A Month of Love and Luck

February turned out to be quite the month. While the grays and browns all around attempted to steal our inspiration, the blogging world pull through, as usual. Giveaways, swaps, tutorials, guides, and links rescued me from going seriously house crazy. I even had a little luck this month, too.

Until now, my only brush with luck was winning a raffle at my university's health fair. The prize? A first-aid kit. I remember being a little disappointed that I had used up all my luck on a couple of gauze pads and an ace bandage. (It's worth mentioning that I put that first-aid kit to good use a year later in South Africa. Guess I won that for a reason, in hind sight.)

Flash forward to a few weeks ago when I won this brooch in a giveaway from Emily at Mousey Brown's House. Emily custom designed this pin, taking in to account my favorite colors and thoughtfully including a metal-rimmed button, as a nod to my works in metal. She rocks.

Then, I won this luxurious yarn last week from a Soulemama giveaway. This 100% Merino Wool from The Spun Monkey is so much softer and more beautiful than it looks in this photo. The colorway (Cloud Bunny) would be so perfect for a baby gift that's on my to do list, but I am not so sure now. That yarn may just have to stay in my household.

Luck aside, there was also lots of love going around in February, of course, and this year much of it landed in my mailbox. Gardenmama organized a valentine swap, so I jumped on the chance to participate in it (and then wondered why I would add something else to the above mentioned to do list). Truth is, I signed up because it was another excuse to create something that wasn't filling an order or slated to be sold. A chance to make something I would be exchanging with a group of women who inspire me endlessly.

Little did I know what a treat I was in for. Each valentine that arrived was original, creative, and thoughtful. So much more than I ever expected—they are all so very generous and genuine. I was running to the mailbox everyday, hoping another little masterpiece had arrived. Let me introduce you to these artists, mothers, crafters, photographers, writers and all-around creative and inspirational gals. Meet Kerry, Lisa, Stephanie, Pennie, Tonya, Stacey, Kristin, Nicole, Nicola, and Amy. Thanks ladies!

Coming Along Nicely

The garden and my latest project are coming along nicely.

Here is a sneak peek of what I've been working on (more on this soon):

and...the garlic has been harvested! We usually do this in the beginning of July, but things in the garden are going a little slower this year.

Accidental Gifts

Back—after a quick trip to visit family in New Jersey and a much appreciated change of scenery. It was a whirlwind road trip that blended the relaxing and the non-stop in perfect proportions.

We spent a day in NYC and, despite the touristy things we did, it was getting caught in a downpour at the Central Park water playground that was the highlight. Oh, you can plan to wow the kids with this and that, but when it comes down to it, it's so often the spontaneous events that are the memory makers. I find this to be true with fabricating jewelry and, really, any art I create. The unintentional becomes the focal point. A series of fortuitous events is frequently the way a new design is born.

It can be so frustrating, though, can't it? The accidental can be a gift, but keeping that in mind is much easier said than done. In fact, it's something I seem to have to re-learn everytime it happens.

Inspiration Station

It happens to everybody, artists and non-artists alike. A lull when you just can't seem to find direction -- in designs, in daily routines, in what to cook for dinner, and in life itself.

Inspiration is the cure-all, but it is inevitably gone when you need it most.

But it is there (resist the urge to roll your eyes here). We simply forget to recognize that the dogwoods bursting pink and white are inspiration. That funny comment from a child? yup, inspiration. So is that interesting scribble, drawn long ago, in your sketchbook, and the seedlings reaching upward. The friend who just competed in her first triathlon, the silent gesture from a family member, the cat slinking across the lawn -- all potential inspiration. Aromas, textures, sensations...you catch my drift.

Look with fresh eyes and you are bound to find the spark that will get you heading in the right direction again.

Millipedes and Indecision

My new work seems to be all over the place. Settling on one concept to design a new line around is proving to be a challenge lately. This indecision is just part of the creative process, I know.

I have buttons and millipedes and navels and other wacky concepts floating in a cloud above my head, but can't seem to pin one down.

These Millipede Earrings have made it to the finals. Their only other companion piece so far is the Millipede Ring . The Button Ring and necklace are an idea that could make a good line of jewelry as well, but these and other designs will have to be turned over in my head and developed further.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the designs I mentioned above -- all opinions welcome. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!