It started as a Facebook Post. . . . .

I had started commenting, like many others, on the tragic happening today at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, CT.  I soon realized I felt strongly about many facets, too strongly to put into one Facebook post.  As I see it right now, there are many sides of this story and many opinions to be heard and considered.  Here is my humble opinion. 

As a mother and human, let me first say, I am praying for all the victims of this horrible crime. 

The children who left the earth today, I have no doubt they are with their creator and at peace.  They will never have a graduation, first love or future.  This was taken from them by another. 

For the children left behind to live with us, we need to leave no doubt in their minds how loved and cherished they are.   Children are our future.  They deserve all we have to give, because when we are gone, they are all that is left of us. 

It is our duty as adults to ensure our children feel safe.  I can't begin to imagine how helpless the parents of those children must feel when that duty was taken from them by another.

As a former teacher, I want to applaud those that work tirelessly day in and day out to give our children the best education in a safe a nurturing environment.  Teachers give everything they have to the classroom.  Not just time, but money and love.  If you don't already, appreciate your teachers and all the work they are putting into educating your children. 

When something like this happens, we all take a step back and realize how blessed we are.  I urge you to regularly take a step back and realize how blessed we are, not just when something like this kicks us in the face. 

Already, folks are commenting on gun control and how we can prevent something like this happening again.  I personally feel it it extremely important to make mental health care available and accessible to all, especially those in need.  I choose not to comment on gun control.

Whether it be a school, a mall, or a movie theater,  shootings are terrifying, pointless and sick.  I refuse to feed into the morbid curiosity about the shooter or his motives.  That is the job of the police.  I am concerned with the healing of the victims and restoring their faith in humanity.  I hope you will do the same. 

It's been a while . . .

Yes, I know.  I havent been as dilligent about my blog posting as I was in the past.  But here's the good news, I'm Back! I have a lot of things to share with all of you!

First of all, we are in full swing for the holidays, and all that implies.  I am producing work as fast as I can manage for upcoming shows.  I will be participating in a Mompreneurs Sip and Shop on November 30th and The Boylan Heights Art Walk on December 2nd.  And there is the never ending list of gifts, events and functions that happen around this time.  Even though we are all very busy, it's nice to still be able to create and do something I love. 

Second, I have made some new pieces that I am looking forward to debuting.  I have ventured into gold! I sent some of my "bread an butter" pieces to be gold plated in something called Vermeil.  It is a very specific Gold plating that is done over silver and is the thickest plate you generally see.  I am very excited about these pieces.  They really add another dimension to my collection.  For the plating process I worked with a company called Red Sky Plating.  They were very accommodating and pleasant to work with (but that is another post).

And Lastly, In the midst of all of that, we are purchasing a new home and move the first week of December!  I am very excited to get into the new house because it has an unfinished basement, which will be my studio (pictures to come).  Of course, we have been showing our house and I have been working in the garage.  This really makes you prioritize what needs to get done and what tools are needed for the job.  I will enjoy unpacking all my tools and getting all set up again :)

Keep Creating

Great News!

I was very excited to receive an email from Rio Grande, a jewelry supply company, telling me I won the "What Are You Working On?" contest for the month of October.  I submitted my last blog post and was chosen as a feature for the month.  I was very excited to receive this news and very appreciative toward Rio Grande for choosing me. Click here.

From Start to Finish

I have been working for a while on this piece.  It is very heavy and includes a lot of silver.  I am really happy with the way it turned out.  Mostly because it is very close to the drawing I came up with months ago.  This piece was a challenge for me, from cloisonne shapes I don't usually use to bezel setting which I am in need of more practice.  I feel this piece shows my current level of metalsmithing skills, which I am always improving.  Forgive me, the pictures were taken with my iphone.

Here is my original drawing of the piece.  My inspiration was circles.  The entire necklace is circular, not a strait line to be found.

Here is the base of the enameled disk with cloisonne wires ready to go

This is the enameled disk with granular enamel painted on and ready to go into the kiln

in the process of adding color and firing to build up layers of glass

Ground and finished disk, ready to set

Here is the setting all soldered.  It's starting to come together!

I tested the disk in the setting many times to ensure a good fit

I also pierced the back and used blue counter enamel so it would show through.  A little secret for the wearer to know ;)

I actually broke a file!!!! I guess I don't know my own strength.

