ROUND ONE: Our First Blog Hop for the Build-a-Line Challenge Class, 2016

 

This class is the result of 28 years in the trade, one form or another, and lots of tough experiences.

The good news is:  I learned how to build a line back in the 90's, and eventually I sold it to about 500 store accounts.  At one time, the line had 300 pieces.   We could never fit them all in a catalog....but this is the cover of the last one we produced in the late 90's.

B'sue Boutiques was originally a little heart's-ease, cute line of gift jewelry that was designed by me and made by myself and 7 artisan helpers....in my basement.   It was not a lovely work area, as it is now:

 

 

It was really quite rough and I think the way we endured it was that we really loved what we did, and we loved each other.  All of us were friends, and a number of the girls who worked with me were Latinas, and it was from them that I really developed my love of their language.   I taught them how to make jewelry, and they taught me to speak Spanish....well.  I just wish I had some photos of that old workshop to show you.   We all fit in there with plenty of space.  It was well planned....but so busy, we never thought to take any pictures.

I loved that line of jewelry.   One of my favorite things to make was this little pin on one of the pages of that catalog.

 

 

PN-38 was our best seller, because you could have it your way, engraved your way, and embellished your way.   If you bought 12, we would give you 13....lagniappe.  I always have given a little something extra.

The prep was quick and I did all the engraving.  Then we would take the orders and make a master for the week, and then check stock because we always tried to have the best sellers made ahead to some extent.

From the master we would see what we didn't have, or what was custom, and get cracking.   Each knew what little bits should be put on which theme.   All the tiny charms and accents were kept in individual bins for quick finding!   And those pearl buttons....we had serious poundage of them.   We had them in big boxes all over the place, and we used A LOT of them.   They were plentiful; I would advertise in the antiques papers Wanted To Buy and I got all I could ever want, for 6.00 a pound!

That would never happen now!

The challenge was to make those brooches in 15 minutes.  Not long ago, I challenged myself to see if I could still do it neatly:

 

 

 

YES!  I still can.  AND, in under fifteen minutes.

When I planned the 2016 master challenge class, I decided that I would build a line along with the class  based on my old line, maybe a reprise of it.  

BUT THEN....I thought, no.  Not quite.  While I may make a few similar pieces, I eventually realized  it would be better to do one one just a bit inspired by what I had done over 20 years ago.....and bring it up to speed with some of the tricks I've learned since then.

So:  I  am still in the planning stages!   I do have a theme, though....and a plan of attack.   It's been so much fun mapping out this little journey!   Here you see my little black worktable that I keep back in my office.    (NOTE TO SELF:  get a white one!   If I want to take pictures on it, they just really don't come out very well!)

 

 

 

You can see my notes there at the top left.   Yes, I'm calling my line Sugar Shop (Jewelry).

And I am working on the  "Chocolate Frosting" section:

 

 

As you can see, I am using Chocolate Brass, which at this time we do not regularly carry at B'sue Boutiques    When we did, the sales of it were lukewarm even though I felt I had a better version of it than the other popular chocolate brass lines out on the marketplace, and our prices were certainly more reasonable.

I always loved it though.  

 

 

 

 

Doesn't it just look yummy like a can of frosting?   This piece isn't finished yet, though....

 

 

 

You can see I am playing with names....we used to nickname that dark brown finish, Choxie.   But I don't think I can really use that on a website, as I think Target used to have a line of chocolates you could buy with that name.    But as you can see, it is REALLY chocolate, like deep milk chocolate.  Or a can of frosting!

So I am toying with the idea....do I change the chocolate brass up?  Do I distress it?    Do I add a tiny bit of color?  What color?

At this time I am leaning toward Patina color Gilder's Paste....and other little colored bits on the work.   Maybe give it the feeling of chocolate frosting with sprinkles!

I tried photographing it on several backgrounds to see what might make it pop.....or make ME pop!

 

Here again are the parts I am fiddling with now:

 

 

Things could change.   Until we meet again on this subject at our second hop, which is February 26th....I may have new parts or change this all up.

Sugar Shop Jewelry, however, will remain my theme.

Sugar Shop Jewelry will be a name under the B'sue Boutiques umbrella.   And under it,  will come various categories:

Chocolate Frosting

Vanilla Frosting

Party Cake

Wedding Cake

Box of Chocolates

Coffee with Cream

....or something like that.

