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The Creative Cure

It’s true in our darkest days, we all look to the arts. Whether we turn to music, illustration, reading, writing or watching our favourite movie. To escape the world as we know it and transcend into another realm and get lost in the splendor of what brings us joy in times of crisis.

The world needs YOU

I believe that right now, the world needs creative people more than ever. However, if you’re the creative type and all of the COVID-19 things are getting you down, you’ve probably lost your creative mojo. I have been through creative slumps myself and the struggle to keep creative momentum is real.

There have been times when I have sat at my desk and wished and hoped and prayed for just an ounce of creativity to conjure up and spill out of my brain and onto my design sketch pad. But you all know, no amount of wishing and thinking will bring it on that easily, if at all!

Creativity is a law unto herself. She will come at the most inappropriate of times, sometimes not at all, and sometimes surprisingly, at that exact moment you need it. So unpredictable.

There’s a way

We can do a few things for our creativity to remain front and center more often, right when you need it. These 3 things help me stay in that creative space and maybe they will help you too.

  1. Go for a walk – a twenty-minute walk does wonders. Stepping out into the fresh air and moving my body. Doing this provides me with a clearer mind so that when I get back to my studio I’m able to concentrate on the tasks at hand. Even if it’s just to tidy my work space.
  2. Listen to music – I listen to my same Spotify playlist all the time. Music inspires me and I can create some magic just by hearing a song and being reminded of a time or place that is associated with that piece of music.
  3. Read a book – I usually have a few books on the go at the same time. Anything from insightful reading with deep meaning to a light hearted fictional story of love and relationships. Reading takes me to a different space. When I’m struggling with my own creativity, I immerse myself in someone else’s for inspiration.

It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it

Being a creative is not easy. It’s fun and rewarding but it’s not a very balanced lifestyle.  So I just follow the three suggestions above as many times as I have to until my own creativity starts to flow, and it keeps me somewhat more consistent.

I’m here for you

I’m committed to bringing you beautiful jewellery designs (if that’s your thing) to look at and wear, so that you may escape your current world if only for just a moment. And if I have brought a smile to your face and a touch of positivity, then that makes this gig so much more worth it.

I want to know

How do you keep your creativity flowing and how do you present your work to the world? Join the conversation and comment below. I’d love to know what gets you inspired.

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What’s The Rush?

I remember a time a few months back, before COVID-19. I was having a conversation with a girlfriend and we both agreed that we’d love to just have a weekend off to do nothing.

“ooohh, how nice would that be?” we both craved.

Between us, we live very active lives. There’s work and university, kids and school, husbands and housekeeping, plus other activities such as after school sports and extended family commitments. We both practice martial arts and I also now practice playing the flute. Not to mention the running of my small jewellery business too.

Our culture is driven by time. Always rushing, always “busy”. Scheduling our lives to fit everything in.

There isn’t a lot of time to just sit still, in the quiet, to breathe and relax.

But is there?

During my time of sequestration, I’m doing a lot a self-discovery. I’m taking a real hard look at the way I manage my time and the things I consider important.

I count my blessings as I’m fortunate enough to still have my job. Working from home is great and I’ll admit that yes, at times I get out of bed at 8.45am, make my coffee and switch on my computer at 8.59am. I don’t have to make school lunches and I don’t have to rush out the door so my son makes it to school before the first bell.

I’m sad that my Dojo and the gym are closed. But sometimes when we have these things scheduled into our daily routines, they become chores and the love for them dies. Often I would skip a training session as it was easy and the excuses were valid. I just worked all day, I’m tired, I have to jewellery prep for a workshop, etcetera. But now because of quarantine I am actually working out from home more now than ever.  As a family we take daily walks. Sometimes two! Will I go back to the Dojo and gym after all this? I don’t know.

I can practice my flute at any time during the day while still checking in on my work. And the rewards of home schooling my son is so gratifying. I’m taking mid-afternoon showers, reading lots of books and doing lots of cooking.

