my divorce, but the last few years it seems to have slipped into oblivion. Today is a good day, and for that I am thankful!

Off to bring that cute little bichon home!

Brassy Chic Necklace

2006-05-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

This fun necklace is composed of brass washers of varying sizes, bone spacer beads,small chocolate brown wooden beads,seed beads of varying sizes and colors:turquoise,copper,brown,clear, and tube beads with a brass lobster claw clasp. Necklace measures 15 1/2" with a 3" drop.

This necklace can be purchased at my online shop:
http:www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

I'd Like my Glass of Mulberry Wine Now....Necklace

2006-05-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

This necklace can be purchased at my online shop:

http://www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com

(This necklace has already sold. (Thank you J from MN!!!) Feel free to shop for other artisan pieces, though!)

Happy Mother's Day, Mom

2006-05-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

A day to honor our Moms. My mother is largely responsible for my creative streak. However, I will never compare to hers. She has always been amazing to me in her talent, creative thought process and ingenuity. This is the Mom that made my clothes, after she made the pattern! She is a great cook, talented painter, creates wool hooked rugs that look like a painting when she is done. Yes, she dyes and cuts the wool that go into the rugs as well. She is a Mother from the era of "correctness". To say she is proper, is a total understatement. My life must be a total shock to her. It has been anything but correct. For all of the things that she struggled daily to impart to my brother, sister, and I, my fondest memories are all of her when she was just immersed in the moment. I saw a completely differrent woman walking along the beach, teaching me just the right way to look for sea glass, to use light to your advantage. The light in her eyes when she was walking through the woods teaching me the diffent types of lichen and why they grown the way they do, or helping me create an aquarium of my very own out in the yard....of course I had to release the contents every six hours or so!
For many years I was intimidated by her perfection. I knew I could never sew as well or to her standards, so I avoided it. The same could be said for just about everything. Then as I aged, I came into my own a little more and made a transposition into being able to be enriched by all she imparted just by being who she is.
She still is creating works of beauty, perhaps a bit more slowly now than before. She embodies all that is beauty to me and has given me too many gifts to list. Just a few are, patience, creativity, good manners, not wearing my heart on my sleeve, being comfortable not compromising, and strength. Thank God for the strength her genes filled me with, for I have needed it. I don't really know how she taught me to see things through her eyes as just a small child, but I am so grateful for that. Without fanfare or calling any attention to what she was doing, she taught me all the very most important lessons in life.
Mom, thank you forever for who you are.
Here's to you, Mom.

My Son

2006-05-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

I can't sing the praises and highlight the talents of one child without giving equal time to her older brother. These two children are as different as any two human beings can be, but they share a strong bond braided with love and respect. Older by nine years, my son has always had an interesting mix of competition and protectiveness towards his sister. While I was pregnant with my daughter I heard lots of comments about how fortunate I was to have had my children so far apart which would remove any chance of competition between them. Quite the opposite was true from the very beginning. They weren't as close as I would have expected when they were younger, but that changed as they grew older. I find a lot of comfort in watching their friendship deepen as they age, and I can see them as adults having the kind of sibling relationship that many lament not having.

My son is very creative, but in a totally different way than my daughter. He has one of those minds, that can envision not only a finished project, but the steps to get him there. He was the lego king growing up, Rarely did he make a lego kit without immediately tearing it down, and then rebuilding it in his own way. I still buy him a lego kit every year for Christmas. I have started scouring eBay for the "vintage" kits that will bring back memories for him.

His mind was so inquisitive, it was completely exhausting. I literally had to be watching him every moment to keep him from harms way. As a four year old, he sat in the dining room of the restaurant I was going to be part of running and watched the electricians put the wiring in. He sat enthralled for hours, watching their every move. My next day off, I went to the bathroom (quickly), only to return to our living room in time to see him cutting the cord of the television (running) with my rose pruners. I became a bad cartoon character in slow motion as I leapt the length of the room in one bound to knock the pruners out of his hand just as he was cutting through the wire. Well, I have kept the pruners with the neat little circular hole burnt through as a momento of one serious zapping...Thankfully, I got the zap, not him!

During his kindergarten screening, he was given several blocks, and shown a "bridge" that he was to build just as the teacher had built it. After knocking it down, she asked him to reconstruct it. He built a bridge, but quite unlike the one the teacher had built. He got the teacher-like disapproving look...(the first of many!), and a tolerant explanation of what he did wrong. He looked at her with his most cherub-like smile and proceeded to show her why his bridge was much stronger than hers, and perhaps she would rather build it like that in the future!

