September Synchroblog -- Inspiration

The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post on the same topic on odd months and on even months we take on a Pinterest Challenge where we each take inspiration from a Pinterest picture, creating something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then posting about it. You can read more about the Artists Synchroblog here. 

This month's topic:September
INSPIRATION/INFLUENCES
“My inspiration comes from…” 

This is a much tougher question for me than it probably should be.  As I have stated before, I never considered myself artistic.  The part of metalsmithing that I enjoy the most is the construction, design is the part that I am trying to learn.

At this point, I guess most of my inspiration comes from other jewelry.  I have been making simple stacking rings and wire earrings.  There really isn't any design in these pieces, I just put them together.

I actually have a Pinterest board of Jewelry to Inspire that contains the designs of others that I like.  As you can probably tell from the name of my business, I prefer designs that are simple rather than fussy.  I am learning to draw and using those designs as a starting point.  Fortunately, I have associated myself with some amazing designers to get inspiration from.  Be sure to check out their blogs to find what inspires them. 

As a follow up from my last post regarding ArtFire, I have had more views in ArtFire than Etsy for the same period, however, no favorites or purchases.  I'll keep going and see what happens.

http://amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com

http://www.islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/

http://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog

www.elenorbuffington.blogspot.com

http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com

http://lesliervillarreal.blogspot.com

http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry

http://simpledesignjewelry.blogspot.com

http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/

http://marikach.blogspot.com/

www.createrecklessly.com

http://design.kcjewelbox.com

www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com

http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/

http://silversmithblog.com/

http://stonezjewelry.com/blog/

www.beadsbythebay.blogspot.com

Giving ArtFire a shot

With all the changes Etsy has been making, I have decided to give ArtFire a trial.  I have not closed my Etsy shop.

It's not that I don't like Etsy.  Quite the opposite, actually.  Overall I think they do a great job for the independent artist.  I do have concerns, however, with the constant "testing" the site is doing and with their attitude that every engineer employed there can implement a test at any time.  I'm afraid the constant change will have a negative effect on customers as well as my shop's ability to be found.  Then there is the constant Etsy problem with re-sellers.

Let me know what you think. Simple Design Jewelry