The BALC, or Build a Line Challenge class is conducted once a year, beginning January 9 2019 this year.
In this class we learn how to pull our artisan jewelry making into a cohesive line. We think hard about the customers we would like to reach and why they would buy our work. We learn about one of a kind work vs. repeatable, which can please more customers and make us more money.
We learn about inventory management and branding to make our work memorable. We learn about pricing and what is required to sell to stores. We learn a bit about Color Theory, simplification and the pyramid of sales.
There are any number of business courses you can take on how to build a line, but my experience having had a look at them is that most assume you know a lot already. So often they don’t address the most important basic things you need to pull your look together and get your work to speak one voice.
The photo above shows some jewelry from 1928 Jewelry Company’s Antique Pewter line. As you can easily see it all has a similar look although the pieces are quite individual in design. You can tell they all came from one place, and if you know this company, you can probably also tell they are 1928 Jewelry.
Can we as artisan jewelers benefit from the principle of cohesion? We can learn a lot. This is why you want to come to class!
You will choose a theme for your line...floral, Victorian, Art Deco, Rockabilly, Steampunk...etc. You choose what interests you and you will work at designing a prototype line of 5 or more pieces for class. It’s very enjoyable!
We reveal our lines in two stages...midway, we will all pin a photo of whatwe are working with and what the line’s name will be. At the end of class we will post pix of the completed line. There are special boards on Pinterest for this
No essays, no blogging, just concentrate on your project and pin!
Class is conducted in a closed private group at Facebook. It is not done in real time so you don’t have to worry about a work schedule, etc. You come as often as you can. We do have deadlines you must meet, however. One is the mid-class pin for theme, and the final reveal...but you have an entire week to meet the deadline. I’ve made it easy peasy! The class is open to beginners as well as advanced.
In fact it’s great for beginners!
Cost is 95.00 for first timers and 75.00 for alumni. Also, for your project you will need to work with some things from B’sue Boutiques, along with other things you like to use.
I will commence taking students for the class on Friday November 23, 2018 and will accept them up til the day before class, Jan 8, 2019. Write me at [email protected] w your name, phone number and theme. If you can pay by PayPal, send your email used there and I will bill. You can also call us 1 800 868 4393 to sign up starting Friday the 23rd.
You will have plenty of time to gather materials and enjoy the class. Key is to come to class and participate best you can. Many have benefited from this class and you will, too...if you join us and jump right in!