Here is the finished product, completely soldered set and ready to wear

A close up of the pendant

My favorite, the pierced back :)

I hope you enjoyed the journey for conception to reality.  I have enjoyed documenting it for you :)

Random Stuff to Share

Earlier this summer, I took a pottery class and made this bowl for our dining room.  Us creative types just spill creativity all over the place ;)

I am currently obsessed with figs, I bought this flat at the West Side Market in Cleveland and ate all 24 of them in 2 days!

My little guy.  I had to put him in, he's just so cute.

On the beach in Fort Lauderdale.

In case you don't know, I'm in love with Kate Spade handbags.  While on vacation, the outlet was having a phenomenal sale! I loaded up with bags and accessories.  This was on one of the care cards inside a bag.  I love it!

More of the beach

I saw this on facebook and loved it so I had to share it :)

My best friend Jess and I in a lovely store in Wilton Manners, To The Moon.  They had all sorts of old timey and super funny gifts.  

Josh Barker, I know you will appreciate this.  A little throw back to my previous post about haters.

On the Bench

I am getting very excited for the holiday season! Most of my applications have been filled out and sent in and I have some new designs to feature at these upcoming shows.  Here are some of the things I have been working on.


These first two pictures are new necklace designs to match already existing earrings.  I am making an effort to challenge myself lately.  Soldering jump rings may not sound like a big deal but when they're 24guage and the solder is teensy, it was. 

This is a new necklace design to match the forged circle earrings.

This designs matches the forged teardrop earrings.  This one is a work in progress, I'm not totally digging the huge tear compared to the others. 

 The next few pictures are a new feature necklace I am working on and may submit to Saul Bell (we'll see, it's a big scary).  The concept is circles, each and every part of the design is circular, not a strait line to be found.  

Here is the silver disk to be enameled, I have already bent the wires to form the design.  As I said, I am challenging myself, those circles are tricky business. 

This is after the first firing, I wasn't really happy with the colors, so I changed them up.  It actually turned out really good :)

This is after I tweeked the colors.  I like the way it turned out.  Now it needs to be bezel set and put on its necklace.   I'll post pics when it's done. 

Traveling is Full of Inspiration

For about a week, I have traveled to visit family in Cleveland, Ohio and to visit friends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  While we were traveling, I had a few free minutes to take a deep look at my surroundings and make some sketches.  In fact, now that I think of it, I had a major delay on my flight to FLL and got some great new collections drawn out for the holiday season. 

While we were in Florida, my husband and I got a chance to go down to the Keys and hang out on a kayak through the mangroves.  While we were paddling our arms to jelly, we saw some beautiful sights.  An egret extremely close up, a beautiful bird with such a graceful shape.  It took flight and I was in awe.  I was also taken with the beauty of simple things we see every day, like ripples from a drop, yet in the bright light and peacefulness of that kayak ride, they were amazing. 

Though we were busy visiting with friends and family, taking time to appreciate all that the natural world has to offer will serve as inspiration for future pieces. 

Eco Conscience

With the green movement really taking off in so many ways, there are many ways to help. 

As a metal smith, I try to do my part by recycling my scrap silver.  One of the reasons I choose to buy from Rio Grande, is because they refine their own silver.  They pay up to 80% for scrap silver.  They then use this silver in their refinery to produce various products.  Though no product will be completely recycled, I feel I'm doing my part.  Here is a very informative article regarding recycled silver. 

As a mom, we decided to start using cloth diapers when my son turned a year old.  Though it was a shift in the way we do things, I still think it was worth it.  It not only has saved hundreds of diapers from the land fills, but has saved us hundreds of dollars.  We also have discovered a very helpful website that speaks about the toxicity of various products. Skin Deep has added a baby section and is always adding more.  Though we haven't changed all of our baby products, we have changed products that James puts in his mouth (like bubbles in the bath) or one's that we use every day (like baby powder). 

As a home maker and wife, I do my best to conserve energy by consolidating trips, turning off lights and watching the heating and air conditioning usage.  I also try to minimize the amount of bags I use in the grocery store.  Mostly this comes in the produce department and at check out.  We also get a local produce box each week.  I've been using this produce bounty to freeze and stock up on produce for the winter.  I'm looking forward to using this in some homemade soups. We also keep chickens in the backyard.  We let them free range during the day and they provide us with eggs.  We also use the manure in our compost pile, which makes for wonderful fertilizer.  Another consideration is MPG as a big factor when purchasing vehicles. 

Though these are small things, I feel they are making a difference. 

