The Clearing

I don't know about you, but I'm still trying to get my studio cleared after a nice holiday rush. Several of my beady friends have mentioned doing the same and although January is not Spring Cleaning time, I guess we could call it clearing time. My clearing also involves a good deal of desk work as I prepare information for taxes, start the new 2012 files and carefully store those from 2011.

Magpie Gemstones has done a good deal of clearing in the last couple of weeks. I hope you haven't missed out on the 20% off sale and have successfully completed your part of helping clear the beads. Usually when I go to a sale, I realize that things were put on sale because no one bought them. That's definitely NOT the case at Magpie. The beads are all on sale because the company must make room for those they will pick up soon in Tuscon. Now, there are two ways to look at this. Should I wait and get those beads they find in Tuscon or should I go ahead and get beads now. hmm . . . 20% off of everything now or wait for the regular, but good prices later. . . I say grab some of these goodies while we can!

During this clearing at Magpie, the company has found a few things they didn't realize were in hiding. Look at these beautiful drops and think what you could do with them. I'm considering whether to use them in pendant form or strung with others in a long strand. What do you think?

I appreciate being able to get the sunstone beads that are available at such a great price. I have previously used a good many of these mixed with other colors as well as by themselves. The schiller on these realy catches the eye. I also think they are a great transitional colors since they are not too dark even for Spring designs.

If you are doing any wire wrapping I think you would enjoy Szarka's new video, How to Wire Wrap an Arrowhead or Sharks Tooth  Even if you aren't planning to wrap either, this method can be used for some other shaped stones because she shows us how to make a type of sling for the stone to sit in. I think you would see many possible variations of this technique. Perhaps this method would get you going on clearing out a few of those stones that you have previously wondered what to do with. We would enjoy seeing a photo of what you make.

Clearing out to give you the best possible buys, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer
www.dreamcatcherranch.net/designs

Easy Does It!

I think for me the New Year can be exciting. It feels like a clean slate. For those that create or want to create I have some easy does it tips.

First, I have to admit sometimes I have an "all or nothing" attitude. Where does this lead me? Experience tells me that when it is "all" I am doing too much, trying to go too fast, spinning my wheels and usually burn out quickly.

Now I am not saying that hard work does not pay off eventually. Rather I am just saying that when I have a little patience in my work, and rely on that inner voice that gently guides me, things go a lot smoother. If your a beginner in your craft, or have been doing it for years you may have noticed this already.

Now how about my "nothing" attitude. Sure everyone gets a case of the I don't wannas. Or perhaps your muse ran off? Maybe your trying hard on a project and it is just not cooperating. Sometimes cussing at your design works, sometimes not. There is the walk away and try again tomorrow technique. Whatever the case may be, it is a natural part of creating to get discouraged. Here are some helpful tips on that.

Do not compare yourself to others, nothing kills my creativity more than this. Everyone has their own style, talent and niche. Find what you love, and what works for you. When I compare myself to others it is an excuse for the old broken records to play in my head. Maybe you have the same record? It says I am not good enough, I can not do this because fill in the blank with a variety of fears.

When I allow that voice to take control, I get filled with self doubt and self pity. Most days I choose to ignore the broken record, and feed my soul with the positive thoughts of creating. What a wonderful gift to give yourself- a place to grow, freedom from perfectionism, putting love into your art, and honoring your life and your talent.

It is important for me to not judge my work harshly, but slowly improve (baby steps are great for that). As we go into the new year we look forward to seeing your creations.

Much love and Light, Shannon from Vixens Natural Jewelry
www.magpiegemstones.com

Spring in January

It is unseasonably warm in Central Texas right now and this invokes thoughts of Spring. I found Szarka out tending her garden last week and her plants most likely enjoyed her nurturing. Those of us who have lived here a good while know that this warmer weather will come and go until the true Spring arrives in a couple of months. But for now, we will take what we can get.

When I checked in at Magpie, I was greeted at the door by the loud barking of the company dog, Sandy. She is ever vigilant and I doubt that anyone could get to the beads without going through her first. She gets my attention!

Magpie Gemstones definitely sprung into action this week by offering an uncustomary 20% off the entire store. This sounded to me like Spring cleaning, but I'm anticipating that the company is just making room for even more beads yet to come. I'm sure that whatever the reason, the discount is enjoyed by Magpie customers. The company appreciates the numerous accolades from customers who posted on the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MagpieGemstones

If you're trying to think about and get a head start on Spring designing, take a peek at the beautiful peridot and carnelian below. The colors are luscious.

Once you get those jewelry pieces completed, you might want some help in pricing them. Szarka provides her thoughts on the matter at the following: http://www.magpiegemstones.com/pricingjewelry.html

Since Spring in January will probably be fleeting, I'm going outside now to contemplate the joy of designing with Magpie Gemstones. . . . or I might just take a nap in the sun!

Springing into action for you, we are Magpie Gemstones.

Karen Meador, writer
http://www.dreamcatcherdesigns.net/