FIRST THINGS FIRST:
--->> This is the Third and Final Blog Hop of the Very First B'sue Boutiques Build A Line Design Challenge!
--->> At the very end of this post you will find the Full List of Participating Designers and all of our Blogs.
--->> At the very end of this post you will find the Full List of Participating Designers and all of our Blogs.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
In case we haven't met:
I'm Jennifer Merrill Williams,
Jewelry Designer and Lifelong Artist,
and my new jewelry line is named
LoveBeadz Classic Remix
When my story last ended, my worktable looked like this:
Well, here it is this evening:
(No worries, I'll straighten it up when I go back up there.)
It's been a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad,
Jewelry Designing Week! ...er, Month!
Truth is, the actual jewelry designing (the time when I get to play with the beads) for my new line mostly took place this week.
In accordance with Murphy's Law, last week a loyal customer ordered a custom-designed necklace - needed for a birthday present this week!
To be on the safe side, I completed it last weekend:
~*~ She loves it! ~*~
Unfortunately, though, it is not part of my new LoveBeadz Classic Remix line.
This brings me to a very important point I have learned for myself during the Build a Line Challenge, about the difference between being a Jewelry Maker and a Jewelry Designer [who is Building a Line].
It takes me anywhere from [approximately the rest of my life] to [forever] to design a necklace.
(Well, let's say it can take several hours.)
(Well, let's say it can take several hours.)
Every bead and component must reflect the style and vision I start with for that creation. There is a lot of switching the order of beads, thoughtful gazing with head shaking, and determined rummaging in boxes and bins.
Practically speaking, as a Jewelry Maker designing one-of-a-kind pieces, the cost of all that design time cannot usually be recaptured in pricing the piece. The exceptions are higher-end "statement" and custom-ordered piece like these:
This copper necklace was created using beads from a bracelet the client had me redesign,
This copper necklace was created using beads from a bracelet the client had me redesign,
It took months (off and on) to develop this design. I call it "The Wedding Necklace"
As a Jewelry Designer building a line, I will still spend hours designing a necklace (that's just how I roll)
BUT
> It can be used as a prototype for variations in materials or color schemes.
> It can be adapted to create pieces of different styles
> It can be used as a template to produce a quantity of pieces.
The LoveBeadz Classic Remix line is styled with vintage beads so the availability of materials can limit the quantities of pieces that can be made with the exact same components. However, similar materials can be used to evoke the same style.
Of all the fabulous vintage beads I gathered for the Classic Remix line, these are the only ones I found in larger quantities, and I grabbed them! They are Moonglow Lucite, produced by Dupont in the mid-20th Century and no longer manufactured today.
LoveBeadz Classic Remix Line
Series 1
"Grace Remix"
Choker to Princess Length (Mid-size of Classic Remix Line)
Creamy-Brown Color Scheme
"Graziella Remix"
Choker Length (Smallest Scale)
Creamy-Brown Color Scheme
"Dominique Remix"
Choker to Princess Length (Mid-size )
Olive-Brown Color Scheme
BUT
> It can be used as a prototype for variations in materials or color schemes.
> It can be adapted to create pieces of different styles
> It can be used as a template to produce a quantity of pieces.
The LoveBeadz Classic Remix line is styled with vintage beads so the availability of materials can limit the quantities of pieces that can be made with the exact same components. However, similar materials can be used to evoke the same style.
Of all the fabulous vintage beads I gathered for the Classic Remix line, these are the only ones I found in larger quantities, and I grabbed them! They are Moonglow Lucite, produced by Dupont in the mid-20th Century and no longer manufactured today.
LoveBeadz Classic Remix Line
Series 1
"Grace Remix"
Choker to Princess Length (Mid-size of Classic Remix Line)
Creamy-Brown Color Scheme
"Graziella Remix"
Choker Length (Smallest Scale)
Creamy-Brown Color Scheme
"Dominique Remix"
Choker to Princess Length (Mid-size )
Olive-Brown Color Scheme
" Daniela Remix"
Matinee to Opera Length (Longest)
Multi-Brown Color Scheme.
"Briana Remix"
Choker to Princess Length (Mid-size)
Coppery-Brown Color Scheme
Matinee to Opera Length (Longest)
Multi-Brown Color Scheme.
Choker to Princess Length (Mid-size)
Coppery-Brown Color Scheme
~ To be continued..... ~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Participating Designers and their Blogs:
Brenda Sue Lansdowne
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
Judy King
Apt To Wander Studio
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
Micheale Collie
The Vintage Gem
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
Lynda O'Mara
Once Upon a Line
Elizabeth Hildreth
Mad Scientists Designs
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Design
Lori Beekman
B.Accessorized
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
Robin Reed
Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Objects and Oddities
Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
Teresa Schurter
TreeZ'S. Treasurs
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry By Denise
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
Coral Law
Looking good! I can totally relate to the whole "where is my bench" thing. Mine looks like that all the time (which is why I do most of my work in the recliner). My favorite piece so far is the Daniela Remix. :-) ~Elizabeth
ReplyDeletelol Can't see mine either right now. I'd have to say "Graziella Remix" is my fav. She's elegant :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer--Very nice, elegant necklaces putting your vintage beads to good use. I can relate to the workbench thing too! Congratulations on finishing the challenge!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty necklaces! Love the vintage components
ReplyDeleteVintage has it's own look and rewards with a special feel.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Lynn
Vintage, WooHoo! You have a wonderful line, very elegant!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous elegant necklaces. Love the color schemes you used.