Bezel Class

So on Friday, I went to my favorite little craft store, Ornamentea, and got some inexpensive stones to practice my bezel setting.  This is because I have struggled with a piece that uses a bezel and I needed some help.  I was willing to practice on my own and figure it out, but to my advantage, Ndidi was teaching a bezel setting metals boot camp on Saturday.  I took it as a sign from the universe that I needed to be in this class, so I quickly signed up and looked forward to solving my bezel setting issues.

Ndidi is a phenomenal teacher! We had various skill levels in our class and she gladly accommodated all of them.  The morning was focused on sawing out and finishing the back plates of the pieces.   Then in the afternoon, we conquered the bezel! I learned a bunch of new tricks and tips that made me feel confident in what I had learned.  I have said before that the sign of a good class is one that you walk out of feeling like you could do it at home by yourself, this was one of those classes.  I highly recommend Ornamentea's classes to anyone learning any new jewelry skill.

I got to practice a lot of bezel setting, which was exactly my goal!

Finding the Right Customer

There are two parts to selling to the right customer for your business.  First is figuring out who your customer base is, second is reaching those people.

First, figuring out your customer base.  This requires a lot of observation.   Who is purchasing your product?  Ask your customers about their purchase and listen to their answer.  For example, is it a gift? If so, who for? And how old are they? If your customer is buying for themselves, do they have children with them? Are they wearing other jewelry, (this applies in my case, not for everyone)?  Take notice of how your customer found out about the show.  Did they happen across it or did they look for a show?  If they looked for it, you can deduce they go to craft shows often.  You also need to take into account your price point.  If you are at a higher price point, you need to consider that your clients need to have a greater amount of disposable income.  My items are quality handmade pieces from precious metals, this makes for a higher price point.  So, my customers tend to have more disposable income. 

Reaching your customer base is a mixture of timing, location and marketing.  Reaching my customers has a lot to do with the show that I'm participating in.  As for timing, the time of year tends to be the biggest factor.  For me, the best sales come around the holidays.  People are in the buying mode and looking for gifts for other people.  Even my loyal customers tend to buy more during the holidays.  As for time of day, I have found there really is not any rhyme or reason to it.  Next, location is something to consider carefully.  I am not only participating in shows in the area but I also sell my items through retail locations.  You want to be careful not to saturate an area with your product but still be visible.  This is a very tricky balance. In talking to customers at a show, when it becomes apparent that they are probably not going to purchase anything but admire your work,  it's nice to have somewhere local to refer them.  That way, if they need a gift or a piece in the future and you don't have any upcoming shows, they can still purchase your work.  Lastly, marketing is very important.  I have found that using social media is a free and easy way to let your customers know where they can find you.  Also, keeping your website updated with your contact information and upcoming events can help. This way, when you hand out your card with your website, your customers can refer to it and easily locate you.

Once you find the right customer, you can concentrate your efforts there.  Especially in regards to marketing and choosing shows. 

Check this out!

Christy is a very talented photographer that asked to write a feature on me for her Mompreneur Feature in her Blog.  The photos she took are awesome! Thanks Christy :)

Blog

Website

Happy 4th of July, Nautical Themed

In the past week, I have been feverishly preparing for our big cook out and playgroup get together today.  Here are some pics from today (forgive them, they are cell phone pictures).  And, yes, I may be the next Martha Stewart ;)

The second attempt at an octopus cake, much improved and the one we ate.

Ice Cream cups with patriotic spoons :)

This was an upside down ice bucket that I decorated and used as a cake stand

A little nautical dinnerware collected from Etsy, Target and Party City. 

 Some of our themed foods were; Bulkhead Buns, Salty Dogs, Buoy Burgers, Port-side Potato Salad, Mermaid Melon Slices and Compass Corn.  For our Davey Jones Desserts we had Kraken Cake and Flying Dutchman Ice Cream. 

The Bar

I made paper bunting for the door ways.

What would fourth of July be without watermelon?

Here's James playing in the back yard.  All the kids had a great time playing outside together:)

We had such a nice time with all our friends, kids and adults.  I hope this becomes a bit of a tradition.  Though we didn't get to go to the fireworks because of poor naps, we more than made up for it at the cookout.

Haters Need Not Apply

Whatever your endeavor, there will always be haters.  Mostly because they are jealous of your tenacity to follow your dreams, some because they don't have your skill and still some because you are the competition.  Whoever they are, and whatever their reasons, they have no room in your dream. 

I am fairly new to the handmade jewelry trade and have already come across my fair share of haters.  When they reveal themselves as such, I gently ignore their negativity and go along my own way.  I have also found that there are far many more supporters out there.   People who are willing to answer your questions and help you along in your journey. 

