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How to get out of a Creative Slump

It happens to all of us at one time or another, where we just can’t seem to be motivated or inspired to be creative.

I have experienced this more times than i can count and as someone who relies on their creativity for their job, it can be a real struggle.

So I wanted to share with you some of my go to techniques to help get out of a creative slump. Some focus more inward/mental and others are external/physical influenced. So have a try and see what works for you!

Nature

I am sure you have heard this one before, but there is nothing that helps me get out of my head and just relax than going for a walk in nature. So whether its a bush walk or a seaside walk, make use of the fresh air in your lungs and even better if you leave your phone at home so you are not distracted by what’s going on in the world.

Journaling

You don’t have to be a regular journalling person to use this tool to get out of a creative slump. My favourite form is using the free writing technique of Morning Pages. Writing at least 3 full pages will get out all the crap in your head on to the page so it’s not swimming around monopolising your thoughts.

Mediation

Mediation is a tool that is great to tap into your creativity. There are a couple of ways i like to use it to get out of a slump. The first is using a guided meditation. I love one by Gabby Bernstien called Inspiration Meditation which guides you to feel more confident with affirmations and by the end, you feel as though you can do anything! The other way is using Mala Beads. This is also a great tool for focusing attention and can even be used to envision the end goal over and over if you are mid project. (Check out our Mala Beads Blog for more info)

Inspiration

My favourite way to reinvigorate my creative energy is through creative inspiration. My favourite being Books. Whether you have some at home or head to your local library and see what they have. I find the removal from your screen will help keep you in a creative mindset and to not get distracted. Pinterest is a great digital option too.

Workshops/Learn something new

There is nothing like just jumping in and getting your hands dirty with a fun new project. It doesn’t have to be your usual medium, if anything, it’s great if it’s not as it will help you see things from a new perspective and how you can enhance your creative energy in a new way! Check out our Jewellery and Glass Workshops and have a go!

Phone free time

I think we all aim for less screen time each week but very rarely get it down. But when I make a conscious decision to have even an hour of phone free time, you can give your mind space to ponder things are you may discover a new inspiration.

Watch something

Thanks to Netflix and numerous other networks spotlighting craftspeople in different shows these days, you can be inspired by seeing others create to get you off your butt to get going. From Blown Away (Glass Blowing), to Bake Off to the Pottery Throw Down or Big Flower Fight, there is so much creative entertainment out there and you may just learn something too!

So there you have it, my 7 go to ways to get out of a Creative Slump! I would love to hear your go to methods to add to my repertoire so please comment or send me an email to asilvercircledesign@gmail.com!

xx Corinne

Behind the Pendulum

One of my big loves in the creative process is to see the evolution of a piece from the design stage, through to the prototype and then to the final piece. The Pendulum Collection is the first collection to be designed and implemented across my main two mediums – Glass and Silver.

The original inspiration for this piece were based on Art Deco patterns. There are so many homes that have been stripped of their original Deco features, so this is my nod to those lost pieces. I really love the few curved motifs in this style so the fish scale pattern was the basis of the design.

The other main feel for the piece was to have a feel of a chandelier. Having movement and having more light reflection. Therefore the rest of the form came from creating balance in multiple hanging pieces.

As the Glass version of this piece was the first design, where colour was the eye catching focal point, the Silver was more about flipping the script. Where texture became the main body focus and colour to accentuate the Chandelier quality of the design.

Each Silver piece has a different texture to catch and reflect the light differently all created with hammer techniques. Creating it in both Earrings and a long Pendant to really get lots of movement as you move.

Colour is added through semi precious stone drops each with their own energy, so you can match your colour palette or bring in more a certain energy. Explore each meaning below.

Rose Quartz: is the stone of universal love. It restores trust and harmony in relationships, encouraging unconditional love. Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace.

Aquamarine: has a calming quality to help reduce stress and find stillness of mind. It is a stone of is a stone of courage.  Its calming energies reduce stress and quiet the mind. It also helps clarify your thoughts and clear and confusion.

Amazonite: Known as the ‘hope stone’. Said to awaken compassion for others, calm aggression and soothe the chakras. It enhances loving communication and is incredibly healing.

