December’s Metalsmithing Challenge
Right: Sugar Skull Ornament by Andrea Ring (@amuckdesign). Hand cut basswood and acrylic paint
Left: Suncatchers by Christine Mighion (@christinemighion) - Stained glass, objects from the sea, and brass
December is such a busy month, but it’s also a beautiful time to step back and take a small creative pause. Our December Metalsmithing Challenge invited members to make an ornament, sun catcher, or small wall hanging. Something playful. Something not tied to production or pressure.
My ever steady metalsmithing challenge partner Andrea helped nudge me across the finish line, inspiring me to wrap things up just before the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve. There’s something very on brand about that.
That’s the magic of these community challenges. There’s always someone there to gently remind you that making something just for yourself matters, especially during the most hectic seasons. Creativity doesn’t have to be big or perfect to be meaningful.
We won’t be hosting a challenge in January. I’ll be spending a few weeks filling my well back up on Maui, and Andrea… well, she assures us she’ll be cleaning her studio. We’ll see.
Here’s to creating when we can, resting when we need to, and knowing the bench will be waiting when we’re ready to return.