My catalyst moment in business happened because I moved into a storefront apartment on Elizabeth Street in downtown Manhattan. Before gentrification (B.G.?) the old ground floor storefronts served as live/work store/apartments. The moment I saw the place my long-forgotten dream of having a store revived.
#BrandStoryChallenge #Day2
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Friday, March 20, 2015
54 Jewelry Lines REVEALED! The 3rd [and Final!] Blog Hop
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,
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.
LoveBeadz Classic Remix Line
Series 1
Choker to Princess Length (Mid-size of Classic Remix Line)
Creamy-Brown Color Scheme
Choker Length (Smallest Scale)
Creamy-Brown Color Scheme
Choker to Princess Length (Mid-size )
Olive-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
Thursday, February 19, 2015
The 2nd Blog Hop - Follow 50+ Jewelry Lines Being Created!
FIRST THINGS FIRST:
--->> This is the Second 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.
Blogging with my "mews," Rocky the Silver Tiger Cat
I'm not exactly "Building A Line" over here. It's more like "Birthing A Line." Brenda Sue Lansdowne of B'Sue Boutiques is mentoring - midwifing? - all of us throughout this three-month challenge. She's honed her training skills with an array of classes, online tutorials and videos. She is motivating and encouraging, yet practical and down-to-earth. A winning combo - and she likes cats!In the Birthing analogy I would be about six months along at this point in the challenge. Except I'm not. I'm just starting to show.
Last month I posted about the vintage beaded jewelry that inspires my line, and my lifelong love affair with jewelry. I envisioned a line of necklaces that evoke vintage elegance.
Since then I've been building the foundation for my LoveBeadz Classic Remix jewelry line.
My Dad was a contractor as a young adult and he had several houses built for our family. From my four-year-old perspective, building a foundation meant digging a lot and producing some wonderful mud!
I've spent hours digging around to find just the right components:
Beads and findings from B'sue Boutiques.
Swarovski pearls and crystals. Oooh-la-la!
Vintage Moonglow, faux pearl and enameled filigree beads.
Vintage Italian Lucite beads.
I chose a brown and bronze color palette for the first series of pieces in the LoveBeadz Classic Remix line. The color palette gave a strict focus to my search for components.
(This in itself was an accomplishment!)
(This in itself was an accomplishment!)
All the findings and metal beads for the first series have a Brass Ox or Antique Brass finish.
I've spent hours getting organized so I can find what I need without rummaging:
This is a great tote with four divided storage drawers and top compartment.
Unfortunately the drawers were full of beads I had to return to my stash [tedious but necessary].
It was important to clear some additional space on my worktable.
Now there's plenty of room for the storage tote along with a design mat.
Only after all this was accomplished did I feel ready to start designing my first piece.
~ To be continued..... ~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Participating Designers and their Blogs:
Brenda Sue Lansdowne
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/
Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me./
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
https://janntague.wordpress.com/
Judy King
Apt To Wander Studio
https://apttowander.wordpress.com/
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
http://magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.co.uk/
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
http://exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
https://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
http://www.dragonzwench.blogspot.com/
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
http://www.beadlovelies.com
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
http://www.vrbrose.wordpress.com
Micheale Collie
The Vintage Gem
http://thevintagegem.blogspot.com
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
http://jewelryalchemy.wordpress.com
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
http://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
http://monica-casady.squarespace.com/blog/
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
http://leilanicoledesigns.blogspot.com/
Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry
http://howlingdogjewelry1.blogspot.com
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
http://leilabeedesigns.wordpress.com
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com/
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog
Lynda O'Mara
Once Upon a Line
http://www.lomaracreative.com/Blog.php
Elizabeth Hildreth
Mad Scientists Designs
http://madscientistsdesigns.blogspot.com
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
http://janleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Design
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com
Lori Beekman
B.Accessorized
https://baccessorized.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
https://reliccharm.wordpress.com/
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
http://amemedesigns.wordpress.com
Robin Reed
Handcrafted Bead Designs
http://artistryhcbd.indiemade.com/
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
http://desiredivinejewels.blogspot.com/
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
http://www.KillamCreative.blogspot.com
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com
Nike Bottalico
Objects and Oddities
http://nikebottalico.com/
Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks
www.woodsidewireworks.com
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
http://trendyjewelryle.blogspot.com/
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
http://stylizedvintage.blogspot.com
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
http://needfulluxuries.blogspot.com/
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
http://wilywolverine.blogspot.com/
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
http://thejourneyofpensandthings.blogspot.com
Teresa Schurter
TreeZ'S. Treasurs
http://treezstreazurs.com
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
http://smithedup.blogspot.com/
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
http://fineanddandyjewelry.blogspot.com
Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry
http://moondancejewelrymaine.blogspot.com
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
https://parisiennegirldesign.wordpress.com/2015/01
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
http://artistsofallstripes.blogspot.com
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry By Denise
http://jewelrybydenise.wordpress.com
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
http://www.smallstuffdesign.com
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
http://autumndawns.com/
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
http://1996shabbylane.blogspot.com
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
http://mamasansmojo.blogspot.com/
Coral Law
http://abcoraldesign.blogspot.com
Friday, January 23, 2015
Thanks for Blog Hopping In! My Love Affair with Jewelry is Blossoming RIGHT NOW!
FIRST THINGS FIRST:
--->> At the very end of this post you will find the Full List of Participating Designers and all of our Blogs.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Now to introduce myself:
I'm Jennifer Merrill Williams, Jewelry Designer and Lifelong Artist.
This luscious photo I concocted for my Etsy shop, LoveBeadz, illustrates my love of jewelry design and vintage treasures.
