Thinking Outside the Box

For the most part, I feel that my jewelry has been simple and clean, which is how I prefer it.  But I think it's also been a bit too boring and generic at times.  I don't think I have pushed myself to think outside the box nearly as much as I should have been.  So the last couple of weeks I've been trying to push myself a bit more.  I'm not 100% sure that my results are anything that people will take a second look at, but it feels good to try some things that I haven't done before.

On our family trip to Montana, I picked up a magazine that was very different from any others I've grabbed over the last few years.  It was also rather expensive, and is only published twice per year.  But I found a lot of inspiration in it.  I'm torn when it comes to looking at other peoples' work.  I love it and try to soak it all in, but at the same time it shines a light on my own lack of creativity.  But overall, it gives me goals to work towards, and ideas on how to get there. 

This three-strand pearl necklace is the most "outside" I've gotten so far.  The clasp is on the side, rather than in back.  The ribbon that goes around the back is a bit frilly and stretchy, and I think it works well with the pearls and charms I added on.

  What do you think?