Here we are for Part 2 of the Build a Line design challenge (BALC for short) where I’ll be showing my progress in creating a line of jewelry using components from our sponsor and instructor, Brenda Sue (aka B’sue) Lansdowne of B’sue Boutiques.
In Part 1 of the challenge, the other participants and I revealed the themes we’d be exploring and components we would be using. Some of us (the over-achievers) even had a finished piece of jewelry or two to show off. In Part 3, coming up in a month from today, we will be debuting our completed lines, which must have at least five related pieces.
Previously on BALC
In case you missed it, or can’t quite remember the details, my chosen design theme revealed in Part 1 is “Elemental Lizards.” For this theme I’m using brass lizard stampings, which I got from B’sue Boutiques Etsy shop, as part of the focal pieces for five necklaces. There will be one necklace for each of the five alchemy elements: fire, air, water, earth, and aether (or spirit). Each element has a color associated with it: yellow for air, blue for water, red for fire, green for earth, and white for aether.
The Progress and some Pondering
One of the reasons I chose to sign up for this challenge is because, while I enjoy making one-of-a-kind designs and continuing to explore new techniques and materials for my jewelry, I want my work to be recognizable as mine. A cohesive look is what I’m after and why I’m here.
Brenda has encouraged us to think “bread and butter” for our challenge pieces. As in, including things that will sell in an impulse price range for our target market, and be relatively easy to reproduce in a short amount of time, so that we can optimize our profit. She asked those of us determined to make one-of-a-kinds rather than production pieces to explain why we think we can sell them for a profit.
I’m one of the those who hasn’t quite been able to convince my muse that we should repeat ourselves creatively. She insists there’s too little time to get to all the ideas we have as it is without wasting time making the same things over and over. Because making jewelry is a creative outlet and way from me to decompress from my day job, I have a difficult time disagreeing with my muse on that point.
However, Brenda has managed to convince me that there is value in doing variations on a theme. (I know, it’s a modern day miracle.) Like varying the colors used, or the types of metals. So that someone who would really like to buy my rustic copper and turquoise earrings if they were made with silver instead has that option. So I can make the same basic design in copper, silver, brass, etc. (or with different colors of beads) and do a limited edition line for that design.
There is also something to be said for “limited edition” pieces as a marketing strategy. If people like something and know I will only ever make a limited number, they may be likely to buy rather than put it on their “maybe someday” list. It’s a basic supply and demand thing, sort of like how keeping the supply of diamonds low ensures a continuously profitable demand for them. What? You didn’t know that was a thing?
As for price points for my line, I jokingly commented in the Facebook group for this class that I was going to do a “rice crackers and hummus” line rather than “bread and butter.” That’s because my target market might be a tad more crunchy and savory in their tastes than the bread and butter crowd. Even so, my line will include pieces spanning a range of prices, or tiers, as they say.
I am aiming for more art jewelry in my collection, using artisan beads and focals as the main components. The market, and price point, for that type of jewelry tends to be a little different than fashion jewelry made primarily with mass-produced components.
I still make fashion jewelry using non-artisan components. In fact, I have a new Etsy shop – the Cactus Frog – dedicated to my whimsical fashion jewelry designs created with high quality glass beads (mostly Czech and Swarovski) and mixed metal components.
This Elemental Lizards line will go into my original Etsy shop – Paisley Lizard Designs – where I’m offering my rustic organic artisan jewelry collection made with semi-precious gemstones along with glass, ceramic, polymer clay, and mixed media artisan components.
Each of these Elemental Lizards I’ve shown you today will become the focal of a necklace. There will also be coordinating earrings, and perhaps, bracelets. I might even go wild and throw in some brooches. I also made four focals from the same polymer clay recipes, minus the lizards. For those who like the elements idea but would rather be caught dead than wear a lizard. It’s okay; Paisley understands not all lizards are as adorable as she.
That’s all you get to see from me for Part 2 of the Build a Line Design Challenge. You will have to come back next month to see how I used my focals and beads in finished jewelry designs. Or to find out why four of the lizard focals are shaped like triangles while one is round. And why two of the triangles point up while two point down. (If you know the answers, don’t share them with the class just yet.)
