It’s important to practice what you preach . . .
Don’t you agree? 😉
If you’ve been visiting here for a while, you know that good ole Crystal (me!) passionately believes it’s crucial to carve out a little time on a regular basis to create something . . . anything.
It doesn’t matter how well your “art” project turns out, it’s the process that counts.
Wait… You say you don’t have a creative bone in your body? Well then, you must do something else that’s pleasurable and captures your full attention. Read a book; watch a movie; make a new recipe, work in your garden; or listen intently to your favorite music!
Spending an hour or so “lost” in this type of activity will help lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress level, and most important of all – will bring you to a state of calm relaxation, which can have a powerful effect on your physical well-being. You truly owe it to yourself, not to mention those who love you (me included!).
Ok, Crystal. Enough talk.
What have you done lately to keep yourself in tip-top shape?
Glad you asked! 😉
Well, there was this woven pendant . . .
Swarovski crystals in my favorite color combo – amethyst purple and olivine green aurora borealis!
Then, inspired by the autumn chill, I grabbed some warm browns along with golden topaz, and made these earrings. When they were finished, they somehow reminded me of one of my favorite paintings by Edward Hopper, “Automat“. Love the mystery in that scene.
And finally, I have a light sapphire blue with purple.
What can I say? Those purple beads just keep jumping into my hands. Really!
Hugs,
Lovely pieces. I have never done RAW. How you like the stitch? IMHO, it really is a great stitch for crystals. Hey, since your NAME is Crystal, maybe that’s why those Crystals jump in your hand!!
XX, Carol
wow gorgeous !
Lol, Carol 😉
For years, I only worked with wire and the heavier, nylon-coated, beading cord when I made jewelry. I still enjoy that, but I’ve discovered that I have a special love for working with the more delicate beading threads to “weave” the beads into jewelry. 🙂
“Right Angle Weave” (RAW) is probably my favorite stitch. I guess I like the geometric look. xo
Thanks Michelle! 🙂
How are you? Has the foliage been pretty in your area? Here, they’re saying that ours won’t be as beautiful as usual this year.
Great looking pieces, Crystal. I don’t think I can pick a favorite. I know what you are saying about getting lost in what you are doing. I bet beading brings you great joy since you are so good at it.
I had a great time decorating for Halloween and making home made mac and cheese for the meeting last weekend. My dog group enjoyed everything and the K-9 games (our major fundraiser) is this Sunday. I’m looking forward to seeing all the dogs and even though I come home beat, it is one of my favorite days of the year.
Thank you, Kelly,
I do love to bead.
I’ll be thinking of you on Sunday and hoping that this is the best year ever for the fundraiser! 🙂
I know Kouga will enjoy it too!
Oh my gosh, homemade mac and cheese is a favorite around here. Hearing about yours has me thinking I’ll make it this week!
Ditto on the WOW!! Wow!!
Those are all beautiful. Love, love the pendant. RAW is one of my favorite stitches. After peyote. (I miss beadworking. 🙁 But I love quilting. 😀 )
Hey Donna!
I know just what you mean!
I’d love to have more hours in the week to do lots of different types of crafts . . . I miss knitting and I’d love to spend some time paper-crafting. Oh well, maybe during the winter. 🙂
I’m not creative but I love creative pieces. I figure it’s like appreciating music – I can’t sing or play an instrument but I sure do love it.
Gosh, Clenna!
That’s a great way to explain it! 😀
You know, I feel the same way when I look at things I could never make – like fine art, or very intricate designs in any medium.
Thanks for giving us your wisdom on this.
Love love love the brown & golden topaz earrings. Remind me of fall. 🙂
I do not do anything crafty or cook, but I have recently started taking pilates classes again. It is something I can do for ME, without the distractions of family, work, etc. I love to ride, too, but I am usually bombarded with tons of questions and people wanting to talk when I am at the barn (since I work there), so while I enjoy it, it is not an activity that I can get “lost” in. Although I do think that it is still good for my well being.
Kelly, good luck at your fundraiser!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Yes Allison!
I can imagine that pilates is perfect for getting you into a state of concentration – during which the daily stresses are blocked out. Yay for you 🙂
With riding, you’re kind of like a doctor at a cocktail party . . . everyone has an ache or a pain to ask him about! 😉
Yes Crystal, you are right!! My husband is an attorney, and EVERYONE has a legal question for him! I feel sorry for the doctors and lawyers……………. His standard answer is “That is not my area of expertise, I am not qualified to give advice about that”.
Allison,
Good answer! 😀
Why don’t people realize that we all need to have our time off!?!