The work of finding a winner was as dizzying as Toby the cat with a pearl necklace! Choosing a judged winner of the three month BUILD A LINE challenge was NO easy task!
Build a Line was a master class from B'sue Boutiques. It was all about pulling your look together! The goal was to build a small line of cohesive pieces that would make sense to buyers and sell at realistic prices.
Who are WE, the judges? Well......that would be the members of the B'sue Boutiques Design Team......and me, Brenda Sue Lansdowne, owner of B'sue Boutiques , who led the challenge group.
Our members are Marcia Tuzzolino, Kate Mulligan, Cynthia Wainscott, Linzi Alford, Jann Westlake Tague, Judy Jones King and Irene Hoffman.
It took us a lot of hard thought and a good week of consideration, going back to blogs, sometimes reading through a participant's complete set of three AGAIN....and sometimes AGAIN!! analyzing process, thought, look and intent.
Each who carried through all the tasks, gave it their heart and tried their best to work this puzzle was a winner! The vast majority of our participants hit the marks and did a great job.
So as judges, we had to go beyond all of those things and look for a rookie player who worked outside the lines of their usual style. We decided to look for someone who had made incredible progress, as well as hitting all of the other marks.
It was appropriate that ELIZABETH HILDRETH won the RANDOM DRAWING for 75.00, because not only had we considered her line, but she did exactly that.....she went outside of her usual design style and looked for a style that spoke to her, as well as would be viable:
Others who truly hit the marks and made actual collections--beyond just a line, were Leila West of Leila Nicole Designs, and Marica Zammit, of Bead Lovelies:
Leila's work:
Things like these bracelets, while not having a lot of detail, will surely sell quickly and to a wide variety of people. I personally felt that what Leila had done was quite intelligent though also simple. What she produced could easily be wholesaled as a fashion line, if she desired. There are a lot of color choices and a number of themes.
Marica's line will appeal to the trendy Boho crowd and is extremely well thought out and well done. Again, if she had the desire, this line could EASILY be marketed to boutiques in tourist areas....and she would do extremely well with it:
Pamela Anger's (Novegatti Jewelry) soft and pretty line combining filigree and handmade polymer clay flowers would have a strong gift line appeal. She would do well at small shows, home parties, and also online! Her jewelry would also do well in a wholesale showroom, represented by a company that presents lines to shops.
All three of these lines are ready to be built into expansive collections that may go as far these these designer would ever care to go....if the desire to do it is there.
We were still searching, however, for our rookie! We wanted someone who went completely outside their normal skill set, normal style, and made the new ideas work.....as well as potential to grow.
Though others had more experience building the types of lines they had created, we just kept coming back time and again to SUSAN BOWERMAN, from WOODSIDE WIREWORKS.
Susan's look could go gift or fashion, could be layered, could be collected.
The combination of the silver and rose ox metal will make a great statement while blending beautifully with many skin tones. It will also appeal to people who like a classy but trendy look, and the look of precious metal without the price.
EVERYTHING Susan did was outside of her standard skill set. She has been a jewelry maker for many years, known for her beautifully beaded, chunky statement pieces. She was never one to let metal be the focus and she did not need to this time, either. She herself decided to do the ultimate challenge by jumping through a new window.
Susan is going through some challenging times right now, but so are many who participated in this class. Let it be said that she won ON MERIT ONLY. Merit is the ONLY way to be fair to all OR fair to the new designer. If it was not for MERIT, our time as judges would have also been a waste of time.
Again, the choice was gut wrenching because we had so very many extremely talented artisans in this class.
Congratulations to Susan, but congratulations to all of you who challenged YOURSELVES to enter new territory and decide what works best for you---be you hobbyist, maker or designer.
PLEASE REMEMBER: All three are honorable and no one is better than the other! These are simply terms that describe how big your dream is....and that's all they are, in my book. No term implies more skill or more important than the other.
It's all about what YOU want it to be.
