Advancing In the Direction of Your Dreams

 Inspiration comes in many forms;  images you see, other's work, colors, words, etc.  For a creative person, it never ends, it's always out there in front of us, waiting to be noticed.

Lately I've been inspired by ethnic and ancient times.  I find myself down a rabbit hole of research looking at jewelry from long ago or colors and designs of ethnic origin.  I take these ideas into my craft and put my own original spin on it.  

I recently learned the technique of chemical etching.  I first read about it in a jewelry art book and followed their detailed instructions on its use.  Preparation and precaution is key, but overall it was fun and enjoyable and the outcome was very satisfying!  

I also have been experimenting with Jax Green, a chemical process for a verdigris patina finish.  It's more challenging to get the desired outcome, however, and has frustrated me.  There's a real trick to prepping the metal and allowing a 24 hour drying time between coats.  So this might not stay in my list of offerings. 

It's so important to step outside our comfort zone and try new things, even if your initial reaction is to gasp and run (or maybe that's just me).  When it's challenging is the best time not to give up as well, keep at it from different angles and eventually it works.  Every now and then it doesn't and I am always learning when to accept that and move onto something else.

While the silver prices are still high, I managed to find these new techniques with more affordable materials, and it was a magical experience.  So we don't always know where the muse will take us, but we can be sure that it will be an adventure.

I've included photos of my recent work. 

 For details and purchasing please visit my Etsy shop at Salish Silver .