What I Do When I’m Burnt Out but Still Need to Make Things

Burnout happens. Even when you're doing something you love. Especially when your passion is also your job.

There are days when I walk into the studio and don’t feel like being creative. When the pressure to make something new feels heavier than the tools on my bench. But the thing about running your own jewelry business is—sometimes you still have to show up and make things, even when you're not in the mood.

So here's what I do on those days:

1. I clean my studio.
It sounds simple, but it helps. I clear off the bench, put tools back in place, vacuum up silver dust. Resetting my space helps reset my brain. I can breathe a little easier once the chaos is contained.

2. I go through inventory and materials.
I check what I’m low on, take stock of stones, metal, solder, saw blades—whatever’s running thin. Then I place orders. It feels like forward motion without needing to be creative on the spot.

3. I prep bezels.
This is my favorite form of productive procrastination. Shaping and cutting bezel wire is the perfect mix of detail-oriented and low-stakes. It doesn’t require a huge creative spark, but it’s still satisfying. Plus, it doesn’t make a mess like sawing, sanding, or soldering—no sweat, no grime, just quiet focus.

It’s a gentle way to stay in the rhythm of making without pushing too hard.

I’ve learned that being burnt out doesn’t mean you’re broken—it just means you need to take a different approach for a while. And even on the low-energy days, there’s still room to keep the momentum going, slowly and intentionally.