In parting, I'd just like it to be said that I feel I was the biggest winner of all.
My goal in offering my past experiences as a guide for those who wanted to try something new, was the hope of becoming a better teacher. I also hoped to help ones to see the need to pull their work together because I have been seeing a lot of work that is great, but it's just all over the place. My own work can tend to do that! No one is immune! We are all just bombarded with so many new ideas daily. The trick is to find and use the inspiration that speaks our own voice.....and creates a brand.
Just as I have created a brand as a components business that focuses on unique, quality goods.
I thank you participants for allowing me to be your teacher, to express my viewpoints and to learn from you about expectations.
I need a little rest.....but! I can't wait to do this again.....or to see what comes NEXT....FOR YOU.
Thanks again to Tammy Adams of the Paisley Lizard, for designing our badges.
An excellent choice! I'm really glad I wasn't a judge... So much talent in this group. I'm really impressed with everyone that finished. And thank you, Brenda, for leading us. Congratulations Susan! You totally earned it. And Elizabeth, congrats to you, too!
Posted by: Lori Beekman | March 31, 2015 at 05:35 PM
Congratulations Susan, your work is Amazing! Congrats to Elizabeth! Congrats to Leila, Marica and Pamela! What an experience and well deserved for all of you! I am so grateful to have been a part of this group! Thanks Brenda!! xoxoxo
Posted by: Nike Bottalico | March 31, 2015 at 05:40 PM
Brenda, thanks for hosting this masterclass. It was a wonderful experience and has really helped me focus.
Carole (Beadsophisticate)
Posted by: Carole Carlson | March 31, 2015 at 05:42 PM
Congrats to all the winners of the BALC. All of you ladies were winners!
Posted by: Deb Beechy | March 31, 2015 at 05:45 PM
Congrats Ladies!
I'm proud of all of you!
Posted by: Dana | March 31, 2015 at 05:53 PM
Congratulations, Elizabeth and Susan! I was also very impressed with Susan's great looking and easy-to-wear line. I could totally see flying off the shelves of boutiques.
Posted by: Renee Hong | March 31, 2015 at 05:56 PM
Congrats to Susan for your most deserving win, you hit a homerun and to Elizabeth wow you lucky lady congrats on your random win .. everyone did a great job and in my book you are all winners .. Thank you to Ms. Brenda our leader without her where would we be .. your the best .. xoxo
Posted by: Jann Tague | March 31, 2015 at 06:02 PM
Congratulations Susan, very well deserved.
Posted by: Lynn | March 31, 2015 at 06:07 PM
Congratulations, Susan. Your new line is truly beautiful and Brenda Sue and the others were right on when deciding you really challenged yourself to change your style and learn new skills. Beautiful job.
Posted by: Tommee Caldwell | March 31, 2015 at 06:17 PM
Congratulations Susan, I love your line. All of you who particpated in the BALC are winners to me. You all went beyond where I was willing to reach at the time. I wish you all wonderful success in selling your new lines.
Posted by: Sue Shade | March 31, 2015 at 06:30 PM
Thank you, Brenda, for your guidance, and sharing all your knowledge and expertise during this process. Everyone did such a great job and I'm SO proud of everyone, too!!
Susan, congratulations!! You certainly deserve this win. I love your new line!!
Elizabeth, your line is bohemian pretty. Congratulations on winning the random drawing!!
Posted by: Marcia Tuzzolino | March 31, 2015 at 06:43 PM
Congratulations Susan. Beautiful work!
Posted by: Stephanie Godley | March 31, 2015 at 06:57 PM
Woo hoooo I'm screaming oh yeah for all of the above mentioned phenomenal artist and for all of the BALC participants!!! Go Susan go! I am so thrilled for you Elizabeth!! Oh yes we did it!!! Thank you so much classmates you are just the very best for sure. Thank you so, so much Ms. Brenda for the adventure of a life time. You have truly made one of my dreams come true and I am outside of thrilled I'm just elated!!! Always Grateful Louise!!!!!
