It is finally happening. I am being called more to make jewelry. Why “finally”? Well, for the longest time I have been a bead maker longing to tap into the potential of the accessory market. It was really hard work for me to design pieces for my once-a-year non-bead show.
I believe that if it’s as hard as it has been for me in that area, that I shouldn’t waste time focusing on it…that when it’s meant to happen, it will happen. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t a struggle in creating art but it’s like telling a painter to go cast bronze sculptures. NOW. It might not (probably won’t) feel natural.
But I’ve noticed something happening lately. I’ve been being drawn to jewelry. I don’t wear jewelry. But I’m starting to want to. I’ve also been starting to take notice of trends in magazines and on TV. It used to be that I could have a fashion magazine open in front of me and the latest fashions hitting me in the face and I’d miss it. I’ve always been that way.
Now, I’m ripping out pictures, subscribing to magazines (other than bead ones) and actually being inspired by jewelry I see around.
The beads above were inspired by a pendant I saw an actress wearing on General Hospital. It was this huge clear glass rectangular pendant, outlined in black. I rarely notice what actresses are wearing. But I found myself staring at it and daydreaming rather than paying attention to my one guilty pleasure on TiVo.
These were my first prototypes and I added bubble dots down the center to help mask the bead hole…the one on tv didn’t have a bead hole and I didn’t feel like working off mandrel so I improvised and started towards making it my own.
Lori Greenberg blogs about beads and the business of beads from her studio in Cave Creek, Arizona. You can see more of her beads at her web site: www.lorigreenberg.com
Dana Summers says:
I love these!! They should be a hit at the show. You will find yourself taking inspiration from the strangest of places. I also find myself a little more bold when I see people with cool jewellery on. If I like it, I tell them and then they may even let me have a closer look.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:51 am
ellen says:
They’re killer, Kerry.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:11 am
ellen says:
Rut ro – I meant, Lori
August 28th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Lisa says:
I really love these. They have an ethereal quality but also remind me of Roy Lichtenstein’s work. A wonderful graphic statement on a bead!
August 28th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
lorigreenberg says:
Holy moley. We just saw Lichtenstein’s work at the Museum of Modern Art this weekend in NYC. Now you give me more direction to think about.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Jenn says:
These are gorgeous! I think it’s my favorite design I’ve seen you do. I started with jewelry and worked into glass beads. The show I’ve become addicted to is Bones. The lead actress is always wearing stunning handmade pieces. I think I even remember stumbling across one of the Etsy jewelers who had her piece on the show. It’s so interesting wear inspiration can come from and sometimes how circular it can get. Again, gorgeous design! If you do some in green, I’d love one.
August 28th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
beadsbylaura says:
These are wonderful, Lori! I love the middle one. Wow! I’m sure they’ll be a total hit.
August 29th, 2008 at 1:29 am
lorigreenberg says:
Wow. Thanks Jenn. And Laura. I will definitely have to make more now and would LOVE to make green. Green is my favorite color but it doesn’t seem like many people wear green.
And funny thing…another actress on GH yesterday had a MAJOR green necklace on yesterday. Hmmmm. Maybe they’re onto something.
August 29th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Carlotta says:
OK, Lori, sometime you just have to tell me how this creativity thing works- lately I have had more dry spells than creative ones (it must be having to work and worry about the bills, LOL). But these are wonderful! I can’t wait to see these evolve in your style. I have to have one of these for myself- forget for sale.
Smiles,,
Carlotta
October 5th, 2008 at 10:51 am
lorigreenberg says:
Hi Carlotta. If I knew how it worked I’d never have a dry spell! I’ve had one for about a year now even though it might not look that way. I say just go with it. You’ll come out of it. I think dry spells are meant to tell us something. Like, you NEED to be working and concentrating on that. Or that you need a break. When you can listen to what it’s telling you and heed it, then the block will lift. Cryptic enough?
October 6th, 2008 at 9:23 am