So, I made them mostly to match bracelets or necklaces so that people could buy sets instead of single pieces of jewelry.
People like sets.
I like sets!
But for some reason… earrings just weren’t fun to design.
Until now.
About a year ago, I ran out of ear wires. Instead of doing what I always did, and ordering more… I decided to start making my own. I mean, I work with all this wire all the time, so why not make my own dang ear wires, right?
Little did I know this would open up the world of earrings for me. That’s all it took!
I felt something release in me, and I was able to make earrings just for the sake of making earrings.
I now have lots of earrings that aren’t made specifically to match any of my other pieces of jewelry. Now, a lot of them DO go with necklaces or bracelets I have, but a lot of them don’t.
And I like that!
I never realized that earrings could be so fun to make, and so gratifying to look at.
The only down side is the time. I used to whip out earrings by the dozens… but now sometimes I spend 45 minutes or so making one pair, to get the wire “just right” so the pair is relatively even. What used to take me 10 minutes now takes 45? Wait, I thought I was trying to become more efficient, not less?
Between the hammering, measuring, filing, bending, etc… yes—it does take longer. But it’s so worth it! I can now make earrings that speak to who I am as an artist, instead of earrings that happen to match whatever necklace I’ve made them to go with.
It’s a huge shift in me… in more ways than one. I now find myself craving making earrings, seeing what else I can do with the ear wire, seeing how else I can push my envelope on design.
Sometimes, all you need is a different perspective on life. Something to flip a switch inside of you so you see the situation differently and perceive your reality in a new light.
Sometimes, it's as simple as bending your own ear wire...
Good point on the making everything yourself. It does take longer but sometimes it's worth it! : )
ReplyDeleteLove what ya did with the last pair of earrings! I recognize the beads!!! : )
HUGS!!!
Thank you! I think I still have one or two of those beads left... in the diamond shape as well as the lentils. I have so many beads in my bead box... I still look once in a while and buy a bead that truly strikes me (or try to buy it! haha)...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you back on blogger!
Yes - making earrings has become this incredibly gratifying endeavor for me now! I love making my own ear wires... it makes me feel more authentic, if that makes sense.