I won't get all of those sub-lines done by the end of this class, but in each line I'd like to have 5-10 key pieces that could be reproduced easily.   Vanilla Frosting will be shabby whites.  Party Cake will be jewelry to wear to a party!  Wedding Cake will be wedding jewelry, Coffee with Cream might be some less fussy casual looks or maybe something literal---coffee and tea charms and motifs on the pieces! 

Box of Chocolates will be just like Forest Gump's....you never know what you're gonna get.  That is where I will put statement pieces and one-off's that will not be reproduced.

I am still thinking about ideas for a line using our silver.....It will come.

As we go along in the hop, I will let you know more about my plans for my new line, going forward.

It's been a great month!   We've built collages of past work and stood back to take a hard look and determine if our styles spoke one voice, and if not, what we could do to tighten up and become more cohesive.   We have also talked about our style and identifying----or better still, DISCOVERING our customer!   Who is she?   WHERE is she?

We've talked about whether our lines are gift lines or fashion lines, or do they straddle both, go either way?

And we've discussed design styles of the past....for inspiration and knowledge!  We have talked about famous designers like Chanel, Haskell and Schiaparelli....and the differences between them.   We have spoken of Renaissance and Gothic Revival jewelry, Victorian, Edwardian, Civil War style (mid-Victorian), Edwardian, Arts and Crafts Period Jewelry, Jugenstil, Bauhaus, Victorian Revival, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.   We've learned a lot, and many have commented that this part of the class was fun!

The next few weeks will be just as challenging, but for now, why not bring your coffee and come hop with me through the class members' blogs?   Here are the participants:

 

Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box

http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com

Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio

http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog

 

Irene Hoffman, Heart's Dezire by Irene

http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com

 

Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick

http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com

 

Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not

http://www.afrayedknot.net

 

Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs

http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me

 

Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie

http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com

 

Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time

http://www.onecanvasatatime.com

 

Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation

http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com

 

Belinda Reed-Ingle, Vogue Rocks

 http://voguerocks.blogspot.com

 

Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry

http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com

 

Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate

http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com

 

Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann

http://janntague.wordpress.com

 

Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs

http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com

 

Susan Bolton, Fern's Place

http://www.fernsplace.org

 

Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets

http://noodlepiebracelets.com

 

Barbara Kelley, Angels' Keep

http://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com

 

Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks

http://woodsidewireworks.com/

 

Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs

http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com

 

Joan Donovan, Hailey's Cottage

http://haileyscottage.com/

 

Alison Huie, Ally's Baubles

http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com

 

Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

 

Erica Olmos, Beeb's Closet

https://beebscloset.wordpress.com

 

Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry

https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com

 

Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front

https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com

 

Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs

https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com

 

Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels

http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php

 

Mary Deis, The Rose Sword

http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com

 

Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design

http://smallstuffdesign.com

 

Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts

http://www.artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com

 

Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens

http://christinecravens.blogspot.com

 

Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs

http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com

 

Donna Parry, JewelryDonna

http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com

 

Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures

http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/

 

Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments

https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/

 

 

Comments

[Erin Whitacre]

Absolutely fabulous! Can't wait to see the whole collection! Thank you for all the opportunities you provide for this group!

[Marcia Tuzzolino]

Love, love, love, the line you'Re going to create, Brenda! That chocolate is amazing and it looks like fudge frosting. You know those little round silver cake/cookie decorating things called non-pareils (sp?)...just a thought. Thanks for being our mentor through this journey, and for all your hard work and support, Brenda! You. Are. Awesome!

[Cindy]

I love your creativity. Your new line names ar just so SWEET. I think this is an awesome beginning of your new line. I am so happy you are sharing your jewelry making with u. What a honor to have met you and thanks for being my Mentor.

[Chris]

Thank you so much for sharing more about your history and revealing your new line. It has been an honor to be in your class and I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from you. Chocolate - who doesn't love it?!?!?

[Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures]

One of the first things I did, after discovering your videos was read your about page. Brenda Sue "the woman" has always had my admiration, or I'd have never joined the group. This line, though - wow! - brave, adventurous. I always look at the pieces with finishes and my mind goes blank. I come up empty. This will be where we see Brenda Sue "the Jewelry Paragon", I think. ;)

[Charlotte]

This is exciting. Im referring to all it it. it would be a treat to see pics of you in your former production line. Your latest effort based on your "old" line is splendid. Love all your new BALC pieces too. Woohoo. Exciting!