ReplyDeleteWow your bead stash is so organized! I'm envious lol
All the best with your new line!
Marica
Bead Lovelies
Beautiful remixes and a happy client equals heaven!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful well thought out line. Great work.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty line. I especially like the Grace and Wedding necklaces. So pretty with subdued but impactful colors and combinations of beads. Love it. Great line.
ReplyDeleteClassic layering pieces, nicely done, good solid work. Thank you so much for being a participant and remember, this may be our last hop but! we are NOT done yet. We've got about three weeks of summary and then, I'm leaving the class page open for this CORE GROUP who came in and helped me brainstorm ways to get these points over and help good artists become great and more profitable in their work. So stay with us, Miss Jennifer, and thank you so much again for all your hard work.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous classic designs. And I so know what you mean about it taking forever to come up with a design. And sometimes it's the simplest looking ones that took the longest. All that editing, moving beads around, stress-eating chocolate - or maybe that part is just me. ;) Your line is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVery classic and classy. I am fond of shorter designed necklaces that are simple, but somewhat bold. You've achieved a truly appealing look with this collection that never goes out of style.
ReplyDeleteYour pieces are classy and elegant.
ReplyDeleteYour designs are lovely, classic vintage! And oh, so wearable. I especially love Grace but they are all wonderful! And I can totally relate to the it takes forever to design a piece. Move a bead over here...have a cup of coffee......move it over there. Wait a day or two.....move it again. LOL
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, as much of a glass snob that I am, I've always had a secret yearning for the moon-glo beads.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased with your line incorporating them! I'm sure you will be very successful with this mix of old and new.
Beautiful mix of beads. I collect vintage beads too but sometimes I don't know what to do with them. Yours are inspirational.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and the pictures of your studio. The first picture had me staring with my mouth open, in awe, at how tidy it was. I was sitting here scratching my head wondering, "How does she do that?" Then I came to the second one, where everything was piled everywhere and laughed out loud! One of the days, I'd love to figure out how to create in a space that looks like the first picture! So far, that doesn't seem a bit possible. Meanwhile, I ADORE that ivory wedding piece. Oh my goodness, Jennifer, it is beautiful. I absolutely love the design. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I hope to join you again soon for another adventure. Keep up the lovely work!
ReplyDeleteWhatttttttt! Jennifer, Moonglow Lucite OMG just divine! OK now that I have caught my breath I love, love, love your jewelry line it is full of the components that I truly love. Of course the wedding piece is to die for!!! Lady you rocked your line and it is just beautiful!!!!!! It has truly been a honor to be in this amazing class with you! Best wishes for all that you create and do! ~Louise
ReplyDeleteYes Jennifer I too love you jewelry line with its classical looks injure wedding design is beautiful. Great blogging beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and building this line
ReplyDeleteJennifer, your necklaces are beautiful and very well designed with the optional length adjustment. Love the vintage beads.
ReplyDeleteJennifer .. great job on your designing .. congratulations
ReplyDeleteJennifer! Very pretty work! I love vintage beads! Your work will have lots of appeal for your customer base. I have really enjoyed being in the class with you and all the other women! It has been fun! Happy Sales and Best Wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteI love your simple, but very elegant designs and they will appeal to many. I alos loved the pearls, crystals, and vintage beads you used, just lovely!
ReplyDeleteLovely designs, Jennifer, and I love the vintage beads! You've come up with some gorgeous classic designs that I love ... great job! It's been a great time being in the challenge with you! ;)
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done!
ReplyDeleteA little new and a little vintage are always my favorite combinations! Great job on your line. Very appealing and I think you will do well.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I love the beads you have chosen moonglow lucite They are so beautiful and your Necklaces are all lovely. Congratulations making it to the end.
ReplyDeleteLove the vintage feel of your line. I also love the look of moonglow beads. I purchased some long time ago because I thought they were so cool looking. Guess I will have to find them some day.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. I will think up a design and then spend forever sorting through all of my stash for the bead I want to complete it. Someday when I'm organized it will go faster, but I don't know when that will be. This is a wonderful idea to re-mix the same design with different beads for a cohesive line in multiple colorways.
ReplyDeleteWow--I never thought moonglow could look so classy! These are all just lovely! I know you want to be doing vintage, but the front bead on the Daniela reminded me of many pretty polymer swirl beads I've met! People think stringing a necklace is quick--hahahahaha. I'm with you and loved how you explained what it takes to go searching and figuring just what it needs! Enjoyed reading your blog! :):)
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely! I really like that era and design type anyhow so I really love this! I find that I am making more all the time with my line as well!!! I t was fun being in this class with you! Be Blessed
ReplyDeleteGorgeous beads! Everything looks great, I love the colors, addition of pearls and vintage things.
ReplyDelete