You’ve heard of Writer’s Block, right? This is when a novelist or other writer just cannot seem to move forward with the book they are writing. The ideas are just NOT flowing.

Recently, as a jewelry designer, I experienced something similar. I’ll create the scene for you here.

My Creativity Block DAY

In the morning I have ideas on how my day will unfold. I want to move forward creating new pieces using the new gems I purchase. So I head to my jewelers bench, sit down, and begin.

I am already feeling anxious so I decide to organize my gems first. After an hour or so of this, I realize that I no longer have the desire to create. So I leave the bench and decide to work on photographing my current designs. About 30 minutes into this process, I am already feeling bored. I head to the laptop to work on social media. I barely get the laptop opened when I decide I am not in the mood. OK, I am officially now in FULL CREATIVITY BLOCK mode!

How I got back to Designing

Over the years I have these times. Thankfully not often. The formula for removing the block varies. These work for me.

• Go for a walk around the neighborhood. or better yet go for a hike.
• Head to the Gym for a workout
• Go Shopping. (one of my favorites)
• Get a Pedicure.
• Binge watch TV.
• Call a Friend
• Go out to lunch (maybe with my friend or husband?)
• Shop Online
• Read a book. Yes an actual book with pages.
• Take a mini vacation

You notice I did not mention eating a bag of chips or other junk food. This would have been on my list a couple of years ago, but after watching my weight increase, I removed this from the list.

The Creativity Block is gone!

Last week, I decided to switch my design process and start working again with steel and gold. I have designed this way previously but had not gotten back to it for over a year. Guess what? Changing my strategy like this worked! Now I cannot WAIT to get to the bench and start creating. The design ideas are flowing again. The ideas keep coming and faster than ever.

Now I have methods in place for the next time the Block rears it’s ugly head.

Follow me on my design journey and become a collector. Not only do my collectors receive first look at my newest designs but the also have the advantage of Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. In addition you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs

The post How to Deal with a Creativity Block appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Music as a calming influence

I love to spend time at the jewelry bench. In fact it is my FAVORITE way to spend my time. Yes I do love the outdoors as well. Hiking when the weather permits is invigorating and fun. However, my time at the bench is precious. How do I keep my concentration? Music! I love music that is strictly instrumental. Often songs are distracting when I am contemplating a new design or soldering a tricky join with the torch.

Classical Music is the Best

For me the best most relaxing music is classical. I have always been a lover of Mozart, Hayden and JS Bach. Now with the advantage of a terrific classical music station KBACH I can enjoy these favorites and find new favorites as well. Did you know there are LOTS of BACH composers? JS Bach had lots of children and several of them became composers too. Who knew?

For our wedding my husband and I chose the Pachelbel Canon performed by a string quartet. Every time I hear this Canon it brings back those happy memories.

I put together this short video so you can see me in action. Often I am even keeping time with the beat while working!

Follow me on my design journey by becoming a collector. My collectors receive first look at my newest designs plus Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. And you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs

The post Designing to Classical Music appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Where do you get your ideas?

this is my favorite question! The answer is everywhere! Pictured above is an ocotillo cactus in bloom. When I first moved here from the Midwest I was drawn to this particular plant. I love the graceful way the branches seem to reach out towards the sky. The gorgeous orange blossoms just enhance it’s beauty. If you have been following me for some time, you will notice that I use graceful dangles in many of my designs. Yes I got that concept from this very plant.

The vibrant colors in the Arizona sky and the red rocks of Sedona inspire me.

I tend to be drawn to deep oranges and caramel colors. Of course copper provides a lot of opportunities to create these hues. I learned early on that I can play with heat and some household liquids to create these deeper colors. I also tend to stock up and design with many gemstones that remind me of the gorgeous sunsets and Sedona landscape.

Architectural patterns and structures offer lots of ideas.

Often a pattern in a dress or scarf will get me to thinking about color combinations I want to experiment with. The lines and angles of some structures seem to call out to me. I love to experiment with different angles and folds in my designs.

As I alluded to at the start of this blog, I tend to find inspiration everywhere. In fact my main problem is narrowing down the ideas that spring into my head so I can actually move forward and focus on one design at a time.

Follow me on my design journey by becoming a collector. My collectors receive first look at my newest designs plus Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. And you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs

The post Questions I get asked… as a Jewelry Designer appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Over the span of my jewelry design career, I noticed that people tend to ask me the same five (or similar) questions. For this reason I dedicate this blog to one of those questions. I will answer other questions in subsequent blogs.

How did you get started ?

