Creativity Unleashed! - - - - - - - "Creative Every Day" Entry

click images for close-up view

Hello fellow travelers...
Finally! ... after a long dry spell on the beading end of my creativity, inspiration blossomed in my Soul Studio last night...and this bracelet and earrings set is the result. **

They're a gift. It's good to be back creating my Tactile Passions, capturing the the essence and beauty of what makes my heart smile...in the form of jewelry... and such. Just in time for Leah's Creative Every Day Challenge for this week! Now... to go see what everyone else has been making! See you out there!

I'm glad you stopped by! ~Cheryl

** Click the image for a close-up view.

Artfully Yours Necklace

This is one of my favorite creations! I made the necklace and these earrings it for my artist-friend, Pattie. She says she get lots of oohs and ahhs when she wears it! I'm especially proud because the closure is hand made too! A friend of mine showed me how to do it... she made one part and I made the other. I'm hooked now! I just love the look of a handmade closure.

Patrica Stone Earrings

Love these...

My favorite things to make...and wear...are earrings! Some women ae passionate about lipstick. Me? It's earrings! They're fun, and I always feel a bit sassy when I wear them (hee-hee) especially longer dangles : ) Even though I have many pairs that I like, these are my favorite -at least "so far". I know it won't be long before I dream up some new favorites!

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When I started my business in 2003, my tagline was "Sassy, Classy Handcrated Jewelry". Even though I'm not currently selling my creations ...that slogan still lives in my heart. And, my Dream Team President (my beautiful & thoughtful daughter, Kamaria) had a very cool custom tile made for me that reads: "Tactile Passions - Sassy Classy Handcrafted Jewelry". It's a nice size (about 7"x7") and I have it right here in my Magical Mango Studio. Hmm, oneday I'll post that too!

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As for these earrings, I designed them to coordinate with the Patrica Stone Necklace which made my friend Patrica, very happy!

Kamaria's Gratitude Beads

Kamaria's finished gratitude beads, which I mention here. The key symbolizes of her connection with her grandpa...my dad. And the fairy was my choice. She's there to whisper blessings of love and growth. She was thrilled to recieve these, and it was my pleasure to make them for her.

A Work in Progress

These are Kamaria's gratitude beads, a work in progress. I found several different charms for her to choose from, and I connected them with jump rings so we can always change it up if she wants to add, or change something. She knew exactly what she wanted... "blue spheres mom".

Gratitude Beads

These are my Gratitude Beads and I love everything about them! They're are a mixture of coral, quartz and sterling, and they have a beautiful energy... and tactile quality that I'm so passionate about including in everything I make.

It was a joy to make them....a very relaxing, and meditative time for me. With each bead selected, and each knot tied, my heart beamed as I reflected on the beautiful and plentiful blessings in my life all of which take on a variety of images, sizes, colors and textures...all of them are "Love Expressing" in glorious ways! As I continue creating..one charm reminds me to trust, and the reverse side reads "Be Free"...wise counsel I'd say. The frog charm is in honor of my friend, Lisa...her blog is Groggy Froggy , and she is the creative catalyst behind Gratitude Beads. Lisa shared with me that one day following her meditation time the idea came to her out of the Blue. She always inspires me...and countless others as well.

The weight and shape of the beads feel good in my hands, and as I hold each one... and feel the spirit of gratitude breathe through my body with each acknowledgement and "thank you"...I know I'm embracing a renewing, satisfying practice that soothes my soul.

This is my first strand, and I've since made another for my friend Pattie, as part of our art swap (which, by the way I LOVE what she made for me be sure to see the 2nd, finished photo). My daughter, Kamaria, really likes the idea of Gratitude Beads too, and we're working together to create a strand that she loves and looks forward to incorporating into her quiet moments for a long time to come.

