Getting into the studio is the single most important step for me and sometimes (not always, but more than I would like) it is the hardest for me.  As I approach the new year I would really really really like to establish a habit of a good studio routine. 

Let’s first talk about getting into the studio.  Sometimes I need to psych myself out. 

One of the ways that works for me is to leave something simple unfinished from the day before. Something that is easy to do and doesn’t require any great creative thought BUT most importantly gets my hands working. For instance- putting earring findings on jewelry or pinning pins onto display cards.

Another idea is to choose a simple object- a bowl, teacup, small knicknack- and draw this object upon first getting into the studio.  Just a 10 minute simple line drawing.  Put the object in a different setting each time you draw it- on the shelf, on the windowsill, next to your light. This again gets your hands working and your creative juices going.

Lets meet back here in a few days to chat about our 2009 reflection list!

Greetings to you all and best wishes for a grand holiday time.  I’m looking forward to a brief hibernation time to reflect on this past year and reflect on what I hope 2009 will bring.  

I try to write on Jan 1st every year, not a resolution list, but a “reflection” list about what I hope the new year will bring.

Let’s share some of these thoughts-I’d love to hear some of yours!

For me, a good studio routine is a must.  I’ll share some ideas of how to do that in the next post.  For now, you might want to pick up the Jan/Feb issue of PolymerCAFE magazine- I have a Creative Sparks article there with some easy exercises and alot of pics to help inspire you!

It’s been a good retreat here in New Mexico but time to leave.  I’ve actually hit a block in my new work anyway so the timing is good. (I’m off to FL to visit family for a couple weeks).

Altho I’m stymied at the moment as to why/where/what to do next I’m for once not feeling too panicked-( well maybe just a wee bit).  I think it’s because I am feeling good about the overall theme and excited about the big journey, that I can accept hitting this road bump.

When I get home I’ll share some of the new pieces and try to explain further where I am right now and what the problems are.  And maybe it will get sorted out a bit during the next two weeks-while I have no studio time- just thinking time!

It’s been beautiful weather here in New Mexico- mild and sunny.  That makes it harder to stay put in the studio when the blue skies and unique scenery call.  But I have been plugging away at new work and feel re-ignited about the direction I am going.  I’ll share some of that journey shortly.

I’ve been relearning how to work slowly.  That’s not always possible I know well (deadlines, inventory needs, workshop samples due) but what a great gift to be able to let things simmer while I slowly contemplate the options.

I want to thank my lovely friend and computer guru Cynthia for helping me upgrade and make my website better.  Check out the revised galleries and Flickr link.  I’ll be adding new work and new France pics on the site and on my Flickr page  soon.