[Jann Tague]

Oh my I'm in LOVE with everything .. simply beautiful and now I'm hungry for some Chocolates .. XOXO

[Catherine S.]

LOVE!!!!!! 💖 FABULOUS theme!! AWESOME names!! YUMMY chocolate ox!! JMHO, this line has got to work because it is just sooo original and fun!! I really hope you're able to stick with it and see what happens!! OMGoodness, how SWEET is this?!? (Pun intended, LOL!!) 😉💕👍🎉😃👏🎉

[Pamela Anger & Toby, Novegatti Designs]

Oh, B'Sue, what a super idea for a line .... I can't wait to see all of the YUMMY ideas you come up with for it! Thank you for sharing your story of the 'early days' ... I can just see a group of joyful ladies happily creating. Your new line is going to be fabulous, and I'm so glad you're creating one along with us. Thanks again for the opportunity for us to learn and create together. <3

[Sharon P]

I love your concept of sugar, everything sweet and yummy, like your jewelry. I am particularly intrigued by the Vanilla Frosting line as I love shabby chic jewelry.

I look forward to this creative journey with you and our group, oh fearless leader! Now I am hungry and need chocolate!

[Susan Bowerman]

Brenda, you continue to amaze and inspire me. What a clever, clever, clever theme! And thank you for sharing with us how your theme will have legs...with the potential for a host of variations. That fact alone is why you are the mentor and I am a mere student. I have so much to learn; little did I know I would learn something this morning before my coffee got cold! This line is going to be glorious. Thank you for sharing your thought process with us and for giving me yet another "aha" moment! Wow...just wow! I'm in awe.

[Ingrid Anderson]

Ok let me try again! I am so looking forward to what you will be creating. Such a fantastic idea! Sounds like so much fun and I am sure it will be successful! Ingrid

[Dana]

I love that color of brass and I'm really looking forward to seeing your line as well as the rest of this years class. Makes me all nostalgic for last year! Sugar Shop sounds sweet! <3

[Ginger Hammond]

I can only echo the other comments. I want to own a piece from each line. Have to admit that I am jealous of all the chocolate components.

[Susan Bolton]

I absolutely love your idea! The colors are fabulous.You are so clever, I know your line will be a great success. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. It has been a treat and an honor to be in the class. Little did I know on that Saturday afternoon of surfing the net that my life would be changed forever by meeting you.

[kristyle]

Oh I'm in love with your new line already and it looks good enough to eat, it is totally delicous. Love your old line you sold in the 90s and I would still buy and wear it's romantic charm is so delightful. Good luck rto all of ypou on this magical creating journey and I will be watching it a
Ll unfold. Love you bunches Always my muse!

[Karen Mansell]

Loved reading your blog and learning a little
more about your journey. Absolutely love the
chocolate brass. I look forward to what you will
be creating! <3

[Elisabeth Wilks]

Love your post Brenda Sue! Your original line was so unique and pretty but your new idea for your line is exciting and helpful. How you can step out your line and have different lines incorporated under one main line. I am really looking forward to seeing how everything developes. Also I have to say I love that bow! I do not normally like bows but this one is really beautiful.

[Gina]

Sorry my comments went to the wrong spot. But it is there below.

[Deb Jacobs]

This looks so exciting. I would love to follow this group and hopefully
Participate at some point

[Sue Shade]

I just love the idea behind your sugar shop line. Brilliant idea Brenda. So looking forward to seeing you roll it out.

[Renee Hong]

OH MY! Sugar shop...I just love all of these ideas you have! I am sure this will appeal to so many women! I have always been a big fan of your chocolate brass. I sure hope you decide to bring it back some day. I still have a plastic bin marked "Chocolate brass" and there are still some hoarded pieces in it! Your pink roses and the cameo look fantastic on the chocolate background. I am so excited to see your new line!

[Belinda]

Brenda I love chocolate! What a wonderful idea for a line. I love all your pictures too, they look so yummy! I can see so much potential for sublines. You could go on and on with this. I am so inspired by you and all in the group, it makes me want to spend more time but I am determined to stay balanced. Enough about that I can't wait to see more of your pieces. I guess I will just have to wait. Thank you again for all you do with and for us :D

[Beth Trubman]

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I think my mouth dropped open when I saw that first picture of the chocolate pieces. OMG, beautiful! I am really looking forward to seeing the finished line. STUNNING!

