Don't give up

"Grow" ©2015
Toni Becker, Whimsical Jewels & Artfully Healing

© 2015 Toni Becker, Whimsical Jewels & Artfully Healing

Over the last year I have fell in love with painting.  The medium that once caused fear to course through my veins has become my go to form of artistic expression.  Don't get me wrong, I still have the fear and find my inner critic to be so brutal at times.  I truly understand why people give up, and believe me when I say, I wanted to give up a thousand times over.  It's not easy to move forward when our inner voice is screaming, "NO", "You aren't good enough", "You can't do this", or "Ha!  You think this is talent?"  Like I said, the inner critic is brutal, but again, let's be honest, sometimes those standing outside of us are just as brutal.  Another brutal truth, sometimes these are the people that say they love us.  So far, I have been pretty blessed in my life, and the people around me have been encouraging and supported my art, as well as my desire for a creative life.  I'm so grateful for this, because it was during the darkest hours and most brutal attacks by my inner critic, that their support, love, and encouragement kept me moving forward and stepping into the arena.

"Surrounded by Love" © 2016
Toni Becker, Whimsical Jewels & Artfully Healing

This past year, I have put my brave girl pants on and stepped into the arena, which at times has been really hard.  I've stood in front of the canvas even when the worst critic inside my head reminded me that I wasn't talented enough.  I stood there, staring at an intimidating white panel, anticipating what was going to come from within me and flow onto the canvas.  All the while, wondering if I had it in me to create or if I was contributing anything to the world.  It's crazy how brutal we are to ourselves.

If I'm being honest, there are many times that I wonder if I'm creating anything different, relevant, or if my talent will be recognized.  And in the those dark moments of self-doubt and comparison, I also remind myself, "Toni just show up.  Paint.  Create. Be brave."  The satisfaction that follows I can't place into words or begin to describe on this blog entry, but I can say every moment of agony expressed in self-doubt has turned into pure joy, because I showed up and did the work.  The hardest part is stepping into the arena and then doing it, but the result that follows is totally worth it.

"Let Go" © 2015'
Toni Becker, Whimsical Jewels & Artfully Healing

Sometimes my thoughts drift and I question if I am doing enough to live a creative life and I wonder if my efforts are a futile attempt at being an artist.  It is in these moments an angel sent from the universe comes along, and gently reminds me that each day I show up, I'm doing the work.  By showing up for myself and creating despite the inner critic screaming at me, I'm moving forward and living a creative life.  Even in the most intense emotional moments, I'm glad I keep showing up.  Fear is left behind and from this bravery and courage, I have found myself as an artist and my love for painting.  All the thoughts that I wasn't good enough or didn't have the talent to paint are left behind and what comes out onto the canvas has been amazing....

thanks for reading and I hope today you are able to do something that feeds your soul despite the fear it causes.  Many blessings to you and yours....


...................

My paintings and other forms of art can be found online in my etsy shop.  Here's the link:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsicaljewels 

It is also my pleasure to complete custom orders.  I can be reached by email at whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com or by phone at 336-608-8637

Recycled Art

For whatever reason I decided to look up the definition of art today.  With the multitude of information on the web today a zillion things popped up in my search.  Here's the definition I'm going with...  

"the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power."

Like me, my art is constantly changing, however my source of inspiration always remains constant.  I have a few things that fuel my inner desire to create and spark my creativity...  Nature, color, culture, words, and music.  Of course my emotional state can fuel it too.

I love Sugar skulls!
This design is absolutely one of my favorites.

For the last few years I have been making these little beauties pictured above and below.  I believe in trying to protect the earth as much as possible by making a conscious effort to reduce, reuse and recycle.  I also believe in trying to make decisions that work towards sustainability.  And from these beliefs this creative idea was born.

Just in case you wondered what the process was, here it is.  If you don't care, skip this paragraph.  :)  Each bottle cap is definitely a labor of love because each one takes a considerable amount of time, energy, and work.  Each bottle cap is pinched to stretch the metal, then I pound each one with a hammer to make it flat.  After the bottle cap is flattened, the glue is scraped off.  Have I told you I LOVE tools?  Yep...  the more the merrier.  My dad purchased a little grinder for me and to say it's a little slice of heaven, is an understatement, not to mention it made my life a lot easier when making these.  I used to have to file each one with a hand file, which took FOREVER.  Now I go and get my little grinder and grind each one which takes about half the time.  The bottle cap is then sanded down to make it smooth.  Then a layer of white paint is sprayed on.  From there I design each one, drawing little designs on them or placing inspirational words, then painting them with acrylic paint.  I told you...  A LABOR OF LOVE.

