GREETINGS and WELCOME to the first of a trilogy of blog hops for the BUILD A LINE challenge and master class!
This blog hop is sponsored by B'sue Boutiques
***All posts will appear in full on FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015.***
I am Brenda Sue Lansdowne, guide for the class and hostess for this blog hop.
In this blog hop you will have the privilege of meeting the 57 amazing women who bravely accepted this challenge and entered this class.
What do we hope to achieve in this class?
As admin of the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bsueboutiquescreativegroup/
I've for some time noticed that we have member-artists who have richly enjoyed tackling every new technique and idea that came down the mixed media pike for jewelry making!
Many were very good at each new concept and the work was GREAT!
BUT:
As we went along, I noticed that only SOME settled in on a design field. Those who did, built on a look that was singular, a style that was solid, identifiable, and in a number of price ranges. Their work was also SELLING.
One example I can show you, would be my pal Beanzie of The Vintage Heart:
Beanz' style is identifiable as she mixes old with new vintage, loves guilloche enamels....and when she can't get enough of THEM, she paints her own look in tole strokes:
Her branding is the watermark that appears on all her photos when the items are for sale (The Vintage Heart), a lovely script logo.....and the gorgeous, muted staging of the photos she takes of the items for sale.
Her look has a twist of Shabby Chic and she gravitates to sweet, pleasant pastel color palettes.
We two are good friends and go back quite some time. I kept trying to get Beanzie to try some new concepts, but she's always been a bit resistant. Finally, I stopped cajoling her. It wasn't necessary!! She HAD her look. It was cohesive, identifiable, and it looked like the same person made all the pieces. She could take the skills she already had and kick them up a notch when necessary (as when she began to paint on B'sue Boutiques spoon findings, or vintage skeleton keys she had collected)......or work in theme, when asked to do so.
This bracelet has a poodle theme. She's done cats, horses, pretty ladies, cameos and others.
Even though her pieces tend to be one of a kind, you always know they are The Vintage Heart. The theme aspect of hearts and flowers is one that will never go out of style. Charm bracelets are her specialty.
Charm bracelets are TIMELESS. The bracelets go for a pretty penny, but Beanz also has pieces for 12-25.00 in her offerings, as well. She's got it covered.
Another artist who shares with us at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook is Janet Wilson of ChickieGirl Designs at Etsy. She has a style that is uniquely her own.
This is a line of earrings that Janet made in limited edition. They are all different colors, yet all the same, using the same paint technique.
Those funky brass swirls, by the way, are from B'sue Boutiques
Many of Janet's pieces have messages:
She often uses Spectra Beads
and sometimes filigree from B'sue Boutiques which she manipulates around a bit of decoupaged polymer clay or wood that she has painted in her signature style. Sometimes, she will layer the brass pieces, and each layer will have a different color that all co-ordinates.
When I see Janet's pieces.....I don't even need to see the logo. I know they are ChickieGirl by Janet Wilson!
Once upon a time, I, too, had a very cohesive line of many pieces of jewelry. Myself and seven artisan helpers produced a gift line of eventually 300 pieces!---which was sold back in the 90's to about 500 store accounts. As a gift line, our clientele consisted mostly of small boutiques, florists, hospital gift shoppes, small theme catalogues (Burpee Seed Catalogue, Parker Button Company) military PX's, and tourist gift shops. We also sold to a few small department stores that were local to their respective areas. Our work was also photographed and featured in magazines like COUNTRY LIVING.
Most of the pieces were simple charm styles that didn't take a lot of effort to put together....but our best-seller was a crowd-pleaser that could be custom engraved many different ways. We had Grandma, Mom, Sister, Secret Pal, Friends Forever, Teacher, Nurse....I could go on and on.
I haven't made a piece of that line since about the time this last catalog (shown) was published, and the last show I did with it was in 2001. I grew tired of it, I guess. The gift industry had changed. It still sold like hotcakes at retail shows, but I was ready to move on into the world of one of a kind's!
Like this piece....which has a certain look reminiscent of the old line...but is over the top:
Yes, those pieces in the center are EARRINGS, not brooches! Rather large, LOL
I recall that this was a custom-built mother of the bride set. I got a nice piece of change for it.....but stuff like this NEVER paid the bills like that little old line of so many diverse pieces done in theme. I actually went back to selling vintage jewelry again, along with my one of a kind pieces, to keep going!
THEN....I decided, hey. I taught those girls to make my line, why couldn't I sell parts and teach people to make jewelry?
In 1997, even before I stopped making this line.....I began to do that very thing on the internet, with the introduction of my very first website.
