The Struggle is Real (SJ Honey Do List Reveal & GIVEAWAY!)

Let me just go ahead and admit it, I'm obsessed with taking on challenges. Each month, there are several themed or inspirational challenges that I do my best to participate in. Sometimes, I wonder why I torture myself so, but I know why. These challenges always get me to try something new and look at the inspirations, my supplies, and my skills just a little differently. They push me to do more. And, I need that! Sarajo of SJ Designs Jewelry has her husband issue her a photo as inspiration each month. She is kind enough to share that inspiration with us in what she calls the Honey Do List. This month's photo was a real doozy for me. 

The photo itself is striking with its curves and lines and little row of mugs. At first, though, nothing about it really jumped out at me. But, as I studied it more, my mind turned it upside down and I was soon sketching out an idea. 

I saw the little mugs as bead dangles and worked over several days to create a pendant that reflected the picture (upside down) pretty nicely.

But, all I can see is Noah's Ark... And, I couldn't decide how to finish it. And, it's not really my style. So, it's sitting on the edge of my desk, unwanted. Here's where the giveaway comes in - if you want this pendant and are in the US, let me know in the comments by the first of June.

I was exasperated with myself when I made the decision to stop working on the above project, but I knew it was the right decision. I didn't want to give up on the challenge, so I took a deep breath and refocused. This was two days ago!! I took another look at the inspiration photo and the red and white polka-dotted mugs caught my attention. I knew I had a similar bead in my stash somewhere. So, I dug through my artisan beads and came up with a couple of contenders for this project: a dotted ceramic bead from Gaea and a red enameled bead (from...I don't know!) And, this morning, I tried to pull something together. But, it was a Fail as well. 

GAH!!!!!

Knowing that those beads were perfect for the challenge, I tried to refocus again on what it was I liked about the photo: the arched shape, the lines in the window, the pop of color amid the browns. And, something came to me. It took several tries to get the wire shape right, but I finally had something I liked and felt right. 

I am aware that this fringe/tassel style is kinda trendy right now; but I also knew it would work with this shape and fit in nicely with my more romantic, bohemian style.

Once again, I'm so relieved I didn't give up on a challenge. I was able to come out on the other side with a design that I LOVE, not just something that works for the challenge. 

I'm finding so much of my artwork to be a struggle lately, but I'm also finding myself loving more and more what comes out of the struggle. I think that for me, it's important to struggle through it because if it was easy, it probably wouldn't be worth it. 

So, thank you to Sarajo and Eric for another fabulous, inspiring challenge. Head over to SJ Designs Jewelry to see her takes on the inspiration as well as what other participants created. 

And, don't forget, if you think you can make something of that first attempt, let me know! I'm Giving it Away!