I hope you have enjoyed exploring the inspiration behind this beautiful collection and please feel free to check them out online now!
Pendulum Sun Catcher
Pendulum Earrings
Pendulum Pendant

All about Mum!

Mother’s Day is the time to really give back to Mum and let her know how much you appreciate her.

So we have put together a little gift guide so that you can find the perfect gift for Mum this Mother’s Day May 14.

She Will Love!

These pieces are ones that are our best sellers and ones that people are drawn to! The Love Bracelet ($50) is a great little go to piece that is all about self love and healing. The Amazonite Ring ($80) has a beautiful calming energy and looks great on the hand. A Silver Circle Ring ($95) is our classic piece that can be very versatile. Finally the Transformation Pendant ($115) is an amazing piece to give Mum some beautiful positive energy to more forward with change.

Unique/Statement Pieces

If your Mum is more about the statement, then these pieces are sure to be a hit. Geometric Earrings ($125) are our best seller for a reason! With lots of movement and easy to wear all day. Maya Fan Earrings ($155) are my go to earrings and I am sure Mum will enjoy them too. Circle Ring with Domes ($180) are unique rings that are sure to be noticed yet super comfy to wear. Lastly we have the limited edition Moon Drop Pendant ($200). Featuring Amazonite stone which has a hopeful and calm energy with beautiful moon-like texture.

Experience

Joining mum in to learn can be a great way to bond and share a unique experience. We have 4 workshops scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend so that you can get mum in the studio to make herself a unique piece of jewellery. Check out the Workshops page for more info and to book.

For the Home

Get Mum something to liven up the home with these pieces. The Fan Sun Catcher ($140) will reflect lots of colours and rainbows around the house, while the Tulip Plant Stake ($62) are great to add some colour to the house plants in the home. If its the energy in the home that needs to be increased, the Crystals for the Home Set ($50) covers all different energies for the whole home, whilst the Rhodonite Point/Generators ($20-$45) are great to enhance relationships and communication in the home.

Simple Elegance

Sometimes, simple is best and these pieces are all great for the classic jewellery lover. The Hammered Rings ($36) are great by themselves or layered together with other rings. Domed Pattered Studs ($55) are a classic that can be worn for all kinds of events. The Curved Bar Necklace ($60) is great to layer or on its own and the Textured Small Drop Earrings ($75) have a beautiful moon like texture and a great size for work or date night.

For the Jewellery Collection

If Mum has a beautiful jewellery collection and needs somewhere beautiful to store them. Here are a few of our favourites. The Moon Bowl ($45) is made of Selenite which is a natural cleanser that will cleanse Mum’s jewellery whilst not wearing them. The Pentagon Glass Dish ($80) is a new addition to our collection and has beautiful bright colours to add some fun to the morning routine. Finally the Lotus Timber Box ($315) will make her space beautiful and clean.

How to use Mala Beads

Mala Beads have been a staple in my mediation space since over covid, i found myself needing something to focus my energy more to help me move through such a stressful time.

Mala Beads or Japamala are a 3000 year old tradition originating in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions as a meditation tool. The translation from Sanskrit to mean prayer garland or garland of roses.

The 108 beads are a loop of consistent sized beads that form the garland part of the necklace. The significance of 108 in Hindu transition is said to meant to represent the universe. So as you travel through all 108 you can reach a higher plain. The Tassel represents the lotus which is sad to be the state of higher consciousness.

Traditionally used as a way of counting prayers or mantras during mediation or to increase mindfulness, but can also be a great tool in yoga and to assist with stress and anxiety. Along with being a beautiful necklace or wrist accessory.

Mediation:

To use Mala Beads in mediation can be approached from many ways and finding what works for you and going with that is key. Traditionally, a mantra or prayer is said with each bead. You can also count your breaths as you move over the beads or just simply count the beads. The method is to really help focus and not let your thoughts wander so try a few different things and see what feels best. See some Mantra examples below to help start you off.

Stress and Anxiety:

Having something tangible to remind you to breathe and come back into your body when stressed or feeling anxious is so important. Mala Beads are a great tool for this. Counting or repeating a mantra while touching the beads can help focus the mind away from the swimming thoughts that can escalate feelings of stress and anxiety.

