REMOVING CONSTRAINTS

REMOVING CONSTRAINTS

by | Jul 27, 2025 | Entire Blog, For Makers

“I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat.”

~Rebecca West

PROVING ONE’S SELF

In my personal experience, there have been times where I have had to work twice as hard, study twice as long, and push much harder to be recognized as equally capable as my male peers.

In the early years of the tech industry in a town where women were valued more for staying home, I was a network analyst. The assumption of capability was automatically given to my male counterparts, whereas I had to prove myself over and over again.

SELF-SABOTAGE

During that time, I also had several self-imposed limitations. I imagine it was partially due to cultural and societal stigmas. I agreed with those “less-than” collective beliefs that were imposed upon women. I wasn’t big enough. I wasn’t strong enough. (Oddly enough, I DID think I was smart enough, lol).

Life continued to give me opportunities to see the fallacies in those beliefs. Little by little those beliefs were chipped away revealing thoughts of strength and capacity.

YEARNING TO BE SET FREE

When I originally set out to make this pendant, I was going to fully encase the figure in a circle. However, she said “No!” Enough constraining! She’s breaking free. She does not need to remain in her self-limiting or societal limiting structures. She is strong and capable and she knows it.

ENDING THE CYCLE

As she continued to reveal her story to me, she also wanted to acknowledge the years of imprisonment she experienced. She needed to show that she broke free of the bonds. She broke free of her cell. The setting for this piece tells that story.

SUCCESS!

She has broken free! How many self-limiting thoughts do you still carry around? What about collective thoughts about oppression or being less than? Let her be your guide to break free.

Breaking Free Cloisonne Reversible Pendant

 

FIND WONDER IN THE ORDINARY

FIND WONDER IN THE ORDINARY

by | Jun 10, 2025 | Entire Blog, For Makers

“Extraordinary magic is woven through ordinary life. Look around!.”

~Amy Lee Mercree

We’ve done this walk a million times, we need to go somewhere new. We’ve done this hike a million times, it’s so boring. We’ve gone to this place so many times. And on and on it goes. There’s nothing new to see or do. I’m tired of this same walk. 

MISSING THE MAGIC

This kind of thinking is so common and it sets us up to miss the magic abound us. It is so simple to find magic in new things. It’s why vacations are so great. Everything is a brand new experience. It’s why being around young children can be fun; everything is new to them, so it can let us see the newness through their eyes.

But, what if you can’t go on vacation all of the time? What if there aren’t any young children around you? What if what you do or see is repetitive. How do you find the magic. 

LOOK

Look!!! I have done the same walks and hikes so many times I’ve lost count, but, every single one is different. Things are continually changing even though it’s the same. The sun may filter differently, a new plant may be growing, the water might be rushing more loudly or not at all. Little critters may pop in and out from their homes. Every one of these subtle nuances allow us to experience what we are doing as if it were the first time.

FINDING WONDER IN REPETITIVE TASKS

The same mindset applies to my enameling. Yes, it’s repetitive but every wire placed is different, every color used can appear different, every setting has its own challenges. Even when making two of the exact same piece, they’re different. 

It’s all about looking with childlike wonder. It’s looking for the surprise. It’s about noticing the nuances. If it’s approached with an attitude of “it’s the same ol’ same ol’” then it will look like the same ol’. 

CAN YOU FIND THE WONDER?

How can you find the magic around you?

DARE TO SHINE

DARE TO SHINE

by | May 22, 2025 | For Makers

“Just keep coming home to yourself, you are the one who you’ve been waiting for.”

~Byron Katie

Do thoughts of not feeling that you are good enough run through your head? Do you continually compare yourself to others? Do you think you don’t measure up? Do you suffer from imposter syndrome? That kind of thinking ruled my life for years and years. Through reprogramming my internal thinking, I’ve slowly discovered those thoughts are false. Here are a few ways I changed my thoughts.

Please note, these tips and tricks are based on my personal experiences. I am not a therapist and am not providing theraputic advice. Please reach out to a professional if you need help.

GRATITUDE

A gratitude journal changed my perspective. At first I thought it was silly and avoided writing in one. Then I thought it would take too much time. Finally I started writing in one right before bed. I would find 5 things for which I was grateful. Some days, I struggled. So, I’d write that I was grateful the day was over. I would write that I was grateful for my bed, or my pillow, or my toothbrush. It didn’t matter, I just found 5 things. As the days progressed, I’d find myself discovering things throughout the day and remembering them so I could write them down in my journal. It was a way to gently nudge negative thinking into a space of gratitude.

JOURNAL

I used to roll my eyes at anybody who told me to journal. I thought it was a waste of time. I thought it wouldn’t be helpful. Finally, someone finally presented good enough reasons for me to start journaling and I’ve never stopped. I never made it into a chore where I had to write every day, but I did write every time I was confused or had an emotion I needed to process. Most of my journaling was done on my computer. Some of my journaling was done with a paintbrush. I let my intuition guide me. I wrote until the emotion was spent. I wrote until a little clarity presented itself. I allowed a stream of consiousness to just flow from my head to my fingers. It helped!

STOP THE COMPARISON GAME

Comparing doesn’t serve mental well-being. Years ago when I ran, a friend told me “there will always be somebody faster than you and somebody slower than you. Just run your own run.” It was such good advice for both running and for living. There will always be someone who is better than you at something and somebody who is worse than you. We have fallen into a trap of comparing bodies, faces, skin, jobs, houses, financial status and everything else and falling short (or being the one on top). But, in any case, comparisons cause stress. Remove yourself from that game and find your own unique qualities. Refer to step one (gratitude).