My sister said something to me the other day about her 10 year old daughter: “she rolls out of bed at eleven o’clock some mornings and takes almost half an hour to finish her cup of tea! Just sits there……She’s living her best life!”  If you knew my niece, you’d know she is like this even on a normal school day and it frustrates the hell out of my sister.

This got me thinking. We should all be like my niece. Even after this isolation period is over. I want to continue living my best life. No rush, no hurry. I will continue loving all the people and things that are most important to me and re-evaluate the things I did that just filled my schedule but brought no joy.

I hope your time in isolation is creative one day and unproductive the next. Because it’s okay. We have permission to slow down and embrace the new pace.

Making the most of it.

Bianca xo

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Resolution Vs Goal

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I hope your celebrations were great fun! I was literally on a plane on New Years Eve and we had just landed back in Perth right on midnight. We could hear the firecrackers going off as we walked out of the airport.

I wanted to write this blog and talk about New Year Resolutions Vs New Year Goals and why I think that New Year Goals are so much better.

At the beginning of every year, me and the hubby sit down together for 30 minutes and write a list of achievable goals for the year ahead. We love doing this. Not only do we get clear on what we want but it also gives us a sense of purpose and drive to keep striving and being the best we can be.

We break it down into three categories:

Financial Goals, Health and Fitness Goals and Entertainment/Leisure Goals. We usually come up with about 2-3 goals under each category.

By making new year goals as opposed to new year resolutions, we tend to stick to them more because they are more detailed and achievable.

Example 1. New Year Resolution: I’m going to lose weight

Example 2.  Goal for the New Year: I will lose 2 Kilos by the end of the first quarter.

The second example seems so much more achievable and less overwhelming than just “I’m going to lose weight”. With the mindset of the first example, you have already set yourself up to fail. There is nothing specific about this resolution.

With Example 2, you’ve set yourself a target and a timeframe. Making it much easier to break down the details on how you will achieve this.

Also, I never start my New Year Goals on the 1st January, I give myself time to rest and get over the Christmas/New Year festivities first. I prefer to start mine when I get back to work and there is a little more routine in my day. There is no panic, no beating myself up because I didn’t start on the 1st Jan, because I know that my goals (with a little hard work) will be accomplished within the set timeframe.

I hope this has helped you set some realistic, achievable goals. There is nothing worse than making a resolution, telling everyone about it and then not following through. You don’t want to feel like a loser. 2020 is the year for winning!!

What goals have you set for the New Year? Are they realistic? Please comment below so we can keep each other accountable and support each other going into 2020. It’s going to be a fantastic year!

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November in a Nutshell

Before we get too far into the month of December, I thought I had better do a quick rundown of my November. I haven’t blogged in a while and you’ll see why as you read further.

November was a huge month! I hardly had time to scratch my nose. But what I can tell you is that it was AWE-SOME!

  1. Back to back markets with the Perth Makers Market. The first one was held in Yagan Square in Perth City. What a fabulous day. The second one was held at Heathcote Park in Applecross. I didn’t have as much stock due to the previous week’s market but all in all I had a very successful day.

I highly recommend you check out these markets when you can. With kids activities, give away hampers, music and of course plenty of food options, it’s a great day out with the family.

  1. I’m in two shops!! YES. This has been a goal of mine since the beginning of the year and then BAM, the second last month of the year and I get not one but TWO accounts! You can now find me at the Busy Bee Hive in Stockland Bullcreek Shopping Centre and also at the Green Bunch Florist in Victoria Park.

This is an amazing part of my jewellery journey. I really wanted to be able to have a physical space to showcase my pieces to you all. It really feels like my little business is starting to show the fruits of my labour AND I couldn’t have done it without your support. I can’t express how grateful I am that you invest your hard earned money on Bianca Gayle Jewellery! So, thanks.

  1. I got MARRIED!! On the 16th November 2019 I had by far, the best day of my life. It was everything we ever imagined and more. Surrounded by family and friends we tied the knot at the Duxton Hotel in Perth then kicked on with the most fabulous wedding reception. My husband’s father and sister flew in all the way from Tanzania just to be there. How special is that!