[Alison Huie]

Why do I have the munchies all of a sudden? I absolutely love the chocolate color findings. And I love the idea of adding just a touch of color. Can't wait to see your stuff!

[Mary Reckmeyer]

I am loving the class! I adore your "frosting" and and all the beautiful choxie pieces. Thank you so much for throwing this shin dig and inviting us all to it.

[Lyn reeve]

Your blog is as expected outstanding as is your past present and future jewellery...I love the chocolate box idea for the new line..it is going to be a winner

[Donna Parry]

Not bad. Muhahahahaha!

[paula Gaskill]

Thank you for hosting and sharing all your wealth of knowledge. I love everything that you make. No dought in my mind it will great. I'm so glad you'll creating a line with us! xoxoxo

[Jennifer Merrill Williams]

B'Sue, I was sipping Ghirardelli hot chocolate when I discovered your "Chocolate Frosting" designs in your new Sugar Shop line. How perfect is that? I never get tired of hearing your stories of how you developed your business and made it through with determination. More power to you and have a great time with your new line!

[Janet Calardo]

Love your blog and jewelry lines! Can't wait to see everyone's creations and read all the blogs!

[Shari Gardner- SLG Jewelry Designs]

Hi Brenda Sue, I absolutely love your idea theme of the Sugar Shop. I can't wait to see everything you make and love that with this class, we are on the same level within starting the lines, so we can learn from watching how you put your pieces together. We'll be able to get a glimpse into how you're thinking and hopefully can learn from you in creating our own lines. I so appreciate everything that you have done to teach us and that you are so openly generous in teaching us, so that someday, some of us can be just as successful as you are. On a personal note, I want to thank you for everything you have taken your time to show me and help me to become a great designer. You have not only become my teacher/mentor, but also a dear friend and I hope that we can always be friends and maybe sometime soon, I will have my husband drive me down, so I can meet you face to face and give you a huge hug. I might even bring you a box of chocolates. So, I know I'm repeating myself, but thank you just doesn't seem to be enough to say and I don't know how I will ever repay your kindness and generosity. XOXO

[Tammy Adams]

Your new line is looking and sounding delicious. It's a great theme and the titles you are toying with will be a draw as much as the designs themselves. But you probably knew that, given all your experience and expertise. I'm looking forward to the final reveal.

[Clare Nemeth]

I LOVE your theme idea and LOVE chocolate ox! Will definitely be watching for it to be stocked. :) Thanks for all your inspiration and sharing your knowledge with us!

[Diana Buynak]

Awesome blog post as always! I loved that you shared with us your 90's jewelry line and your plans for the future. It is great to see your work progress over the years. I think you have really thought out your new line. It will definitely be a huge undertaking - but well worth it. Chocolate brass looks amazing, use it in a jewelry line and market it as a treat line - genius! I can feel myself developing a sweet tooth already!

[Carole Carlson]

Mmm, your line sounds delicious. LOVE the chocolate brass.

[Fran Sitton]

I always enjoy reading about your journey. The sub-levels of your line are very creative.

[Barbara Kelley]

I love your new line ideas. Can't wait for more chocolate! Very glad that you decided to also make a line with us this year.And for all of the newsletters, videos, blog post.

[Adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com]

Thank you so much for this class and letting me be a part of it; we're learning SO much, and it's awesome you're creating a line right along with us!
I mean, I knew the name of the finish had chocolate in it, but Holy Cow, when you put it this way, your pieces really do look good enough to eat! I love the way you've broken it down into themes within themes, too. I'm excited to see the rest!

[Lee Koopman]

Brenda, I am loving the chocolate line! What a great idea! I don't know why people did not warm up to the chocolate brass. I think it is just beautiful! I love the look of it and so many colors would go just perfect with it! Your ideas are great..........the themes. The names alone will generate attention!

[Lori Beekman]

I am always amazed at how well you pull all the pieces together. You make it all seem so easy. I love the names for your line, and they just fit so perfectly. The names create an image by themselves. I bow to the master.... 😉❤️❤️❤️