Creating Creativity

These last couple of days I've been getting some spring cleaning done, crocheting Beastly Baby Booties, and to be perfectly honest, have been racking my brain about getting a post up on this blog. I refuse to post something just for the sake of posting something. While I'll quickly admit that I'm still developing a sense of direction with this blog, I do try to post things that my readers will enjoy, that will make you think, or that will bring something positive to your day. And of course I always love to let you all know what sort of creations I'm working on for the February Jones shop.

Yesterday I met some of my girlfriends for a Crafternoon (I'll share some photos of the next one that we have)- I brought some crochet projects, Gillian was working on her wedding invitations, and Faren was working on some fashion concepts for an international design competition that she's entering. While I was drooling over her sketches, I remembered how much I used to draw and create collages and that sort of thing. Why did I stop? Why don't I use those sorts of techniques to design my jewelry? I was stumped, and when I got home I spent a long time sifting through useless search results online looking for some sort of direction about drawing out jewelry designs. I found some videos and images of people designing their own jewelry, most of which was for setting stones or the kind of work that I just don't do. 

What I did discover was that no one can show you how to draw your own designs, and no can tell you how to apply your own inspiration. (I know I know- pretty obvious... but sometimes you just want the easy way out, right?) 

So I got to work. I grabbed my Crayola and Mr Sketch markers, my pencil crayons, my coloured pens, and my sketching pencils. I picked up a book to read that I hadn't delved into in a few years confident that when inspiration struck I'd be ready. I had no idea what would end up on paper, but realized that if you over-think things, you'll just get stuck. So if you're having trouble recording your ideas, stop trying so hard and remember that it doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to get out, and every idea needs some breathing room to thrive so don't be surprised if you notice things evolving as you play around with them.

Do any of you have any suggestions for getting your ideas out and recording them? Any favourite methods, or things that always work for you or never do? I'd love to hear them as I build up my repertoire of options :)

*Maria