Note – I thought about doing a blog called “how to plan a wedding” but in all honesty, I wouldn’t have a clue. My dear husband pretty much organized the whole thing, the only thing I had to do was buy a dress and look pretty on the day! Maybe I’ll write up a guide to buying a wedding dress??

  1. Last but not least, I did my Jiujitsu orange belt grading! Woah…FIVE days after my wedding, mind you! I was exhausted. But I did it and I’m really quite proud of me. Proud to achieve this milestone and proud that I have learned so much within the space of 12 months to be considered for the grading. I didn’t think I had it in me. I pushed hard and so happy I did it!

So there you have it. My November all wrapped up. Oh December, what will you bring?

Hopefully lots of christmas gifts?  Check out my Online Shop now with Free Shipping in Australia.

Until next time

Bianca xo

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4 Ways to Style Your Spring Statement Earrings!

Choosing the right earrings to go with your outfit is super easy. This week my new YouTube video dropped. In it, I do a little skit about how to style the new season’s statement earrings. It’s a little bit comical. My son was helping and he was giving me the thumbs up and nod of approval from the sidelines as we were filming. I just love his encouragement – it keeps me going!

So whether you’re at work, lunching with friends, on holidays or going out for the evening with a loved one, I have your earrings sorted. I just want to make your styling feel like a fresh spring breeze 😉 so lets get started:

Busy day at the office? you need a pair of earrings that show off your unique style. They need to be lightweight so you can throw them on as you’re heading out the door and forget that they’re even attached to your lobes. The Day Dreamer earring in Business Black will do the trick!

Sunday catch ups with the girls (glass of bubbly in hand) grab the  Forever After statement flower studs. These big flower studs are gorgeous, lightweight and show an extra bit of glam with the Swarovski Crystal diamante in the centre. These will go lovely with a light summer dress. You can even wear these to add a pop of colour to your black top and blazer.

So you’re off on holiday and want to pack some jewellery that is versatile enough to go with your bikini and summer hat, but then transforms into glamour when you dine out at a quaint little island restaurant. This is where the Cello Statement Double Hoops come in. Available in gold, silver and black. The design is classic hoops with a shimmering glaze. Perfect for that sun-kissed look.

Classy, elegant and a little bit edgy. Did I just describe your going out style? Imperial Earrings in jet black will beautifully compliment your little black dress and favourite pair of heels. Just throw on a bit of lippy and you’re all set.

 

Click below to watch the video – It features the earrings I have mentioned above. While you’re watching, don’t forget to give me a like and subscribe to my channel.

WATCH VIDEO

 

Also with spring/summer coming up, there are heaps of markets and events happening in Perth. The Creative Community Market have an event on Saturday 21st September. It’s their Spring Flower Power Market and here you can try your hand at creating your very own fresh flower bouquet! Click on this link for all the details: Creative Community Market Spring Flower Power Event

Let me know of any other cool things happening around town and I’ll share them with the Bianca Gayle community. We love getting out and about and supporting local.

For more jewellery styling tips, you might like to read my blog : 6 Simple Ways to Accessorise your Dresses

Just to let you know, there are still some awesome pairs of earrings available from this months re-stock. So think birthday gifts, spoiling yourself or, dare I say it so soon, Christmas presents even. Click on the button below which will take you straight to my website for an easy, no fuss check out.

SHOP NOW

Bianca xo

 

 

All picture credits to Pexels free image photographers

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Banana Peanut Butter Cake

This morning, I was enjoying my morning coffee while flicking through my old recipe books. Sometimes I like to do this, just looking at all the pictures of yummy cakes and delicious food.

Anyone else do this or is it just me? I find it very relaxing.

So for this month’s blog I thought I’d share a really yummy recipe I tried today.

Who loves bananas? Who loves Peanut Butter? OMG me too. And I just LOVE when two of my favourite things come together to form a cake.