Posted by: Louise | March 31, 2015 at 07:09 PM
I would just like to say that I am a proud member of the B'Sue creative group! I say that everyday is a pleasure being part of this group. We are all close knit and learn every day from not only Brenda our mentor and teacher but from each other! Congrats to all of you who participated in the build a line challenge. Congratulations to the winning participants you all did an amazing job, and I believe each of us is proud to call you and friend and teammate. I learn from y'all every day!
Posted by: Sheila Cowles | March 31, 2015 at 07:16 PM
CONGRATULATIONS, SUSAN AND ELIZABETH!!!! Susan, your award is so deserved,...I noticed as I read thru the posts and reveals that ALL ENTRANTS worked extremely hard and produced FABULOUS WORK!!! I ADMIRE ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR TENACITY!!! But, I, also, noticed that Susan's line was "DIFFERENT,..." That is why she won, in my mind! She really did "STEP OUTSIDE THE BOX," and as an Artist, I appreciate that so much. It is what draws buyers in, in my opinion. KUDOS TO ALL!!! THIS HAD TO BE A REAL TEST FOR ALL OF YOU!!!! I only hope some day to be able to equal your work ethic and excellence! ~Patty Kruger
Posted by: Patty Kruger | March 31, 2015 at 07:30 PM
I am so happy for Susan and Elizabeth both. This had to be such a grueling effort, to choose one from so many beautiful lines. It has been such a great experience for all of us and I know that all of us share their joy as they read this. What a great group! What an exhilarating experience! What talent was shared!
Posted by: Lee Koopman | March 31, 2015 at 07:32 PM
Congratulations, Susan and Elizabeth! It is inspiring to see your lines - and the other three featured lines - were highlighted here! You are all attaining goals to which I am still traveling. It is good to see those who are further down the path doing so well. I look forward to seeing more of all of our Challenge Alumni's work!
Posted by: Jennifer Merrill Williams | March 31, 2015 at 07:37 PM
Congratulations to Susan and Elizabeth! Well-deserved wins! Thank you Brenda and all the BALC Classmates from which I learned so much!
Posted by: Gina Hockett | March 31, 2015 at 07:39 PM
Congratulations Susan! And thank you so much for this awesome opportunity Brenda and for my drawing win. I saw so many great lines. The choice must have been really difficult. :-) ~Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth Hildreth | March 31, 2015 at 07:47 PM
Woo Hoo! Congratulations to Susan! Susan really did an excellent job! I have loved her line from the very beginning. Congratulations to Elizabeth and all of the other BALC participants also. You all did a lot of hard work. Thank you, Brenda, for the time and energy you put into teaching this master class.
Posted by: Vonda Stephenson | March 31, 2015 at 08:07 PM
What great news and congratulations Susan. Your line is sheer perfection. Mixed metals is a big fave of mine. Congrats Elizabeth on being the random drawing winner. I can't say enough about all you ladies that participated in the BALC. Congrats, you are all winners and created some of the most beautiful jewelry. And Brenda sharing your knowledge was the biggest gift. I learned several things myself and a big thank you for that. Bravo ladies!!
Posted by: Irene Hoffman | March 31, 2015 at 10:54 PM
Woohoo! Congratulations Susan. You did it! :-) That is so awesome.
I'm so happy Susan won. Her line was/is one of my favorites too.
And Elizabeth, way to go! Your line is gorgeous!
Thank you Brenda Sue for the amazing opportunity. You're the best!
Posted by: Marica Zammit | March 31, 2015 at 11:05 PM
Congratulations, Susan!!! Your line is gorgeous and one of my favorites, too! I'm so happy for you. Yay, Elizabeth for winning the random drawing! Lucky you! Your line is beautiful.
