Project Runway as a creative inspiration

Inspiration is a curious thing. Sometimes a design magically pops into my head full blown. At other times, seemingly random, unrelated ideas bang around my brain for several weeks and finally - sometimes, painfully - come together. The new earrings pictured are a result of the latter.

Watching other people move through the creative process is comforting (yes, other designers do hit the wall) and inspiring (how did you ever come up with that idea?). I don't have that opportunity often since I'm usually working alone in my studio. I use that lack as an excuse for indulging my guilty pleasure - watching Project Runway. I often wonder how I'd fare if I had to create under the same conditions the designers on Project Runway face - creating and fabricating working against a clock. I'm not surprised when a contestant has a total meltdown under the pressure. I'd probably be reduced to a puddle in the first hour in the work room. But, I'm equally amazed at the incredible creations that emerge from the process. Maybe I should give it a try . . .

Snow's melting and temps are warming. My studio's not so cold now, so I've gotten back to my bench. Here's a pic of my latest effort. If you'd like purchase these with a 15 percent discount, just use the coupon code "manythanks" on my etsy shop (tomlindesign.etsy.com). Cheers!

Change has come

At the end of September, I jettisoned full-time employment to focus on my jewelry making. I haven't had a full-blown panic attack - yet, but, I have to admit to moments of anxiety. There's a reason the term "golden handcuffs" came about. A regular paycheck, health insurance and 401K are compelling motivators, particularly in these uncertain economic times. Those bennies are enough to keep many people I know sitting in their cubicle day after day, watching the hands of the clock slowly turn. A recent survey discovered that at least 22 percent of American workers hate their jobs and feel that just showing up is enough to draw a paycheck.
As for me, existing isn't living. And, I've had several painful reminders lately that life is, in fact, short. So, I'm going to take the dive off the deep end and see what the other side holds for me. Wish me luck!

It's about time . . . I created this blog spot a while ago and never posted a thing. My mind has been consumed lately with technology. I returned to the full-time workforce last October. I'm a left-brain, right-brain kind of person, but technology writing is swamping my design head. I'm jonesing to get back to the metal and torch. I thought I could successfully do both, but I'm finding that's not the case. It's going to be time to make some major decisions re: my future direction very soon. I've been at this point before, but that's doesn't diminish the anxiety and fear. Leaving the safety net behind and leaping into the unknown is causing many sleepless nights. Yet, I know from past experience, that this is the only way to open the door to new opportunity and creativity . . .