Banana Peanut Butter Cake, although it’s more like a bread because I cooked it in a loaf pan. There was no fancy frosting to go on top. But I guess you could experiment and add a delicious buttercream frosting or something? Try it and let me know.

To make the cake/loaf, you will need:

125g of salted butter

½ cup of brown sugar

¼ cup of honey

2 eggs

⅓ cup of crunchy peanut butter (add more, if you’re anything like me)

2 ripe bananas mashed

2 cups wholemeal self-raising flour

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C and line a loaf tin with grease paper.

Beat the butter, sugar and honey till light and creamy, then add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add the peanut butter and beat well. Now just using a spoon, add the banana and fold through the sifted flour until combined.

Pour into the loaf tin and bake for one hour. After the skewer comes out clean, leave in loaf tin for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.

So there you go. Scrumptious and very easy. As a variation you can also add some choc chips if your heart desires. I’ll be doing that next time. I like to serve it by slicing into 1 cm thick pieces and smother with butter. Yum. Or you can pop it into a toasted sandwich press for a minute and then smother with Nutella. Double Yum. Enjoy with a nice hot beverage.

Have you tried this recipe? let me know in the comments if you adding anything extra or made some variations. I’d love to know how it turned out.

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Hello June [Newsletter]

Bianca Gayle Newsletter June 2019

In this Issue:

  • The Mother’s Day Jewellery Making Workshop
  • Things I loved about June
  • What customers are saying
  • Upcoming Events

Mother’s Day Jewellery Making Workshop

What a great morning we all had at this special jewellery making workshop for Mother’s Day. Held at the Cheeky Peach Cafe in Joondanna, we enjoyed coffee and cake while creating our bracelets and earrings. A special thanks to Rachel, who always serves with a smile and has time for a photo even though she was busy with a batch of homemade sausage rolls in the oven. Yum. Thank you ladies for coming along, it was a pleasure teaching you. I hope you enjoy your beautiful creations.

If you would like to know more about my jewellery making workshops, please click here to get in touch. I always post new workshop events on my Facebook page too.

Things I loved about June

There are many things I loved about this month. Firstly, I turned 40. That was big. Not in the sense of the actual party celebrations, but big as in the milestone. Lots of reflecting and evaluating of my life. You can read my blog Turning 40 here.

Mr K and I took a short trip down to Margaret River for my Birthday weekend. We dined, visited wineries and shopped for chocolate and nougat. We stayed at the gorgeous Bushy Lake Chalets, where we cosied up by the wood fire enjoying our purchases.

Another thing I loved this month was my first visit to Optus Stadium. I was invited to a Corporate Box to watch the Fremantle Dockers beat Port Adelaide. What a great place this is! Perth, you did well with this stadium.

As part of my birthday month, you can enjoy Free Shipping when you shop statement earrings. Just apply coupon code FREESHIP when you check out.

 

“Beautiful designs that I wear every day. I have several pieces now. Bianca recently re-purposed some old jewellery for me too and I can’t be happier. She took the time to sit and design the pieces with me and the gorgeous beads she used have made my jewellery stunning and unique.”  – Alison J

 

Upcoming event: July School Holiday Workshops

Looking for a creative outlet for your kids these school holidays? Learn how to design and create a beautiful bracelet and earring set at one of my Jewellery Making Workshops. These workshops are fantastic for ages 8 and above. (Some parental guidance is required) Workshops will be held on Wednesday 10th and Wednesday 17th at 10am-11.30am. Click here for details and to book your spot.

Enjoy the rest of June!

with immense love, Bianca

xo

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Ah-MAY-zing!

Bianca Gayle Newsletter May 2019

In this Issue:

  • The April Meerilinga Easter Workshop
  • Product of the month
  • What customers are saying
  • Mother’s Day Jewellery Making Workshop

Meerilinga Community Centre High Wycombe

Last month I was invited to run a jewellery making workshop at the Meerilinga Community Centre in High Wycombe. It was Easter themed and everyone got to make a bracelet and earring set with gorgeous pastel coloured crystals, complete with an Easter Bunny charm. It was so nice to meet everyone and we all had a great time learning to design our bracelets and how to attached a clasp using tiger wire and crimps.