Bottle cap earrings are actually one of my favorite creations and I enjoy making each one.  What I love even more is seeing them on the individual's that purchased them.  



I recently made the two on the left for a friend.  She had a couple pieces of jewelry that had broken so two of the creations seen in this picture are recycled- the metal spirals I cut from a broken watch and made into earrings for her.  The bottom pair of bottle cap earrings were made from a pair of earrings that had broke.  Instead of throwing them away she asked if I could make them into something else and Voilà!

     

These sweet little beauties I made for my lovely sister.

These I made as a custom order for a friend.

Creating art is a beautiful form of self expression, one that I enjoy and get a lot of fulfillment from.

If you would like your own custom designed pair please feel free to email me at whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com

or 

call:  336-608-8637

Or visit my etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsicaljewels

Happy Fall feature

Fall is without a doubt one of my favorite seasons.  I am mesmerized by the beautiful colors, the smell of leaves in the air and the temperature...  not too hot, not too cold, just right.  Unfortunately, today isn't one of those fall days because the weather has brought very frigid temperatures and dreary rain.  I'm still grateful for the fall season though, despite the cloudy days we have been having as of late.

Nature in general is one of my largest sources of inspiration in my art.  With all the natural beauty surrounding me I am captivated by the intricate details and magical colors fall brings each year.  It's a feast for my senses.

I was featured in this lovely Fall Etsy treasury with several other talented artists.  So if you have a moment today, take a look.  For a look at my other work, click on this link:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsicaljewels

Enjoy this beautiful season.  Be inspired and go create something beautiful....

Etsy Treasury features

Over the summer I have been featured in a few ETSY treasuries.  They always come as a nice surprise and I'm grateful to have someone appreciate my art.  Here are the 3 treasuries I have been featured in the last few months.

SUMMER

September Finds #63

September Finds #65

A new path

My blog continues to feel neglected, yet here it is, always waiting my return.  If it was a person, I would hope that by now they would have moved on.  Then again if it was a person I wouldn't neglect it because I believe in treating others with love.  I make feeble promises to do better about writing more regularly, in order to share my thoughts and feelings with whoever takes the time to read it, but I continue to fail at it.  I admit that when I write I feel better even if there isn't an audience, so why do I continue to neglect my blog?

There are most likely many reasons contributing to this futile attempt to connect with a world on the other side of my computer.  Recently, I have given it some thought and tried to consider a few of the reasons, in an attempt at rectifying this problem.  So here it goes...

1)  It takes too long.  Ugh, what does that mean?  For a patient person that seems ridiculous.  As ridiculous as it sounds, I get discouraged because it does take me some time to collect my thoughts, translate the idea swirling in my head and then push them out for others to see.  Writing has always taken me a considerable amount of time, which at times is very frustrating.  This is one of those areas in my life that I wish came easier, took less time, and wasn't so "painful".  Don't get me wrong writing doesn't cause me "pain" but because it takes so long for me to get to the end result, the impatience with my process leads to frustration.  I don't like feeling rushed in any thing that I do, so I tend to not write at all, making the excuse that I don't have time.  Even now I catch myself frequently looking at the clock...

2)  A neglect for self.  The last couple of years have brought some life changing events.  These events have led to a domino affect of change.  Like most humans, I resist.  Change is hard.  Change is uncomfortable.  REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE.  I remind myself, that change is needed...  for transformation, growth and evolution.  What if change didn't exist?  There wouldn't be the beauty of four incredibly different seasons, each alluring in itself.  Our life is the same.  I took a pledge to myself a long time ago that I would evolve, change and with each season of my life change to become beautiful in it's own way.  With that being said...the life changing events that have occurred in my life have really caused me to examine myself.  I am learning how much I neglect myself.  I am better than I was ten years ago, five years ago and even one year ago, but I have a ways to go.  Self-love, I have learned, is one of the hardest attributes I have had to change about myself.  What good is the love we give others if we don't love ourselves?  I've given myself love over the years, but not until recently, have I realized how much I neglect my own needs...  like writing in my journal, blog or doing something that will produce a result that feels good.  I'm learning to have a true love affair with myself and honestly it feels good.

3)  It is uncomfortable on many levels.  Exposing yourself is hard.  It opens us up for judgement and criticism.  VULNERABILITY.  Although, most people that are close to me, would say I share my vulnerabilities and that's not really a problem for me.  Even though I do it, it's still REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE.  Exposing vulnerability whether it's practiced regularly or not, is still difficult.  And as I mentioned in #1...  it's uncomfortable to sit here for so long, thinking and typing.  Did I mention it takes me a REALLY long time to write?  That's uncomfortable to me as well.

