Is to have both feet planted at least partially on the ground...!
As some of you may know, 5 weeks ago I slipped and fell down three stairs and broke my left ankle which resulted in a stay in hospital to have a metal plate put in. Since then I've been pretty much confined to barracks learning how to move with the aid of crutches and a walking frame.
Since I work with my hands I didn't think this would have much impact and can remember lying in hospital thinking 'oh well...nothing to stop me sitting and making beads...Boy did I get a surprise! I've never had surgery before and was totally unprepared for just how low I would feel for the first 10 days or so...the least little effort exhausted me and I spent most of the time asleep on the sofa. This is of course exactly what I should have been doing while my body mended itself but it's not me and I'm not a good patient. I did think I could use this time to do lots of sketching and designing and I did do a little, but in this house it seems that even if the spirit is willing, if the body is weak the muse takes her leave for an early festive break - fickle creature!
Once I could stay awake I found myself plagued with aches and pains - not from the ankle, that was fine...but from all the other muscles and joints that were taking the strain off the useless leg and being stretched and twisted in awkward ways. I did manage to sit and glaze some beads for a few hours last week but it was not comfortable having to have my leg raised (a plaster cast that feels like it is about to explode is not a pleasant sensation) and sit awkwardly.
However, all is not doom and gloom since I managed to balance on one foot long enough to get the beads (my first batch of stoneware) into the new kiln for it's first glaze firing and I was pretty pleased with the result...
Now I've got these under my belt I am feeling much more inspired and am definitely developing ideas for the new year. That little bit of inspiration has also got me more in the mood for Christmas and has enabled me to put together a little wish list which happily also doubles up for my birthday next month.
I'm not usually one for using vouchers as gifts but they are actually topping my list this year as long as they come from one of my favourite pottery suppliers.
I can think of nothing better in the dreary days of January than browsing through all manner of muddy delights especially if it feeds my current addiction for glazes and adds some colour to the winter months...can't you just see these as beads...
Another little book I covet is this one by Wanaree Tanner - leading light of the metal clay world who I could not hope to emulate but her designs I could drool over forever...
This 'Aegean Cuff' tutorial by Stacy Perry of Hodgepodgerie has also found it's way onto my list as I've being eyeing it up forever. Stacy was one of the first jewellery makers I came across when I started and she makes the most fabulous metal worked jewellery. The tutorial includes options for different finishes and it looks like it would be great fun to make and wear...are you listening Santa...
So if any of these show up under my tree I will be more than happy and the only other thing I would ask for is a fit, healthy and productive year ahead.
So what's at the top of your art jewellery wish list this holiday season...I think it's only fair you share just in case the rest of us have missed anything...!
Lesley
The Gossiping Goddess
As some of you may know, 5 weeks ago I slipped and fell down three stairs and broke my left ankle which resulted in a stay in hospital to have a metal plate put in. Since then I've been pretty much confined to barracks learning how to move with the aid of crutches and a walking frame.
Since I work with my hands I didn't think this would have much impact and can remember lying in hospital thinking 'oh well...nothing to stop me sitting and making beads...Boy did I get a surprise! I've never had surgery before and was totally unprepared for just how low I would feel for the first 10 days or so...the least little effort exhausted me and I spent most of the time asleep on the sofa. This is of course exactly what I should have been doing while my body mended itself but it's not me and I'm not a good patient. I did think I could use this time to do lots of sketching and designing and I did do a little, but in this house it seems that even if the spirit is willing, if the body is weak the muse takes her leave for an early festive break - fickle creature!
Once I could stay awake I found myself plagued with aches and pains - not from the ankle, that was fine...but from all the other muscles and joints that were taking the strain off the useless leg and being stretched and twisted in awkward ways. I did manage to sit and glaze some beads for a few hours last week but it was not comfortable having to have my leg raised (a plaster cast that feels like it is about to explode is not a pleasant sensation) and sit awkwardly.
However, all is not doom and gloom since I managed to balance on one foot long enough to get the beads (my first batch of stoneware) into the new kiln for it's first glaze firing and I was pretty pleased with the result...
Now I've got these under my belt I am feeling much more inspired and am definitely developing ideas for the new year. That little bit of inspiration has also got me more in the mood for Christmas and has enabled me to put together a little wish list which happily also doubles up for my birthday next month.
I'm not usually one for using vouchers as gifts but they are actually topping my list this year as long as they come from one of my favourite pottery suppliers.
I can think of nothing better in the dreary days of January than browsing through all manner of muddy delights especially if it feeds my current addiction for glazes and adds some colour to the winter months...can't you just see these as beads...
Books always figure high on any gift list of mine too and this year is no exception with, surprise surprise a couple on ceramic techniques...
Although I don't have room to do large scale clay work at home I am seriously considering taking a course next year to learn some wider skills and techniques and these books will help inform me for that...the bug has really bitten me on this one!
This 'Aegean Cuff' tutorial by Stacy Perry of Hodgepodgerie has also found it's way onto my list as I've being eyeing it up forever. Stacy was one of the first jewellery makers I came across when I started and she makes the most fabulous metal worked jewellery. The tutorial includes options for different finishes and it looks like it would be great fun to make and wear...are you listening Santa...
So if any of these show up under my tree I will be more than happy and the only other thing I would ask for is a fit, healthy and productive year ahead.
So what's at the top of your art jewellery wish list this holiday season...I think it's only fair you share just in case the rest of us have missed anything...!
Lesley
The Gossiping Goddess
