sunahjewelry

[sunahjewelry]

Excited to have my work in the Makers Collective Spring Pop Up in Greenville SC :) I sent them a really vibrant collection of statement earrings and littles in this seasons hot color combinations! I got to see a preview of my work setup at the Pop Up and it looks soooo good! Wish I was in the area so I could go visit! There’s so many awesome makers featured in this special event. You can check it out online here !

#makers collective #indie craft parade #North Carolina #craft markets #handmade jewelry #pop up #spring #events #shop local #polymer clay jewelry #pattern design #made in Baltimore

[sunahjewelry]

American Craft Made Baltimore was such a blast this year! I have so much gratitude for this incredible artists community. I remember when I was in college and working for an artist at this very show and I thought “one day I would love to be an artist here.” 6 years later I applied and found myself in their emerging artist program.

One of the greatest joys of doing this show has been getting to know the other artists. I love my little artist family and it’s so much fun to to have our annual dinner together and catch up. I’m always so inspired by their work and work ethic and it’s so interesting to hear everyone’s new ideas.

I ended up being interviewed for tv twice during this show, it was nerve wracking but it was also a really good learning experience. I’m still not super great when it comes to talking about my work more professionally. I tend to get very nervous when put on the spot like that! But this was a good challenge to try and speak more honestly about how I create and why.

There’s a lot of orders I’m still working through from the show and I have a lot on my plate coming up. I’ll be pretty busy for the next month! Thank you to everyone who stopped by the show!

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #american craft council #American Craft made baltimore #art jewelry #creative business #wear handmade #Craft shows #accbaltimore

[sunahjewelry]

Trying to stay consistent with my sketchbook practice. While I was living in Chattanooga last summer I made my sketchbook a big priority in my process. I sort of re-learned the importance of ideating on paper. I sometimes forget that my sketchbook is not a place for perfection but a place for iterations and problem solving. Taking the things I’ve been exposed to and drawing influence from them quickly on paper has been my routine lately. It’s not pretty, but my ideas are flowing quicker these days.

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #sketchbook #creative process #idea to reality #show your work #sketch #creative inspiration

[sunahjewelry]

“If you think that your fear and insecurity and your hesitations about your creative work are ever going to go away, they’re not. And if they do it’s a bad thing” -Austin Kleon

I have been thinking a lot about this idea as I prepare for my spring and summer show season. It’s amazing to me that no matter how long I have been working as an artist, I still find myself fearing the idea of putting my creative work out there. Being brave is the hardest part of my personal creative process. I have to make a conscious effort to overcome my fear every time before I push the post button, send my application in, or write something here. One of the things that has helped me manage this fear is getting really clear on my core beliefs surrounding my work. Even though it's uncomfortable and I'm afraid of putting my work out there, deep down I really do believe in the importance of documenting my creative work. Not only as is it an iterative daily practice, but it is a way to connect with others and add to the creative community. I really believe that sharing our work helps fuel new ideas and that not only helps ourselves, but can help others. I see creativity as a flow between the inputs we receive and the interpretation we output.

#baltimore #jewelry artist #design #polymer clay #creative process #austin kleon #overcome fear #creative work #be brave #show your work #artist #art #productivity #charm city #shop handmade #american craft made baltimore #craft show prep

[sunahjewelry]

Did some baking that wasn’t clay related! Our kitchen reno is almost done and I was able to sneak in and use the oven for the first time in 2 months 🤩. Since Valentine’s Day is around I tried a SUPER easy strawberry cake mix cookie recipe and made my go to brownie recipe and shared them with friends this weekend. I always feel very comfortable making cookies because it reminds me so much of the movements I make creating my clay work 😂. Here’s the links to the two recipes if you want to try them too!

Strawberry cake mix cookies:

My go to brownie recipe:

#baltimore #jewelry artist #design #artist #shop handmade #polymer clay #productivity #baking #valentines #strawberry cookies #brownie #recipes #how to #handmade life

[sunahjewelry]

Starting to think about my upcoming show with American Craft Made Baltimore. There’s a lot to plan and create ahead of a big show like this. I’ve learned over the years that starting as early as possible gives me the most flexibility to create my best work. The more time I have the more likely I am to take a creative risk and try something new. It seems that the closer a deadline approaches I start to focus on tried and true pieces and spend more of my time working on things I know have worked in the past. I’m really excited to be bringing some of the new work I created over the last few months to this show. Trying to stay consistent with my studio time every day!

