I want to tell you these things:
1. I love LOVE love what I do. You might think you know what I mean. But the love I have for silversmithing is unfathomable. It’s like God’s love for His children (even though I, as a human, am not capable of such a pure thing). When I take a day off, all I can think of is getting back in my studio and making jewelry. I do not leave home without at least ten cabochons and a sketch book. I am obsessed with my work. I love it so. I dream of designs. I wake in the night and sketch. I start to twitch if I cannot work. When RW and I drive somewhere, I bring a bag of wire, beads, pliers and other odds and ends so I can make jewelry while we drive (just ask Emily about this).
2. I do not throw things together to make a quick buck. I carefully plan my designs. Each of these rings was designed, sketched, components were cut, filed, sanded, stamped and soldered together one by one. I’m not a machine. I have to make what’s in my heart. Many of my designs cannot be duplicated not just because each stone is one of a kind, but because when I made them, I was feeling something particular…more than anything, I often find it difficult to transport myself back to a certain mindset or emotional state. I can spend hours on an idea before it actually comes to fruition.
3. I work really hard. I value my time. I value the abilities of my body.
I’m proud of these rings. Because the designs are entirely mine. In every way. And because I can feel my skills growing. And because I made these pieces with love.
It’s true. When you love what you do, it shows.
:::EDIT:::
Thanks to all my ladies who made it out to
today.
I love your support and I love your love.
XO
Oh dear LORD! I saw that you uploaded your new rings on your etsy sidebar and clicked on the link. In the time it took for me to see it and then click on it, most of the items had already sold! I think women (and sometimes men) love your work as much as you love making it!
Utterly and absolutely…
the Prairie Soul pulls at my heart strings…
Oh, someday
Such
an
Encompassing
Element!
You are as beautiful as your artwork & I can see your heart & soul in every piece you create! Silver poetry in motion, in full flight! I like the way you move through this world…I am blessed to have found you!
It's official! I CAN fly with the flock!!!
LOve yoU & all that yoU Do!
xoxo
you are one of a kind, the sprightliest arrow in the quiver, the brightest bird on the branch…of this there is no doubt in my mind (and i’m usually right about most things).
loves you.
she.
I love this post – I think its brilliant that so much love, care and attention goes into your creations – and it shows! And I’m so glad your proud of what you do, pride often sets standards, and from the look of things yours looks to be sky high! 🙂
Couldn’t agree more, Miss Jillian. And that was one of the most Randian things you’ve ever written, I’m sure. Ever read Ayn Rand? You need to. Some quotes:
“Love is our response to our highest values.”
“An inventor is a man who asks ‘Why?’ of the universe and lets nothing stand between the answer and his mind.”
“Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one’s values.”
Just a few of the 650,000 words of Atlas Shrugged!
Although I can’t wear those big, beautiful rings, I’m tempted to buy Prairie Soul, tuck in in a shadow box, and hang it in my kitchen where I will see it every day and it will make me smile.
The fact that I actually snatched up one of your lovelies today is keeping a smile on my face all day long. Your bon bon earrings are fantastic, i LOVE how they’re all completely different and have so many colors. In fact everything you posted today was a literal rainbow of color. Truly beautiful, just like the words you share on your blog. Thanks for sharing so much of your soul with us, in words and jewelry. We treasure both equally.
You are crazy talented and I feel so happy when you write so passionately about your work!
Good on you, sister.
It’s true folks – right down to the hand-made bead-caps and earwires in 2 different gauges…
As for the rest… AMEN SISTER!!!
Ditto to the n’th degree…
LOVE you.
Your work is always gorgeous, and you can tell all the time and love that goes into each piece. I treasure my Plume creations, and my heart beats a little faster every time you post new creations. Thank you so much for sharing a piece of your soul with us, you can definitely see it reflected in each piece.
Obviously I slept through your return but no doubt the webular break (as you put it) did you tremendous good.
Miss Plume, I believe what you say. And, that is exactly why your pieces are lovely.
xo
I am so glad people love your love as much as you do.
When we do what we are passionate about our entire being glows.. everyone knows it.
I feel the same way about my work 🙂
Endless blessings of happiness, creativity and prosperity to you!
I’m really into the direction you’re going with your work lately. Those leaf looking things in the metal are stunning, and the peacock feather thing is awesome as well. Keep up the good work!
Beautiful. Inspiring. Uplifting…I’m so happy I found your work, and your blog!
JSL,
just so you know, the love you put into these pieces is so very evident! the pieces pretty much sing when you unwrap them from their little feathery homes. And like melissa, I too was keeping a close eye on everything but it would be snapped up in seconds! I told Thomas in awe about the phenomena!
know that your pieces of art are deeply cherished by those who buy them!
love you!
kate
Dear Ms. Plume,
I found this post very profound. I wanted to reply immediately, but I found I needed to let your thought-ponies canter through my mind meadows for a while.
I’ve only recently unleashed my creative storm. I have massive blocks of priorities in my life, but the jewelry is like water, it fills in every single crack and crevasse of extra thought that doesn’t go to those priorities. It would be nice to have one of my blocks of priorities BE jewelry. But, that remains an airy little dream. In the meantime, i can be inspired by you.
And since I’ve starting following you, in a mere six months, I’ve seen your skills take off in leaps and bounds. I’ve been amazed and enchanted since I started reading…and continue to remain so.