Welcome to the third and final blog hop for the B’sue Boutiques Build a Line design challenge. My classmates and I are revealing the jewelry lines we set out to design, and sharing some things we’ve learned along the way, from each other, and from our instructor, Brenda Sue (aka B’sue) Lansdowne of B’sue Boutiques.
If you recall from Part 1 of my posts about this journey, I set out to create a line of “Elemental Lizards” with one necklace for each of the five elements. In Part 2, I showed you the mixed media pendant focals and accent beads I had created, but no finished jewelry designs. (I was saving them for today.)
Today in Part 3, I am unveiling (ta-da!) the final necklaces incorporating those focals and beads, as well as a few other pieces I cooked up to go with the theme. And I’m summarizing some things I learned along the way.
About the Jewelry
The jewelry I designed for this challenge is of the mixed-media genre, incorporating metal, pigments, paints, and polymer clay. The style is a fusion of rustic and whimsical, or rustic whimsy. Or rather, that was my initial plan. As you’ll see, some of the deigns turned out far too sparkly to be considered rustic.
These are statement necklaces: although not over-the-top large or elaborate, they are not minimalist. It is my hope they will appeal to lovers of lizards and nature, followers of astrology, students of alchemy, magic practitioners, feng shui enthusiasts, and collectors of art jewelry.
The five Elemental Lizard necklaces created for this challenge.
The Cohesive Elements
A jewelry line needs common elements to make it look cohesive. Every piece in the line need not include every element, but there should be commonalities to tie the line together. A line also needs some variety, but the variations should not detract from the common elements. These are the features that connect the pieces of my line, and how I have varied them to provide options for my customers.
Lizards. Each of the five primary necklaces includes a lizard in the focal. The lizards are brass stampings from B’sue Boutiques that I colorized to match the elements. I also created a “lizard-free zone” of focals with the same backgrounds, minus the lizards. The earrings and smaller pieces do not include lizards because the brass stampings were only available in one size. However, I might incorporate some into bracelet bars in the near future.
For the Fire Element I created examples of an Elemental Lizard focal necklace, coordinating earrings, and a lizard-free brooch that converts to a pendant. This set uses gunmetal finish for the chain and findings.
The decision to create a “lizard-free zone” as some of my classmates have called the focals sans lizard, came after my initial proposal for the “Elemental Lizards” line. (I hear lizards scare the bejesus out of some people.) So, I may change the name of the line to simply “Elementals.” Which also leaves me room to make elemental frogs, elemental cats, elemental dragonflies, etc. as sub-lines.
Color: There are five color palettes to choose from in this line. There are the three primary colors for the focals and coordinating beads: red, yellow, and blue. There is also one secondary color: green. And there is a neutral: white. In addition, I used oxidized copper, oxidized silver, and gunmetal finish chain and wire, depending on the color of the focal.
For the Earth Element I designed examples of an Elemental Lizard focal necklace, a lizard-free focal necklace, and coordinating earrings. This set uses copper and antique copper finish chain and findings.
Shapes. Each of the focals are based on a geometric shape: either triangle or circle. (I’ll tell you why in a minute.) The overall design of each necklace is symmetrical. The earrings and smaller pieces do not carry the geometric shapes of the focals, but they are symmetrical.
For the Air Element I have examples of an Elemental Lizard focal necklace, a lizard-free focal necklace, and coordinating earrings. This set uses silver-plated chain and findings.
Accent beads. I created accent beads to coordinate with each focal, all using the same swirled cane pattern. In the end, I did not like the look of them for the Fire Lizard, so I went back to plan A for that one and used my “molten” polymer clay beads, which coordinate with the background of that focal.
To fill out the necklace, bracelet, and earring designs in an economical way, I also used Czech glass beads in the colors of the elements. Some ended up being too sparkly for the rustic look I had in mind.
For the Water Element I have examples of an Elemental Lizard focal necklace, a lizard-free focal necklace, several coordinating earring styles, and a bracelet. This set uses silver-plated chain and findings.
After I re-made the Fire Lizard necklace using lava rock beads in lieu of the sparkly Czech glass, I liked it much better. I think I can live with the sparkle for the Aether Lizard, which also uses Swarovski glass pearls. I might even be okay with the Earth Lizard and the lizard-free Water Element. I am definitely going to make/buy different beads for the Air Lizard and Water Lizard though.
For the Aether Element I have examples of an Elemental Lizard focal necklace, a lizard-free brooch that converts to a pendant, a bracelet, and several coordinating earring designs. This set uses silver-plated chain and findings.
Chain. Each of the necklaces uses the same style of “bead and link connector” chain from B’sue Boutiques for the back half of the design. Some necklaces use the chain for the front neckline, with wire-wrapped bead connectors. I added some twisted jump rings at intervals along the chain back to make the necklace lengths adjustable (from 18 to 21 inches).
The Pyramid
A line needs to be priced according to a pyramid, with at least three price points. There’s the bottom (least expensive) tier, presumably from where the highest volume of “impulse priced” sales would come. The middle tier has more expensive pieces, often because they are larger or more elaborate in design. And the top (most expensive tier) would have “kitchen sink” statement pieces and custom (one of a kind) designs. This is how my line fits into a price pyramid.
