ROUND THREE: This is IT: The FINAL REVEAL for the Build-a-Line Challenge Class

 

Here we are!  

 

After three months of diligent work, the members of the Build-a-Line Master Class are finally ready to share the lines they have created with the world!   Not only that, doubtless many have reached some conclusions about where they are going and what they will do, going forward.

 

Some have found they are quite content where they are, enjoying jewelry making as a hobby and perhaps selling a bit of work here and there to help defray costs.   This class has helped them to understand what is really required to build and sustain a line of jewelry that sells well, and it might be more work than they wish or need to do.   There's nothing wrong with being a hobbyist; honestly, I think that's a wonderful place to be.

 

For these ones, the class helped them to understand the arduous process, make a decision, and at the same time, how better to pull their work as artists together.

 

Others are ready to go to the next level....really diving into jewelry making, being ready for shows, home parties, and consignment opportunities.   They've learned how to clean up their online selling presence and make their brand more visible.  Some have learned for the first time what a brand really IS.

 

I daresay we also  have a few students whose intent to make a solid business plan, and then, become very serious makers with their eyes on that elusive brass ring.   They wish to be jewelry designers, build what they do into a solid sideline business or even their primary business.

 

There was a time when that was all a dream for me....

 

 

I was 29 years old.   As you can see, I had a young son to care for, at this time about 8 months old.   I was very poor.   We lived in a small mobile home out in the country.   Being out in the country was our big luxury, for we did have a very large piece of ground and every year I made a wonderful garden.

 

I was always business-minded, so after toying around with a few secretarial jobs I decided to be my own boss.  For eleven years I had a very successful cleaning business.   I was a hard worker.  I worked on my hands and knees for working women and a few quite wealthy ladies, scrubbing floors....even until I was eight months along in my pregnancy and my blouse also wiped the floor along with my scrub rag.   Jordan was a very large baby!  LOL   But he was with me in my work, even then.

 

Not very long after he was born....about the time this photo was taken, I began hunting flea markets and yard sales, mostly for things for him.   I began to find some things of value and was able to sell them to supplement my meager cleaning income.   It wasn't long before Jordan and I were scouring every flea we could on a weekly basis, and I was growing an antiques/collectibles by mail business.  Off we'd go, me with a large market basket and him in his stroller.  

 

Eventually I parlayed that income into what eventually became my own designer line of jewelry that in time, sold to over 500 store accounts.   We sold about $100,000.00 a year of that jewelry....by no means were we any big shakes in that industry.  But I did all the same things that others who WERE big shakes in the industry had to do to sell their lines.   I had no one to teach me but some great networking and my gut.  I learned as I went along.   We lasted doing that for the better part of a decade, I was able to make an income at it, and cleaning was a distant memory.  

 

Jordan was with me every step of the way.   He hung out with me in the workshop, did little chores down there, helped me schlep packages to UPS and the post office.   The most wonderful thing about it all is that by the time he went to school, I was able to stop cleaning and be there to put him on the school bus every day and be there when he got off.   I have no regrets! If for that ALONE, it was all worth it.

 

By 2001 that line was completely over.  I sold off my manufacturing inventory and had already begun to sell supplies.  B'sue Boutiques  as you might know it now began on the internet even some time before I completely phased out that line.  Our first website was in 1997 and we sold basic things for people who were repairing jewelry, mostly.   But it wasn't long before I began to really develop us as a supply company.  All the things I had learned about old jewelry, all the things I had learned about business and making a line of jewelry sure came in handy!

And along the way, we have had seven stand alone websites, 14 years as powersellers at Ebay, almost five years now at Etsy (I think!) and we are always looking for ways to improve what we do....for you.

 

Jordan is still quite involved, as you know.   He worked for me all through home school (he home-schooled 10-12th grades and finished early) part of the time he went to college for business administration, and here and there as needed when he got his job in the bakery at Giant Eagle, which is a huge grocery chain in these parts.   He moved up to managing a fuel store with food service and grocery and worked for 'the big bird' as we call it, for six years.

 

One day he said,  "Mom, it's time for me to come home and help in this business.   The bird's not for me, but B'sue Boutiques is."

