Create Without Pressure

Recently, the Stay Gold Collective gathered for a virtual happy hour, and it was just what we needed. Two hours of connection, sharing fears, celebrating wins, and reminding each other that we’re not alone in this.

One designer shared an idea I loved: Wacky Wednesday—a dedicated day (or even just an hour) to step away from the pressure of productivity and just create. No expectations, just play. It aligned with a conversation I had last week with another designer about the power of craft, and how important it is to give ourselves time and space to think, sketch, and experiment.

There’s so much pressure to constantly produce new work, launch new pieces, and have something fresh to post. But here’s my take: it’s okay to move slowly.

I’ll never forget the first time I stepped into a jewelry studio and watched a flat sheet of metal slowly transform, over hours, sometimes days or weeks, into a finished piece of art. That moment stuck with me. And over the years, I’ve learned that sometimes collections come together quickly. Other times, they take years. Both are part of the process. And even though I’ve been in the jewelry industry for almost 15 years, I still love to see the process (and I’m sure your audience does too).

Yes, I want you to build a thriving business. I want you to make money and grow.

But more than anything, I want you to stay true to your creative vision, because that’s what makes your work special.

So here’s your permission to take your own version of Wacky Wednesday—and create just for the joy of it.

Let me know what’s on your bench or in your sketchbook right now that you’re excited about! I’d love to hear.