I try to think of myself as a person who is not wasteful. Someone who cares deeply about the planet and
the world that we live in. I try to make do with what I have. Anyone can go out and just buy stuff. I like to make it myself.
the world that we live in. I try to make do with what I have. Anyone can go out and just buy stuff. I like to make it myself.
So as I was sitting at my studio/kitchen table...my little cat Princess, now blind and elderly, clawed her
way up into my lap as I was just beginning to get started. Not wanting to move her, after all she so bravely made her way up and was already purring madly, I decided to work with what was right in front of me.
Normally I walk around, pick up this bead and that one, ponder it, put it on, take it
off, try something else...I make myself crazy with indecision. But this time was different. Just make something with the pile that was within arms reach...so I presented myself with this challenge.
and this was the result after sitting at my workbench for nearly
two hours without getting up.
I had a dimestore plastic necklace that I got at a garage sale
this weekend. I was planning on using just a part of it...
I never thought I’d use the beads.
Much to my surprise those beads took on a whole
new vibe once released from their old habitat.
They looked tribal, ethnic, like old bone.
They were free! They were happy!
and I have discovered that sometimes it’s the
touch of the human hand that puts life
and meaning into objects.
Beauty can be in the simplest of materials.
We all think semi-precious stones, gold, silver..,
these are the status symbols of wealth and cool
but this little humble necklace already exsisted...
it was bound for the bin.
Giving these things a
new life is rather thrilling....and pretty feel good.
21 comments:
Love these!
Amazing how cheap n nasties can become things of beauty with inspiration.
Suggest the name Cats-cradle in honour of your assistant muse
Hello Cynthia:
Sometimes one can really think too much. Spontaneity can be so liberating from one's inhibitions and launch one into territories which are exciting and different.
You have breathed new life into the old necklace. These earrings do have an ethnic feel and belie their humble origins. They look lovely.
Those are gorgeous--I love the beads! Your wirework has such an expressive lilt to it.
I've been noticing something similar about context with an abandoned box of macrame baby bracelet makings I found at the local thrift recently. All together in the box the beads seem pretty gacky, all pastel and cutesy, but get one or two of them out on their own with other materials and they're actually something I'd want to work with. Makes me wonder what someone else will make after buying a box of my supplies someday after I'm gone. Probably they'll go "ew, it's all this tribal grungy stuff!" and then they'll take it home and make macrame baby bracelets with it. Toddlers will be staggering around with trade beads and bones and turkoman metal strapped to their tiny wrists.
Oh how we love the old kitties. When they're young they shred the house; when they're old they shred your lap, whilst purring.
yes they do look like old bone! the "aged" metal suits them perfectly.
I must admit I had this thing about not using plastic, until like you I found some create looking vintage (if you can call plastic vintage),beads and I was converted.
Lovely delicate earrings, great job
I love it!!!! And I love your sweet love for your elderly kitty~~You are a darling!
Very eye opening post, Cynthia. It really is the human touch that gives life--well put. Working with limits can be liberating!
Such a beautiful post and such BEAUTIFUL work! It's fun to make things work and push ourselves. Hope you're having a marvelous Wednesday.
Cheers!
Holly
....and so you should Cynthia. They are gorgeous.....I would have jewellery like that rather than all of the diamonds and precious jewels any day of the week ! I have always loved anything that isn't what everyone else has ( if you know what I mean) and to rework that necklace is a triumph. Princess obviously has a creative aura around her !
Nice! Reminds of something an artist friend told me "I couldn't do anything perfectly so I never thought I could be an artist". Ever since she's been free of that thought, she's been wildly successful in her imperfection. I'm still working on using whatever I have and making the best of it.
Jan
Love the challenge you gave yourself, and the balance you achieved! You are truly an artist!
xoxo
What a great afternoon you had...Challenges are good for the soul..you can hear your spirit singing <3
xx
z
I'm sure Princess enjoyed her time purring on your lap and being your jewelry muse!
What a great challenge...and they turned out great! I love them.
I would have had no idea they were plastic beads. You really succeeded in tribalizing them. I like how your other comment described your wirework as having a lilt. You're making huge breakthroughs I can tell and I haven't known you for that long.
xoxo Kim
you wrote soooooooo beautiful!..
Isn't it wonderful that Princess is kind of responsible for this terrific spurt of Creativity...!
I love it! Things happen for a reason, so they say. This would certainly fit in that saying. Sweet Princess The Inspiration Cat!
and very lovely they are too, limitation is much more creative :)
You made those in just TWO hours?!?!? Wow, they are beautiful.
xo jj
I must try that! My cat would really enjoy not being put down for a while, haha! Seriously they are stunningly beautiful! The beads look like bones and so delicate, bravo!
These earrings look fantastic!
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