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE INFLUENCES

Do you know that story about the frog and boiling water? If you have a frog in a pot of water and slowly turn up the heat, he won’t jump out. But, if you put a frog in a pot of boiling water, he will jump out. I think when you’re surrounded in toxicity, you don’t know that you’re in boiling water. You don’t know it’s bad until you’ve left it. Do the people in your life support you? Do they want the best for you? Do they want you to shine? If not, maybe it’s time to part ways. Leaving toxicity took me a long time, but now that I know differently, I’m so grateful I had the courage to leave.

MOVE MOVE MOVE

When I was depressed, I could barely get myself to work let alone exercise. As I slowly healed my mental state, I started getting enough energy to start walking and exercising. I am a firm believer in movement and the benefits it has for mental well-being. If at all possible, try to move a little. If at all possible, try to get into nature somewhere. Nature and movement truly are the balm that heals.

SHINE

Shine in who you are. Let others see you and celebrate you. You are uniquely you and the world deserves to see the gift that you are.

This enamel is a representation of daring to break those protective walls that we keep around ourselves. The essence revealed beneath that armor shines with beauty (the gold), the eye represents clarity and a willingness to see. It’s a very autobiographical piece and I have a feeling it’s representative of many people’s stories.

If this necklace resonates with you, click on the image to purchase it.

What’s Your Experience?

Do any of these points resonate with you? Where have you learned your most profound lessons?

WHAT IS ENAMEL?

WHAT IS ENAMEL?

by | Jan 3, 2023 | For Makers

“Unwavering beauty for those who dare to dream.”

I didn’t know!

I speak of enamels as if people know what they are. I’ll admit, the first time I saw one, I had no clue what it was. I just know that I fell in love with it. It’s what started my journey into jewelry making and enameling.

What is it?

Vitreous enamel, or porcelain enamel, or hot enamel is a type of glass fused to metal. It is applied to the surface of the metal and fired at approximately 1400 degrees F. This process is repeated several times to achieve the artist’s vision. Once it cools and hardens, the enamel creates a durable and corrosion-resistant barrier that protects the metal beneath it.

Why do you want it?

In the world of jewelry, vitreous enamel is a popular choice for adding color and design to metal pieces. It allows for a wide range of creativity and can add a unique, eye-catching element to any piece. It’s also a durable option, as the enamel is colorfast meaning it will not fade over time. So next time you’re admiring a beautiful piece of enameled jewelry, you’ll know the process and thought that went into creating it.

STYLISH

Hidden Clasp Bracelet Closeup

DURABLE

COLORFUL

HOW TO COMMISSION A PIECE OF JEWELRY

HOW TO COMMISSION A PIECE OF JEWELRY

by | May 15, 2023 | For Makers

Do You Dream of Commissioning Jewelry?

Have you ever considered commissioning a piece of jewelry to be made specifically for you? Have you wanted to commission a piece but had no idea where to start? Here are some tips and tricks on assuring you have a wonderful experience and get the piece you want.

“Jewelry has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique“

~Elizabeth Taylor

Woman thrilled and celebrating her win of the moment

Follow These Simple Steps When Commissioning a Jeweler

  • Get clear on what it is you want. Collect images of pieces that appeal to you.
  • Find a jeweler who works in the style you like. Don’t just hire a jeweler because the said they make jewelry. Hire them because they create pieces that speak to your aesthetic.
  • Be explicit in your vision.

Setting Appropriate Expectations

  • Confirm that the materials that will be used are what you want. Don’t expect the jeweler to work with materials they’ve never used before.
  • Make sure both parties are clear on the size of the finished piece. If you’re commissioning a ring, make sure you know your size. 
  • Get clear on the price for the finished piece.
A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

Establish Clear Communication

  • Get clear on the timeline. How long will it take once the contract is signed. Make sure both parties agree to the timeline.
  • The jeweler will probably ask for a non-refundable 1/2 down to start and then 1/2 down upon completion. 
  • Some jewelers will share photos while the piece is being made, some won’t. Know what your jeweler will do.
create a sacred space to welcome creativity.

Can Revisions Be Made

  • In some cases, minor adjustments can be made along the way. First, know if your jeweler will make those revisions before they start the project and secondly, determine how many revisions can be made. Some people don’t allow any while some may allow one or two.

Have A Successful Experience

Consequently, Be sure to follow these steps so the process can be enjoyable for both you and the jeweler. And, then ask for a commissioned piece. There is nothing like having a piece of jewelry make just for you! I know! I’ve had many pieces made for me and I’ve made many for other people! 

If you’re interested in commissioning me to make you a piece, please reach out. Here are some commissions from happy customers.

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered
Flow chart showing the steps in finding and hiring a jeweler for a custom piece of jewelry.

Have A Successful Experience

Consequently, Be sure to follow these steps so the process can be enjoyable for both you and the jeweler. And, then ask for a commissioned piece. There is nothing like having a piece of jewelry make just for you! I know! I’ve had many pieces made for me and I’ve made many for other people! 

If you’re interested in commissioning me to make you a piece, please reach out. Here are some commissions from happy customers.

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

COMMISSION YOURS TODAY

15 + 11 =

Enamel pendant of lotus, moons, and a sun set in sterling silver with hoops and a 14k gold moon bail
Enamel Woman in Frame with silver over her eyes
Silver Ganesh with Enameled Purple Lotus and Aqua backdrop