TODAY, my line looks like this:
BEAUTIFUL components and findings made from historic dies and jewelry tooling here in the United States, with lovely nickel free designer finishes on them! This is Old Rose Ox, which is a departure from the standard dark antique copper finishes and is more of a dark rose gold with a subtle antique and slight shine.
We also have a unique brass ox finish with a black antique to make the design pop!, rusty black patina brass which is a one of a kind interactive finish with a chocolate-black top and fused copper inner layer that can be distressed to a turn...
This piece is from my last You Tube Video
(There are over 140 free instructional videos at the B'sue Boutiques Channel at You Tube)
We also have Silverware Silverplate, which is a lovely FINE SILVER finish, 99.9% pure silver three mils thick over the brass, nickel free. We have Satin Matte Gold, which is 18 karat gold plating in matte, muted, soft. We have aqua copper patina brass which is teal patina over dark antique copper, and we have matte black. YEP, THAT'S MY LINE these days!
So....like many of my fellow artists at the group, I find myself floundering with lots of techniques when I go back to making jewelry....instead of being true to myself, finding my own look, and making pieces that, while true to who I AM, appeal to a broader base of people. I'd like to go back to selling more jewelry along with my brass!
AND THAT is what this challenge is all about....making jewelry is true to the artist and yet! can sell, at least in part, in impulse price ranges. It's about crafting a line of handmade artisan jewelry that goes together, and looks like it was all made by the same hand, reigning in the design techniques and staying specific.
WILL THESE GIFTED LADIES follow their hearts and do what they always have done, and find that it needed no adaptation......or will they combine the styles and techniques that work best for them and give them a slight twist to to include a broader base of possible buyers?
Can they BUILD A LINE of cohesive pieces that go together that speak their own creative voice, yet are affordable and wearable?
Being honest, I really am not entirely sure how I fell upon all the concepts for my 90's line. I DO know it was a process, and not something that happened overnight.
And I do know I still know how to do it:
I made this piece a few weeks ago using many of the same elements I used in the line from the 90's! I was happy to say, I could still make the piece in about fifteen minutes and not be messy about it:
Here are the pieces I began with.....some are still sold at B'sue Boutiques, some I have always kept for myself:
During this series of three blog hops (this being the FIRST) I will be guiding the challenge class and learning how to *teach* the idea of building a line, considering your audience and growing your sales. I know how to do this, I understand all the concepts, pro and con. But I have never TAUGHT others to do develop, or build a line.
That's why this challenge class, although a master class guided by someone who mastered the idea and actually made a living selling her own design line of jewelry for the better part of a decade!....was FREE OF CHARGE.
We are all learning together! I will not be creating a new line with the others. I'll be concentrating on helping them find new potential among their treasure boxes of artistic gifts.
Just as it is so amazing to see what people do with the findings they purchase from us at B'sue Boutiques ....it will be fantastic to see what these 57 artists do with the guidance provided in the class.
Our next hop will be February 20th. Come back for more!
In between, I'll be posting updates on the challenge class, too.
Be sure to to visit each participant's blog and if possible, leave an encouraging comment! All of them have worked so hard! And if you would...
Leave me a comment, too?
HERE ARE THE PARTICIPANTS!
Marcia Tuzzolino
Jann Tague
Judy King
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Carole Carlson
Lynn Stinten
Marica Zammit
Catherine Shattuck
Michaele Collie
Mary Craig
Lee Koopman
Erin Whitacre
Monica Casady
Leila West
Cindy Peterson
Leila Belcher
Gloria Allen
Pamela Anger
Tammy Adams
Lynda O'Mara
Elizabeth Hildreth
Dana Hickey
Janet Calardo
Maria Clark
Lori Beekman
Jennifer Kroeger
Amy Jorgensen
Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Louise O'Shields
Susan Killam
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
Gina Hockett
Linda Anderson
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
Teresa Shurter
Melissa Latimer
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris
Lori Meyer
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Denise Lussier Poirier
Renee Allen
Autumn Adams
Elizabeth Owens
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Coral Law
Wonderful post, Brenda! I'm so excited to be doing this Challenge, and thank you so much for the opportunity to be here. Your support and encouragement is very much appreciated, and your sharing of your knowledge is invaluable. :)
Posted by: Pamela Anger | January 22, 2015 at 10:50 PM
Very inspiring post. I'm so excited to be in this challenge! Could barely sleep thinking of the blog hop today lol
Thank you SO much for the opportunity Brenda. The challenge has only just started but I've already learned so much from you.
I feel I'm more focused already and that's wonderful.
