Is This the End, or Just the Beginning?
Wow, it's hard to believe that three months has passed since the beginning of this class and blog hop! All 50+ participants in this Build a Line Master Class have been hard at work on their lines, sharing ideas, asking questions, learning new techniques, and having fun in the process! Our wonderful teacher, Brenda Sue Lansdowne of B'sue Boutiques has challenged us to grow and step out of our comfort zones. She has been sharing wonderful nuggets of wisdom gathered from her own successful line. So here at Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art, I've been working on my "Finding Your Direction" line, to be revealed in this, the final installment of this blog hop! It may be the end of the class and hop, but definitely just the beginning of our lines. I almost gave up at one point when life hit me hard, but Brenda Sue encouraged me to go on...so I hit that hammer hard on some more pieces and went to work! NOTE: I may adjust the prices slightly...so check the Etsy shop later for definitive prices.
Behind the Scenes
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| Raw brass blanks, patina, and a mini compass from B'sue Boutiques. I hand-stamped the messages. |
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| After the stamping, hole punching, patina and buffing. |
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| Finished Bracelet, Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." |
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| "Steer by the Compass of Your Soul" Brooch. The rope edged wreath from B'sue adds to the nautical feel. |
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| This "Follow Your Heart" key-chain has a small rustic hammered heart charm, since I felt it needed a heart somewhere and the design didn't look right trying to mount the compass onto a heart shaped finding. And I think it would be convenient to have a compass on your key-chain, no? |
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| Compass Necklace in Ebony Matte Black Brass and Brass Ox on a heavy Rolo Chain. Also available on a black ball chain. |
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| Flower Compass Bracelet, this one has a more feminine touch to a line that is mostly unisex. A different flower can be used in place of this one, as well. |
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| At the top pricing tier, a hand stamped and hand hammered heart. "Follow Your Heart" and a compass are the main focal of this simple necklace, with a hand for embellishment and a brass ox 20" chain and lobster clasp. |
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| Mainstay entry level compass studs, a matching silverware adjustable ring; and brass steampunk style compass dangle earrings with a matching adjustable ring. This is the bottom pricing tier. |
What's Next?
My plans are to continue to add pieces that coordinate, since I have a cohesive look going. Many of these pieces are unisex. I plan to add more bible verses, inspirational quotes, even personalized names and initials if there's a request for it. I intend to add some decoupaged cuffs, as well. But I feel that starting with three necklaces, a brooch, a key chain, two bracelets, two pairs of earrings, and two rings is a good variety. I intend to get these into my Etsy shop as soon as possible, but if you just can't wait for something, drop me a line! And please, please take a look at the artists' blogs linked below. These ladies have all worked SO hard! Come back and visit to see what's new, like my facebook page, and check out my Etsy shop if you'd be so kind! I would appreciate comments if you don't mind...I've tried to make it as easy as possible to do so. Thank you so much for accompanying me on this journey. And a BIG thank you to B'sue at www.bsueboutiques.com without whom none of this would be possible!Oh, I didn't want to leave you hanging without at least one personal picture:
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| Snow Day in Texas! We went to the park and enjoyed ourselves for a bit! The baby doesn't look too happy, though...LOL |
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
Michaele 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
LOmara Creative
Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs
Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
Robin Reed
Artistry: 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
Nike Bottalico
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 Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
Renee Hong <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<YOU ARE HERE!
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
ab:coraldesign
Renee, this is an excellent beginning! Wonderful pieces and great photography. You certainly leaned the lessons well. Each piece up the tier amplifies the others. And I like the fact that it is unisex. Love the natural look.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lee!! It's a new look for me, and I learned new techniques. I'm pleased with the results, but might change the pricing a bit.
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ReplyDeleteRenee things look fabulous. What a great idea. I love that it is unisex and includes scripture.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! I can't wait to add more verses. Let me know if you have any you'd like to see me make into jewelry!
DeleteI'm so glad you hung in there! I love these, especially the key chain!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dana! I think I need one of those for myself! Your line is great, I love what you did.
