A Little Each Day Goes a Long Way

I often have to remind myself that although there is a time and place for thinking, doing accomplishes more.  If we never get up the courage to try, nothing will ever happen.  Inaction guarantees failure, but action provides the possibility of success.  This lesson continues to challenge me, especially in the world of instantaneous results we have grown so accustomed to in our high-tech society today.  Hope and optimism are great, but progress takes actual effort.

Sunshine and butterflies.  This little figurine is from quite a while back.

Without trial and error, there is no growth, although sometimes it is hard to see success until we take the time to look back at where we have been.  Lately, I've spent a lot of time looking back at some of my older sculptures and pieces, and where I was once satisfied with what I saw then, I can look back at these older pieces and see definite improvements in my precision and skill.  A little over a week ago was the first time that I had ever made a series of dolls all at once, and oddly enough, even by the 6th or 7th doll I saw drastic improvement and ultimately experimented with and created new techniques and skills.

A OOAK Circus Inspired Megumi Doll. She's got a super cute updo in the back.

However, as I have never been the type of person who works on a single idea or project at time, and because I truly enjoy trying whatever comes to mind, in between taking breaks from making multi-colored doll hair (which is a lot of work when working with alternating strands of color that are placed one by one), I decided to try making miniature cupcakes as well.  The skills that I gained doll making transferred into creating teeny tiny cupcakes, and vice versa.  The next challenge I have set for myself is to become faster without sacrificing any quality.

Feeling goofy with these Spooktacular cupcakes.

Here's to patience, guidance, and perseverance.

XoXo,

Joyce

Flashback Friday and a Sneak Peek for Next Week

What better way to take it easy at home while nursing a vicious cold than going through some of my past creations. :)

I had so much fun making this ring.  It all started when I was exploring making my own polymer canes.  I created the blue base as part of what would later become flower petals and decided that it would make a great looking pond in a ring.  

At first I was thinking about making a koi pond, and then I added a bunch of colorful flowers and some Swarvoski crystals, and this is what I got. 

It reminds me of a reflecting pool.  It is so amazing what is created when we just go with the flow and see where life takes us.

This was one of my very first creations.  I was very into the harajuku and decoden style at the time, but wanted to give it my own glamorous, sparkly twist.  Making this necklace took a lot of thought and much trial and error.  I made each one of the glass covered discs unique (AB porcelain roses, metal roses, rose cabochons, faux pearl hearts, crystals, and more) and surrounded the rose centerpiece with both faux pearl cabochons and Swarovski crystals.

I truly love creating one-of-a-kind pieces, even if all the business journals and guidelines I have been reading tell me that that is not the way to go.  Time will tell, but I will definitely be making one-of-a-kind pieces all the time.

In case you couldn't tell, pink is one of my favorite colors! 

A few of my miniature doll figurines from when I discovered braided and multicolored hair! :)

 When I got the idea to make my very first miniature doll, the name "Megumi" literally came to me in a dream.  When I looked up the meaning of the word (which I had never heard before), I discovered that it meant "blessing" or "grace."  Pretty cool, huh?

I have since made these little dolls into lucky charms for my necklaces and bracelets (coming soon due to popular demand!) and hope that they will bring joy, luck, and love to their owners!

And on that note... here is one of my little dolls today!  I have named this one Persephone!  She's got gorgeous pink, purple, and lilac hair and has a hot pink flower and Swarovski crystals in her hair.

I have even made a little companion for my dolls! :)  He's not a charm, but a cute miniature friend, nevertheless.

Perhaps an inspiration for dolls with companions! (coming soon?????)

Keep an eye out for sister and best friend necklaces (my latest idea) coming soon to my store!

XoXo,

Joyce