Off to have some breakfast and then it's blog hopping time. Weeeeeeeeee! :-)
Posted by: Marica Zammit | January 23, 2015 at 12:12 AM
Wow! I you've had such an interesting journey to your success. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to learn from you on our journey. I know that I'm already a better designer from knowing you! And, you make things fun!
Posted by: Lynda O'Mara | January 23, 2015 at 01:14 AM
I found the comment section! Great post! Thank you!
Posted by: Sandie Ballard | January 23, 2015 at 02:03 AM
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. You hit the nail on the head(at least for me)in your first few sentences!
Very excited to be a part of this!
Posted by: Ingrid Anderson | January 23, 2015 at 07:38 AM
Good 1st Blog Hop of the Build A line Challenge Brenda!!! You are flat out AMAZING!!! I really love seeing all of the beautiful designs you have created. This challenge is really making me think and I really appreciate it!!! Wonderful post! Be Blessed!
Posted by: Robin Kae Reed | January 23, 2015 at 08:37 AM
Thank you so much for all of your hard work wrangling us! This is above and beyond the call of duty!
Posted by: Melissa Latimer | January 23, 2015 at 08:50 AM
Thank you for the inspiration! :-)
Posted by: Elizabeth Hildreth | January 23, 2015 at 09:21 AM
Beautiful post! I can't think of anyone who would be a better teacher for something like this - I'm sure that this will be invaluable for those who are participating, and I wish that I could've joined in. I'll enjoy seeing everyone's progress, though!
Posted by: Joan | January 23, 2015 at 09:37 AM
What a great inspirational post, so glad to be a part of this!
Posted by: Monica | January 23, 2015 at 09:40 AM
You are such an inspiration to all of us . I know these ladies will achieve and succeed beyond their imagination with help and coaching from you. Good luck to all who are involved in this challenge.
Posted by: Debbie Loveless | January 23, 2015 at 10:10 AM
Thanks so very much for doing this. The timing was perfect for my 2015 goals, and you have so much wisdom to share.
Posted by: Mitzie Crider | January 23, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Brenda even though I'm not entered, I am so thankful to meet you, I feel I know you from watching all your tutorials. Thank you for sharing your creative journey with us and sharing your knowledge to boot! You have made me want to try new techniques, and think out out of the box. I can't wait to blog hop to learn more about these wonderfully talented ladies. This is such a wonderful group of artists and new friends, I feel so privileged to be here. Thank you so much Brenda Sue 😊
Posted by: Belinda | January 23, 2015 at 10:35 AM
Very excited and thankful to be part of the group. Thank you for being willing to share your expertise and enthusiasm with us. I feel privileged to part of something this special!
Posted by: Gina Hockett | January 23, 2015 at 10:50 AM
Thank you so much Brenda- for this blog challenge and EVERYTHING. You are my inspiration XOX
Posted by: Linzi Alford | January 23, 2015 at 10:51 AM
Brenda .. thank you for this great experience .. I have already learned so much from you. Jann
Posted by: Jann Tague | January 23, 2015 at 11:43 AM
Funny and inspiring blog! I want to thank you now for all the love and excitement you pour into us and the encouragement you share! If it weren't for you, I never would've stepped so far out of my comfort zone. Even though I've temporarily abandoned some of my ideas, what I'm doing for the challenge is completely new to me and very exciting, though I actually have nearly zero idea of how it will come together! I am SOOO grateful for you sharing so much of your expertise and experience, and for the positive and wonderful group of people you have created around you, in which we get to share and bloom! Many blessing to you and your loved ones always. <3<3<3
Posted by: Alexandra Sefton | January 23, 2015 at 11:56 AM
Como siempre mi Amiga que post tan interesante! Like always I enjoy your post. Te quiero agradecer por el esfuerzo desinteresado que pones en este master class, what a wonderful opportunity you have created for all of us, mil gracias, te quiero mucho and let's keep creating great things!
Posted by: Cynthia Wainscott | January 23, 2015 at 12:36 PM
Your line is very inspiring. I look forward to learning your methods. Thank you for your time and efforts and I appreciate your free videos and this free class!
Posted by: Leila West | January 23, 2015 at 02:20 PM
Great post! Thanks again for this opportunity - I can't wait to see it through to the end.
Posted by: Amy Jorgensen - Ameme Designs | January 23, 2015 at 02:24 PM
Thanks for helping us to explore!
Posted by: Melida boman | January 23, 2015 at 02:44 PM
What a great blog, Brenda! Thanks for everything you're doing to help, support and guide us, not to mention running this great challenge!! You're the best :)
Posted by: Micheale Collie | January 23, 2015 at 03:02 PM
I ready to learn how to focus. I may need a rubber band on my wrist to snap when I start to get distracted. Looking forward to working with you and my classmates on this next step in my creative journey.
