Facets of Light Year of Jewelry

Summary
~~~~~~~~~
2004-05 Year of Jewelry

I have come to the end of my endeavor to create, log and document one piece of jewelry per week for an entire year!

Throughout the last 52 weeks,through creativity and bereftness of muse, chaos and order, frustration and delight, I kept my promise to myself to complete the week's task on time. There were three weeks when I raced the clock to midnight to get a photo loaded into Webshots, and sadly, one of those weeks still contains only the handcrafted components and not the finished piece, but I truly gave it my best.

Many times, my poor DH was left to his own devices as I meticulously coiled or sighed over some metal and beads, and there were probably many times when he left the room, his comment or question unanswered because I was "off in my own world." I know he went to sleep without me beside him a few times as well.

Yet, now, as I look at my visual table of the projects, even knowing that a long road of learning and practice still lies ahead of me, I can't help but be proud of the huge steps forward I have taken in my art.

And then there is the utter joy of seeing each member of my YOJ team post one amazing photo after another, as they too learned the lessons they needed to learn, and grew in their skills and designs. What an intense capsule of talent, dedication and artistry! I give many thanks for that, because it inspires me endlessly.

This year, I have learned commitment like I have never learned it before. This is truly the first time I have kept such an awesome promise to myself! And I have learned patience ~ how to work on something that takes time and diligence. For me, this is a major milestone; my usual mode of operation is to undertake those projects which make up quickly and elicit the biggest response.

Most inportantly, I seem to have gained a new confidence in my work. When I am challenged with a new project, instead of hopelessly panicking, now I calmly plot out alternatives for how the piece might be created. Pieces of techniques, like a jigsaw puzzle, fall into place and form a picture in my mind of a new design.

If I had to choose my favorite piece for this year, I think it would have to be Week 44: Framed Fancies and Fantasies. While not my flashiest piece, its my own original design and somehow seems to catch my spirit. I love the graceful flow of the beads within the more rigid framework of the planished silver frames. I love the flash of the labradorite and the warmth and color of the fancy jasper. And I think the airy feel of the pendant is exactly what I was aiming for.

Will I continue into another project of this duration? I am not sure. But I will forever value this year of my life for both the work, the art and the fellowship. Thanks, everybody, for a spectacular experience!

ART JEWELRY Pendants • Necklaces Ear Jewelry • Anklets Bracelets • Rings Name Jewelry • Wedding Healing Gems • Special Resources • 2004-05 Year of Jewelry • About the Artist Links • Home	Summary ~~~~~~~~~ 2004-05 Year of Jewelry I have come to the end of my endeavor to create, log and document one piece of jewelry per week for an entire year! Throughout the last 52 weeks,through creativity and bereftness of muse, chaos and order, frustration and delight, I kept my promise to myself to complete the week's task on time. There were three weeks when I raced the clock to midnight to get a photo loaded into Webshots, and sadly, one of those weeks still contains only the handcrafted components and not the finished piece, but I truly gave it my best. Many times, my poor DH was left to his own devices as I meticulously coiled or sighed over some metal and beads, and there were probably many times when he left the room, his comment or question unanswered because I was "off in my own world." I know he went to sleep without me beside him a few times as well. Yet, now, as I look at my visual table of the projects, even knowing that a long road of learning and practice still lies ahead of me, I can't help but be proud of the huge steps forward I have taken in my art. And then there is the utter joy of seeing each member of my YOJ team post one amazing photo after another, as they too learned the lessons they needed to learn, and grew in their skills and designs. What an intense capsule of talent, dedication and artistry! I give many thanks for that, because it inspires me endlessly. This year, I have learned commitment like I have never learned it before. This is truly the first time I have kept such an awesome promise to myself! And I have learned patience ~ how to work on something that takes time and diligence. For me, this is a major milestone; my usual mode of operation is to undertake those projects which make up quickly and elicit the biggest response. Most inportantly, I seem to have gained a new confidence in my work. When I am challenged with a new project, instead of hopelessly panicking, now I calmly plot out alternatives for how the piece might be created. Pieces of techniques, like a jigsaw puzzle, fall into place and form a picture in my mind of a new design. If I had to choose my favorite piece for this year, I think it would have to be Week 44: Framed Fancies and Fantasies. While not my flashiest piece, its my own original design and somehow seems to catch my spirit. I love the graceful flow of the beads within the more rigid framework of the planished silver frames. I love the flash of the labradorite and the warmth and color of the fancy jasper. And I think the airy feel of the pendant is exactly what I was aiming for. Will I continue into another project of this duration? I am not sure. But I will forever value this year of my life for both the work, the art and the fellowship. Thanks, everybody, for a spectacular experience!