Filling The Little Spaces in the Heart

 Whether wearing my artisan hat or administrator cap, I spend quite a bit of time in my studio.  Here, designs are born, tweaked, marketed and sold (with the exception, of course, of the creations I can't bear to part with!)  Within this corner of my house, I also manage my other financial accounts, play with my dogs, (when they're not too busy lying around like so much seaweed!) and this is also where I assist my husaband with the paperwork side of his business.

This messy but comfortably familiar space has come to hold bits of my heart, manifestation of who I am at this point in my life.  It is where creativity and motivation grow.  As this room holds so much responsibility, it is my intention that it be a nurturing space, although this is much more of an ideal than a reality at this point. The goal is set, but certainly this room does not yet resemble a haven!  Most often, my studio looks as though a herd of monkeys has just blown through it. Still, over time, little special bits have made there way here, and each brings me a smile every time I notice them.  

Atop a shelf next to my desk, a few such objects have quietly begun to gather.  This began with the arrival of a K'nex creation that my son, now 21, made for me many years ago.  It was originally a holder for #10 envelopes, and carefully created for this purpose to help me organize my desk.   I used this multicolor (and indestructible) tray for many years, and it now holds some of my ink stamps.

 The next item to show up from somewhere in the house, was a little Sculpey Clay truck, also a creation of my son's.  During our homeschooling years, our week included weekly art lessons, and this one was from an afternoon we spent on Sculpey clay creations.  This was a meticulous effort on his part.  The wheels, windshields and exterior details had to be just so, before it was baked to cure the clay, and then finished in a high gloss glaze.  Homeschooling was a nine-year part of my life career, and I have no doubt that on my last day, I will still remember it as my life's most fulfilling job, beyond my children's birthdays.  I love having this little momento nearby to remind me of those special times.

One year, as I was just finding time to begin pursuing creative outlets, my daughter gave me a charming little beechwood book mark, with a little ribbon and bead dangle, and on the wood, the simple message, "Follow Your Bliss".  What a wonderful quote, and valuable advice in this life!  I loved that she recognized the path I was seeking out, and took the time to validate this for me.  It is a precious thing to share with our children the wavelength that we are on, really "get" each other, and have the ability to validate the value of each other's dreams.

I have a set of kitchy tilt glasses, once owned by a dear family friend who has passed on.  While a few were chipped, I found the perfect use for one, as a holder for my business cards.  This now sits in this space, and whenever I reach for a card to include with a shipment, I remember this special person that I was blessed to know, and it always makes me smile to remember her little giggle and most generous heart.  It is always fun to find a way to repurpose items, but even moreso when they have special meaning.

The latest item to this little collection is a whimsical "Sassy Sista' " pin, a gift this Christmas from a talented and creative friend, who has been a wonderful mentor and consultant in my venture into the world of jewelry design.  She is a marvelous Kumihimo artist, and has inspired me to seek out time this year to try my hand at this wonderful and ancient Japanese braiding technique.  A photo of one of her recent pieces is shown below.   I love the combination of colors and textures, and notice how the button motif used in the clasp is in perfect harmony with the brilliant blue magatama beads!  Gorgeous!

Consider your own studio, bedroom, office, or wherever a good portion of your time is spent.  Can some of the little treasures of your own life find a place in your space, where they can cheer you, and nurture your heart on even your busiest workdays?  It doesn't take much space, and reminds us to take the occasional moment to just ...  breathe.

I love the colors in this Kumi bracelet, and the fabulous button and coordinating clasp loop!

Stop into my beading buddy's Etsy shop to check out more lovelies!  www.BizeeBeeCreations.Etsy.com, and don't forget to stop by my shops as well!

PearTreeJewelry.etsy.com

PearTreeVintage/etsy.com