A Good Mood . . .
My Pink Limeade bracelet is one of three projects on the cover of 101 Bracelets, Necklaces, and Earrings. (It's the piece in the upper right corner.) This made me so happy! Partly because it's the first time I've had a project on a magazine cover, but also because I clearly remember making this bracelet. I don't remember creating every project I've ever made, but I remember this one vividly because the bright lime and fuchsia colors were so cheerful. I had just escaped a stressful work situation and I remember feeling so free and happy. Every single project I created during that time felt sunny and optimistic.
. . . and Not-So-Good One
Mood can influence our work, even when we're not aware of it. Case in point: I looked at the items I submitted for the "My Favorite Things" feature in Stringing Summer 2011 and was astonished that they were all so dark. I have those Czech pressed glass beads in orange and yellow and purple
and every color imaginable and yet, what did I send in? Dark blues and browns!
I have many colorful ceramic pendants and what did I send in? A grayish-mauve pendant
that practically disappears into the background. They're all beautiful beads and ones I love—I was just totally unaware that I didn't choose a single bright color.
In hindsight, I know I was stressed out at the time I submitted them. I was so busy that I had turned down an assignment. As a freelancer, turning down work makes you start irrationally thinking that no one will ever offer you work again. Imagining yourself as a bag lady isn't the best way to spark a sunny design.
Have you noticed how your mood affects your jewelry designs? I'd love to hear your stories, so that I can reassure myself I'm not the only one!