 

So he handed in his resignation and we have never looked back, not he, not me.    

 

 

We are a TEAM, along with his wife Lauren, my best friend Shelley, my niece, Javi, and sometimes here and there her husband, Rob...and Rob's mom, my sister-in-law, Donna (or JewelryDonna which is her brand, she is developing her own line, too!)

 

Part of the deal for this year's class is that I would be creating a line of jewelry along with the class.  It's been a very long time since I have done this; I feel I have the cohesive thing down as I am a designer of many years and my stuff goes a certain way that says B'sue.   But...BUILD A LINE????   What WAS I thinking?   Was there not enough to keep me up late at night already?

 

WELL......I did it.   The idea came right along; I decided to bring back our old chocolate ox brass and use that.    We used to call it choxie!   It looks like milk chocolate, no kidding.   So, the idea of Sugar Shop Jewelry presented itself.  I have even procured the domain name for it.  It's a solid idea....

 

Sugar Shop Jewelry will have several facets, or sub-lines/collections.   The first, which I am working on for the class, is called Chocolate Frosting.   Are you ready to see that part of the line so far?

 

TA-DA!

 

 

This is by no means all of it, but it is the primary part.....for now.  I consider this a practice line; I am still bouncing ideas.   I have indeed gotten a sense of direction from the exercise.  True to B'sue, it will be a feminine, fussy little line, but not too fussy or too elaborate.   I guess the best adjectives are sentimental and pretty.

 

Some better looks at some of the parts in this part of the Chocolate Frosting sub-line:

 

 

 

That's a variation of my bound-wire charm bracelet....and the parts that pull it together with the rest of the sub-line are the cameos and the choxie brass.

 

 

 

 

Brooch and earrings and cameo string necklace.....I love this style of necklace and have made myself many.  Dunno if I ever made any to sell!

 

 

 

A longer length necklace with mini assemblage on a two-sided puffy heart:

 

 

 

 

And another, featuring lovely filigree beads and Czech glass in the neckline....

 

 

I made a series of brooches for the line as well:

 

 

 

The fussy little brooch in the center is deeply inspired by the line I had in the 90's.   One of our most popular pieces was built a bit this way, only the top was engraved.

 

I don't have the pin backs on yet as it made photo a little easier.  I  see I  need to do some clean-up.  The front is ready to go except I see some glue strings that need pulled off, etc.  That camera doesn't lie!  You'll find it's your best friend when you go to check your work and see if there is anything you've missed!

 

 

 

 

Here is the back....I have a tiny signature on it but I see some glue bits and a bit of dirt on the back of the old buttons that are part of the base.  A little Goo-Gone on a q-tip will make short work of them.   After I do the Goo-Gone I will have to do a little alcohol on a swab,  and let dry before I glue on the pin back.  The trick then is to get enough glue on the pin back, but not make a mess and then, place it just right so that that pinback does not shift as it sets up.

 

 

Here are some of the backs of the other pieces, with signatures.  I like to do mine by hand.

 

 

 

 

 

There is more to this line, though.

 

I made a lot of earrings, most with the cameos, but some with rosaline Czech glass and some pretty bead drops.  So Rosaline is another collection, but still under Chocolate Frosting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those cabs are just luminous!  I love the way this one  came out.   I do believe I will keep it!

 

I still didn't have a statement part to the line, so, I made this parure.  It  has a  color add, so  I guess this collection would be  Chocolate Frosting with Sprinkles:

 

 

 

 

I put Chocolate Frosting Mosaic on it, but naaah.   Should be 'with sprinkles'  because of the color add.     I used tiny looped robin's egg blue Czech beads and Czech fire opal stones.

 

All in all with some earrings I didn't photo, I have over 18 pieces.  

 

Now, I need to spend a bit of time re-checking connections, adding pinbacks and doing that little bit of clean-up.   Then it's  time make some good photos  for selling.  I will put it on my regular website just to park it for now.

 

There is a ferocious mess  up here in the office....I made most of it  as I binge-watched most of eleven seasons of Frasier on Netflix.  Well, during at least the last four seasons.   To be honest, I have made most of this stuff this week!

