My Juices are Flowing

I am happy to announce I'm back in the game. It was a large transition from creating jewelry for three weeks straight to opening the website, the etsy shop, the twitter page, the youtube account and of course the blog! It took almost a week to really get into the groove of the online presence, which is why I think I had artisan block.

I decided to "go crafting" today, as in craft hunting or hunting for crafts, I was able to really take my time and shop around from store to store. I came in with a few ideas, but left each store feeling as though I had accomplished my goals and even gained some great ideas along the way.

I was really low on funds today, so I was forced to shop only for crafting essentials. I really had to hold back, think and rethink each purchase. It wasn't until I hit up three stores and had only $10.00 dollars left that I realized I needed to buy dinner for myself and my husband, Mr. Prissy. I'd already decided on Taco salads for dinner, prior to entering the market. I gathered the ingredients, taco shells, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, and mild salsa. I calculated the price of each item carefully not to spend over my $10.00 limit. As I approached the register, I can't lie, my heart thumped and I began to feel anxious hoping and even praying that I'd not overspent. Luckily, I didn't and my total came to $8.90. Thank God!

After I left the grocery store, I was so broke and feeling a bit discouraged. I'd basically spent my last dollar on funds for the business. I thought to myself, "I really hope that this jewelry business takes off because I could use the extra money." I came to my senses and realized that it is really so much more than the money though. I'd rather spend my last dollar, my last thoughts, my last energy creating something meaningful and precious. It provides me some relief somewhere deep within. It allows my to express myself and my point of view. Making jewelry is so much more than a hobby, (or in my case, an obsession). This entire process has become a learning experience and continues to challenge my creative gene in new ways.

With this second wave of items I am beginning to feel closer to reaching my goal of establishing an aesthetic. I'm starting from square one and creating jewelry that I like - items that I would want to wear. This is a bit difficult because my sense of style is all over the place. The only common denominator is my eccentricity. From day to day I vary between hippie and barbie. I could easily be seen wearing all pink with runway worthy makeup and ballerina flats. The next day I could be sporting an Angela Davis sized afro sporting my favorite "I love Black people" tee. I think that's why my ultimate goal was to create different pieces of jewelry for the different jewelry lines within one boutique. I like to credit my customers as people with a variety of taste and it's my goal to have something for everyone.

The best part of this process is that I am beginning to dream again. Today, while crafting, I came across some hoops and other materials that caught my eye. I did not buy them, but about twenty minutes later I had the perfect idea to create different variations on the dreamcatcher earrings with the materials I'd just seen. I am so excited to share my new creations with the world. I can't wait to show you, so be certain to visit soon.

All that glitters just might be gold.

Love, Peace & Hair Grease,
Miss Priss aka Kari
missprissjewels.blogspot.com