On wonderful days when I have so many new ideas I write them down on 3x5 index cards. I will play around with shapes and drawings. My Nannie would draw faces for me when I was little. Most of the women were made using squiggles and lines and somehow they emerged look fabulous. Once the face was finished Nannie would draw in a arm holding a cigarette and the smoke floating above. They were very elegant. I had been thinking about her a lot lately and thought maybe I could do that in glass. My drawing didn't quite make it completely into the glass but the general idea has. I plan to make a larger bead and lay the glass to show my complete drawing.
Since making the first face bead I have really exploded with design. This one has the basic idea and a little bit of decoration. I've taken the bangs, those squiggle lines, and have added a lot more to give a full hair look on other beads. The back of the newer beads are much more detailed.
I keep my index card on the base of my glass shield and held up on the folger's coffee container that holds my dipped mandrels. The key is to put your drawings were you can see them and where they won't catch fire if a hot piece of glass hits it.
It's always good to remember you are still learning each time you sit down to create. Even if you are doing repetitive work you might find a way to make things more efficient or it begins a new idea. Play, practice, play and more practice will always help maintain skills. Practice keeps your skills sharp. Play keeps your mind working and stimulates so many ideas. If I ever get into a slump I resort back to making ruffles or spacers. Those are easy for me to make and most times just getting started will fuel my creative process.
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