4)  I can think of a zillion things to do and this gets put on the bottom of that list.  Obligations, committments, etc. seem to take over.  Some of them never really benefiting me in any way and when I think about it, I know the benefits of writing, far exceed most of the things on my to-do-list.

I guess I'll stop my excuses/reasons now.  I am going to make a small goal and commit to writing at least once per week.  Maybe then I will have better results.  Maybe.  It takes 3 weeks to change something so hopefully in three weeks this won't even be an issue....  In any event if you want to read my entries don't look for them on this blog.  Which leads me to this blog entry's title...  A NEW PATH.

I'm on a new path.  A path of self-love.  A path of committing to myself first then to others.  With that being said I have started a new blog.  My Whimsical Jewel's blog will only be used for my creative stuff...  like when I have sales in my ETSY shop, creating new products, art shows, events, sharing my creative process or I'm sharing other people's art.  As for my thoughts, journey of self-discovery, events about healing, and exploring healing through art and writing as well as other healing modalities, you can read all about it on my new blog:  Artfully Healing.

In fact here's my first blog entry, written today!  WOW two posts in one day...  guess I can skip next week. ;)  Just kidding...

http://artfullyhealing.blogspot.com/2015/03/beginning.html

Thanks for being a part of my journey.

New items and today's sale item

For the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to be consistent with posting a sale item each day in the hopes of clearing out some items from my studio.  I hoped this would start a domino effect that would go something like this....  sale items will sell, making room for new creations waiting to be listed for sale in my Etsy Shop and this would lead to a jump start in creativity to create more items.  

Lately creativity seems to be stagnant for me.  I have periods of time where ideas are hard to muster and creativity seems to be playing a clever game of hide 'n' seek.  A game which I am losing because creativity has found a REALLY good hiding spot.  Hopefully I will find her soon.  Until then here are some new items I have posted in my Etsy Shop and Today's Sale item.

If you have a custom order you would like me to create for you, send me a message at whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com  That would help me win this game of hide 'n' seek  ;)

Click on the links to see the items in my etsy shop

* New items *

you are beautiful healing message box

$5.00

Birdhouse in My Soul

$5

Pinwheel upcycled bottle cap earrings

$12

Live Out Loud magnet

$8

Heart upcycled bottle cap earrings

$12

Spiral upcycled bottle cap earrings

$12

Empower Others, Practice Peace

(Slight imperfections so the price is lower)

$8

Today's SALE items in my Etsy Shop

Cowry Shell Ring

Original Price $8, Today's sale price $6

Sunflower Girl double sided pendant

Original Price $18  Today's sale price $15

Side A

Side B of pendant

Laugh, Love and Be thankful.

There are still three items on sale in my etsy shop.  Two of those items were posted in a previous blog post a few days ago.  Today's NEW sale item in my etsy shop is this beautiful reminder....

original price $25.00  ON SALE today for $15.00

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175056319/on-sale-laugh-love-be-thankful-painted

Blessings and love to you!

SaLE!

So, I didn't post my daily sale items in my ETSY shop for a few days.  I have been a little slack...really just busy with other stuff.  As a result of my busy schedule, I've decided to post 4 items on sale today.  Each day I will remove one of the four items and list a new sale item...until FRIDAY.  If you have an item you would like to see go on sale please place them in the comments.  It could be your lucky day!

Sunset Glass Wind Chime Original Price $45

ON SALE $30

 Green and Black Octopus Earrings

Original price $20  ON SALE $15

Double sided pendant:  Colorful leaves and Rock out

Original Price $18  ON SALE $12

  

Peace Magnet

Original Price $8.00  ON SALE $5.00

Did someone say SALE?

Here's today's sale offerings in my etsy shop...  ENJOY!

Black and red octopus earrings  on sale TODAY $15.00

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/79103696/red-black-octopus-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_1

Purple carved agate hemp necklace on sale TODAY $10

https://www.etsy.com/listing/96864048/my-third-eye-hemp-necklace?ref=related-1

up, Up, UP and aWay.

This magical sculpture is on sale today in my etsy shop.  Today only.

Today's SALE - 2 items!

Today's etsy sale features not one item but TWO!  Click on the word sale to be taken to the sale section of my etsy shop.  Click on the words etsy shop to see all the items in my shop that are handcrafted by me.  