Sometimes, the people who reveal themselves as haters, are not easy to ignore.  A good friend or a family member may turn out to be a hater.  In that case, you need to gently tell your hater that you do not need negativity in your life right now and if they are not going to be supportive, please don't speak about your dream. 

I notice that I have used the word gently more than once.  I say this because it is very easy to deal with negativity harshly.  But take into account that they dealt with your dreams harshly, the virtuous thing to do is to consider their feelings and deal with them gently. 

Regardless of what others have to say about you, you are following your dream and fulfilling your vision.  This in and of itself is admirable.  Don't let the haters get you down. 

Learning Through Experiences

I am a big believer in learning by doing.  Being an auditory learner myself, I don't always need to, but whenever possible, I do.  Learning by doing activates the kinesthetic part of one's brain and puts all the pieces together,  visual, auditory and physical.  The best way to learn a new skill, is by taking a workshop in which you get to practice the skill you are learning.  The best teachers know this and use it in their daily practice.  But we also learn by experiences, good and bad.  This applies especially well to shows.

When we, as adults, are going to learn something new, we need to keep a few things in mind. 

First, is to observe everything.  I can't tell you how many workshops I have been in where people (including myself) are so eager to finish the project, they don't listen to the instructions or they don't bother to watch the demonstration.  This is a huge mistake.  The instructor is teaching for a reason, because they are an expert in the skill.  We as learners need to take advantage of that.  Take in all details and if you need to, write them down so you can look back on them later.  When you are learning something like selling your product at a show.  Observe how people react to the information you give them.  You may find that something you know as fact and deal with every day, others may find extremely interesting and surprising.  Observe who comes into your booth and stays to chat or make a purchase.  I have found that husbands are an untapped market at most shows.  So, when a husband or boyfriend comes into my booth, I am sure to say hello and casually mention what great gifts earrings make. 

Secondly, Ask Questions.  If you don't understand, ask.  So many people go through a conversation not knowing just because they don't want to appear unintelligent.  This is absurd! I feel that the indicator of a great mind is one that knows that they cannot possibly know everything.  In a workshop setting, you paid to understand the skill so you should understand it when you leave.  I like to leave a workshop with such a complete understanding, that I could do it by myself at home.  In a show setting, asking "how did you hear about the event?" is a valuable way to figure out if the show has been publicized.  Also, asking if the person is looking for anything in particular saves them time if you don't have what their looking for and helps you to show them certain items they may be interested in.  Asking questions of your customer and being genuinely interested in their answer makes you a great sales person and gives your customer an excellent experience. 

Lastly, Reflect.  I know this sounds a bit corny, but I've found it very valuable.  In a workshop setting, after the workshop is over, I like to sit down and run through the steps of the skill in my head.  Thinking through the logistics helps me to see if there are any gaps in my learning.  If so, I like to research the skill or process and if need be, ask for help.  After a show is over, I do a lot of reflecting on my drive home.  I think about how many sales I made that day.  If I got any custom orders, I plan out when those are going to get done.  And I think about the customers that came out that day.  When I get home, I write down my reflections to look back on the next time I go to apply for that show. 

Being a great learner is just as important as being a great craftsman.  When I start to think about it, they really go hand in hand. 

Shows part 2

As I said yesterday, I will speak to shows that weren't worth returning to.  Before I get into the nitty gritty, let me state that there is no such thing as a useless show.  All shows have some kind of use, whether or not you sell anything, people are seeing your work and you are getting your name out there.  There have been a few shows that I have participated in that I haven't sold a thing but gained a gallery spot or a tip on another show.  It's very easy to look at a low income show and get down on it, but as an artist you are always learning and evolving, so keep your chin up and stay positive :)

What makes an event worth returning to?

Obviously the number one factor is sales.  I have heard that a truly successful show is one that sells ten times your booth fee.  So if you paid thirty dollars to be there, you should make three hundred.  For some shows, this is unrealistic.  It's a nice goal and definitely an indicator if your target market came out to that event.  I think that five times your booth fee is one I may try again if my schedule permits, eight times your booth fee is worth putting on your calendar for next year and ten times your booth fee is a for sure thing next time. 

Another factor is the feel of the crowd.  Did people come into your booth and listen to what you told them about your product, or did they walk right by? If you can distinctly remember each person you talked to, there probably weren't enough people interested to make it worth going back.  But if you felt like you just talked and talked all day and it was just a blur of people in and out of your booth, it is worth going back. 

