I am a member of a group of metalsmiths that host a monthly blogroll on a specific topic. This month the participants are blogging about how the change of seasons, specifically Spring, influence their work, their designs, etc.
Spring is not my favorite season because it just means more rain here in the Pacific Northwest. This March was the 5th wettest on record, and it really wasn’t that inspiring. I spend a lot of the early spring at the ball field’s with my 3 kids at softball, tball, and baseball practice/games. It is rainy, it is windy, and most days downright cold. But there are a few glorious, sun-filled days that make me remember why I live in the PNW. Those beautiful sunny spring days do inspire me – from the robins in the yard, to the snow-capped peaks, from the frogs loudly croaking in our pond, to the first teeny blooms (Johnny Jump-Ups are my fave!).
Those signs of spring bring forth the desire to clean the studio (which I never do), sit on the porch with my sketchbook and soak up the rays (never do enough), and go through my stone collection and pull out colorful cabochons to start designing new pieces (always pick too many). These cabochons (pictured below) have been on the bench for about a week waiting for a sunny day and inspiration. There is dappled sunlight out my studio windows this morning – should I work in the studio, or go out and enjoy it?
Steph Stargell Designs 
The stones look like a flower bouquet Steph! Love your post. 🙂
Pretty stones Steph! Can’t wait to see what you do with them!
Those stones are looking ready to set girl! Can’t wait to see how you finish them up….and love those flowers!! 🙂