Jewelry has always been an integral part of my fashion. Over the years I purchased lots of it! Because of this Art fairs loved seeing me coming! I just love the way jewelry can make a difference in the way I look and feel about myself. Fast forward to 15 years ago. A co-worker of mine was showing off a necklace she made using turquoise gemstones. I could see her joy in her accomplishment. Ultimately It ignited something in me. I decided right then and there to head to the nearest bead shop and make my own necklace. From this humble beginning I began haunting these shops; purchasing beads, findings, instructional books and more. I signed up for a few classes and enjoyed every minute of the learning process.

Working with metals.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew there was more than these simple processes. I was itching for more knowledge. The opportunity presented itself in the form of a flyer I found at one of these shops. It advertised classes in metals. I signed up, went to my first class and was immediately hooked!

I began this journey using copper. The main reason I started there was to keep the costs down and increase my skills before I worked in precious metals. The upside to this? I love working with copper!

Yes I now work in copper, silver, gold and steel. Since I love creative possibilities with copper, and because I live in the copper state of Arizona, I still consider this a viable metal for many of my designs.

Follow me on my design journey by becoming a collector. My collectors receive first look at my newest designs plus Collector-only discounts and specials. It’s Free. And you Get 15% off your first order.

Here’s How

Shop Here for all my Designs.

The post Questions People Ask me.. as a jewelry designer. appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

My name is Button (the cat)

I have been asked by my human Mom to write this post about the art of relaxation. Perhaps you are aware that cats are experts in this field.. and I revel in this knowledge. Relaxing (anywhere, anytime) is 2nd nature to me. 

Here are my tips to help you in your pursuit of relaxation.

1. Practice the art of BEING.  It seems to me that humans are more about DOING and less about BEING. From my perspective, as a cat, you have it all backwards! Doing is great when you are so motivated. I for one love to play a lot. I chase bugs, play with my feather toy and anything else in the house that piques my interest at the moment

2. Kneading. One of the favorite things I do to relax. I alternately push my paws against something soft (often a human) I learned this as a kitten. The kneading against my birth mom’s breast helped her to lactate. Even now as an adult cat, I find kneading very soothing.

 So Humans don’t knead. I get that! But you can stretch and yawn. Step away from your desk right now and try it. It feels good doesn’t it?

3. Remember to Sleep. Right at the top of my list. In fact, some days I sleep a full 18 hours.  Even this Rock under my head doesn’t stop me. I am comfortable anywhere. I have figured out that humans do not like to sleep this long.  It’s all part of that DOING instead of BEING syndrome, I surmise. Can we compromise?  

Promise to sleep 8 hours a day AND take time during the day to stretch and laugh.

4. Take time to Explore and Discover. We cats are SO curious about everything. And we have a strong need to know our surroundings in detail. Every time my human opens a door or cupboard, I am right there to find out what is inside. After all I might need to know this information sometime in the future!

 I LOVE to explore. I want humans to know how much you can learn by opening one new door. What opportunity looms for you there?

5. Petting. I added this because I LOVE IT when you pet me. I get even more relaxed and start purring. So Heavenly! Tell the truth. Don’t you also feel great when you stop what you are doing and pet me?  This is what we cats and humans both refer to as a win-win.

Humans have a saying that is so true. “If you want to find the most comfortable place in the house.. Look for the cat.” We just have a knack for finding all the comfy places.

Taking it easy is vital to the human psyche. I observe my human often wrestling with something. (I don’t understand your language, so can only go by observation of her behavior.  When she finally decides to give up the ghost and pet me (that’s the best time) or take a nap, then I can tell when she awakes that she is relaxed and brimming with insight, ideas and passion. If she would not have taken the time to step away, then she would be even more stressed..and I would not get petted (which is my right as her owner)    

Shop for my designs here.

Become an Alene’s Adornments Collector today.

Get First Look at newest designs, tidbits and legends about gemstones, jewelry care tips and of course.. COLLECTOR ONLY specials and discounts.

The post Relaxation by Button the Cat – Guest Post appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Last month I had a rare experience. I was not interested in doing anything. This feeling dragged on for several days.

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Have you ever felt this way? Can you relate to my mild case of depression?

Anyone who knows me understands how unusual that is. I am normally the person some will compare to Pollyanna. Happy & Enthusiastic- always with several projects and events in motion. Finding myself in this situation was not fun. Furthermore I had no reason to feel this way. Life in general was and is good!

During this week, I watched endless episodes of Midsomer Murders  on Netflix,  (and there are NINETEEN seasons) worked hundreds of online puzzles, ate bowls of popcorn and slept a lot.  

Pretty boring, right? Nothing at all seemed to hold my interest or pique my enthusiasm. My social media presence was non existent. I did not spend any time at the jewelry bench either. No new creative ideas were forthcoming.