I also take into account other factors that don't have to do with the customer at all.  Like was set-up and break down organized? If not, I would have to make ten times my booth fee to even think about returning to an unorganized show.  Did you have volunteers come around and ask to watch your booth while you went to the bathroom or got something to eat?  This is a big help when you are working your booth alone and it makes the show more comfortable for everyone.  Was there another booth that was exactly like yours? If so, the organizers weren't in the market for diversity and then it makes the show too competitive for you and the other person who does the same thing you do.  Was the show publicized? Sometimes you'll get great traffic at a show but not because it was publicized, but because people were out at another nearby event or just out walking around.  If customers come into your booth and in conversation mention that they just happened along this event, it's a red flag that the organizers did not publicize the event.  With all the free marketing and social media opportunities out now, there is just no excuse in my mind. 

Like I said before, there are no useless shows.  But you, as a prudent business person, have to determine the worth of the show.  If you did it once, and feel you have exhausted its worth, you don't have to go back.  This is also your choice as to how busy you want to be and how many shows you want to do. 

Shows parts 1

Festivals, Craft Fairs, Art Walks, and Markets.  These are some of the names my events go by.  At these events is where I make the most of my income.  Today, I'll be talking about what to look for in a successful event and how to ensure returning customers to make a successful event.

When looking for events, it pays to do your research and envision the event before you apply.  In doing research, I recommend visiting the event before applying.  This way, you get a good feel for the customer that will show up and what kind of vendors the event planners are looking for.  Also, take into account juried versus not juried.  I also make sure to read all the information on the application including if food vendors are applying.  All these factors give you clues as to what the event will be like.  For example, if there are food vendors and kid friendly activities, you can bet that the customer base will be families.  I look at the longevity of the event also.  The longer the event has been going on, the more loyal shoppers there will be. 

To ensure returning customers, a few things need to come into play.  First of all, you need to be present, not only physically but mentally also.  Being excited about your product is contagious.  When people walk into your booth, greet them and anticipate any questions they may have.   Secondly, educate your customer.  Be willing to explain your process and why you do what you do. And lastly, even if they don't make a purchase, send them away with at least a business card if not a post card with your information and a place to go to find your future shows. 

Tomorrow I'll be talking about events that weren't worth returning to. 

Pricing

Sigh, this is a touchy subject.  Everyone has their own formulas for pricing that work for them.  Here is a good example of a pricing formula.

At a recent Mompreneurs Meet Up we were doing an ice breaker exercise and the question came up, what business mistake will you never make again?  A very wise woman answered, I will never again undervalue myself.  WOAH! This struck the nail on the head.  I had undervalued myself for a long time and learned the hard way that my time and skill set are valuable and cannot be negotiated. 

Because I'm the one making the pieces, I don't see the skills as anything special.  Let me rephrase, I don't see my skills as outside my creative reach.  But, thinking about my customers, they do not have these skills.  This is why they are shopping with me, because they value my skills and creativity.  That being said I need to value them also.  This gave rise to my pricing formula and the fact that my prices are set and not negotiable. 

Sometimes at shows you will get those people who look at a price and give you the "you want me to pay what?" look.  In the early days of selling, this made me doubt my formula.  Now, I just ignore it and they move on because I know that a customer will come along who loves my work and appreciates the time and skills put into it and will show that appreciation with a purchase.  People are willing to pay for my quality items.  When I thought about it, I am willing to pay for quality items, like tools. So, why shouldn't my customers be willing to pay for quality jewelry.  (More on how to target those customers coming later)

I have found that in order to create a successful business, you need to cover your costs and pay yourself.  The formula helps me to take all of that into account. 

Taking a Time Out

This is very easy for me to write about right now, because I have no shows to get ready for or deadlines to meet.  Actually, I planned on writing this post yesterday, but took time with my family instead.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to take time for yourself.  Whether you take it a little at a time or have slow periods when you can take as much as you want, it is imperative.  Though during my time outs, I may still think about work and business, the processing time helps me to think through ideas and absorb things.  Another big reason I take time outs, is to appreciate going back to work.  I always am grateful to be back at my bench after a time out.

This past weekend, I had all kinds of family visit for my son's baptism.  It was a good time out and I will appreciate going back to the bench next week. 

Support part 3

I have talked about this before, I know, but I really feel it's important.

