Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you’ll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner. This week’s winner is AJ ! Congratulations! Please send your postal address to the ABS Suggestion Box to receive Lynn’s wirework toggle clasp!
Today, we take a tour into the glass studio of Cindy Gimbrone….
There are changes underfoot at the Gimbrone House. The Bean Counter quit his job (with my support) and is following his heart to own a business. I’m more than happy to become “the Breadwinner.” It’s new and uncertain but exciting too. So in keeping with the new and uncertain but exciting, I’ve been playing with color borosilicate glass. In honor of TBC, I’m making hearts. I’m still learning but I have faith I’ll eventually make the heart I envision in my head – much like I have faith in TBC to follow his heart in work.
Today’s question is, what change has happened in your work and/or life lately? Make a comment and win one of my new borosilicate off mandrel hearts.
I look forward to reading what’s changes have happened to you!
EmandaJ
October 11, 2008 at 2:59 pmOne of the biggest changes that has happened to me lately is that I have FINALLY admitted to myself (and the world) that I am an artist — you know, not a dabbler, or a crafter, or — whatever, but a person who actually MAKES ART. I have joined with a group of seven other women who make art using very diverse media and we are giving each other support, encouragement, and feedback to improve our art. We are planning a show for the spring that speaks to the pain that touches women’s lives.
Emanda
Sharon
October 11, 2008 at 3:19 pmI too, quit my job…teacher burnout!…and found I have a talent for creating jewelry, much to my surprise and delight! They say when one door closes, another opens, and it may have taken another ten years to discover a hidden talent if I had not taken the leap of faith that all would be well without that extra paycheck, and it has. I am also blessed with a very supportive hubby and new artist friends who encourage me to sing with my new found creative voice!
Sharon
Rachel @ REvangeline Designs
October 11, 2008 at 4:16 pmGood luck and BEST wishes to you and your Hubby!
I absolutely cringed when my husband told me he would have to go on the road with his new job. WOW- that was a change from our comfy-zone.
But, I am better for it- and a whole lot tougher! 🙂
abeadlady
October 11, 2008 at 4:19 pmI retired this past year and finally have ample time to enjoy my beadwork. Bead embroidery has become my passion and I’m trying to include new elements in it all the time, such as focal beads and ephemera.
Arline
Teresa R
October 11, 2008 at 5:58 pmI wish you and your husband much success with his new business and your being the breadwinner!
My life change is similar to Emandaj’s – taking myself seriously, and having others take my art/craft seriously. It’s amazing what a huge mental hurtle that is, and how freeing when you finally say: to heck with the naysayers or mean people.
rosebud101
October 11, 2008 at 6:25 pmI’ve made the decision to push myself farther and harder. I want to be a better bead maker.
AJ
October 11, 2008 at 6:47 pmOk, since I won last week’s drawing (yay!), I’ll sit this one out, but I just wanted to give you and The Bean Counter some encouragement, Cindy! My husband lost his job a year ago next week, and he and his best friend/co-worker decided to start their own business… He’s now making significantly more than he did at his old job, and they just hired on two more guys so they can increase their workload!
The change was really, really hard for me to take at first, but it’s been wonderful for us. I’m sure it will be great for you two as well!
(Also, the heart rocks! Are they available to buy yet? My MIL would love one and her b-day is coming up)
SueBeads
October 11, 2008 at 8:45 pmI’ve decided that I need to open up a little bit more, in terms of bead making, and find my “style”. Let’s hope that happens – it’s hard to open up, even to yourself!
LLYYNN
October 11, 2008 at 11:54 pmI used to feel that I had to limit myself to just one (or two, or three) types of media. But I have decided to just do whatever feels right. If I need glass, or metal, wire or clay, I gave myself freedom to try and use anything I think I need. Silver, copper, brass. Glass, fused or enameled. Just let the sky be the limit. I used to believe it wasn’t a good idea but now I just don’t worry about it.
Andi
October 12, 2008 at 12:16 amFor me, the big change is that I’ve begun to think of myself as a semi-retired beadmaker. I still make beads, usually because I have some project in mind for them, but I don’t feel the need to consider saleablity at this juncture.
cindy
October 12, 2008 at 2:52 amWhat has happened to me lately reads more like a gratitude list. I have become more grateful for my husband. I have accepted my “day job” for what it is, and realize that there is life beyond it. And I happy to have 2 new cats in our home!
Cindy
http://devinedesignsjewelry.etsy.com
http://devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot.com
CreekHiker
October 12, 2008 at 3:38 amI went through the whole accepting myself as an artist about five years ago. After working for Carol Duvall and then craft companies, I found myself the owner of a stamp business. After getting PMC certified, I thought the stamps they use for that were all wrong and came home and drew up 24 designs – after telling myself I couldn’t draw!
I had discovered glass even before that and love making beads. The past 8 years have been one big discovery process.
But now with the economy, the writing is on the wall: I must get a “real” job. And it’s heartbreaking.
