FINDING INSPIRATION...

Sometimes as an artist, I find inspiration to be elusive... sometimes it becomes just a matter of being still and listening for a while, and reminding myself, that I don't always have to create.  Working in mixed metals is a very different process for me... a longer process with many intricate details to attend to before the finished piece is ready for viewing.  I remind myself to be "in" the process and to enjoy the ride, and I would offer that it makes a big difference in the quality, look and feel of the finished piece.  The "piece" I create, whatever it is... is given much attention... the same attention to detail that you enjoy in my beaded work.  I hope you will continue to follow, and to feel inspired by what you see. 

My work can be found at Liz-Beth Gallery, 9211 Park West Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, or you can visit with me in my studio to create something special & unique just for you or your loved one.  Call now!  865.360.3007. 

3 TIPS TO AGING GRACEFULLY

This week, the week of my birthday, has been one of reflection, respect and renewal. After spending the first part of the week reflecting, sharing with friends, and generally taking stock of the last 50+ years, It came to me, that there are 3 things that have been very important learnings.

(1) Take time to reflect: If there is one cell in your body that is brewing "CaCa", then use your best resources to clear yourself of them! Several of my friends have been sharing about self doubt and self sabotage this week. If you will rid yourself of the "brew", then you become more open, self-loving, self-respecting and confident. Is it easy? Well, at first ... no. But when you find a combination that works for you, go for it with gusto! Don't let anything hold you back from being all you want to be and all you already are!

(2) Share with friends who are willing to stand in with you and see the best in you. I have several friends who are wonderful at coaching and standing in with me as I take this journey... some just share a morning with me and tell me what they see and help me see the best in me.

And (3) Respect yourself, your place in life, your gifts. The more you are wiling to clear, the more open you are and the more of who you are is shared with the world. 10 years ago, if you had said I would be creating beautiful jewelry, I would have doubted you severely. Because I sought out support to change that negativity within myself, I am tapping in to my creativity in amazing ways! When others say what they see, I am grateful to the bones for being willing and able to listen and move into love, gratitude, and creativity.

I wish you well, and if you would like some suggestions for women who are wonderful at standing in with you to support you to do your work around this, email me at Jyl@JylWalker.com and I will share their names with you! All of them are coaches, but each has a special area of expertise!



LOVE IS NOT A SECOND HAND EMOTION!

Remember the old song Tina Turner sang?  What's Love Got To Do With It? 
LOVE has EVERYTHING to do with "IT".   I was just reminded of that this morning, in every aspect of my life, it IS without a doubt, the most important.  Beginning with me, encompassing my family, friends, others, this life, this world, past, present & future! 

When signs come into our lives it simply means we've got to make sense of them as they apply to our life situations - there is a message, and it's always personal (and usually profound).   As I sat here this morning, I found myself doing research on O's & 0's.  It took me to:  what does it mean when there's a symbol inside a circle... and here's what I found:  When any symbol is shown in a circle, it is an intuitive cue... the symbol beckons the viewer to be drawn in and included in the experience of whatever symbol or message the center may hold.  For example, a cross in a circle... invites the observer to step inside the sacredness the cross represents, while at the same time, it holds in the holiness, like a capsule of honor. 

A triangle, has long been used as a symbol of the Lord's love.  Turn it upside down and it symbolizes the vessel in which love is poured or carried.  Supposedly, the heart, is a graphic enhancement of the upside down triangle. 

Symbols, circles, gems... alchemy.  One of the very reasons, I believe, we are drawn to adorning ourselves, is that it is an outward sign of what we believe in.  Think about it... when wearing a necklace, it hooks and you have.... a circle!  If everything is energy, then....   each gem etc, represents something for us.  Valentines Day is almost here....   what's your "symbol" for love?  I work with EVERY budget!  Ask me how you can earn FREE jewelry!

FLOWERS? CANDY? OR ... SIZZLE!

KNOW HOW TO TELL IF A PEARl IS REAL?

Many times, I'm asked the question:  "How can I tell if my pearls are real?"

Here's a little secret!  The next time you want to know if a pearl is real or not, try this:

Rub it between your teeth! 
If it feels rough and scratchy, it's REAL!
If it feels smoothe, it's FAKE!

There are many grades of pearls, many shapes and sizes, several varieties.  The most affordable are Freshwater Pearls.  Look for at least a B grade pearl, if not A grade.  All pearls will have some marks, but A & B grade are the smoother ones, less lines, better shape, and affordable.  Then again, some folks absolutely LOVE the ones with many lines saying it "adds character".  Soon, I'll be releasing a "SPECIAL" for Valentines Day!  Till then... mark your calendar to check back next week for pictures and prices!  http://www.jylwalker.com/!