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #Craft made Baltimore #how to wholesale #how to prepare for a craft show #Craft shows #art jewelry #artist studio #pattern design #creative process

[sunahjewelry]

Some shots from a recent order for Teaism Tea Shop in DC! Loved immersing myself in Japanese textile patterns for this collection. Being able to create custom color collections for shops like Teaism is such a joy. I really enjoy tailoring an order to fit the style of the shop. Since Teaism has a strong Japanese aesthetic, I chose to work with kimono patterns and colorful vintage motifs from Japan. I tried to create a collection that captured the vibrant colors and eclectic patterns you see at the Japanese cherry blossom festivals in the Spring. If you’re in the DC area be sure to pop in to Teaism (and even better if you can go during the tidal basin cherry blossom viewing!) 🌸🌸🌸

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #Teaism #visit Dc #cherry blossom #Japanese #travel #Faire wholesale #wholesale jewelry #support local art #craft and design #kimono #matsuri

[sunahjewelry]

A lovely collection of studs for a order going to Teaism in DC ! I love Japanese patterns and get super excited when I have the opportunity to work with a shop that embodies Japanese aesthetics like Teaism. I started exploring patterns after I visited Japan many years ago. It was really fun to go back and use some of the kimono and Indio dye patterns from that time in this collection. If you’re in the DC area be sure to stop by and check this lovely tea shop out! Grateful to be carried here this year 🥰.

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #teaism #Japan #matsuri #cherry blossom #tea shop #shop local #visit dc #how to wholesale

[sunahjewelry]

Fun things happening this week! I just finished recording my second podcast interview. I’ll share more when the episode is released! Talking about my work has always been a struggle for me, I prefer to be making art then talking about what I do. It’s a lot easier for me to write my thoughts like I do here than to speak out loud. That’s why things like podcasting and tv interviews have always been a challenge for me. One of the things I’ve been hoping to do this year is to sit and really write about my work and explore what drives me to create. I think by doing this I’ll have more clarity and be able to better articulate what I do as an artist. It’s one thing to make something, it’s a totally other thing to explain what drives you to make in the first place.

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #how to be creative #creativity #process #handmade #this handmade life #podcast #interview

[sunahjewelry]

Annual snowboard trip with the friend fam! Grateful for these humans. We had a great time exploring 3 different mountains in Tahoe. Snuck in some early morning sketch book time too. Super inspiring to be out in the mountains experiencing CA in the snow 🥰.

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #art #shop handmade #productivity #travel #snow #snowboarding #lake tahoe #palisades #sugar bowl #alpine meadows

[sunahjewelry]

Trying to set aside time each day to play with some new ideas. I’ve been trying to figure out new ways to showcase my patterns that don’t require drilling or cold connections. It’s been taking me a lot of thought and sketching to arrive at some of these ideas! I don’t know which ones will work but I’m starting to test things in real life.

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #experiment #idea to reality #sketchbook #test kitchen #creative process #creative mornings #creativity #work in progress

[sunahjewelry]

Finishing up the yearly studio clean up and have been spending some time organizing photos from the last year. It’s fun to look back on all the work I completed in 2023. A lot of mistakes but also a lot of good creative work as well. I was taking note of the works that stood out to me as I scrolled through my photos and realized most of the pieces I really liked were all custom orders. Creating something based on someone else’s color preferences is a nice way to shake things up creatively. Even though I try to be broad with my color-ways and patterns, I do tend to work in palettes I personally gravitate to. Something I’ve been thinking about for this year is trying to push myself to think outside my norms in terms of color combinations. I’d love to maybe try reworking some older designs in a new color. It’s hard to think outside of your own personal preferences!

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #creative habits #new experiences #new year 2024 #earring design #pattern design #pantone color of the year #color theory #color palette

[sunahjewelry]

It’s the new year! I’ve slowly started to come back to the studio after a much needed break from the holiday rush. I realized I stopped writing here again when I got back from Chatt because things go so busy. I have a lot to document from the last few months so I’ll be reflecting a bit in January and revisiting some of my thoughts I’ve had during the last few months. Right now it’s the first week in January and I’m feeling motivated again to create. January is a rare time where I can take stock of the past year, examine what worked and what did not, and make some plans for a more creative season going forward. It’s amazing to me that every year I find new problems to solve and areas of my work that I want to expand or change. Right now I’m finishing up a very big studio cleanse ( things got super messy during the holidays!) and have started to tackle my digital and physical paper clutter. Last January I had remodeled my studio and got it about 80% done and then didn’t work on it all year haha. (Who can relate??) So another big project is to finally take my studio remodel to the finish line by the end of this month. Lots to reflect on, lots to be grateful for, and lots of fun projects in the upcoming months! Happy New Year 🥰

