Are you like I used to be? You have a thought about doing something and, oh so quickly, convince yourself why you should not do it? It was so easy to convince myself why something would not work, was a bad idea or worse still, the person I was thinking of contacting would be too busy.
No wonder life was a struggle trying to make everything work, even though I was successful at it. I was going against the flow instead of with it! So, nearly eighteen months ago I decided to totally ignore my negative natterer! Having created my first collection of jewellery designs, in silver wire work and semi-precious stones, I saw an article in a local ladies magazine about a new jewellery shop opening in Llandeilo - Bentley & Co.
Without allowing myself to think about it I picked up the phone and spoke to the owner, Claire Bentley. She was so lovely and invited me to her shop, where she sells her own wonderful contemporary jewellery designs, along with other specialist suppliers. My first contact with another jewellery designer proved most fruitful as Claire invited me to the launch of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) in Wales.
This is where I had to work really hard at keeping my negative natterer at bay. It kicked in 'big time'. Apart from a one day course in basic jewellery making I had no training in jewellery design or development. I was self-taught and had only started making wire work jewellery 4 months previously. However, she liked my work and suggested I join the ACJ.
Become a member of the ACJ Wales who was I kidding! Well that's what I initially thought but I was beginning to learn that when you let go of your fears and go with your instinct, remarkable and exciting things begin to happen.
For me it opened up a world of new and exciting opportunities. In September 2011 my work was exhibited in the Riverside Theatre, Newport. Then it was accepted, through the ACJ, for the Cardiff Design Festival. 
My red crystal and quartz, wire work bracelet was used in the ACJ promotional literature for the exhibition (picture above top row). My work was exhibited in Cardiff Library and the Wales Millennium Centre. I could hardly believe it, especially when I was one of only six to sell a piece of jewellery during the exhibition!
And the excitement of remarkable things happening did not stop there. Earlier this year I was invited, by the ACJ, to put my work forward for the prestigious Winter Exhibition in Oriel Ynys Mon on Anglesey, North Wales. It was accepted and will be on show and sale there from 10th November 2012 to 24th December 2012.
So what exciting things have you experienced when you let go and go with the flow? I would love to hear about them. Mine are still continuing every week to amaze and excite me. So in my next Bog I will tell you about a chance meeting that lead to me designing and making a range of wedding jewellery!
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