MaryLou's time2cre8

Thanks to those of you who took the time to read and comment on my last post. I'm pretty much done being frustrated and am just looking at this experience as an opportunity. How? Well, if the jewelry rep thing had worked out the way I expected, I would probably be trapped into making multiple versions of the same pieces over and over again (albeit in different colors, but still the same few designs). Instead, I'm able to do what I love: play with new techniques and designs.

Speaking of new designs, here are the latest additions to my Etsy shop. This first piece, called Opulence, is one of my all-time favorite creations (and that's saying a lot considering the number of pieces I've created over the past few years). I absolutely positively LOVE the way this bracelet feels. The texture. The weight. There's just something about all those triangle beads. This was a big investment in time, as you might imagine... more than 700 of those little fringes to add the triangles. It was fun, but these aren't the kinds of things I want to work on every day.



Another recent listing is my Op Art cuff, this time created in peridot and purple. I love this color combination, despite the fact that it used to be my division's official colors when I was working (have I mentioned how happy I am that I'm retired???). :-)

I recently posted a picture of my Imprisoned Heart pendant, so here's the picture of another version of my little abstract heart -- Crazy Quilt Heart. As much as I like black and white, I have to say that I love the crazy quilt version of this design.

And last, but certainly not least, is my newest creation: Smilin' Jack. This little guy, who reminds me a bit of Jack Skellington (don't you just love his face?!?!), is dedicated to all those Halloween fanatics out there. You know who you are.

See? If I'd been busy beadweaving away on all those designs I sent to the jewelry rep, Smilin' Jack and some of these new pieces might never have been created. They'd have just stayed ideas stuck in the back of my head while I did the same designs over and over and over.

One last thing for today. The Bead Art Originals Items of the Week! If you haven't been checking these out, you've been missing a treat. You can read all about the details of the specials being offered by me and my fellow BAO members on the Bead Art Originals blog. My offer this week is for a free matching pendant ($29 value) with the purchase of the Rivets in Steel cuff. There are nine other members participating this week, so check 'em out!