 

That's why I haven't been on line much.  LOL

 

Anyway.....now  that I have this ferocious mess, I also have some more ferocious ideas.   I will straighten this place up but I will continue working.  

 

Let's see where this road goes, since I have plenty of things to use up!

 

And after our May workshop here in Columbiana, Ohio, Jordan and I will sit down and build a solid business plan for Sugar Shop Jewelry.  

 

Or not. 

 

We do have some decisions to make, since our primary business is supply and taking care of other artists' needs....and those needs will not be neglected for jewelry making.  First and foremost I have a commitment made to those who come to me for components and assistance....and new ideas!   That commitment means everything to us.

 

Regrettably, I have had to come to the realization that there really are only 24 hours in a day and I should be sleeping at 7-8 of them.  Perhaps he and I can figure out a better creative schedule for B'sue.

 

If nothing else it was a TON of fun and will surely lead to some new videos!

 

AND NOW.....THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER LINES TO REVEAL!   Hop along with me and check out all the other students' work!  Below you will find the list of participants and links to their blogs.   I surely appreciate their participation in class and all their creativity.  Be prepared to be blown away!

 

If you can, stop for a moment and leave our class members an encouraging comment.   It will do much to boost confidence and keep the juices flowing.

 

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

 

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

 

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/

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles

Build A Line Master Class Blog Hop, The FINALE! Believe You Can......

Another Visit with Katie Oskin, and a New Clay Video Tutorial

MY REWARDS Program At B'sue Boutiques Just Rolled Out---Credit for Every Dollar Spent

B'sue Boutiques July Jewelry Design Challenge: Beautiful Butterflies, Birds and Bugs

Unsinkable Susan's Engine That Could....and Does

Our Build A Line Challenge Participants Want to Get to Know You

Where Does a Person Start....to Make Jewelry Art?

 

Comments

[Ginger]

Brenda, your line is so luscious! Beautifully done. You are truly an inspiration. Chocolate Hugs. Now where did I hide that Hershey bar?

[Vonda]

Brenda, your line is just magnificent! Every piece is so yummy and true to your design aesthetic. It's so amazing that you developed a line, taught the BALC, took care of your business, and still spent time with all of us! How do you do it?! You are truly an inspiration!

[Janet Calardo]

Wow what a gorgeous line of jewelry! Love the way everything goes together and the different ways you used some of the pieces. Love seeing the glass flowers as bead caps on the choxi filigree beads. All the small details makes this line so interesting. I can't wait to see everyone's completed line.

[kristy leTrendy Jewelry Desings]

Brenda Sue what an amazing journey your life's work has taken you on, with your incredible son and constant companion our Jordan. What a delicious line of jewelry is is tasty enough to want to eat, just mouth wateringly gorgeous. what a wonderful story and spectacular line of jewelry not I must go visiting the rest. Love you Bunches Always!
XOXO!

[Marie Grubbs]

Your line is Stunning as I suspected it would be! Love how the chocolate and pinks play off of the rose cabs. The rich milk chocolate plated brass is so yummy.
You haven't lost your magic touch. The school of hard knocks made you a pro, but one with a big heart who is willing to teach, share, and encourage the designer hopefuls in all of us. I hope to be one of your future Design a Line students.
We love you Brenda Sue!

[Karen Mansell]

Brenda, your new line is just gorgeous!
I really enjoyed reading about your journey
and how you were determined to make
things work. You are such an inspiration
to me.

[Mary Lou Guidry]

B'Sue ,
I throughly Enjoyed reading Your Blog, Very interesting, motivating & also very inspirational. And Your New Jewelry Line is So Very Gorgeous ! I was very anxiously waiting & wondered what kinds of beautiful creations that you would design....All of Your Jewelry is Even more beautiful then I expected.
I also want to say Thank You for Sharing Your Talent & Knowledge and Positive Thoughts & Generousity with Everyone. Mary Lou Guidry

[Chris]

Beautifully written blog Brenda, with great flow. It reads like a novel and carries the reader along. Your line is fabulous! My fav is the Rosaline. I look forward to watching your line unfold. Thanks for your commitment to us 'kids'. You're a great Teach----> *shiny apple*

[Karen Eaton]

absolutely WONDERFUL!! It makes me want some chocolate!! LOL! Every piece is just stunning!

