BEHIND THE SCENES | Making Space for What's Next

Lately, I’ve found myself deep in thought, brainstorming, journaling, and mapping out ideas for the future of my business. As a maker, there’s always a spark of creativity flickering in the background. But lately, it feels more like a fire waiting to be fed. I have big ideas. Ideas that have been quietly forming over time. Some feel bold. Some feel unfamiliar. All of them feel like the natural next step.

But here’s the truth: I’ve been holding back.

Not because I don’t believe in my ideas, but because life gets busy, self-doubt creeps in, and sometimes, timing just doesn’t feel right. I think a lot of creatives know that feeling. You carry a vision in your heart but struggle to carve out the space, mentally, emotionally, and even physically, to bring it to life.

The good news? That’s changing.

With a more functional studio space, the right tools at my fingertips, and a renewed sense of clarity, I’m finally in a place where I can start turning those ideas into something tangible. I want to explore new techniques I’ve learned, revisit concepts I set aside, and design pieces that push my work into new territory, all while staying true to the soul of my brand.

This isn’t just about adding new designs to my collection; it’s about stepping into a creative season with more freedom, less fear, and a deeper connection to the work I love. I’m excited to see what takes shape when I stop holding back and start creating from that place of openness.

I don’t often talk about the week-long intensive classes I’ve taken over the years. Occasionally, I’ll share a behind-the-scenes moment in my Instagram stories, but that’s usually as far as it goes. Lately, though, I’ve been reflecting on how much I’ve grown, not just as a jewelry artist but as a student of the craft, and how much more I want to explore.

When I first started making jewelry, I made a personal commitment: to learn one new technique every year. No matter how busy life got, I would set aside time and resources to invest in my education. Sometimes that meant enrolling in a virtual course from my studio at home, but more often than not, it meant traveling for a hands-on, in-person intensive. These trips became my version of a creative retreat, something I look forward to not only for the skill-building but also for the inspiration and renewal they bring.

I’m a hands-on learner. While I appreciate books and video tutorials, there’s nothing like being in a room with a skilled instructor, surrounded by tools and other passionate makers. Being able to ask questions in real time, watch techniques up close, and dedicate uninterrupted days to learning has been absolutely transformative.

Of course, learning something new isn’t just about those few days in class. When I get home, I try to spend at least an hour each day practicing what I’ve learned. That practice is what helps me internalize a new technique and eventually blend it into my own style.

But there’s another side to this commitment: investment. Taking time to travel and learn also means investing in the right equipment. I’ve learned that if I’m going to spend the time and money to master a technique, I also need to be prepared to support that growth with the tools that allow me to continue developing it. Otherwise, that knowledge just fades away.

These classes aren’t just a luxury or a checkbox—they’re a vital part of how I stay curious, motivated, and creatively fulfilled. They remind me that there's always more to learn and that every new technique I bring into my studio adds depth to the pieces I create.

So while I may not post about them often, these moments of learning are always happening behind the scenes, and they’re a huge part of my journey.

Now that I’ve expanded my studio space and invested in the right tools, I finally have the room, physically and creatively, to put these new techniques into practice. It's one thing to take a class, but it's another to integrate what you’ve learned into your daily work. That’s the phase I’m in now: building, refining, and letting curiosity lead the way.

Moving forward, I’m excited to share more of that behind-the-scenes process with you, from experiments and progress shots to how these techniques begin to shape new pieces in my collection. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds, and I’m even more excited to share it with you.

Thank you for being here, for collecting my pieces, following my journey, and supporting the slow, intentional process behind handmade work. The next chapter is unfolding, and I can’t wait to show you what’s coming.

 

Cheers!

Photo credit: Cindy Liebel 
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