Curves

Filed under: Bracelets, Philosophy, Wire Work | Back to: Homepage

I went out looking for curves yesterday, hoping to cure a case of cabin fever. The local book store seemed the perfect start for the hunt and it didn’t disappoint. First, I grabbed the latest bead and wire magazines, a cup of coffee (yes I donated money for this free cup) and then I headed for the books.

The word curves, of course, has numerous connotations and since this is the famous week of fat following the Christmas gorging, I went straight to the books on exercise. Wow, those before and after pictures were outstanding. I want to see that in my mirror! Then I read what a few of the exercise programs entailed. hmm . . . There must be some other meaning for curves.

Moving on, I unashamedly sat at a table with a stack of magazines and didn’t worry as store employees walked by. They know that I will probably end up purchasing one of those magazines as I did yesterday. Unfortunately for my cash reserve, it was the most expensive, $14.95 magazine. But I REALLY needed it!

Thankfully, the bead and wire magazines, unlike those books containing before and after curve pictures, brought me back to reality. With pen in hand, I captured several curves to try in new jewelry designs. While I usually solely examine the illustrations found in the magazines, I did read an intriguing tip for shaping wire bracelets. The author suggested freezing a small juice can and then forming and hammering the bracelet on the can.

Last night, I made a couple of wire bracelet armatures and this morning I hunted a juice can. While there were none in my pantry, the tomato paste can appeared to be an appropriate size and I hammered my bracelet on it. The can approach didn’t help much with front of the bracelet since it was too rounded, yet, it was somewhat useful in forming the back of bracelets. You may note from the second photo that the can is dented. This occurred easily since the tomato paste was not frozen. I will try it another time with a different, frozen can.

Until I decide to purchase a suitable bracelet mandrel, the frozen can initially appears to be a viable option for curving the back of the bracelets.

The last picture shown here is of a curvy armature conjured as a result of yesterday’s hunt. While I didn’t see this design in anything yesterday, it spawned as a result of actively looking for cures. This bracelet is interesting looking on the wrist and I’m debating about embellishment for the piece. At any rate, these “curves” were much more easily accomplished than the curves found in that before and after exercise book. Perhaps I’ll just write a before and after jewelry design book called “No Sweat Curves.”

Bracelets, Philosophy, Wire Work comment

New Year’s NOT Resolutions

Filed under: Philosophy | Back to: Homepage

Today is the day people think about their New Year’s resolutions, those things they are going to do better in 2010. These resolutions are really a good idea since conjuring them causes us to think about self improvement. They also help many health food gurus, fitness specialists and diet clubs. Book stores love them because many flock in to pick up the latest self-help editions.

Most New Year’s resolutions are positive. For example, they might include things like this year, I’m going to . . . speak kindly even when I’m angry. . . walk the dogs every day . . . call friends more often . . well, you get the picture and could probably fill in a litany of your own ideas. Here’s the problem with these resolutions. I don’t keep them and then I feel worse than I did before I made them!

This year is going to be different. Let the NOT resolutions flow! (cheer, cheer) Here are a few of mine.

• I resolve NOT to worry if the dinner dishes are still on the kitchen counter at bedtime. Eating is more important than cleaning.
• I resolve NOT to feel bad when new lines appear on my aging face and new bulges appear . . . you know where. Some things in life are inevitable.
• I resolve NOT to fret when friends and customers find my house in a mess. I’m helping them feel better about their own places.
• I resolve NOT to try to keep my studio neat and tidy. Creativity does often arise out of chaos . . . if you can stand the chaos.
• I resolve NOT to iron my mother’s clothes when she tells me I let them get too wrinkled. I’ll just run them through the laundry again.
• I resolve NOT to feel bad when we run out of bread. Someone else could have gone to the store, too.

These NOT resolutions could go on, but you’re probably getting the idea. Why don’t you try a few of your own. Go ahead. Take a little pressure off. It could make for a happier 2010!

Philosophy comment