[Susan Bowerman]

Brenda, I never tire of reading your story. I hope you realize how truly gifted you are, how completely inspiring you are, and how many souls have been ignited by your creative generosity. Of course your line is beautiful--everything you make is--but it is not nearly as beautiful as the soul who created it. Years ago, when that little voice inside my head told me to "pay attention" having encountered you for the first time, I listened. I had no idea at that moment how much you would enrich my life. I am so blessed that our paths crossed when they did. You make magic, my friend, at every level! Love you!

[Linda Caudle]

Beautiful line Brenda and inspirational story. Love how you were able to crave out a living while being able to stay home and raise Jordon.Hard work and a giving heart does pay off and we all know you have that.....love, love, love you new line.

[ianke, aka Lady Wizzby]

Thank you for being you, I am impressed with the way you share your heart, your soul and your time with the group and of course I am amazed by your designer skills. This line is just YOU, and are so delicious and yummi...just ready to eat. Hope you will succeed in finding what you want with your new line....

[Mary Reckmeyer]

This class was wonderful! I am so glad I jumped in. what I have learned is invaluable. So much I didnt know I didnt know. Your line.. amazing. Honestly do not know how you find the time in a day to encourage us, run a business, create a line.. Kudos.

[Jann Tague]

Brenda .. Your line is gorgeous .. I'm in love with each piece .. Xo

[Elisabeth Wilks]

What a beautiful line Brenda Sue! I really like the necklace with the bow and your earrings are so much fun! Thank you again for all the time, wonderful advice, and your encouraging self leading us in this massive(for me anyway)learning curve. You went through this on your own and now you are helping us get through it! What a gift! You really have inspired me in so many ways.

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

This line is beautiful, Brenda! It's so simple, yet undeniably has your flair. For me, the hardest part is not making all statement pieces. I look at something and think a cameo and a stamping is too simple, and then stuff explodes out of control. Yet, there they are in your line, looking lovely; and I bet when you reproduce them, they won't take long to make. Thanks for sharing all of your experience with us.

[Val Tilghman]

Just beautiful! I love the " sprinkles" it looks like Ethiopian Opal with all of those yummy colors! I really hope that you find a way to make this line happen. I know that it is time consuming, but being able to be creative is a great way to de-stress from the daily business needs :)

[Ingrid Anderson]

Absolutely beautiful. The pink with the chocolate is such a wonderful combination. Thanks for sharing your story and for all that you do! Ingrid

[Shari Gardner]

Well I am having a hard time with words, so really all I can say about your new line is WOW! And most of that made this week? I have been so panicked these last few days, as everything I planned fell apart, but I didn't quit. One thing I have learned from this class is that you are just amazing. You inspire and encourage, and knowledge just flows, and you are truly strong at whatever you do. Thank you for being such a wonderful mentor and friend.

[wings and beads]

Awesome Saaauce!!!! I told you how you inspire us all, and now its truly wonderful and amazing you inspired yourself a new gorgeous line. Congratulations!

[Sharon P]

Brenda, what an awesome line. I can't believe you created all those gorgeous pieces in such a short time, you are a dynamo! Thanks for putting up with me during class, I was your problem child this term, lol! I learned so much from you and look forward to being an alumni with more discussions to come. Thanks a bunch. xo

[Christine Cravens]

I love your new line, Brenda Sue - especially the Chocolate Frosting with Sprinkles parure! Thank you so much for telling us a little more of your story. I really appreciate having had the opportunity to take your class and want to thank you again for everything you have shared with us, the encouragement you share and inspiration you simply just are. Thanks again! Chris

[Pamela Anger & Toby, Novegatti Designs]

Your line is beautiful, Brenda Sue, and I just love it! You work magic with components and beads and turn them into something spectacular! You really oudid yourself on this line, and I do hope you make time for expanding it. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself with us, both in the class and groups, and through your business. <3

[Catherine S.]

