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September 02, 2005
Beads beads, where are the beads?
After thinking more about what I just wrote, and after you read it, email or comment your thoughts...should I go back and revisit old sets? are you bored with the same looking beads from me and all the other folks out there? are you looking for something new and different? I guess I feel like I should be offering you NEW things, but if you are happy with some of the color sets you've already seen, its easy enough for me to revisit them...what do you want?
Jean's comment from yesterday interested me...I thought I was the only one who had taken an unintended long-term hiatus from making beads, but it sounds like there are others out there who are taking time off like me...the plan was to take some time to spend with Dex in his last days back in March/April/May, and then after Bead and Button in June, get back on the torch with full force...and while I am back at the torch, its certainly not like last year when I was cranking out set after set, at times I was offering Pickings 3 times in one week...So what's the deal?
Well, I have some behind the scenes things going on that's been distracting me, yes...but even so, I've had plenty of time to get on the torch, and yet I find myself sitting there, wondering what to produce next..I feel weird going back and remaking stuff I've already done, I feel that making the same dot beads is going to make my head crack open...so I sit...I do play around, but those beads don't often look very good (I did like the Lava Rock results, however)...
I remember Jennifer Geldard saying she was tired of making her 'famous' enamel beads, but that's what she's known for, that's what the customers want, so she feels like she's trapped at times..as much as she likes exploring and trying new things, its her famous beads that make the most money...so she keeps making them, but would really like to be able to make other beads that are just as popular...
I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining, its not that i don't enjoy making beads, its that I am just trying to branch out and try new stuff...a friend gave me the link to a website where the artist makes neat beads and they go for a lot of money on eBay- but she has maybe 4 different designs..and she makes them over and over and over...just in different colors...I LIKE the beads, I really DO...but I would go bonkers making the same thing over like that...so I am trying to keep it fun and exciting for both me and you, so you don't feel like I'm in a rut either...
Anyway, I've been staying up too late, watching too much Katrina coverage and I think I'm overloaded...I'm donating beads to the Austin Bead Society show this weekend, and there are some cool folks here in Austin finding housing and jobs for the lucky ones who made it here...So, its bad in NO, but there are good stories out there too...Austin is being asked to provide 5 supplies, peanut butter, granola bars, water, diapers and canned meats..other cities are asked for other items..then all the items will be trucked (today or tomorrow) to NO...I worry about those folks still stuck in the city rooftops w/ only a few jugs of water and no one looking for them...this is just nuts...
Posted by Donner at September 2, 2005 11:10 AM
Comments
Donna, I think anything you want to make for us is well received by all! I really love the organics and of course my favorites are bright colors (pink, oranges, turquoise, etc., etc.) I say, do what you want girl - you know we will love it! Have a great holiday weekend!
Posted by: Kathy James at September 2, 2005 11:57 AM
Remember, that although revisiting some old bead sets would be a trip down memory lane for your longtime bead groupies, it's all new to your newby bead groupies.
I've seen some designs on your site that tickle my senses but haven't seen them for sale since I've only been around for a few months.
Some thoughts for remaking history....
Posted by: KarenL at September 2, 2005 01:08 PM
Hi Donna-
Your beads never get 'old' to me, but I can relate to your feelings of wanting to branch out and focus on new things instead of constantly revisiting the same designs over and over again. It's been a while since I've made any jewelry...partially because I've been focused on other things, but also because I think I'm bored and burnt out for now. Being creative should be fun, and when it starts to seem more like an obligation than an enjoyable way to spend time, it seems like inspiration and creativity go out the window.
You are so talented and make such amazing beads...you constantly impress me with every single bead you make. I think to keep things fun for YOU, you should always create according to your OWN whims and ideas, NOT based on what you think others want. There's a lot of freedom in sitting down and saying to yourself that you're going to make something YOU want to make, as opposed to the feeling of obligation to please others. Art springs from the artist, and there will always be some people who 'get it' and some who don't. Your talent is obvious in even the simplest beads you make, and you will always have a large base of devoted admirers of your work, regardless of whether you're making simple dot beads or intricate focals. The appeal of your beads is not just in the design alone....personally I adore your work also because of your amazing use of color.
All of that to say...I totally understand where you're coming from, and I suggest to you that you always make it a point to let your art be dictated by YOU, and nothing (and no one) else. Yeah, lampwork bead making is your job/career...but don't let it turn into a drudgery! If you need a break---take it!--and know that you don't have to exist on a never-ending treadmill of the pursuit of the new and the different to retain the interest of those of us who love your work. (and you!)...Just my two cents.....Rachel
Posted by: Rachel G. at September 2, 2005 01:20 PM
Oh, good...I'm so glad that you weren't insulted by my comment earlier...I realize that we all have 'lives' and other things take precedent, but I hate seeing creative people stifle themselves!
For a number of reasons, I've put my own jewelry biz on hold and one of the main reasons is because I haven't, for the longest time, been able to find beads that I like. I'm picky and when people like you and Corina stop making beads, it's limiting!
Anyway, I thought it worth adding that I've never thought of any of your beads as just having dots on them! I think you've got a great eye for putting together different patterns and colors. I can't recall seeing a color combination of yours that I haven't liked. Everyone who's ever seen the beads that I've purchased from you just loves them and they're usually the first pieces that get scooped up...
Maybe you can try and work in a mix of old and new....and even revisiting 'old' designs doesn't mean that when you remake them, they're not new and improved! I always love seeing whatever you make, but as I said earlier, I do miss some of your classics!
Bottom line is that you should hopefully feel good knowing that your work is truly appreciated...and missed when it's not available!
Posted by: Jean at September 2, 2005 01:53 PM
Hi Donna,
I think a combination of both is a good solution. It gives you some "rest" to do something familiar, which will still be new to those who haven't seen it. And, usually, it is energizing to create something totally new.
From a business point of view it will keep your inventory flow more stable, if that is something you want. (Can you tell I have spent years as a financial controller??)
Either way, your beads are lovely and we will still enjoy what ever you offer.
Sue
Posted by: Sue at September 3, 2005 11:39 AM