FrankandRox
October 12, 2008 at 3:55 amyes change is certainly in the air. best of luck to all in this changing time. I’m workingg feverishly to be ready for the 4 crafts shows I’m doing in Nov. I’ve only got 1 fall and 1 spring one under my belt so far. So it will be a lot more telling how well these all go *fingers crossed* I’ll have enough to get me through to the last show.
crystal
October 12, 2008 at 6:14 amMy boyfriend has joined another band(thats 3 now)!!
He is gone another 3 times a week for practice but they get to play out more and i love concerts so that is the positive part!!
[email protected]
Pips
October 12, 2008 at 1:22 pmJust wanted to say good luck to both you and The Bean Counter! How exciting!
My life changed completely, when I decided to sell my work every Saturday at a Craftsmans Market. It has really pushed me to produce the best work I can, and has given me a brilliant opportunity to talk to my customers face to face and get feedback from them. The other Artists who attend are so supportive and caring, and we all help each other with advice and ideas, and hint and tips, not to mention a listening ear – such a good thing when the family have heard just about as much as they can about beads!!
Gaela
October 12, 2008 at 4:56 pmMy Change? I’ve been in a creative slump for too long now. I have been so very depressed, I could not even put 2 beads together. My Husband (awesome as he is) gave me a slogan, “One Bead at a Time” Yesterday, my long time friend Phylco called out of the blue asking if she could stop by my house (she was almost here) Of course I said sure. She walked in carrying a new kiln and said, Now Please make us some new beads. What a gift! I’m so grateful, now I can’t hardly stop, so many ideas!
Paula
October 12, 2008 at 5:32 pmFirst I want to say, great heart Cindy, we can all use a little more heart in the present economic times. And Wow, everyone has had such life affirming changes here.
It’s amazing the strength you all have shown while I’m still in the I’m good at what I do … I think, stage(working on the accepting myself … as CreekHiker and Teresa R. say. You all give me hope.
What changes am I attempting this last year?
I have taken on a job teaching beginning beading and related skills in adult ed, doing some shows, taking classes and still working full time (all this while battling fibromyalgia and other ills). I have also committed to working with another artist for a juried art exhibit, so I’m quaking in my boots that I’ve taken on too much! LOL. It doesn’t help that my husband wants me to pitch it all out before I can even bring any thing to bear because we live in a tiny house and I have sooo much stuff as he calls it.
That said I do feel a great deal of satisfaction and joy in what I am doing with my life even in light of my doubts. I have found a group of like minded friends, have felt the wonder of others excitement upon imparting some of what I know as a teacher. As well I’ve learned so much myself this year.
Hearing what others here have done and are doing gives me heart. As you said Cindy there is life beyond the day job.
Good luck to you Cindy and all of you also and thanks for letting me cry on your shoulders.
Paula
Joann
October 13, 2008 at 1:49 amwow! we’re all making big (and great) changes! Mine is finally giving into my idea of making and selling beadkits. I’m just starting, figuring out how many beads need to go into kits for my own designs, and then I hope to branch out to kitting for other designers. It’s always much easier when we have the support of our loved ones
Joann
Shoozles
October 13, 2008 at 4:24 pmExciting times, Life changes are scary, Good luck in the new endeavors. I think the heart is beautiful. The big change I am experiencing after nine years of fusing is making sure I don’t get board with what I do. I have branched out into larger glass art. I think I like it. I will always make jewelry but this is a nice change. I believe all changes and experiences make new paths and help us grow.
Jennifer Cameron
October 14, 2008 at 3:58 amCongrats to you and your husband. It is so wonderful that you still love and support each other after 26 years together.
The biggest change for me is deciding to homeschool this year and then also trying to find time to be creative AND run a business. Interestingly I find I am most creative and bursting with ideas when I don’t have time to implement them. Like right now…
Joy
October 15, 2008 at 7:59 pmMy big change happened earlier this year when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. After three years of barely being able to walk I’m finally receiving a treatment that works for me. Now I have to remember to take each day as it comes, good or bad, because tomorrow is another day. I’ve been scared to death that I will eventually lose the use of my hands and therefore not be able to create.
The good news? That probably won’t happen for me, my hands are in fantastic shape. The bad news? I will most likely not be able to walk on my own by the time I’m 60 because my feet have already started to degenerate beyond repair. This ticked me off big time this year, I’m only 33, isn’t this an old person thing? Then, I realized that NOW I can move around and I will every day that I can. In the future, I’ll have the most groovy scooter anyone has ever seen!
Cindy Gimbrone
October 15, 2008 at 11:24 pmI am overwhelmed with your well wishes and the sincere and heartfelt changes you are all experiencing! I enjoy the Studio Saturdays for its openness and everyone’s participation – you are all amazing artists and people!
I love to respond to each and every comment and hopefully, once it calms down a bit here after the first of the year, I’ll be able to respond to each of you when I post on Studio Saturdays. Thank you all for reading, I sincerely appreciate it!
In the words of John Green, you’re all made of awesome!
Cindy
Cindy Gimbrone
October 15, 2008 at 11:26 pmAJ – yes, I’m selling the hearts – send me an email at cindygimbroneatyahoodotcom if you’d like one.