My husband has always been very supportive of my jewelry / metal smithing endeavors.  In the beginning, he was supportive both financially and emotionally.  Now that the business is self-sustaining, he is supportive emotionally.  Once, the morning of a show I came down with the flu.  I was violently ill and could absolutely not go and man my booth.  My wonderful husband, went for me! He stood at my booth all day and talked to people about jewelry while I stayed home with our son and rested and got over the bug.  Let me tell you, he doesn't know a lot about the technical aspect of what I do but he held his own and made great sales that day.  If that's not support, I don't know what is. 

My family, like my parents and sister, were a little skeptical at first.  I think they saw it as a glorified hobby.   I don't think they ever saw me making a successful business out of it.  Once they saw my set-up and heard me talk about the different shows I was getting into, they began to take it a little more seriously.  Now, for Christmas and my birthday, I get metal smithing tools. 

The most important part of my support system is my husband.  His mantra is if it makes me happy, life is good.  He has been there since the beginning and will support me in whichever direction I choose to go.  This is beyond invaluable! I attribute a part of my success to him, because without him, I wouldn't have had the courage and confidence to go forward and grow my business and skill set. 

Time Management

With most artists, time management is tricky.  When the muses move you, you're on a roll and creating things left and right.  But when you're not so inspired, how do you stay on track? 

I have found that flexibility is really the key.  I tend to drive myself too hard in preparing for shows or to drop things off at a store.  I don't want to be doing nothing either.  I think there is a nice balance in between.  When I'm inspired and excited about a piece, I have to make it.  I spend most of my time on the new piece.  The trick I've learned is to write down what I'm doing, so that if that piece is a good seller, I have a formula to make it again and I don't have to reinvent the wheel.  When I'm not inspired or I have an event coming up, I focus on production pieces.  Pieces that I know will sell well that I have tried-and-true formulas for.  Making these in multiples helps also so that I can have some out on display at my stores as well as having a few for shows. 

Because I focus my selling energy into craft shows, I have two dead times during the year, January to March and June to August.  These are times when I prefer to take classes and take on other projects that may not be related to jewelry.  For example, I just spent this past week refinishing a table and bench for our dining room.  I have not had time between that, my son and getting ready for guests to even touch my workbench.  For this time of year, that's ok.  I have a lot more flexability right now.  Come August though, I have to buckle down and focus on work. 

I call it work but it's not, I love what I do.  When it starts feeling like work, I'll slow down to where it's enjoyable.  That is another thing about making your own schedule in a business like this.  My goal is not to become a corporate business, I am in this to create beautiful things and bring joy to my customers.  As long as I can continue to do that, I'm happy.  This was something I determined a long time ago, when I first got into selling my jewelry.  It has kept me sane and in balance with family and work. 

Photography

Photography is a sore subject for me.  I have struggled with photography for some time and after many failed attempts, I gave up and have someone else shoot my items for me.  I take the point of view that I can only be good at so many things, photography isn't one of them.  Instead of spending time trying to learn how to take a great product shot or use editing software, I am spending my time perfecting my metal smithing and enameling skills.  Here are some examples of my failed attempts at photography.  In looking through my horrible pictures, I also noticed a progression in my work.  It's nice to see how far I've come :)

Bad background choice and not all in focus

bad lighting

too dark

This was my first enameled piece.  It's a great piece but the picture is way too dark

I started taking pictures outside, good light but too much shadow

the contrast on this one is way too high, black was not a good background choice

I then tried a photo box, still too much shadow

Ahh, that's better.  Yes, this is one done by a professional

So, the moral of today's post is, when you struggle with something that is not your craft, admit defeat.  It's better to pay someone who will do a great job, than spend time away from what you do to learn it. 

Inspiration

Because I am responsible for my creation from conception to fabrication, I often find myself needing a little inspiration.  When I'm in an inspiration slump, I usually work on production items, things that I have a formula for that I know will sell and I can make multiples of.  This keeps me in touch with my craft as well as doing something useful. 

Places I find inspiration, like all artists, is the world around me.  I have always been awed by the natural world and how so much diversity flourishes.  Each plant and animal have their unique characteristics that help them to survive, yet they are all so different.  Lately, I have been focusing on plant forms but I have done some insect pieces also.  Creating animals is very difficult in metal because they need to portray the animals likeness and be recognizable as that animal.  This is harder than you think for metal smiths. 

When I am inspired to create a piece, it is often all I can think about until it is finished.  This is very helpful because I work out a lot of the technical problems in my head before I even start the piece.  Also, once a piece is finished and I have worked out a formula, it goes into my little black book of designs for when I'm in an inspiration slump.  This process has worked for me so far, so if it's not broke, don't fix it!