Thanks Brenda, again, for this wonderful opportunity! Your generosity of spirit, of sharing what you've learned the hard way, and in supporting us as we worked through the BALC was second to none. You're amazing!!
Posted by: Micheale Collie | April 01, 2015 at 12:50 AM
Major congratulations to Susan and Elizabeth and all others!!!! And especially to Brenda!! The win is SO well deserved! I'm very happy for all of us--and relieved, LOL!!! Now to continue on this great journey with new friends, and keep on loving what we do! Hooray to all of us! <3<3<3
Posted by: Alexandra Sefton | April 01, 2015 at 12:56 AM
Congratulations to Susan, your line was stunning! Congratulations to Elizabeth and all the BALC participants. I enjoyed your blogs, your photos and was inspired by all of you. Brenda Sue, thank you for all you do for us here at the Creative Group. Continued success to everyone!
Posted by: Chi | April 01, 2015 at 12:57 AM
Wow, Congratulations, Susan!! Do you believe this?? This is happy news for you and your sister. :)
Catherine S.
Posted by: Catherine | April 01, 2015 at 01:07 AM
WOO HOO!! Congratulations Susan, Elizabeth, Leila, Pam, and Marcia!!
Posted by: Elizabeth Owens | April 01, 2015 at 07:58 AM
Congrats, Susan and Elizabeth! Wonderful work and growth from both of you! I can't wait to see what you do next!
Posted by: Amy J | April 01, 2015 at 12:23 PM
This was a great learning opportunity for all of us on the outside peering through the looking glass into this wonderland of artistry. Congrats to Susan and Elizabeth! I would hope that all will keep up their blogs and give us an opportunity to steer our friends outside of the creative group to buy from you as our validation of all your efforts. I know I have my eye on several pieces that I would like for myself or for presents for friends or family. SIGNED, of course, by their creators, because all great works of art need the signature to add to their value. Thanks to all who participated!
Posted by: Fran Craig Sitton | April 01, 2015 at 09:02 PM
Oh my goodness. I am wanting to look at all of these, over and over again. Leila's color choices are fantastic. Did she use Alcohol Inks? Pamela's creations are just that, creative!! My husband has been making some Poly Clay Cabs and Flowers, lots of beads, etc, so I can incorporate them in my jewelry making. Thanks to Pamela, for reaffirming that the gorgeous Metals and Poly Clay, are a perfect marriage. Susan's creations were the icing on the cake. I am so happy that I have placed my small order from you, and my next will certainly include some of the Rose Ox. Her creations take my breath away!!! Finally, Toby looks great with the pearls. Thanks for letting us in.
Posted by: Gloria Borrero | April 01, 2015 at 10:04 PM
What a challenge! I read everyone's blogs and they have helped me so much. I was on the outside looking in, so thank you to all of you for sharing what this class was about. And congratulations to everyone's beautiful creations.
Brenda Sue I am so glad you allowed me to be a part of the challenge too, (sort of a fly on the wall). I especially learned that, for me, a lot of it is focus and then an extra dose of focus on top!
The blogs were so fascinating. It was amazing to watch creations being brought to light, and the thinking that went into each students pieces.
I did make necklaces that were thrilling but what happened when I tried to make bracelets and earrings was....not to thrilling. I sat with parts all around me. I could look at the two necklaces and just.....nothing. But I continued to sit and look and I looked some more and I'm still looking!
I also spent some time just walking away, almost crying with frustration. But the necklaces I think are really cool and I'll just keep looking until that inspiration hits me in the gut so I can finish my own little line.
Thanks so much to all of you.
All the best,
Diana
Posted by: Diana Redlin | April 04, 2015 at 02:30 AM
Congratulations to all the winners. Seeing the pictures of the lines, I can see the power of creating lines. This really blew my mind. It totally changed what I had been thinking about my one-of-a-kind jewelry. It's really a time to change. Thank you Brenda for hosting this and including me in the challenge.
Posted by: Coral | April 07, 2015 at 10:10 AM