What to do when your creative juices stop flowing

Wow, has it been forever since my last post! 

Seems like it has been months since I have felt any creative juices flowing through my veins.  It wasn't that I wasn't thinking of wonderful things to create, or dreaming of spectacular designs that I would love to see come to fruition.  Nope, it was just getting those things to the next step was next to impossible.  It seemed that every time I even sat down at my desk, I had no desire to do anything.  Seriously, no desire at all.  So that of course made me feel even worse, which of course made it impossible to do anything.  Hubby having major shoulder surgery and needing care for weeks didn't help. 

So what did I do?  I sat my tush down and forced myself to clean up.  I have to admit, when my tabletop is covered with bits and pieces of projects that I haven't finished or the mess from my last great creative moment...I feel less inclined to do anything.  So for all of you out there who are feeling those creative blahs, my recommendation?  Go clean up your table, desk or wherever you work.  Once you see that bright shiny clean surface you will WANT to start something new.  Next step, try something different.  Change up your art...whether it is painting instead of claying...drawing instead of sculpting...anything just to switch up your brain for a bit.  It works, I promise!

So instead of panicking about this copper and bronze piece that I just couldn't bring myself to work on, I started back with silver.  Fine silver, sterling silver, didn't matter, any silver would do.  And once I started playing around the juices started flowing.  What resulted were some pieces I am pretty damn proud of!

 First off I made this fine silver enameled pendant that I paired with handmade silver links, BC jade and some citrine beads.  Turned out so much better than I expected and it was auctioned off at a recent event with proceeds going to our local Humane Society.  I made a pair of earrings to go with it so it was a pretty cute set when it was all done.

I hope the person who won it enjoys it as much as I did making it!

So then the creative well was overflowing with ideas.  Next on the list, sterling silver.  Can I just say I adore this stuff?  Once I had the firing schedule down, it was a blast to play with.  I just started making ring after ring....which led to this:

A beautiful collection of adorable stacking rings.  Once you start making them I swear you can't stop!  Next step, taking the plunge and getting the old etsy shop back up and running.  If you have a moment, please pop by my shop and check the stuff out  http://www.etsy.com/shop/MonaLisaCreations. Just the rings right now but I will be adding things slowly but surely!  Let me know what you think!

So now what do I do?  Well I think I have taken enough time to refresh my creative juices...they are flowing now baby!  So back to the copper and bronze and try to figure this stinking thing out! 

Have a great day and go create!