Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

Review of Sherri Haab Resin Jewelry DVD – Guest Post by Susan Volpe

From the very start of this information packed DVD – I knew what had caused problems for me in my previous attempts at casting resin jewelry. It was like taking a class where you are the only student – and all of your questions are answered.

For example, I did not know that I could sand a hardened piece of resin to remove unsightly edges – I thought I had done something wrong.

I learned the differences in types of resin – which ones are good for shallow (less than ¼”) and what to use for deeper and larger molds. Again, this explained another project that I made and why it did not turn out!

Haab details everything to make a project successful – from safety tips to temperature, to making your own molds. She also discusses the differences between toner and ink jet copies, plus how to seal what you use properly for the best results.

I found the object section was fun and informative where Sherri used game pieces and other objects as jewelry bezels.  The 15 projects presented are well done.

I had almost given up hope that this was something I could do successfully.  But, now I can’t wait to make some resin jewelry, knowing that my results will be so much better after watching this artist at work.

Click here to get more information about this how to resin jewelry DVD taught by Sherri Haab and other great art and craft how to videos.

Susan Volpe
Interior Designer and Instructor, and Professional Organizer
www.homeandorganizing.com

Do you ever feel like you are on a roller coaster ride? One minute you feel like you have things figured out and are excited to start. And the next minute you lose focus or momentum and feel frustrated and unsure about what you want.

I notice that with myself, clients, and friends, that you usually do know what would make you happy.

The answers to what would make you happy and why are usually consistent with your values and the things that matter to you, which typically don’t change too much.

Most of the problems and challenges are in the HOW and THE WAY you go about getting what you want.

3 Blocks to Your Creativity, Success, and Happiness

I Don’t Know How, So There.
You may know what you want to accomplish but you don’t know how and it stops you in your tracks. End of story.

Another variation of this is to say, “I can’t because….” without exploring the possibilities.

Everyone has a learning process in figuring out how to do something and there is plenty of help out there.

Here are just a few ideas of where to start:

• Read a How to Book
• Research the Internet
• Take a Class
• Join a Group
• Get a Coach
• Find a Mentor

Find someone who is doing something similar and study what they do.
There is never only one way to do things. You may come up with a creative solution if you give yourself a chance.

All or Nothing Thinking
Do you ever get caught up in feeling like there is only one way to be happy?

For example, some may feel like they will ONLY be happy if they make their living doing what they love.

It usually takes time and patience to make a full time living at what you love so you may want to start on the side until you get things going.

The way achieve your goal doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Do the things that you love in your life in various ways. You might do them for a living full time or part time, you might volunteer your expertise, you might do something just for fun.

Figure out ways to add more of what you love into your every day life.

The Only Thing that Matters is the End
Have you ever worked on something with such tunnel vision that when it was over, you only had a brief moment of happiness that you achieved your goal but realized you put the rest of your life on hold while you did it?

Your quality of life depends on how you spend your moments and days. It is important to have time for play, exploration, and fun. And who says you can’t do that and focus at the same time?

How can you make things easier? How can you make things more fun or enjoyable? Ask these questions over and over.

Take time to enjoy the journey along the way and be open to possibilities.

P.S. If you need help with figuring out a better way or what to do next, email me for an idea session. I’d love to help you!

The new issue of Where Women Create, which is another wonderful Stampington and Company publication is now out!

The tag line describes what this fun magazine is about; inspiring work spaces of extraordinary women.

If you love to be inspired by creative women and get a glimpse at what they are doing and where they work, you’ll love this magazine.  It is full of beautiful color photographs of studios and work spaces of others who love to create.

I love that it also opens up ideas and possibilities to be inspired about what other artists, designers, and creative women do.

This is the cover of the August 2010 issue which features Amy Barickman, Amy Butler, Jo Packham, , Kelly Rae Roberts, and many others.

I’m looking forward to savoring my copy!