Until then, you can spend a little time visiting the other designers participating in this challenge and treat yourself to more eye candy. You won’t be disappointed. There are themes ranging from flowers to sea life, and from birds to bugs.
The Blog Hop Participants
***NOTE: If you leave a comment in the box below and it doesn’t show up on my blog right away, don’t fret. My spam filtering protocols are just holding on to it pending my approval.
Never thought I would say this (seeing that geckos and lizards scare the bejesus out of me lol) but your line is gorgeous. Loving how you integrated the lizards into your focals. The blue and green are my favorites and I’m loving the white one too. That one looks magical 🙂
Looking forward to seeing your earrings and bracelets! I think that the lizards would make awesome brooches too.
Great job!
I’m so happy you’re making friends with the lizards, Marica. I’m still working out how to make earrings with the lizards as they are on the larger side, but I have some ideas for the brooches.
Tammy, I think you are an amazing jewelry artist, a gifted writer, and any girl who likes lizards is a friend of mine! I adore those little critters! Oh, and one more compliment for you dear lady. You are “sharp as a tack!” Thank you for all of your help throughout the challenge, your meaningful commentary, and for being you. What a pleasure to follow this path with you!
Well, shucks and gosh darnit, Susan. I’m blushing. Thank you so much for those very kind words. I hope we get to meet in person someday. I think we could have great fun. Even more than in our virtual classroom.
Tammy, I think that your muse and mine get together for drinks and snacks. I’ve had a terrible struggle trying to convince mine that “same” is a good thing. She is wild I admit. I do love your lizards and the color schemes you have chosen. You should definitely make some brooches though I would modify that and call them cape clasps or even shawl pins would be a good lower price point item though maybe you would need a smaller lizard.
Thanks, Lee. I think I’m getting the hang of “same in concept” but different enough to keep my muse happy. After all, there’s a nearly endless list of colors to try. And thanks for the suggestion about cape clasps and shawl pins. Hadn’t thought of that angle.
I especially love the white lizard. Such a beautiful shimmer!
Thanks, Michelle. She’s a fancy lizard, for sure.
Yup I so know what you mean. Even knowing you need it doesn’t stop the resistance in our heads does it? Love the color palette and am looking forward to seeing the entire line!
Thanks, Dana. I read somewhere long ago that making a change is similar to grieving. We go through many if not all of the same stages, including denial. Even when it’s a change for the good or one we chose to undertake. I’m getting there.
Love these lizards! They are wonderful!
Thanks, Erin.
Aether for the win! It’s brilliant, Tammy. Well done on all the pieces.
Cheers,
Susan
Thank you , Susan. I wasn’t very impressed with that white one when I made it, but after seeing the reaction in comments here, I’m rethinking my own feelings about it.
I like where you’re headed with this Tammy. You’ve obviously put a lot of thought into the meaning and the design of the elements. Really love the white lizard collection, also loving the focals without the lizards.
Thanks, Louise. I do like doing research and I’ve spent a fair bit of time looking into the meanings and symbolism behind the colors and shapes.
Wonderfully done! While they all appeal to me, I especially love the aether elemental lizard and her beads… Looking forward to reading the next installment!
Thanks so much, Beth. It’s so lovely to get feedback from a polymer clay artist whose work I so admire.
I adore the Aether element lizard and beads.
Thanks, Jeanette. I’m surprised to find you are in the majority on liking that white focal. I may have to reassess my ideas for the rest of the collection.
Adore your blog and your line, especially Aether! You have such a beautiful way with your art and presentation! Throughly enjoyed~ xo
Thank you, Nike. That’s so very nice of you to say.
Your focals are fantastic. Really love the Aether element. Looking forward to seeing more! Ingrid
Thanks so much, Ingrid. Looks like the aether element is ahead by a mile.
You will love the concept of your design with great thought into your jewelry. And using polymer clay in the matching beads is awesome. My favorite is the white is just strikingly beautiful I can’t wait to see these all finished
Thank you, Cindy. I think I need to make more beads before the final reveal. Especially the white ones. 😉
I love where you are going with your line! The white one is my fav!