Yoga:

Mala Beads can be also used in your Yoga practice to hold at the end of a class in Savasana. Holding the beads while calming the mind and feeling the cool of the beads slowly warm as you lay in final moments of the practice.

How to wear:

Around the neck is the easy accessible way to wear them. Our Mala Beads are long enough that they can also be worn doubled for a short and long or 2 medium length beads.

Mala Beads can also be worn at the wrist looped over repeatedly until secure. This is a great way to literally have them on hand if you are using the beads as a practice for stress and anxiety.

Mantra Examples:

Om
Sohum (in Sanskrit means ‘I am he/she/that/the universe’)
I am enough
I am abundant
I am worthy of love
I release my anxious thoughts
I am at ease
I am one with the universe

Maintaining your Mala Beads:

All of our Mala Beads are made with semi precious stones/crystals and therefore it is best to energetically cleanse them regularly to get the benefit of the crystals in your practice. Our favourite way to cleanse is to leave a piece of selenite crystal with the beads to cleanse them between uses.

I hope you have enjoyed exploring the versatility of Mala Beads and would love to hear your methods in the comments below.

Christmas Gift Guide 2022

Christmas shopping can get a little overwhelming so here are some of our recommendations to suit all budgets!

UNDER $50

Selenite $8 – This crystal is the perfect cleanser for all other crystals so great for those with lots of jewellery and crystals.

Hammered Ring $36 – The perfect classic ring with texture. Easy to stack with other rings or wear as midi rings for those who love mixing and matching their rings.

Floral Plant Stake $45 – These cute Florals are the perfect addition to any plant obsessed friend or family members plant collection.

Black Tourmaline Raw Crystal $22 – This is a very protective crystal. Perfect for those in a new place or those who are around negative energies a lot.

Sun Moon Journal $39.50 – Great gift for those who love journaling, lists and sketching their ideas out.

Love Gift Box $30 – A great little mix of of candles and crystals for someone who needs a little self love.

UNDER $85

Amazonite Ring $80 – Our best selling ring. Great gift for the girl that loves a little colour to wear in their active life.

Mushroom Plant Stake $65

Textured Small Earrings $75 – A classic piece that it always a popular one at Christmas time as they are simple yet different and office appropriate.

Moon Sun Catcher with Crystal $75 – A great gift to add a bit of magic into your spiritual friends room of that of a magical child.

Roller Ring $75 – The perfect gift for that fidgeter in your life who needs a little outlet for all that extra energy.

Moon Studs $60 – A new addition to the collection. A great go to for a simple and sweet present.

UNDER $100

Moon Ring $95 – These have been flying out the door! With the choice of Moonstone (new beginnings, soothes emotions) or the Amazonite (calm and hopeful) stones.

Domed Patterned Earrings Medium $95 – One of our most popular with the Mums! Great for the more mature ladies in your life.

A Silver Circle Ring $95 – The first ring in our collection ever! This piece is great for someone who wants to do things a little differently.

Diamond Sun Catcher $85 – A piece for the garden enthusiast out there as they can hang this piece in their favourite tree.

UNDER $150

Geometric Earrings $125 – Another of our best sellers! These large yet lightweight earrings are the perfect piece to take the wearer from office to evening out.

Maya Fan Pendant $125 – Shimmer and shine in this unique pendant. A great gift for Mum!

Fan Sun Catcher $140 – This Art Deco inspired piece will reflect light and shine into the home perfect for the person who has everything!

Transformation Pendant $115 – As the new year approaches, the energy of this pendant is to assist in times of change to help the wearer to transform into their new selves.

UNDER $200

Landscape Sun Catcher $175 – The perfect gift for someone who doesn’t have a great view but can let their imagination roam as they explore the rolling hills in this piece.

Mala Beads $155 – A great piece for the spiritual person in your life who loves to mediate.

Pendulum Sun Catcher $150 – Our best selling Sun Catcher, this is great for someone who loves colour and dancing rainbows in their home or office.

Teardrop Pendant with Figure $170 – A great addition to the jewellery box of a quirky loved one in your life.

$200 AND ABOVE

Lotus Timber Box $315 – A beautiful heirloom style gift for jewellery, trinkets, spiritual tools or precious momentos.

Moon Drop Earrings $280 – This new one off piece is absolutely striking that the wearer will not be missed!