Posted by: Tammy Adams | January 23, 2015 at 04:14 PM
You constantly encourage and motivate us! You're a Wonder Woman! Thank You doesn't seem like enough to say, but it comes from the heart.
Posted by: treezaschurter2014 | January 23, 2015 at 04:34 PM
Brenda, I cannot thank you enough for this rare opportunity. This class has already exceeded my wildest expectations. Thank you for all of the heart and energy you've put into this. It is a wonderful gift to all of us.
Posted by: Susan Ferrell Bowerman | January 23, 2015 at 05:02 PM
Thank you not just for hosting all three hops but for helping all of us find our voice within our design styles. For helping us develop a cohesive look and brand. For being our Mentor and friend.
Posted by: Dana | January 23, 2015 at 05:59 PM
Thanks again for the opportunity. I'm loving this hop so far!ih
Posted by: Leila Belcher | January 23, 2015 at 06:19 PM
Finally got to read your intro to the blog hop and have to say that it makes me want to keep on "hopping". Great job and you are already a very good teacher as I've learned a lot from your videos. I am going to get through as many as I can today then keep on "hopping". Thanks again for your great videos.
Posted by: Kimberly Castner | January 23, 2015 at 06:26 PM
thanks so much for leading us on this journey
Posted by: Kat | January 23, 2015 at 08:55 PM
Thanks for putting this together. I have already learned quite a bit, and we are only at the beginning!
Posted by: Carole Carlson | January 23, 2015 at 09:10 PM
Very inspiring
Posted by: Patt Wuest | January 23, 2015 at 09:59 PM
Hi Brenda!
Working my way up backwards theough the hop ;) As per usual - full of inspiration ! Thanks for the video! Cannot tell you how much fun I am having with this and how pumped I am to take my up to the next level by soaking up every tidbit and morsel you share with us!!
~We LOVE you!! Thanks A ZIL!!
xo Liz
Posted by: Elizabeth Owens | January 25, 2015 at 10:22 AM
Thank you Brenda Sue for all the work your putting into this Challenge. Thank you for choosing me to participate. It's great to meet my Challenge mates and see what beauty they are creating.
Posted by: Autumn | January 25, 2015 at 12:33 PM
Brenda Sue-you have become a mentor to us all. Such a wonderful gift you are sharing with your words of encouragement and knowledge.
THANK YOU!!!
Posted by: Jan Peters | January 25, 2015 at 02:10 PM
Brenda Sue, this was a fantastic, inspiring blog, I loved it. I look forward to learning "vicariously" through your participants.....you are one of the most encouraging and accessible artists I've ever known (without personally knowing you lol), which makes you an angel who walks among us :) Now, I will state one thing here, I don't know if others have this problem, but, I am one of those aspiring artists who has a very eclectic sense of taste & style....I love (and create) different styles all the time, nothing is identifiable as "oh, yeah, that's diane's " (also in many different media)....I am always experimenting and evolving. Consequently, I also feel like I am "bouncing off the walls" with a flood of ideas to create things, all different and "unrelated" (in jewelry designs)......So, I look forward to seeing others' progress here, and how they might solve this type of issue. Many thanks for being a wonderful mentor to artists all over the world......~peace.
Posted by: diane lee | January 26, 2015 at 05:10 PM
Wonderful post! Your generous spirit and willingness to share shines through. I wish I was further along in my learning to create jewelry to join all the lovely and talented ladies who joined you in the challenge. Now I'm off to follow the blog hop trail. Better late than never! :)
Posted by: Gail Schmidt | January 28, 2015 at 10:36 AM
Brenda Sue words can never express how much I admire you and the hard road you had to travel to get were you are today I want to thank you for sharing that journey with us and teaching use they way to go. Brenda Sue you are my muse and I love your generous spirit and this challenge brought to use by you. XOXO!
Posted by: kristy le trendy jewelry designs | January 28, 2015 at 01:59 PM
Thank you for sharing your story and your generous teaching. I didn't know you had a line with engraved heart. This encourages me a lot as I also use this technique in my line though our inspiration sources are different.
Posted by: Coral | February 05, 2015 at 12:39 AM
Inspiring blog and class!!! Thank you!
Posted by: Nike Bottalico | March 30, 2015 at 11:05 PM
This is an awesome blog post just full of inspiration!! I truly love this life of creating timeless and amazing jewels!! Thank you so much for pushing dreams forward to come true!! Always Grateful Louise
Posted by: Louise | March 30, 2015 at 11:31 PM