Thanks so much, Chi. I may have to get busy mixing up more of that white recipe if the responses here are any indication of what the “world” will like.
Great blog post Tammy. You can sure make a lizard look pretty. Especially love the white one.
Thank you, Irene. I think lizards are awesome in general. I just gave them a nice little backdrop.
Lovely blog Tammy and I like the direction your going, still building a line but also being true to yourself….not an easy balance and one I think all artists fight with. xXx Ne
Thanks, Ne. It is a struggle and I’m still working out the details of how I’ll be applying what I’m learning here to the rest of my jewelry designs moving forward. I think color variations will be the key for me.
These are neat. You do some great work. Can’t wait to see the rest.
Thanks so much, Melida, for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment.
My favorite is the Aether lizard. Can’t wait to see the finished jewelry. 🙂 ~Elizabeth
Thanks, Elizabeth. I’m glad I’ve peaked your interest with my focals.
I love Fire Lizard! This line is awesome! ~Melissa
Thanks so much, Melissa. The fire is my favorite too. But don’t tell the other elements; they’ll get jealous and sulk.
I’m not going to lie. I had my doubts about the elemental lizards theme. But, you’ve WOWED me. I’m a total believer, now. Not that you needed my approval! Lol. But these are stunning. You are so talented. I love the colors, the beads, the design, the lizards. The whole thing put together is just spectacular and when you get them all ready and up for sale I believe I would like to buy one. Normally Artists don’t buy other Artists work but you’ve made something I never could and I’m so impressed and in love. So I hope you can forgive me my previous doubts.
Thanks so much, Leila. You’ve made my day. I’m so happy to have made you a convert. LOL.
I think your designs are very art jewelry orient. I have to ask though, the yellow seems too .. well, yellow. I mean from a selling perspective, it’s probably the least likely color to be bought. Yellow as a accent is great, but as a whole piece like that? This isn’t a negative comment, just pointing out the color choice can limit your customer base.
Thanks, Kat. And you are absolutely right about the color yellow. However, I am on a personal crusade to elevate it as more than an accent color. Plus, it is the “official” color for that element. 😉
Great blog, Tammy! Your writing shows your sense of humor and tells your story beautifully. I, too, think you’re very talented and am in awe of your polymer skills. Have to say, your Aether Lizard is my favorite-just so elegant!
Thanks so much, Michaele. All of these compliments will inevitably go to my head. 😉
Great post, Tammy, and love the lizards! This is a super theme that you’ve chosen, and done so very well with. I especially like the white lizard! I can’t wait to see your entire line. 😉
Thanks, Pamela. It’s so lovely to have positive feedback from other artists like you.
I absolutely love your design theme and your colors are so striking and vibrant. I can’t wait to see the end results. XOXO!
Thanks so much, Kristy. I hope you won’t be disappointed by the final reveal. 🙂
I like the aether one best, it is beautiful. Great idea to have a tease/riddle at the end of the post! Can’t wait to find out the answers, you’ve piqued my curiosity!
Thanks, Renee. Even though I assume my classmates will be back for the final reveal, I felt like adding a little “cliffhanger” to the end of my post. 😉
Hi Tammy, I love Love Love your Lizards, and also commend you for making a Lizard free zone!!! LOL The colors are outstanding and I love the over all look. I can’t wait to see how you use them in the final reveal!!! BE Blessed
Thanks so much, Robin. i figured if I were going to be “artistically generous” as Brenda calls it, I needed to provide a safe place for customers who have lizard-phobias. 🙂
great blog Tammy .. love all the beautiful colors .. I’m not a big lizard fan but the colors you selected are over the top beautiful .. Looking forward to seeing a finished piece ..
Thanks, Jann. Maybe by the final reveal the Elemental Lizards will have grown on you and converted you to their side. 😉
I very much appreciate the focals sans lizard. Just sayin’.
Hahaha, Carole. You haven’t seen the backs of them yet. 😉
Love the lizards and the way you are showcasing them. And you have really peaked my interest on the different shapes. Definitely will be back for the next blog for the answers. Love the polymer work especially the white one.