Please contact me for custom orders, parties, creative gatherings, healing art activities, girls night out, etc at whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com

ENJOY!

Black and pink button wire ring.  Size 6.75 

Today's price $8.00

 Black and Red falling star dangling earrings.

Today's price $18.00

March to your drum

My "March to your drum" pendant was featured in the lovely treasury below by one of my etsy team members, Tina Cauthorn.  As I was looking through the items I fell in love with several of the items.  The lilac photography reminded me of home in upstate NY and I was instantly taken there in my mind.  Lilacs remind me of my childhood and sitting under the lilac trees cherishing the sweet smell of these fragrant flowers.  Some of my fondest memories were of the lilac trees in my yard.

The featured seller for the spotlight is LeeAnn Cisneros.  I love several of her items!  Please look at her shop when you have a chance:  http://www.etsy.com/people/LeeAnnsHeavenScents

There are so many talented artists on etsy and I'm honored to be featured in a treasury with some of them.  To be quite honest there are many times that I am still surprised that people like my stuff.  I continue to create, marching to my drum, knowing that someone out there will identify with it and they will love it as much as me.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to create and to be "treasured".  I hope you know that you are treasured too.  Continue to march to your drum...

Whimsical, Funky Art

If you haven't heard about it you have been missing out on something great for several years now.  Twice a year there is a wonderful art show featuring whimsical, funky, and colorful art of all kinds by a fantastic group of women.  Whimsical Women was founded by two sisters, Luli and Linda, after the death of their mother.  These two extraordinary ladies threw themselves into their art and through their wonderful art they were empowered.  Through their empowerment they set out to empower other women and thus Whimsical Women was created.

Next Saturday, Whimsical Women will be in Chapel Hill, NC at The Village Green at Southern Village located on 400 Market Street from 10-3pm.  You will find an eclectic group of women selling their art of all kinds which will be funky and whimsical to say the least.  You will find fiber art, pottery, wire art, stained glass, jewelry, paintings, repurposed art, clothes, glass work, garden art and much more.

I hope to see you there.  To view some of the art I will be selling  visit:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsicaljewels

Celebrating Spring

I love spring!  The items I chose for my treasury today are in celebration of spring and growth.  I love these items and these shops,  I hope you do too.  ♥ENJOY♥

Facebook fans are awesome...

My march to your drum soldered pendant was featured today in a treasury by one of my etsy team members.  There are many different art forms featured so please take a look when you get a moment.  Remember to click and comment it.  As always, THANKS for supporting handmade art.

Celebrating purple and green...

I am involved in a few teams on Etsy and I have found them to be quite wonderful.  I have met some really great people and found some awesome shops by being part of the teams on etsy.  I love that etsy is such a supportive community and that there is such a variety of art forms.

Today a member of one of my teams featured my "Mountains" necklace that has fluorite, aventurine and amethyst in it.  Please take a look at this lovely collection...

a little of everything or a.l.o.e.

Have you ever stepped into a store and felt like you were home?  It's a feeling I can't describe completely but I love when it happens.  It's comforting.  I want to sit down, have a cup of coffee and soak in my surroundings.  I have found a few places in the community that are like this and I really enjoy visiting and shopping there.  When I have the opportunity to sell my handmade goods at such a store it's even better.   It's better because I'm part of something I feel so wonderful about.  What's the store name you ask?  a.l.o.e.   It's a great little place located in the center of Lewisville, NC in a cozy house and it really does have a little bit of everything.

They support local art and have a beautiful blend of different artists selling their work in the store.  Their products grow weekly and are changed out regularly so it's always fresh.  They have jewelry, hand-blown glass, fused glass pendants, soldered pendants, paintings, wind chimes, glass/bead mobiles, stained glass, window art, knitted products, refurbished furniture, painted signs, baby items, gifts for teens, and much more.  Basically, you name it and they have it.

Besides local art and refurbished furniture they also offer spa services- manicures/pedicures and massages.  And if that's not what you are looking for they also have yoga, social gatherings, kids night out events, host birthday parties and they are planning to offer art camps this summer.

So if you need to get out of your house for a breath of fresh air and want to be around good people or products that will inspire you, a.l.o.e. is where you need to go.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

Here are a few of my items you can find at a.l.o.e:

(all of the handmade products pictured above are handmade by me and can be found at a.l.o.e in Lewisville, NC.  I have more products at a.l.o.e. than what I have included in this blog post.  Learn more about a.l.o.e at http://www.aloeoflewisville.com/http://www.aloeoflewisville.com or visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/aloeoflewisville)