Gratitude is such a powerful and truly "ever-giving" force... it's important to feel good about whatever we bring into our sacred space of acknowledgment and thankfulness...be it a journal, Zena Moon candles, music or a cup of tea -- it has to feel "just right". May we further enjoy our moments and rituals of gratitude...and Lisa, "Thank you so very much for sharing your gifts and inspirations with the world".

And last, but definitely not least: The theme of gratitude is further underscored by someone who's work I've admired for over a year now, Shelly Klammer. I find her creative expression inspiring and full of heart; and her collage on gratitude gives such touching insight into this ever-giving principle and practice. "Thank you Shelly, I am so thankful the art-print you leave in our world."

So... on this day may we truly express gratitude for ourselves...may our hearts open wider than ever...may we see with our heart...and may we continue to embrace every opportunity to express gratitude in our already-rich life.

Mocha Java

Taking our

"Inspiration from Wood" is this week's challenge at Inspire Me Thursday .

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I designed

"Mocha Java" a few months ago for a would-be (hmm...that was a pun!) client...who changed their mind. As it turned out though, I'm so glad they did...because once I tried it on I didn't want to part with it! This set really makes a statement...plus, it's lightweight...and easy to wear...and looks great with so many things! It's a crowning glory for my neck - & ears! And...they both look good worn separately too!

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Funny how that works...I never would have made this for myself. Hmm...I just might continue to use this tactic...it'd be kind of fun to sneak up on my rational mind...and create something outside the box for myself...just pretend it's for somone else! Ahh..there's always a way to keep creativity fresh. The Art of Pretending, rocks!!

Mother Nature's Jewels

This turquoise and jasper bracelet offset with sterling silver was inspired by the weekly creative challenge at Inspire Me Thursday.

This week our assignment, "...should we decide to accept it!" -- was to "...find inspiration in duplication..." which I did with this simple pattern, repeated throughout the bracelet;

just one of many samplings from Mother Nature's own magnificient jewelry box.

"Artfully Yours" Earrings

Jewelry-wise, earings are my favorite things to make...and wear! These earrings are companions to the "Artfully Yours" Necklace. They're classic, elegant yet versatile enough to wear with jeans ...as the artist-owner (Pattie) raves about at the left sidebar under "See what people are saying."

The Muse Has Landed

OK...I wanted to tell you a little story about my creative process inside my Magical Mango Studio --and in the midst of it I realized that this Blogger.com site has inconvenient quirks...therefore...the sequence of my story is out of order...or is it? Well I figured we might as well have some fun with this...so I numbered the entries-- Hey...it works out even better -- now it's a game! So whether you choose to read the entries "as is" -- or scroll up and down to read in chronological order of 1-5...(whew! I got a little dizzy doing that) -- please enjoy...have fun! Writing this has been a blast -- and sharing it here...quirks and all...is my pleasure. Let the games begin!
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5.)--OK..so the Bead Soup has simmered and it's ready to be served up. Ideas find their way through Intuition into my hands...by way of my Muse who's tapping me on the shoulder...guiding me...whispering in my ear saying.. "it's time...let's do this...now!" She's swirling all around me; so I take heed and begin playing with design possibilities...arranging and rearranging my jewels...a pearl here, new jade there ...chrysophrase chips in between...ahh, such beauty is being woven together. It feels good to be in the flow of my creative bliss - I give thanks...the muse has landed!

In this picture I was in the midst of designing the Artfully Yours necklace --So there it is --a day in the life...of "the beading muse"... figuratively speaking of course -- this dance can last a number of days, or weeks.