If you would like to know more about my jewellery making workshops, please click here to get in touch. I always post new workshop events on my Facebook page too.

May Product of the Month

Q: Bianca, do you have a statement earring that is light weight so I can wear all day?

A: Yes, the Piccolo Fiore statement earrings are perfect! they come in silver, gold or rose gold wire wrapped flowers and you can choose any colour leaf stud. I will make to order. They are light weight and include surgical steel ear posts to ensure comfort all day for skin sensitivity.

Enjoy Free Shipping for the whole month of MAY when you shop the Piccolo Fiore . Just apply coupon code FREESHIP when you check out.

 

“Stunning pieces handmade with detail and love. Bianca has a great sense of style, she is passionate and dedicated. I highly recommend to invest in a piece by Bianca Gayle”

 – Angela Prebble

Upcoming event: Mother’s Day Jewellery Making Workshop

Give mum the gift of handmade this Mother’s Day. Learn how to design and create a beautiful bracelet and earring set for that special lady in your life, (or yourself). These workshops are fantastic for ages 8 and above.  Places are still available. Click here to Book Now

Hope your May is Ah-MAY-zing!

Bianca

xo

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Ultimate School Holiday Survival Guide

Can I get a WOOT WOOT! Well, I survived the first set of school holidays for 2019. Anyone else?

Here’s what I did:

  1. Always have wine close by. I won’t judge if you pour your first glass at 11am. #stickittothejudgymums
  2. Prepare a smorgasbord of snacks the night before and keep them out on the kitchen counter. When your child wakes up there will be food there from morning to night.
  3. Whatever you do, do not sit down and look comfy. #sitdownandtheywillcome #thereisnocomfyposition
  4. Carry a tape measure, pen and notepad around with you all day while at home. You’ll look super busy and the kids won’t interrupt you, in fear of being put to work.
  5. Don’t organize single play dates. Who has time for that? Allocate one day, have all his friends over, take them to the park and do some blogging out in the sunshine….ahhh the serenity.
  6. **If all else fails, tell your mum to come over for a cuppa. Your phone rings, it’s work. You’ve been called in for an important meeting.  “Thanks Mum, I’ll be back in a couple of hours”. #thanksmumiloveyou #appreciationrespect

So there you go. There’s no planning involved, no expenses. You just have to be smart about it. Kids don’t always need to be entertained with expensive outings and its time us mums stopped feeling guilty about the kids getting bored. Sometimes it’s good for kids to feel bored. It triggers the imaginative side of their little brains.

So far, he’s made a board game, a battle arena, an army base. He’s also started preparations for his new video game he’s going to develop. He’s written everything down. #proudmummoment

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Coffee and Craft

I’m really excited to now be running my very own jewellery making workshops! The first one was held last month and we all had such a great time. Here is a snippet written for the local community paper:

Collaboration is key for small business. Local jewellery designer Bianca Gayle believes that community over competition is the way forward for anyone with a small business or even just starting out. “We should be working with one another and supporting each other’s businesses”.

Bianca Gayle reached out to her local café, The Cheeky Peach Patisserie Café in Joondanna, to see if she could use their space to run jewellery making workshops. “It’s a match made in heaven, what better way to connect with the community while crafting and enjoying delicious coffee and cake?” Says Bianca. “It’s a great way to learn new skills, meet new friends and support local small business”.

Café owner Rachel Peachey welcomed the idea and says it’s a fantastic way to build relationships and keep the community spirit alive.

Bianca’s very first jewellery making workshop held at the café was a hit, with the attendees saying it was lots of fun and well instructed. They all created beautiful beaded bracelets and matching earrings, which were proudly adorned at the end of the workshop.

If you would like further information on upcoming workshops you can contact bianca@biancagayle.com or find events on Bianca’s Facebook Page @biancagaylejewellery

I would love to see you at my next workshop – Contact me now to book a spot!