If you are becoming serious about making jewelry, then you need to take the time to keep a journal. A creative journal will help you to plan, design and create your pieces to the best of your ability. Whether you draw pictures, take notes or keep track of measurements, a journal will quickly become one of your most used tools in your jewelry making arsenal.
What Type of Journal Do I Need?
They type of journal that you use should be something that complements your style. Something handmade may inspire you to create dazzling pieces. A traditional spiral may give you the space you need to keep track of your designs and ideas. You can even use a computerized journal that you keep on your laptop or tablet. The important thing is that you choose something that you can use frequently and easily.
You may also want a journal that is large enough for you to store photos. This will allow you to keep magazine clippings of jewelry that inspires you, or you can include photographs of pieces that you have made.
Ideas
A journal is a great place to log all of your creative thoughts and plans. If you see a piece of jewelry while you are at the store, make a note of it in your journal. Write down the style, size, colors and materials used. You can use this simple information to spark your creative genius.
If you are in the middle of a project, you may come up with another brilliant idea but lack the time to start on it. This is the perfect opportunity for you to use your journal to keep track of your plans so that you have all of the details ready when you get the time to start on a new project.
Sizes and Preferences
If you frequently make gifts for loved ones, then a journal is perfect for keeping track of all of the sizes and preferences of each person. This will make it easy when a birthday rolls around and you need to quickly fashion a bracelet. You can look up your records in your journal and use the person’s favorite colors and necessary sizes to make a customized piece of jewelry that she will love.
Successes…and Others
Use your journal to write down the details of each successful piece of jewelry that you make. Jot down the colors that worked beautifully together, or make a note of how well a clasp worked on a certain design. These positive notes will help you improve your jewelry by reminding you of what worked well.
Of course, not all projects turn out perfectly, and you should keep a record of those, too. If two colors of beads clashed, then make a note of it. If you have trouble with a certain technique, write it down so that you can come back later to learn how to do it better. Just keep in mind that making jewelry is never a failure. You can always unstring the beads and findings and try something else.
A journal will help you keep track of all of your jewelry making dreams. Whether you want to ignite your imagination in the future or want to keep track of the projects you have done, a journal is an excellent way to map out your thoughts.