The good news is: I REALIZED I was not myself and realized I did NOT want to be this slug of a person anymore.

[tweet_box design=”box_02″ float=”none”]The Struggle we are in today is developing the strength we need for tomorrow.  Alene Geed[/tweet_box]

Writing down ways to bring myself back out of the funk seemed like a good first step.

Once I had the list, I chose ONE thing and FORCED myself to accomplish it. It helped to know that the task was all I had to do that day. After that Netflix and popcorn awaited me.  This first day was agony. I did NOT want to be hurled out of my funk at all.

Day two was a little better. my task for that day seemed surmountable. Which was great news, right?  My preference was still to veg out.   Each day it became easier to accomplish something. My eagerness, while not fully at full force, was inching it’s way into my existence.  By the end of the week, this process edged into my life and brought me back into the human race again. Ideas started to flow again. I had managed to release the funk.

Please understand that this was a mild case of depression that I experienced. One week was enough time to make a difference. In cases where we have let the depression get worse and last longer, of course more time and professional help is recommended.

[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]”Human bodies are designed for regular physical activity. Many studies show that depressed patients who stick to a regiment of aerobic exercise improve as much as those treated with medication.”  Andrew Weil[/tweet_box]

Here’s my list

Meditate. This was the first task I chose to do. Calming my mind and letting my body relax worked wonders. Two meditations in particular that I like are Getting Into the Vortex – Abraham-Hicks and Grounding Earth Energy – Candess Campbell

Go for a walk.  It felt so good to get my body moving again. Once I made the decision to walk, I was all in.

Make a salad.. eat the salad. chopping up veggies and preparing the salad was very calming. The repetitive chopping took my mind off my lack of enthusiasm.

Work out with weights. stretching and toning my muscles was enlivening. I could feel myself coming out of the funk.

Get a massage. OK. this is something I do for myself on a regular basis.

Write in my journal. Journal writing had become a ritual that I abandoned over the last couple of years. Getting my thoughts in writing put many issues in perspective.

What other suggestions work for you. I would love to hear about them.

Here I am at the jewelry bench again. Happily designing new collections! You can check out and purchase my designs here.

The post Desperately Seeking Enthusiasm appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Did you ever wonder how a designer creates?  Where DO those ideas come from?

Here’s a little insight from my perspective.

First of all there is no typical day at the jewelry bench. I may be creating pieces for a wholesale order, working on a new collection, learning to use a new piece of equipment or putting finishing touches on a custom order. But the BEST day is one where I have no project or job to complete. Then I get to imagine, envision, explore, play and have fun.

[tweet_box design=”box_08″ float=”none”]”This world is but a canvas to our imagination”    Henry David Thoreau[/tweet_box]

One of my favorite things:  place many of my loose gems on the bench. As you may or may not know, I make the trek twice a year to the Tucson Gem show. While I have enough gems and stones to last a lifetime, I always seem to find something new that catches my eye.  This is but a sampling but enough to get my juices flowing. Should I combine one of the druzy quartz designs (upper right) with Red Creek jasper?? or perhaps the rich blue of the Peruvian opal (in the round container) will enhance it?  I could spend an hour or more just playing with all the options.

Once I have zeroed in on a couple of potential combinations, it’s time to work on a design.  I may start with paper and more likely I start playing with piece of silver or copper that are in my bin awaiting inspiration. It is OK to use a magic marker to rough out a design. Once heat is applied the sharpie marks disappear!  I become immersed in this process too. Ultimately I may decide upon a potential design. But it is also possible that the selected components are kept together and saved for another day.

As the day ends my mind is spinning with ideas long after I have left the Jewelry Bench. That’s the great thing about taking time to play. The creative ideas continue to flow.

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Creativity takes many forms. You don’t have to be a jewelry designer to appreciate the advantages of taking time to play and imagine. Every one of us can dream, explore and blossom into the person we want to be. Just try it!

The post What if?? The ever-changing life of a designer. appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]Pay It Forward is an enriching and powerful way to live our lives. The movie of the same title gave more credence to a practice that has been followed by countless others over the centuries.

Just in case you are still in the dark about it.. here are the details

• Do something for someone else.

• Something totally unexpected.

• Something that makes them smile.

• Don’t expect ‘or accept’ anything in return.

That’s it! It may inspire this person to do something nice for someone else, and those people to do something nice for someone else… and so on. Wouldn’t this be a great week if everyone participated? Aren’t you happy that you got the ball rolling? Keep in mind that this does NOT have to be someone you know and it does NOT have to involve cash. That part is up to you.

