The idea of "muserie" comes from my belief that inspiration is everywhere. Even when we imagine ourselves creatively blocked, there are endless opportunities to harness fresh sparks. Identifying enough of those inspiring sources helps us, in essence, to become our own muses.
I recently stopped fighting ADHD quite so hard. Leading me to start gathering some of my creative projects into a single online space. Making peace with a speedy mind is exciting: so many creative possibilities carry the dopamine hits my people crave. Having ADHD is tricky, too: prolific overthinking and unfinished projects. (I.e. the website that will one day replace this page.) But it’s fun to share some of my current projects. Read back-stories: computers, roll over photos; mobile, click the dot in the bottom corner.
Jewelry Design: Paper Earrings
It’s been 18 years since I first started designing jewelry. After beading, I added copper and sterling wire to complement the clay pendants I was making in pottery class. Sometimes I ignore jewelry design then realize I’m bored with all my accessories and decide I require fresh pieces. Then someone graciously asks to buy one too, and the cycle resumes.
Recently I’ve mostly made earrings featuring paper components. Paper is more versatile than I’d realized. Some of the earrings you see here are still available. I recently participated in a local show called ArtStock, and then the holidays arrived. I’m creating a new inventory management system so I can be sure that what you see on my site is still available. Soonish. ;)
Collage Fodder
While visiting with my parents a few months ago, Mom and I did some heavy-duty brainstorming about what to do with her old books and paper. That led to my pondering just how much “de-stashing” of my own art supplies and creativity-oriented inventory I needed to do. Back home, hours and hours of research, led me to the reminder of just how popular and necessary “ephemera” is for collage artists, junk journalers and other creative types. I realized that if I knew that someone else could use something I had, it was easier for me to let it go. (So I went out and got even more, to make my ephemera offerings even better. Naturally.)
There’s a brand new Etsy store to tie these efforts together; it’s expanding slowly. It’s mostly a lot of fun!
Messy, Happy, Curious Prototyping Play
In recent months, it’s felt as if my brain went into overdrive with my need to explore new creative projects. Some are just for fun and learning. And sometimes they lead to my business endeavors.
Paint on paper often gets photographed for use on my print-on-demand items (see the “Zazzle Stores” section below,) and/or cut apart for use in earrings. My entire home suggests that an ADHD Circus has erupted nearby. Most every surface is covered with something I’m creating. All. The. Time. I make no promises that everything seen on this page will lead to either of my online stores - physical or print-on-demand - but it’s so much fun when they do gel! Stay tuned! Meanwhile my Postcrossing hobby fills in the gaps.
My Primary Design Focus - Print-On-Demand Zazzle Stores
Short, True Story: I design things. So many things. Often using Print-on-Demand technology. Primarily through Zazzle. You can check them out here:
Paper Muserie is where you will mostly find paper goods such as business cards, invitations, enclosure cards, announcements and postcards.
Printed Muserie has fewer paper offerings but you can find tote bags, leggings, mugs, and other fun gifts with my designs on them.
Postcard Muserie is a postcard-centric Zazzle store that features just what it says. The list of ideas are way longer than the completed postcards. Oh how many postcard ideas I have, just waiting for me to get back to them. Still, it’s worth mentioning because I remain hopeful that some of these ideas are going to work out before too long.
If you need to get in touch with me, you’re welcome to send me an email. Thanks for visiting! Melody