He has always been his own little man, doing things in his own way, in his own time. I struggled as a single mother, as I suppose most do with not being all that he needed. It is easier raising a daughter alone than a son. How do you work several jobs, make sure the house is clean, the laundry is done, healthy meals are prepared, help with the homework, make repairs, do the lawn, and have the ability to impart the lessons that only a man can teach his son? This haunted me, and I constantly worried that I was doing it all wrong. Ask this young many today how he feels his childhood was and you will hear the stories of a man who sounds like he grew up in the best environment anyone could ever ask for. He is respectful, loving kind, patient, hardworking, adorable, handsome and tolerant. These are attributes that are the cornerstone of a fine man.

Approaching this Mother's Day, I find myself thankful for having the strength to not take the easy roads with my children. Thankful for the love and patience that I was filled with during some difficult years. Thankful for being able to wait it out until the next day, because maybe it would get a little better. (It usually did). Thankful for the small ways we found to have fun, and make memories that will last forever.

I truly feel blessed beyond belief with the gifts that my children have brought into my life. I receive that blessing with humbleness and deep gratitude. You both are my Mother's Day present just by being who you are.

My son, you are a wonderful man. I love you more than words could ever convey. Here's to you.

My Favorite Designer

2006-05-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

(This bracelet can be purchased at my daughter's shop at www.twirlingjewelry.etsy.com)

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than to celebrate your children?

I have mentioned my daughter on several occasions, but this post is dedicated to her.

She is a beautiful, quirky, kind, sensitive and loving seventeen year old that keeps our home alive with music, laughter and silliness. As a chef, I always saw myself in the kitchen with my kids, cooking up a storm with Prince blaring in the background and getting into all sorts of culinary mischief. My son dabbled in the culinary world for awhile, and definately has a natural feel for cooking. My daughter, on the other hand just has no interest. There have been glimmers of interest, but they have been fleeting. I strongly feel that your natural leanings will rise if left to your own way, so I have never pushed. I want her to know the basics of fending for herself in the kitchen, but outside of that, I am willing to let it go. Likewise with gardening, and other crafting interests. Her pull has really own been toward music and computers until recently, which is fine.

When I first became involved with Luxe Jewels I got this great Christmas present-like box in the mail with all the goodies to get started. Some kits, some supplies, and oooooooo....some tools. I noted interest from my daughter in what tool would accomplish what task. Next came a question about a basic stringing technique. Soon, I was teaching her all the very basic techniques that may be normally taught in a jewelry class, and she was having a blast. Soon after, she had made a pretty, very basic elastic bracelet that looked stunning on her wrist. This was followed by another, and another. She is the very best example of the creative process that I talk about so often. On the heels of basic knowledge and practice of the basic knowledge....her right brain literally began to take over and the creative process began. In a few short weeks, she was making more intricate pieces, and kicking her basics up a few notches with more interesting beads and combinations. This same gal now has her own site on esty, and is getting orders from friends, well on her way to having a nice supplementary jewelry business. Please take a minute and check out her shop that can be found at www.twirlingjewelry.etsy.com

Am I proud of her? In too many ways to count, I am! She is first and foremost the most grounded, centered young woman I know. She is intelligent, and caring, and thank God, has the same wacked out sense of humor that I have, so there is SOMEONE around to laugh at what I consider to be jokes. What makes me the happiest about this new found passion, is the change it has brought about within her. She is blossoming everyday, gaining in self confidence and poise and full of excitement. She already has within her the very most important attributes that any parent could pray their child will embrace as an adult. She makes being a parent fun along with all the responsiblities and worries that naturally come with the task of parenting. Here's to you dear! You are still and always my sunshine.
I Love You.

Following Your Bliss

2006-05-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

(These earrings
can be purchased at:
www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com)

Following your bliss. It's not as easy as it sounds. I went through more than a few tortuous months before I jumped ship and set off without a map. It was far and away one of the most "irresponsible" things I have done in my adult life. (OK, there have been a FEW others! I won't give you that whole laundry list. No, really, I'm NOT giving you that laundry list! I left a fairly well paying job with a great deal of security for the Real Estate industry. I was burned out (as it turns out...not burned out of anything other than that specific job), and feeling my oats and wanting to try something totally new. I had a new beau who was soon to become my husband that was my biggest cheerleader, telling me to go for it, and my kids were all full of support. At first, the novelty was awesome, the education even better because I love learning and challenges. Then, reality started to sink in, and I realized that there were far more things I hated about the new career than I liked. Ironically, for a job where there was lots of autonomy and freedom I felt like a caged animal. My nice corner office with windows and a view became more prisonlike every day. I started feeling guilty on top of everything else, because it really wasn't ALL that bad! I worked with such a great group of people....but good God, I had to get out of there.