Thank you, Janet. I’m sort of surprised at how popular the white focal is among the comments here. Go figure.
Tammy, I think you are finding a great balance between creating art jewelry and a line. The lizards and elements are brilliant and I can imagine you taking them in many directions. Cohesive but not the same thing over and over. And I’m with the rest of the crowd and love the Aether lizard. Great stuff!!!
Thanks so much, Nadine. I have a notebook full of ideas for other lizard focals. Starting with the seasons and maybe holidays.
Just brilliant Tammy! Found of lizards; we have a albino gecko (Jak). Can’t wait for your reveal!
Thank you, Sandie. I can’t have pet lizards: I don’t think they’d be safe around my cats, for one thing. But they’ve always fascinated me.
I thought I’d like the air lizard the best cuz I love yellow and lime green. Bit the aether lizard just sends me over the moon–I might have to purchase it! What you did with the colors and shapes of clay in the spirit one are absolutely stunning! I can see it with brass, copper, gold, silver, filigree, anything you’d want to put it with and the world will soon be full of peeps wearing your lizards! Dying to see (well, living to see!) how your whole line comes out. Would adore some little lizard earrings to match the pendant! All your lizards are lovely but that aether one did something to my insides and it feels great!!! You must’ve put a bit of your own spirit into it! And I always read your comments in the groups because you have such interesting things to say. Keep talking, and seriously, I do want that lizard if it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and maybe even then. LOL. :):)
Wow, thanks so much, Alexandra. If you still like aether lizard when she’s all incorporated into a necklace, I will be happy to reserve her for you.
Sounds great. Let’s see what it all looks like and the cost when you get to that point! Meanwhile, let’s all lizard!! <3
Tammy, it’s a great post, great idea, too….I love the shimmering pearly lizard.
Thank you, Brenda Sue. I didn’t elaborate on all the great things I’ve learned so far in this class. I hope some of that will come through when my final designs are revealed.
I could NOT have imagined this when you chose the lizards!!! Very cool….looking forward to seeing more!
Thanks, Judy. I hope this partial reveal has been a pleasant surprise. I know it was probably hard to visualize my theme from my original post.
Love your concept -Elemental Lizards- HOW quirky ! Your execution is brill and each one is special in unique way but very obviously belongs to the line as well. Looking forward to seeing your whole line in a month!
Thanks so much, Linzi. I am a little off beat so I guess my jewelry should be too. 😉
Nice blog post, Tammy. You’re polymer clay skills are phenomenal! Looking forward to seeing your final collection.
Thank you so much, MJ. I don’t feel that way when I try to do sculpting, but I guess we’re all our own worst critics.
Tammy–Wow, you are really a talented polymer clay artist and you have really put that talent and your imagination to good use. I also like the aether lizard, but the other colors are great, too. I’m looking forward to have you incorporate them into finished pieces with stampings, filigree, or ???.
Thank you, Lynda. Whatever happens with my line, this class sure is good for my ego. 🙂
Tammy I love, love , love your artwork!!!! Like wow your clay work is just phenomenal!!!! I am so thrilled to be on this great adventure with you!!! I am truly wanting that white flower and that good energy for myself ! Awesome line created by you Tammy. Warm Regards Louise
Thank you so much, Louise. Based on the comments here, I may need to create a line of just white lizards and focals.
The line theme and jewelry are precious. Great branding. What I like most, even me whose not over the moon for lizards could wear your line. Options for your customer I luv it. That white is my favorite and like you the yellow second up! I love that yellow. I love to dress in primarily white for summer and that yellow, just gorgeous. Looking forward to the completed line.
Thank you, Gloria. Yellow is a tough color for some people to like, but as you say, it really pops on summery white clothes.
I am seriously coveting your Aether focal, Tammy! I love it!
Thanks, Amy. I continue to be surprised by how many people prefer the least colorful of the focals. Not at all what I was expecting.
Love your polymer clay designs and you work with it beautifully! Looking forward to seeing your completex pieces
Thank you so much, Cynthia. I hope to see you at the final reveal post. 😀