The Mango Candle

2.-- Doesn't this candle look good enough to eat? It's name is even delicious: "Mango, Grapefruit & Passion Punch"...made by Candle-lite. I call it a parfait candle because it has three frangranced layers...one for each of the yummy flavors above -- and it smells...hmm...what's the word..."happy"...yep that's it... if "happy" had a scent this would be it! This candle was brand new in this picture. I bought it to christen my newly-created Magical Mango Studio last summer. Now it's about burned half-way down...symbolizing a lot of creative play has taken place!
When I go in the Studio to work on a project I ceremoniously take a few deep breaths, close my eyes...say a little prayer... affirmation...or poem as I acknowledge my parents...and give thanks for them and their abundant creative talents which perennially graced our home...both while growing up and long after.* Their abundant love and creativity was a vibration that was felt by all whom entered their home and garden. So...it's with this candle ritual that I honor them when I begin my creative work. It's impossible for me to create anything without me thinking of them...and having their spirit with me...and acknowledging that makes my experience even more intimate and powerful.

*An invitation to read "Creature Comforts".

The Magical Mango Studio

1.)-- I thought it'd be nice to change this up a bit, and rather than post a finished piece of jewelry, talk a little about how the finished pieces...begin. This is my work table in my Magical Mango Studio -- which, like my entire life life...is a beautiful work-in-progress.

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It just so happens that photo #1 shows my SoulCollage® card-making in process,* (no jewelry-making that day) with "Joan of Arcadia" dvd to keep me company! The second photo shows the way I prefer to leave the table - clear like a blank canvas -- although there's something intriguing about having so much out, surrounding me while I'm creating -- each image (or bead) whispers to me...telling me what it wants to become...*See SoulCollage® cards here

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My studio is a basic, cozy room painted in this scrumptious canteloupe-mango color --thanks to my daughter! It feels so good being in here, and I'm consistently embellishing it. I have fragrant candles all around...I play music and often sing aloud... having my own keraoke night!...with a live audience of course...my Mango Kitty--Ike. It's an experience that delights the senses...and soothes my soul.

The Mango Kitty

4.)-- Throughout this whole time of hangin' out in my Studio courting my Muse...my Magical Mango kitty -Ike- keeps me company... chattering away with his meow that quite often sounds like a flat "quack"- if you imagine that! ...and sometimes it's as if he's meowing a question to me ..."meow?" I love it when he's up on the table next to me purring and chortling away, somtimes watching...sometimes napping; and if I'm not paying him enough attention...he'll start playing soccer with my beads! --Hey...here comes the little sweet potato right now... isn't he cute?

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This little cutie is always teaching me something about himself...and..about myself as well. I'm always fascinated that Ike and I understand each other (usually) even though we speak different languages. Yep...our audio is different, but the heart's language is universal...it understands when nothing else does. When I finally "got" what Ike had been trying to tell me for counteless days when I'd come home from work...well...my heart melted...and I just had to write about it here. - Enjoy!

Channeling the Muse

3.)-- This is my Inspiration Basket...one of them. This is just a small representa-

tion of my raw materials, what I call "straw"...the straw I spin into the gold of my jewelry creations.

I begin by going through my stash of jewels feasting my eyes on the kaleidoscope of colors and textures, and feeling them to see which ones are wanting my attention...I then place them in the basket. I love to feel the different shapes, sizes and textures!...that's why it's called "Tactile Passions". This routine is a dance I do...it becomes a ritual...a priming of the pump so I can "channel the Muse"...and creative inspiration can flow.

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I then begin to make Bead Soup...tossing various combinations into clear glass bowls to see what concoctions stike my fancy....sometimes nothing does...so in the meantime I'll work on SoulCollage(R) cards* or... turn up the "muse-ic", sing & "shake shake shake" to some of my favorite songs by let's see....Tina Turner, Prince, Chaka Kahn or Motown favs and a variety of oldies! -- or I might just start blogging!

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Ya see...the creative process can be much like making a really good savory pot of homemade soup...there comes a time when you have to let go of the doing...and let it simmer, slowly. I've learned to recognize, respect and appreciate my ever-evolving creative process...and I remind myself of this truth: "The Muse knows what she's doing"...so I let go and allow her to come and have her way with me on her own terms.

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*In the Magical Mango Studio I also make & work with SoulCollage® cards...which can be seen here and here.