My earliest memory of jewelry is spending hours at age six or so, sorting through a small travel case filled with tangled 1960's plastic multistrand beaded necklaces. I was in the Zone!
As I grew up, my Mom took me along when she volunteered at thrift shops, instilling in me an appreciation of vintage costume jewelry. (Some salvaged bracelet components from those days still live in my stash.)
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Mom lived in Baltimore, where I got my first taste of ancient and antique jewelry, visiting with her at The Walters Art Museum. I've since spent hours in the Museum's online Gold, Silver and Jewelry Collection. (Above: Lalique's "La Source" Pendant and Necklace, circa 1902, from the Museum's collection.)
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
I was fascinated by the wide variety of handmade jewelry sold by New York City street vendors. Of course I couldn't buy everything I fell in love with! One fateful day, a vendor who was a Viet Nam veteran showed me how to make beaded earrings. Immediately I was hooked.
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My vintage costume jewelry collection has grown around certain themes such as multi-strand beaded necklaces made in Japan, Hong Kong and West Germany. But I have never developed my identity as a jewelry designer in such an organized manner.
My LoveBeadz jewelry designs tend to be one-of-a-kind, with the occasional series of pieces using similar colors and materials, such as the Valentine's Day earrings above. When displayed together, the variety of styles and colors can feel chaotic.
When Brenda Sue Landsdowne announced B'sue Boutiques Build A Line Design Challenge, it was a LIGHT BULB MOMENT! I am now on a mission to design and create my first official LoveBeadz jewelry line - a cohesive collection large enough for a customer to browse for just the right style, size and color among similar-themed pieces. The Build A Line Challenge is incubating LoveBeads' very first Spring Collection.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
So What's My Line Already?
This blog post will not reveal exactly what I am developing for my first LoveBeadz jewelry line, but here are my inspirations and a sneak peek at some key design elements.So What's My Line Already?
Ok, I'll give you a freebie: I'm kicking off my line with NECKLACES!
(No I did not make these.)
I'm inspired by.....the style and elegance of vintage multi-strand beaded necklaces...
... with their multiple colors and materials in a harmonious color range.
Fabulous high-quality metal filigree adding richness, depth and detail to the designs. Now filigree is gorgeous - one of my favorite inspirations - but here's a hint: My line won't use this much! I'm carefully choosing from B'sue Boutiques' rich variety of filigree beads and components in the sizes, color and finishes to complement my bead designs.
Finally, I looked at my personal jewelry collection. I keep the necklaces that I actually wear displayed in my room on this bulletin board that I painted with acrylics. I asked myself, what costume jewelry do I wear the most? When do I wear it? For what purpose am I most likely to buy a piece of jewelry for myself?
At that moment, my design focus switched from myself to my customer! For me, that 's what B'sue Boutiques Build A Line Design Challenge is all about.
Now, Dear Reader, after all these tantalizing hints, I wonder what image of LoveBeadz' new jewelry line you are developing? I'd love to hear from you!
Stay tuned - follow this Blog - I promise you
More will be revealed!
Thank you again from Moi!
- Jennifer Merrill Williams, LoveBeadz Jewelry Designer -
for hopping onto my Blog, Artists of All Stripes
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Participating Designers and their Blogs:
Brenda Sue Lansdowne
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/
Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me./
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
https://janntague.wordpress.com/
Judy King
Apt To Wander Studio
https://apttowander.wordpress.com/
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
http://magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.co.uk/
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
http://exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
https://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
http://www.dragonzwench.blogspot.com/
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
http://www.beadlovelies.com
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
http://www.vrbrose.wordpress.com
Micheale Collie
The Vintage Gem
http://thevintagegem.blogspot.com
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
http://jewelryalchemy.wordpress.com
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
http://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
http://monica-casady.squarespace.com/blog/
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
http://leilanicoledesigns.blogspot.com/
Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry
http://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
http://leilabeedesigns.wordpress.com
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com/
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog
Lynda O'Mara
Once Upon a Line
http://www.lomaracreative.com/Blog.php
Elizabeth Hildreth
Mad Scientists Designs
http://madscientistsdesigns.blogspot.com
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
http://janleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Design
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com
Lori Beekman
B.Accessorized
https://baccessorized.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
https://reliccharm.wordpress.com/
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
http://amemedesigns.wordpress.com
Robin Reed
Handcrafted Bead Designs
http://artistryhcbd.indiemade.com/
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
http://desiredivinejewels.blogspot.com/
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
http://www.KillamCreative.blogspot.com
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com
Nike Bottalico
Objects and Oddities
http://nikebottalico.com/
Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks
www.woodsidewireworks.com
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
http://trendyjewelryle.blogspot.com/
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
http://stylizedvintage.blogspot.com
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
http://needfulluxuries.blogspot.com/
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
http://wilywolverine.blogspot.com/
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
http://thejourneyofpensandthings.blogspot.com
Teresa Schurter
TreeZ'S. Treasurs
http://treezstreazurs.com
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
http://smithedup.blogspot.com/
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
http://fineanddandyjewelry.blogspot.com
Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry
http://moondancejewelrymaine.blogspot.com
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
https://parisiennegirldesign.wordpress.com/2015/01
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
http://artistsofallstripes.blogspot.com
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry By Denise
http://jewelrybydenise.wordpress.com
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
http://www.smallstuffdesign.com
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
http://autumndawns.com/
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
http://1996shabbylane.blogspot.com
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
http://mamasansmojo.blogspot.com/
Coral Law
http://abcoraldesign.blogspot.com
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