DeleteLove the blog and your line Renee, great work I am so glad you hung in there~! xXx Ne
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ne! It is amazing what can be done when you put your mind to it, and are held accountable by others. That is the beauty of the B'sue creative group!
DeleteSsso awesome and a broad range for your cusotmer base. I love your work! We had fun didn't we! Great job~ Happy Sales to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nike! It went so fast, time flies when you're having fun! Sending good vibes for your shop, too!
DeleteOh I love all of your pieces Renee. What a wonderful job you did! Even though you could reproduce your pieces if you wanted, they have that distinct artisan look. And that's awesome.
ReplyDeleteI love that little compass from B'sue. Finally manage to snag one (they usually sell fast) but haven't used it yet.
Your intro is very appropriate. I believe that it's a new beginning for all of us. We've all learned so much in class, that from now on we're all going to face the jewelry making world differently.
All the best!
Marica xx
Thank you, Marica! I'm a big fan of yours! That was my plan...I got lots of those brass blanks, and each can be different but still part of a cohesive plan. Man, are those suckers hard to bend, though!!! Word to the wise, LOL! Glad you got a compass!
DeleteLovely line and nice concept. I bet it will do well. My favorite is the Follow Your Heart necklace. :-) ~Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth. It has special meaning to me, maybe I will keep that one. Your blog looks great, too! We did it!
DeleteRenee--So glad you stuck with it...it was worth it. Your line turned out great. I really like jewelry with inspirational words on it, so (of course) I really like yours. I also especially like the compass flower bracelet. Very unique. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Lynda! I took a look at yours this morning, wow you've been busy! I love the colors and great photos. And yes, people go crazy for compasses blooming out of flowers! Thank you : )
DeleteYou did it and everything works. I know you have been dealing w a lot extra but the perseverance paid off. Your line is nicely pulled together and I'm certain you'll have many buyers for it in no time at all!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, B'sue! Thank you for keeping me accountable. Now, I just need to get these into my shop, and make some more! I'm glad I stocked up on those amazing brass blanks you have. Your materials are the best, I appreciate your attention to quality while still maintaining great prices.
DeleteYou have created some awesome pieces Renee. Your line is designed with just the right touch. So very cool and creative. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I had fun making these, and look forward to adding to it! I have so many ideas!
DeleteRenee, thanks for staying the course with us in spite of your challenges in life. Your work is just wonderful, and I love your new line. It is beautifully cohesive and will be easy to reproduce. Looking forward to seeing the other pieces you mentioned. Take care, my friend. <3
DeleteThank you, Marcia! You have some fantastic items in your line. It's perfect for spring!
DeleteLove your designs. Great to have some unisex items. Really like the use of the compass. So glad you finished with us.
ReplyDeleteI am blown away by what you accomplished in this class. You have definitely found your niche! Thank you for the kind words!
DeleteI love your line. They are all so beautiful. The patina on the bracelets is great!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erin! Yours is amazing. I couldn't believe how many cool things you were able to make with the steampunk Alice in Wonderland line. I LOVE the glitter you used!
DeleteWonderful line, love the stamping you did - just delightful! Congrats on a really lovely line!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chi! I challenged myself to try more stamping, and I'm glad I did!
DeleteFine and Dandy has a great look.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Lynn
Thank you, Lynn! Your painted cameos are awesome. I especially love the gold toned rose brooch.
DeleteReally enjoyed your line. The hand stamped sentiments combined with steampunk look is really nice. Great work.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Your idea of polymer clay soutache with the brass stampings turned out amazing!
DeleteI adore the distressed finished you gave your pieces. And they have a very versatile look. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tammy. Your lizards are so classy!
DeleteI'm a relative of one of your fellow challenge participants...Love your line. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting and commenting. I'm glad you like it!
DeleteI like the distressed look of the brass blank, also the "Follow your heart" key chain. I bet this one will sell very well. Wonderful theme and beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Coral! I love your etched necklace and "secret" message engraving work!
