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Looking to Others for Inspiration

February 13, 2010 - by runakodesigns

I draw inspiration from many things such as books, photos, nature, sculpture,  paintings, other art and  life to name a few. Since Christmas there has been a lot going on and I was drawing a blank no matter where I looked…that’s if I even had the desire to look.  I’d pull out beads and put them on my board…nothing! I’d look through a few magazines…nothing!  Google online for hours…still nothing!  I guess I could some it all up as designer block or designer blues; whatever you call it, both would be fitting.

Just last week, I sat down and decided to push myself to come up with some goals and get life moving again.  With that decision came the desire to get my blog up to date and clean house of a few things that was taking up too much of my time.

It was while catching up on my favorite blogs that I realized just how much I’m inspired by all the creative people I’ve built relationships with online.  Not inspired by their designs or art, but by their desire to create and be creative.  Their desire to be successful and teach others!  These people sparked something in me  and they had been right under my finger tips, had I looked sooner.

I’ve set some small goals to reignite my energy and with that I’ll be participating in a Bead Soup Swap sponsored by Lori Anderson this month.  Lori’s idea was just what I needed to get my creative juices flowing and excited again about making jewelry during tough times.

When I received my “soup” mix, I realized that being creative in my business may not always come from what I’m used to, but it might just come in the form of a 4×4 box with a mixture of supplies that I would have never picked myself!  Lori’s little package has challenged me to draw inspiration from things I may never had looked at and to give a second glance at a few things while attending my next bead show!  The final piece will be posted on my blog next month.

How often are you inspired by unusual things in your business that were right under your nose?

Find more of Dee’s jewelry creations on her website at www.runakojewelry.com, also follow the day and life of Runako Designs and other great things with a cause on her blog at www.runakodesigns.blogspot.com.

Drawing Upon the Holidays All Year Long

January 27, 2010 - by runakodesigns

Christmas is that time of the year when things tend to come alive in our house.  If there is one holiday I feed upon the most I would have to say it’s Christmas.  Christmas morning has a feeling like no other.  The sound of music, the delightful smell of a big breakfast, pajamas and slippers and the phone ringing is just grand.  There’s just something magical in the air around this time and I look forward to it each year.DSC00008

Not only does Christmas bring with it a feeling of joy, but it also brings with it a season of many colors, lights, memories and more.  As I sat at my work table, I was overwhelmed with all the inspiration that I was able to find on the television, on the streets, in the malls, online, at work, on the radio and even in the mail.  My head was fluttering with ideas for gift giving as well last minute custom orders and believe it or not I didn’t know where to begin.

Christmas angel earrings have always been welcomed gift. I found that they have been a very versatile piece.  Not only have they been perfect for the holidays; but, I’ve been able to use them as gifts all year long.  For the nurturing teacher, who’s watched over my son 6 hours out of the day, I call him/her his guardian school angel.  For the survivor who’s celebrating life, I bring awareness to them that they continue to be watched over by an Angel Fob, and to my every customer, I send a guardian fob to show my appreciation for their support and wishes for a blessing upon their life.

angels III

Pearls are another favorite of mine during the holidays.  The memory of snow, love and the holiday glimmer can be worn all year long, if you create the right piece.  Whether it be earrings, bracelet or necklace design, pearls are a favorite young or old.

Shimmering Red

And let’s not forget crystals…oh la la!  With the festivities and parties in the mix, something sparkling is always a welcomed gift and with the right color choices I can create the perfect piece that can be worn all year long for any special event.

Crystal Mix II

These are just a few of the things that were bouncing around upstairs during the holidays when I sat down to create gifts for my family and friends.  Trying to keep it special, yet practical at the same time.  I’d love to hear about your favorite holiday and your creations, and what inspires you during that specific season.

Find more of Dee’s jewelry creations on her website at www.runakojewelry.com, also follow the day and life of Runako Designs and other great things with a cause on her blog at www.runakodesigns.blogspot.com.

“The Penny Drops” on an Idea

January 6, 2010 - by runakodesigns

When I started writing for Watch Me Create, one of the things I said I wanted to work on was another signature piece.  I have two pieces that were created earlier in my business that was inspired by my support for Kiva,  The Giving Necklace, and another that was inspired by a customers need for a birthstone necklace, The Blessed Life Necklace.  Both pieces I truly adore, but I wanted something else that was special to Runako Designs.

Last month, I had a request to make a special piece of jewelry for a friend.  His request was pretty specific in what he wanted the piece to convey to the receiver.  After much research of stones and symbols, and consulting with him about the recipient, and not to mention getting side tracked, I came up with a beautiful bracelet as the first finished product.

While the completed piece was very special, it wasn’t something that could be worn on a daily basis to remind the recipient of how special she was.  After much heartache over the time I put into the piece, I finally came to realize that this just wasn’t it.  But I had one problem….I had 48 hours to complete another project!  Time was not on my side as, it was already close to bedtime, and I had a weekend show, but I had to get it completed.  It was back to the drawing pad, original notes, research, and a last minute trip to the local beading store.

The finished piece turned out to be a charm necklace that expressed everything that my customer asked for.  It had stones and charms with properties and symbolisms that conveyed just the right message and sentiment.  While looking at the final piece, the “penny finally dropped”…this would be my inspiration for my new signature line.  I can’t post the picture just yet, as I have a few other pieces with different sentiments that I want to complete, but as soon as I’m done, you’ll be the first to know and I’ll also tell you what was going on inside my head when I came up with the designs.

How often do you finish a special project that you’ve been working on for days and hours, only to realize it’s just not what you were looking for?

Find more of Dee’s jewelry creations on her website at www.runakojewelry.com, also follow the day and life of Runako Designs and other great things with a cause on her blog at www.runakodesigns.blogspot.com.

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