Today I received some new ring blanks I purchased recently. I was very excited to make some paper wrapped spiral rings, like the pendants I’ve made and had success with before. They will take about 24 hours to harden and then if everything goes well, I’ll be adding them to my Etsy shop.
Once they were all assembled, I was so thrilled with the circle ones that I almost gasped at how beautiful they were.
Onto last night. (Mim and Rachel, you might want to brace yourself)
(picture by roll_initiative on flickr)
My brother, sister and I went to go see Neil Gaiman speak at a nearby high school. If you are not familiar with Neil, he is the author of Stardust and Coraline, as well as many other books, graphic novels, his blog and even twitter. I love seeing and hearing creative people talk. It always inspires me to much that I just want to rush home to my studio and start working madly at my own art. Listening to him talk filled my inspiration well.
He first read from Stardust (which I read some years ago) and then Anansi Boys (which I want to read now after hearing him). Then he did a Q&A with the audience. I just want to share a couple things from last night.
(Let me preface this by saying that it might not have really played out like this, but it sure sounded like it to me)
Audience Member: What is your favorite thing?
Neil Gaiman: What is my favorite thing or theme?
AM: Thing
NG: I’d have to say my favorite thing is Amanda Palmer
Audience: Erupts, goes wild
AM: Actually, I said theme
NG: Oh, I really liked that question, what’s your favorite thing
hehe, I just found a twitter referencing it :)
He spoke of how, growing up, people like to do things until they are informed by others that they can’t do those things. It’s a topic close to my heart. One of my favorite quotes is “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Pablo Picasso. Neil shared an anecdote that each child is born with the ability to be a tight rope walker, and it isn’t until people tell them that they can’t, they wouldn’t be able to do it.
I could have listened to Q&A with him forever. Girls, now I can understand your crushes. Plus, I just read he’s a bee keeper. sigh.
Omg. Yes. Thank you for the bracing warning because I needed it. Ehem. HOW freaking AWESOME!!! I am so jealous but so excited you got to go. And yes. Both American Gods and Anansi Boys are great reads. Wow…I’m still in a state of shock. And hearing you were inspired by him just makes me inspired. Funny how I feel the most inspired while away on vacation where I can’t create anything. :)
SO FREAKING JEALOUS!
I love Amanda too. I found her through his blog when he was working on Who Killed Amanda Palmer with her. Since then I have become a full-fledged fan- as has my daughter. We saw her in Philly in November and she was awesome.
To me- they are a perfect match. If I can’t have Neil at least I’m happy that she does.
Glad you went and had a wonderful time.
Hi Robyn,
Just wanted to say how much I love your rings! I have been doing a little resin ring making myself lately and have really enjoyed it–so easy and fun–what could be better??
I’m wondering if you could share with me where you purchased the square ring blanks? I’ve purchased some at a craft shop here in Portland, but they are expensive to buy individually. I am interested in a bulk purchase. I would be most grateful if you could tell me the company/supplier/website.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give–and keep on makin’ stuff!
Cheers,
Kim