Inspiration comes in packages....

RAD 148 Inspiration packages
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

Today I received a very special surprise from Experimetal (aka Victoria Takahashi). Inside the box were these little packages. Just as I was getting ready to rip them all open, I spied a note with the "rules".

"If you open a package you have to use it, OR use it for inspiration and make a piece within 24 hours.

NO PEEKING! (Fondling counts as peeking)"

So, I decided that I could handle one little challenge before my trip to Seattle tomorrow, so I selected one in the middle of the bag and opened it up. I found this gorgeous rock with the natural hole already in it. I loved the shape and wanted to play with it as a ring.

I've decided to call them my "inspiration packages".



It was an idea that Kathryn Riechert began when she sent a package to Victoria. Its very fun and playful. I feel like a kid again--caught up in my play.

Today's Ring Inspiration

RAD 137 only the days you eat 004
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

My mother in law is one of the most amazing violin teachers I've ever met. She teaches kids in a "Suzuki" method. When kids ask how often they should practice, Dr. Suzuki's answer is that you only have to practice on the days you eat. In this tradition they also do a song 10,000 times before that song is mastered.

As a musician myself, I apply a daily discipline to my metalsmithing. I often challenge myself to try something new. Trying it once is not enough, getting it right once is not enough, so I relentlessly pursue it until it becomes a part of me. I think that there is some magic with number 10,000.

Yep, 10,000 of anyone thing is a lot of doing. This ring reminds me that I have to work at my art "only the days you eat".

"Craft Corps" by Vickie Howell

I am addicted to people's life stories and especially their successes. I normally do most of my reading via audio books when I'm traveling, but I've come across a book that has made me want to sit down and study it! "Craft Corps" by Vickie Howell published by Lark Books is a colorful and engaging book about the lives of hundreds of crafters. The tag line says it all, "Documenting the Crafting Revolution" with "celebrity interviews, profiles of everyday crafters, and tales of making a creative life." I am fascinated with the grassroots community and their overabundant dose of Do-It-Yourself combined with ingenuity. I love that this book instantly captures my attention and makes me want to read more. I think that you will love it too!