Tag: inspiration

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

It’s all about Maya..

Explore the unique fan shapes of pre-Colombian history with our new Maya Collection! Combining simplicity and elegance with the spiritual symbolism of this rich culture, these pieces will definitely draw the eye! This collection is the result of months of careful experimentation, sketches and research, with the aim of reviving this long-lost culture with a modern twist.
As history tells it, jewellery was considered a vital part of the Mayans trade with other neighbouring civilisations. Hence the name; the Maya Collection.

One of the most common ritual ornaments of the period, worn by warriors and priests alike, was the Nariguera (nose fan), a gold piece that was often hooked to the nostrils and was in the shape of an upside-down fan decorated with patterns and engravings. The elite would often wear them as pendants depicting gods or animals. This served as a key piece of inspiration for the Collection’s design process.

Jewellery also played a key part in this tribal narrative as it symbolised religious and ritual meanings. Many pieces from this period were made from gold which had an association to the Sun and was a powerful symbol of fertility. These pieces were also used in ceremonies to protect the community and cure sickness. In contrast, we have used sterling silver- the colour associated with the moon. As a of bringing something new to the design while also maintaining its historical roots.

The design process of these beautiful pieces started in Corinne’s studio where she would often lose herself in books on pre-Colombian tribal cultures. Like some of our past pieces, including the Navajo and Blue Lotus Collections, the story of these old cultures really caught her eye. She was fascinated by their unique shapes and stories which she later incorporated into the collections designs.

After multiple sketches and prototypes, Corinne settled on two earrings and pendants. Handcrafted with recycled sterling silver, these pieces come in both an Oval and Fan shape. The juxtaposition of space creates balance through the open form of the oval/teardrop shape with the solid structure of the hanging fan. Her main goal however, was to pay homage to the beautiful and intricate design of this tribal jewellery while embracing modern textures and techniques.

So whether you wear these pieces with your vintage finds or with your chic office attire, these pieces are easy ways to elevate any look! Wear them alone or together, as these pieces are wonderfully versatile! Our pendants can also be worn as the centre piece of a layered look or as a single statement piece. Embrace your inner tribal beauty with your own flare or draw inspiration from our styling and pair the pieces with patterned scarves and kits, and your favourite vintage finds.

In our journey to explore the roots of our jewellery-making ancestors we have really enjoyed designing these pre-Colombian pieces. We hope you love them as much as we do! Head on over to the shop page to check out the Maya pieces. We would also love to hear your thoughts on how you combine things old and new in your daily life, please tag us on Instagram or Facebook, with you favourite styles. Until next time…

Love the ASC team xx

Inspiration to Creation: The Branch Collection


A Silver Circle’s Branch Collection is unique both in it’s design and inspiration. Corinne was inspired by the nature that surrounded her while bushwalking, ‘The branch collection is something that came about because of a nagging idea in the back of my head. I had always wanted to play around with the natural branch form, but to do it in a way that wasn’t expected.’

It wasn’t until a trip to Tasmania’s Huon Valley, that the inspiration of the Huon Pine branch brought forth a clearer vision for the collection. The colour, texture and the way it played off silver was what inspired Corinne to use the pine. Various other branches including Eucalyptus and Red Gum are also used. The Red Gum is particularly beautiful with it’s deep red/brown colour that juxtaposes with the silver.

The collection retains a strong connection to Australian trees with their rich colours and textures that pay homage to Corinne’s homeland. Each piece reminds us to really embrace the details of the world around us. The wood is treated to retain its natural colour, while little imperfections remain in the branch to emphasise its organic form. This collection is all about contrast; light vs dark, smooth vs rough and natural vs manmade.

Styling the Branch Pendant and Branch Earrings together is the perfect statement ensemble which brings an organic feel. The Branch Pendant can be layered beautifully with the Reversible Round Pendant, which can be worn in silver or gold. Our Round Resin Pendants also look amazing with the Branch Pendant, available in a variety of colours. This winter, our picks for the Resin Pendants are the warm tones of Cooper, Gold and Red-gold.

Next time you are walking though nature, look around and notice the variety of colours and textures that surround you. Let this collection show that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and that this has the ability to produce some beautiful creations.