Here, I am just five short months later still trying to get my groove on, but feeling better every day. There is an inner knowledge that I am where I am meant to be, and doing what I am meant to be doing. But......where is the money? Our financial incumbrances don't give a fancy one that I am out there doing what I love, so please be patient until I start making some money. Now there is guilt of a different sort. A guilt of feeling selfish that I had to be different and go do my own thing, while my family has to make the financial sacrifices right along with me. But, it is the right thing and I know it. In the greater scheme of things, I think I am being a good example to my children about making sacrifices for the right reasons. So I am hanging tough, making every cut back I can find, learning to have a lot of fun on a very little $$, and having the time of my life. Through this path my daughter has found her own vein of creativity and has begun to blossom into a confident, talented, happy young woman. That brings more joy and satisfaction that any corporate paycheck could ever bring. My mantra has become, "Do what you love and the money will follow". Meantime, I get to go off and do some catering on the road this summer to pay off some bills, and in my downtime....keep making jewelry.

Life is good and precious, and I am thankful.

Tools of the Trade

2006-05-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

(this necklace
can be purchased
at www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com)
(SOLD)

Someone comments on my necklace at the Farmer's Market on a Friday morning, asking where I got it. That is always a fun moment for me. I get that funny little tickle in my tummy of pure delight as I get to say that I am the one that made it. Somewhere in the next few moments I usually get asked what kind of tools the average person needs to really be able to some basic jewelry making.

You may be surprised to learn that it is only a few basic tools. You probably can visit the home toolbox and find enough to get going on a few pieces. Soon you will decide that you would like your own tools, and there is good reason for that. First of all, most jewelry making on the scale of stringing beads or simple wire wrapping is a bit more delicate than the average home tool was created for. Secondly, it is just darn fun to own your own tools! Tim the Toolman isn't the only one that gets a charge from a good tool, you know. Thirdly.....tools are created for a specific job for a reason. They just do better, and they FEEL better in your hand. If you use a pair of needle nose pliers created for jewelry making, you will have a more gentle hand when crimping a bead than when you are using a regular pair of needle nose pliers.

To really do the job you just need a pair of needle nose pliers, a pair of round nose (sometimes called rosary pliers), a pair of bent nose pliers and a pair of wire cutters. Needle nose pliers work well for basic crimping, and holding wire during wire wrapping. Round nose or rosary pliers are essential for getting that symmetrical circle when wire wrapping. You can place the wire either right to the end for a delicate circle, or farther up the plier end for a larger loop. Bend nose pliers look like a pair of needle nose pliers that bend off at an angle. When wire wrapping, these are great for grabbing the end of the wrap and making the bends around the foundational wire. Lastly wire cutters are for cutting the extra stringing wire off the end of the crimp beads, and cutting wire when wirewrapping. Please do yourself the favor of spending the extra few dollars the FIRST TIME and buying quality tools. It makes all the difference in the world. Your end product will show the difference, and you will be much more satisfied with your piece. They will also last longer. Not to diss Walmart or the local craft store, but their jewelry tools are junk so don't waste your money. Luxe jewels makes affordable tools that really are of exceptional quality for the price. Also Fire Mountain Gems is a good source for jewelry tools.

As you progress you will want a pair of crimping pliers. These are specially designed to crimp down on a crimping bead....once in the channel end and then making a turn with the crimper and smashing again in the circular groove. These gives you a more secure, folded crimp bead. If you want to use a crimp cover (recommended!), it will fit after you have made that second fold. Another useful tool is a wire straightener. I LOVE mine. I got a pair for my birthday from my dear husband who is strong enough in our relationship to know he can buy me tools and get hugs and kisses for it! They look like a pair of square ended pliers with an extra wide tip covered in thick plastic. They allow you to grab onto wire and pull in through the pliers ending up with a nice straight piece. They are so handly and, well, just fun to use!

Those are all your basics. You will be amazed with all you can accomplish with this small set of jewelry tools.

Please drop me a line and let me know how you are progressing! I would love to hear from you.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Frosty Pink Dream Braided Necklace

2006-04-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

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.....

2006-04-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

(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

2006-04-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

(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

2006-04-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

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