[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]”If you can’t feed 100 people, then just feed one.” Mother Teresa[/tweet_box]

 Suggestions to get you started:

1) Buy groceries for the person in front or back of you in line.

2) Hold the door for someone entering or leaving at the same time.

3) Babysit a friend or neighbor’s children or pets. (for free)

4) Pay the rent or car payment (one time)

5) Have a friend or colleague starting a new business? Give them a positive review and share their posts online

6) Leave a gift basket or flowers at a neighboring door step.

7) Smile at someone who is frowning and clearly having a bad day

8) Buy Coffee or ice cream for the next person in line at your favorite hangout.

9) See someone carrying heavy load or juggling children and groceries? Help them out.

These are just a few ideas to get your brain kick-started in the right direction.

Please Share this post.

Let me know what you did to PAY IT FORWARD.

The post 9 Ways to Pay it Forward this Week appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Do you own a cat? Or more appropriately .. does a cat own you?

I have had the privilege of sharing the last 25 years with these lovable felines. I discovered that they teach us a lot about being human. Yes, you heard that right. An animal can teach us how to be human.

Be curious about everything.

If I open a cupboard or a door, my kitty is inside exploring before I even realize it. One day I was rearranging some things in the kitchen. I opened a lower cabinet door and left momentarily to find another dish. Upon my return I closed the door before moving to another room in the house. About 10 minutes later I heard muffled sounds. I assumed they originated from a cat outside, so went on with my project. A minute later the sounds got louder. I opened the cabinet door and out popped our kitty! All cat owners have their own multiple experiences like this.  So much fun.

[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]”What greater gift than the love of a cat” Charles Dickens[/tweet_box]

Feel comfortable in your own skin.

Ever watch a cat stretch out, curl up or turn over on it’s back? Our kitty Button could care less what we think about her movements. When the spirit moves her she acts in any way she so chooses. As someone owned by a cat, I experience a calm when I observe this behavior. Button is OK in her own skin, so why shouldn’t I be too?

Always Include Play time in your day.. or night.

Kitty Button plays constantly. The simplest toy can get her juices flowing. Right now her favorite toy[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img] is the round cap from milk bottles. So much for spending lost of money on official cat toys, right?  Another favorite is an empty box and paper bag. The lesson? We don’t need elaborate gifts and toys to be happy. Go down to the local park and use the swing set. It’s fun! Or put on a crazy hat and walk into the grocery store. Enjoy the reactions. One time I was challenged to walk up to a total stranger and recite a mantra about myself. Scary at first and then so energizing.  take pleasure and have fun EVERY DAY.

Share your love with others

When a cat loves us we are rewarded with a delicately placed paw on our hand or foot. Or they sleep right on top of us. What an amazing feeling to experience this love. We all have the ability to share our love with those around us. A smile to a stranger, a compliment to a friend or acquaintance. These simple acts can make someone’s day. Don’t you love it when you are the recipient?

I hope you have enjoyed these Meows of Wisdom. Now go out and have some fun!

The post Meows of Wisdom appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.

Do you remember this sentiment from the Wizard of Oz?[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img]

Dorothy is frantically trying to get home when the good witch tells her that the red slippers she is wearing will do the trick.  

You had the power all along, Dorothy!

I am interacting with other bloggers and have listened to several tutorials from Boom Social . The focus is on creating a successful blog.

Something was mentioned in one of the tutorials that resonates with me. Creating a successful blog requires talents we already possess. We have our own personality, (that no one else can claim)  our own perspective on life.. and most of all we want to succeed!

Simple right? However this hit me like a ton of bricks! You see I spent the last 30 years creating and building my successful Promotional Marketing business. Many of the skills I learned and perfected over the years can help me! I already know:

• The importance of building long term relationships.

• How to create new opportunities.

• Making my business fun.

• Treating my clients with fairness and integrity.

• And finally offering over-the-top customer service.

Realizing that I can apply these same principals to my social media and jewelry designing projects feels like someone lifted a huge weight off me. I absolutely LOVE designing my jewelry and I love sharing this with others.                [tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]“Each of us is a unique strand in the intricate web of life and here to make a contribution.”    Deepak Chopra.
[/tweet_box]   Start thinking about the Power you possess.

What skills have you already mastered during your lifetime?

• Event Planning: what about that theme or dinner party you hosted? or the school event you coordinated?

• Do you volunteer for an organization?

• Balancing the household finances?

• Dabbling in crafts?

Every one of these things.. and more have provided you with skills and opportunities.

So I say… Whoopee for me and you too!  we are all amazing, powerful and successful people!

The post You had the Power all along appeared first on Alene's Adornments Blog.