DeleteRene, I love your line. It is so cool. I'm so glad you hung in there with us because these pieces are funky and fun. You are so talented! These pieces are going to move! Wishing you all the best. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Excellent job.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! And congratulations! You did a fabulous job!
DeleteLove the whole look of your line. The combo of the compass and the stamping is terrific. I can see a lot of variations from this base. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nadine! It's different from my usual style, and I learned new things. I'm looking forward to making more! Your sets are awesome.
DeleteLovely and versatile pieces. Your stamped pieces are great! Ingrid
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ingrid! I love your soft pastel florals and birds!
DeleteI love how you have incorporated the compasses and used them as part of your message... awesome collection!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kat, it was fun and there are so many possibilities!
DeleteRenee I love your beautiful proverb messages meshed with your designs your line is just precious, well done our busy new mother.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristy. I really love your foxes and grapes! If you have vineyards and wineries near you, you have to see about getting them into their shops!
DeleteRenee, you have great imagination with the use of those little compasses. And I love her your going with your jewelry line with inspirational quotes from the Bible there are so many people that would love your jewelry line. The fact that it's unisex is even better, I just can't figure out how to do it so kudos to you for making it beautiful. A very cohesive line thank you for sharing and being a great friend
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kinds words, Cindy! I have a "list" of other verses I want to incorporate. The unisex look came off quite by accident. I have never tried clay and I am in awe of your faux stones and those cute little bugs! They make me smile every time!
DeleteRenee .. I love every single piece ..which one do I like the best .. hmm .. all of them .. You have your hands full with a new born .. I'm amazed how you got all of this and your blog completed .. congrats XOXO
ReplyDeleteI know, it's been a challenge. She's a great baby, but I just have stuff coming at me from every direction! Your line is one of my favorites, absolutely. In fact, I was at Cracker Barrel yesterday and they had an ocean themed set up in the store part--I was picturing your jewelry there. Take a look if you have some locally. Who knows, they might work something out with you?
DeleteVery cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori! I have really appreciated your practical and no-stress comments on the class threads. It helps me to not over-think or over-analyze to my disadvantage, which I can be known for!
DeleteBeautiful jewelry and a beautiful family! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melissa! It keeps me happy!
DeleteVery creative and fun. I think they will be very popular for you, Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Jan! Thank you so much!
DeleteDeer Renee - What a perfect pairing of the scriptures with your designs! I love it! Truly Inspired :) I've been wracking my brain to come up with a way to combine my love of Steam-punk designs with the Word & you've come up with the perfect idea! I can't wait to see more & I've put your Etsy page on my favorites list!
ReplyDeleteSame to you, Teresa! I think it's great to keep your favorite verses close by, and wearing them is a great way to do so. Keep up your great work, you have wonderful and unique ideas.
DeleteOh Renee I love all of your amazing work!!! Your creative designs are beyond beautiful!!! The messages on your jewelry are so powerful and so spirit guided!! It has been a great honor to embrace this awesome experience with the gifts of you!! ~Louise
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Louise! I really enjoy reading your blog posts, and looking at your family pictures. You have a great talent for writing so that I feel like you're having a personal conversation with your reader. You are so full of positivity! Thanks for your encouragement and kind words!
DeleteJust love your style! Before I forget, I LOVE what you did with the B'sue frame in the Te Amo piece you have in your shop with the heart and all! I like the unisex look, your quotes, and the wonderful compasses and other steamy elements. So lovely! :):)
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you! That piece was a lot of fun to make. I hope to do more like it. Thank you and I love your cha-cha pieces!
DeleteLove your line! You've captured some of my favorite things... I really like the rustic look, and traveling is one of my favorite things to do--the compasses remind me of the places I have visited. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Monica! I love to travel also. Eventually maybe I'll combine my travel photography with my jewelry or something. There's nothing better than going to a new place, hiking and enjoying the scenery away from all the traffic and noise!
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