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #studio #charm city #shop handmade #productivity #new years resolution #new year 2024 #artist studio #whereartistswork #working artist #goals #organize #minimalist #mindfullness

[sunahjewelry]

Some days are more creative than others. I notice that the amount of ideas and how easily they flow fluctuates even when you are being intentional with your practice of sketching and experimentation. For example, I noticed that last week I had an overwhelming amount of ideas coming in and I felt like it was a high creative moment. This week is not nearly as free flowing as last week. I’ve been thinking about how important it is during these high creative moments to capture your ideas. I have been referencing my sketches from last week and expanding on them and that in turn helps me create better ideas even when I am not having a great week. Ideas feel like dreams sometimes, if you don’t write them down in that moment, it’s easy to forget or get lost down another tangent.

#artist #design #baltimore #jewelry artist #art #productivity #studio #polymer clay #charm city #sketchbook #ideas #creative thinking #creative process #artist residency #momentum

[sunahjewelry]

I’ve been walking at this sculpture garden near our airbnb every morning. There are so many interesting installations along the many paths it’s hard not to stare and ponder every piece for hours. I realized that I feel super inspired after walking there each morning and I can’t wait to grab my sketchbook when I get back. There is a quote I keep thinking of from Natalie Nixon author of The Creativity Leap, “The more diverse the inputs, the more innovative the outputs.” It’s been really good to shake things up with this month in Chattanooga. I think by changing the things I’m seeing and thinking about it’s changing my creativity. I’ve been spending more time sketching and creating ideas and I really think it has a lot to do with the fact that I’m taking in a lot of new experiences. I would love to take this lesson home and try harder to get out and change up my routines more often and seek out better more diverse artistic inputs.

#creativity #inputs #design #art #polymer jewelry #creative process #jewelry artist #artist #studio #productivity #polymer clay #baltimore #creative prompts #chattanooga #artist residency #inspiration

[sunahjewelry]

I’ve been reflecting on my creative journey with polymer clay and starting Sun Ah Blair Jewelry and how things have changed since then. When I first started experimenting with clay and using patterns and diving into Japanese textile patterns, I was in this zone of pure exploration. I was excited from coming back from my trip to Japan and it felt like everything was new and nothing was off limits. I just sat and started playing and experimenting daily, it was this rush of creative energy. Thinking back, I’m amazed and a bit jealous of the absolute freedom I felt. Fast forward to today, I never thought I’d be working as an Artist the way I am honestly. I wake up each day and am overwhelmed with gratitude and amazement for being able to step into my studio and work on projects that I am passionate about and meet so many people at shows and share my patterns and clay pieces with the art community I adore. However, there is of course a tradeoff when taking on more projects and orders and that trade off is time. I used to have more time to just explore and fail and dabble and go down a tangent of an idea. those moments are now a treasured rarity. It’s hard to balance creating work that others want with what you truly want to create as an artist. It will always be that way. That’s why I’m so excited for this month in Chattanooga. I’ve just finished my first week here and I cannot tell you how energized I was this week just because I finally had some time to work on new pieces and explore new ideas! I felt that same sense of curiosity and excitement I had way back when I started my business. I had the tentative goal of using this month to really focus on work I wanted to make personally, not for stores, not for a show, not for any obligation other than my own curiosity. I wanted to explore any ideas and expand on any old ideas that came to me during this time and bring them into reality. It’s been a great first week of just that. I hope that the coming weeks will prove to be as creatively free and refreshing. I also hope that I can learn to take this feeling back to my studio in Baltimore and remember to schedule more time to just create for the sake of creating.

#baltimore #jewelry artist #artist #studio #polymer clay #design #productivity #art #creative process #inspiration #business #creativity #chattanooga #artist residency

[sunahjewelry]

While I’m staying in Chattanooga for this month, I’ve decided to try and write almost every day and flesh out some thoughts I’ve had on a variety of topics relating to my art, on the creative process itself, and just some observations and questions I’ve had while creating. I haven’t been writing a lot the last year and I’ve been feeling the pull to start again. Even though I haven’t been writing, I’ve had a lot of thoughts! There is something motivational about changing your environment. I think it jogs something in your brain to shift and thats why I feel a new surge of ideas and inspiration. I’ll be sharing some of my thoughts here this month.

#baltimore #design #jewelry artist #art #artist #polymer clay #charm city #studio #productivity #creative process #chattanooga #reflection #polymerclay #polymer jewelry #pattern design #inspiration