Musings of a Designer on Jewelry, Crochet, Crochet Patterns, Knitting, Running a Crafty Business, Movie Costumes, Books, Art, Design, Steampunk & the Geek Girl Life

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Studio Friday: Fave Item

This week's topic for Studio Friday: Fave item in your studio/craft space- why do you love it and how does it inspire you (art or journal+ photo)?

Why, beads of course! :) Their beauty, their shining ... their infinite variety. My current favorites are these heavy Tibetan silver beads accented with oversize pearls and gemstone chunks seen atop this gemstone potpourri. They are solid silver, crafted by hand in Tibet and just fabulous! Very inspiring to an artisan jewelry designer :)

Another constant source of inspiration is my collection of art books. Filled with global design, museum pieces and the work of talented artists throughout history, browsing through them never fails to jump start my creative process. I do admit to a bit of a bent for Art Nouveau, Medieval, turn of the century, and Asian books. But just look at this beautiful plique-a-jour butterfly girl brooch (c. 1900)! Can you believe this piece is only about 1 1/2 inches tall? I just love this style of art! I can even visualize the dress it would go with ... rustling green silk with gold beaded fringe ... yum!

And no post about what studio item inspires me to create would be complete without this. This was presented to me by my little preschooler who announced in his high squeaky voice, "It's a wittle duckling, mommy. Isn't he cuuuuuuute! He's such a cuuuute wittle duckling!" Now if this was a real baby duck, it probably wouldn't win any beauty contests, but I love it! This little guy sits on my work table and inspires me to work by reminding me of my wonderful family who supports me in all my creative efforts. Thank you guys!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

I agree, those big chunky jewels are so inspiring...I love anything ethnic like this.

The little ducky is adorable and I'm sure you smile every single time you see it!

xo
stephanie

sheetal patel said...

beads? surprise, surprise :) what a gorgeous collection of inspiration!

Lauren Z said...

Love the beads! very sexy looking :) Also- I LOVE the duck! lol- so cute!

Unknown said...

I love the Art Nouveau stuff as well. The piece shown here is gorgeous!

Wanted to stop by and let you know that you won my 100th Post drawing for the cupcake stand w/cloche. If you'll send me your address to lovelace@mtaonline.net I'll get it packaged up and mailed off to you!

Thanks

Charity

Anonymous said...

Gasp! What gorgeous Tibetan beads. Love it, love it. I'm also loving that elegant brooch.

Mary Timme said...

Beads! Let me see your beads! Now that duckling has to win your heart for unusual if nothing else!

Gracie said...

Those are very inspiring! And the little duckling is just too sweet! I love little presents from little people =)

Artful Creations by Tracie said...

Very beautiful beads indeed! And the wittle duckie is just too adorable (although I'm sure not as adorable as the preschooler that gave it to you!!!) wink wink!!!

isay said...

wow, great collection! you truly is jeweled by elegance.

Going For Greatness said...

Oo the beads are breath taking! Even as a scrapbooking artist, I am inspired by them and can think of several ways in which to incorporate them into my paper crafting!!
The 'wittle ducky' is precious beyond words!! The story of how you acquired him is darling! I have a preschooler as well (and one kindergartner) and they bring me my most treasured pieces of artwork too!!
Happy Weekend!
~Gabi
http://goingforgreatness.blogspot.com

lee said...

love the beads I wish I had some talent that way, because I do love all stones and beads.

Anonymous said...

love that butterfly - and i have noticed your avatar several times over the last few days. what a clever idea

Lizzy said...

Hi Heather!
It's been a while since I've been to visit my bloggy frineds... about time, huh?
Oh, love love love me some beautiful beads! And those are really gorgeous. I am totally drooling over that gorgeous butterfly brooch. Wouldn't it be lovely to have an occasion to wear it and a beautiful gown? Yum. And that duckling... so sweet!

Anonymous said...

Oh yes the beads, make that YOUR beads are just gorgeous. And oh my that wittle cyclops duckling is so cute! I just can't help but smile when I look at it! :-)