~ What is SoulCollage? To learn more click here.

Moonbeams Bracelet - SOLD!

I love glass beads! - and these are one of my favorites. They are
"impressed" with a fascinating design that renders portions of the bead translucent..allowing for just a sprinkling of Moonbeams to shine through, which made the owner, Lee...very happy!

One-of-a-kind Elegance - SOLD!

These earrings are "elegance come to life" - made of mother of pearl* and sterling sliver. They were a commission from my friend, Elsa ...and are one-of-a kind...just like her!

(*I think that's mother-of-pearl..I'm still learning about the gems.)

Blue Tiger Lily Earrings - SOLD!

What a thrill! These earrings are the first of my creations to go abroad...all the way to Australia with my friend, and SoulCollage® Facilitator, Karen Mann...and they compliment her radiance brilliantly! So now...Austalia has Blue Tiger Lilies too!

Kaleidoscope Necklace

This necklace is like a celebration to me & is one of my favorites! The mixture of different shapes & sizes satisfies my "Tactile Passion" & the unexpected kaleidoscope of colors work well together.. & make it fun to wear. I always receive glowing compliments when I wear this necklace, from: "That is a beautiful necklace, where did you get it?"....to...."I would've never thought all those colors would look so good together, but they do!" ...to ..."I've never seen anything like that before" ...which I definitely take as a compliment! -- I just love celebrating our uniqueness! Unfortunately we're in a world where too many people (mainly women) are subliminally seduced in one way or another to want to look like or be like someone other than themselves --being "different" is o often not appreciated, unless you're a celebrity...and that too can be up for grabs.

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I've learned that relishing & basking in my uniqueness is a pre-requisite for my contentment, happiness & joy. Fully embracing it allows me to hit my stride in the cadence of life, and it's in that stride that I'm reminded even more deeply that..."life is good". My friends have shared similar realizations as well. So...as we approach the new year, this is the blessing I send out into the universe today: "In 2007 may we unabashedly savor & celebrate our 'unihibited uniqueness' -yes this includes what some people call 'quirks' or 'idiosyncrasies' :) - & may we happily commit to cheering-on others to do the same." Namaste. Happy New Year!

Carol Merrill Necklace - SOLD!

OK, Carol Merrill of The Price is Right fame (or was it Let's Make a Deal?) did not get to take this necklace home, but my friend Carol did--and that rhymes with Merrill so...there we have it-- the Carol Merrill Necklace!

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As I was creating jewelry for a trunk show last summer at "Unique Freaque"--the artist's boutique where I have my jewels on consignment --I took a break to enjoy myself at a cookout in the backyard of my friends Randy & Carol. I toted my newly created designs, and little did I know that Carol really liked this necklace. It wasn't until she and Randy walked in to the Unique Freaque and purchased it the day of my show that it hit me. What a thrill! Carol liked it so much she wore it home, and called me later in the week excited that it looked even better than she thought after she paired it with something else from her wardrobe.

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It's delightful to run into Randy & Carol in the summer and see her wearing the necklace...as oppposed to Randy :)) For me that's one of the best rewards, seeing others enjoy wearing my creations. It's their investment in their heart's delight-- and what better jewelry-prize to find behind door #1, 2 or 3 for my friend Carol...than the Carol Merril Necklace!

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An invitation to view handcrafted art from around the globe, Unique Freaque: http://www.uniquefreaque.com/ -- Please tell Kay, the owner...and my friend...that I sent you!

Christina Bracelet

Another project that was a thrill to make for my friend Elsa's daughter, Christina. This was her high school graduation present (I remember when she was born!--time does fly).

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This technique of joining metal rings in a specific linking method to create different "weaves" is called Chain Maille. I learned from the person I consider the Goddess of Chain Maille, Rebeca of Blue Buddha Boutique. She's not only a genius, passionate about Chain Maille and has invented countless new weaves of her own; she's warm, generous and one of the most creative people I know!