WOW!! All just GORGEOUS!!! I was so excited for your line name choices! And it looks like yummy candy and cake!! Fabulous as always, Miss Brenda Sue!! :D

xoxo, Catherine S.

[Lee]

I do love the "chocolate frosting"! What's not to love? That chocolate brass is just beautiful as are your pieces. I'm off to hop around a bit.

[Alison Huie]

Brenda, you never cease to amaze and inspire me. Your line is delicious. I especially love the rosaline.

[Irene Hoffman]

Brenda, love your blog post and your new line is amazing. Each piece having your signature touch. You are such an inspiration. xoxo

[Marcia Tuzzolino]

Brenda, first of all, big thanks for creating the class and for being our teacher, mentor, and muse extraordinaire! You'very really outdone yourself, and shared SO much of yourself and your journey with us! I absolutely love your line...it is just so YOU, and I can't wait to see more of that yummy choxie!!
I am looking forward to seeing your published book/manual, my friend!! ♡

[Belinda]

Wow! Brenda what a journey. You are an amazing person and so blessed to have such a wonderful son as Jordan. It must be wonderful to have such support. You both are on the same page and you know what needs to be done. I'm so happy for you. Your jewelry line is absolutely scrumptious! I love that chocolate frosting yum! In all seriousness your jewelry reflects you. Vintage and gorgeous! LOL! I know you will do wonderful with your new line.

[Charlotte]

These are delicious pieces, Brenda. Truly, I wanted to take a bite. Thank you for sharing your story. And for sharing yourself so generously. Charlotte

[Deb Beechy]

What a great line and love your names.

[Jeanette Belmont]

Your line looks delicious! I hope you can find the time to make a go of it and expand. Thank you for hosting this class, it has really helped me chart a future course for my creative endeavors.

[Susan Bolton]

I'm so scattered these days, I can't believe I didn't write a comment! Your jewelry line is gorgeous and inspiring. And you're right, Choxie looks like milk chocolate. I keep looking for the chocolate insignia. I know what it is like to want to do more than there are hours in the day and decisions have to be made but I do hope that someday you will be able to complete the Sugar Shop idea. It is inspired. I am totally in awe of people who can think of such clever ideas. I chuckle whenever I think of you saying on your videos, "I'm the idea girl", and you certainly are. You inspire me...take care.

[Coral]

Brenda,

I love reading your blog and your line for sure. Seeing your line solidifies what a line is in my mind. I wish someday I could visit you and make jewelry with piles of supplies next to me.

[Beth Trubman]

OMG Brenda, I read your post 1st when I came home from work on Friday, and I forgot to leave a comment!!!! If I had just one-tenth of one percent of your creativity, I would be ecstatic. Your line is JAW-DROPPING gorgeous. XOXO

[Fran Sitton]

Your design style is unmistakable. I do not know how you created so many pieces with all you do day-to-day! Remarkable! Thanks for all your support.

[Leslie]

I'm suddenly craving chocolate. :) Your pieces have such a sweet, romantic feel that isn't always easy to do, but you make it look effortless. I love the clever connections to confections like sprinkles and frosting; it's amazing how well those cabs play right into the chocolate look. (I can just see them lined up behind a counter as those expensive decorative white chocolate pieces that are too pretty to eat.)

I have appreciated the class greatly, it's shown me so much about myself and what it takes to get a line going and get it out there. It's great to learn from someone who's been there who is actually willing to show us the way. Thank you for taking the time to get us all us ducks quacking our songs and walking in straight lines while still doing all that you do. :)

[Erin Whitacre]

These pieces are all beautiful. They look just like chocolate frosting! Thank you for sharing your experiences and lessons learned. You always take the time to encourage and keep me motivated and moving in the right direction!

[Donna Parry]

I thank you for the pleasure of being a member of the Build A Line Challenge!
For me, it is just the beginning, and I feel that i now have a solid foundation to build on.
Your line is wonderful! Yours years of experience shines through it all. I wish you many years of continued success in all that you do.
Much Love, JewelryDonna.

[Carole Carlson]

The pieces look, well, delicious. Thank you for the class, I learned even more than last time.