Bottom tier: The price range for the earrings, brooches, and bracelets in this line is $25-$65.
Middle tier: The price range for the pendant necklaces in this line is $65-$135.
Upper tier: I don’t have any upper tier pieces for this line yet. The five necklaces I set out to create are the basis for the line. They can be made more elaborate, with more artisan beads, larger focals, etc.
The Symbolism
Have you been wondering why I used those saturated primary and secondary colors? Or why I chose geometric shapes for the focals? Maybe you wondered why all the triangles don’t point the same direction or one focal is round?
The answers are simple. These are the colors and shapes that have historically (dating back to ancient Greece and the philosophers Plato and Aristotle) been used to represent the classical alchemy elements of earth, air, fire, water, and aether.
I’ll note that in some cultures or systems, the colors are black, white, red, and yellow. And in others, the same five colors I’ve used are matched to different elements. For example, earth is yellow, and air is green. Or the elements are called earth, fire, wood, metal, and water. Or there are seven elements, not five. And so on.
The Fire Element is traditionally represented by a triangle with one point up, and the colors red or orange.
The Earth Element is traditionally represented by an inverted triangle (one point down) intersected by a horizontal line, and the colors green, brown, and black.
The Air Element is traditionally represented by a triangle with one point up and intersected by a horizontal line, and the colors yellow, white or sky blue.
The Water Element is traditionally represented by an inverted triangle (one point down), and the colors blue, light gray, silver, and sea green.
The Aether Element, also known as Spirit or the Void, is traditionally represented by a circle, and the colors white and gold.
Class Dismissed
That’s it for my class project. I’d love your feedback on my designs. Which element speaks to you? Which necklace or earring design do you prefer? What other animals should be next?
Brenda suggested we include photos of the backs of our pieces. This is an example of the convertible brooch-pendant finding I’m using. And it shows how I’ve “signed” each of my pieces by stamping my business name on the backs of the focal.
Some of you may be asking, where is the paisley lizard necklace for this line? Well, there is indeed a Purple Paisley Lizard necklace. In my sketch book. It will be a larger statement piece, using one of the crescent style necklace blanks from B’sue Boutiques. It will probably fall in the top price tier. And you will have to check back here later to see what it look likes after I find time to complete it. So be sure to follow my blog or become a fan on Facebook so you won’t miss the debut.
Until then, treat yourself to some eye candy and visit the blogs of my classmates, who are revealing their lines in all their gleaming glitter glory. Many thanks to our instructor, B’sue, for accepting me into this class and putting up with my antics. And thanks also to my classmates, who have supported and entertained me along the way. I hope to see you all at the reunion. 😉
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.
Beautiful, Beautiful post and Jewelry. My favorite is Aether. Just stunning and Elegant.
Thank you so much, Gloria.
Tammy, this is a wonderful presentation! You have done such a great job with your line. You are so organized! I love the way you presented the meaning of the colors and alchemy signs for the uninitiated! That is so cool! Though I am a fire sign (Aries), I am drawn to the Aether element pieces. I’m not sure why. I usually go for jewel tones and earthy colors. This just looks so otherworldly to me. Great job!
Thank you, Lee. I’m an Aries too – small world, right?
I’m so happy you liked the way I presented the symbolism. I didn’t want to overwhelm people who are new to the concepts, but wanted to give a little overview.
You are not alone in being drawn to the Aether Lizard. She’s quite popular.
Tammy everything looks great! so professional. You are so talented, can’t wait to see more from you. I totally love how you used your lizards, they are so cool. I love the vibrant colors you used, you should have no problem selling these. 🙂
Thank you so much, Belinda. I hope you’re right about these pieces selling. 🙂
Tammy what a great blog! You had so much interesting information and really cool jewelry! So unique! I lean towards the Aether Element. Love the white and pearl…so calming. Love it!
Thank you, Janet. I had about 5 times as much detail in my initial draft. But I didn’t want my post to put anyone to sleep. I like the way you described the aether element as calming. I think that’s why so many are drawn to it on a subconscious level.
Great blog post Tammy and a wonderful introduction to your line.
Loved reading all about the symbolism behind your line. I think that’s a great idea to name your line solely”Elementals” … it will give you space to broaden your reach without losing your cohesiveness. You know that lizards scare the bejesus out of me lol but I love your designs! Frog, cat and dragonfly jewelry is very popular so I think that it would be a wise move.
Great photos too!
Marica xx
P.S.
The Aether piece is growing on me. There’s something about it that I love but can’t figure out what it is lol It’s really beautiful.
Thank you, Marica. It’s been so wonderful to interact with you in class. You make me smile every day. And I hope these designs have served as good will ambassadors between you and lizards in general. 😉
As long as they are (firmly) attached to a focal, I believe that there’s lots of goodwill between us LOL
great work and enjoyed the information on each element. Each piece beautiful structure and color
Thank you so much, Bev. Glad you enjoyed the info about the different elements.
Your line is amazing, distinctive, and striking.
Thanks so much. 🙂
I still love the Aether piece–it makes me smile every time I look at it! Tammy I have so enjoyed reading your blogs and being in class with you. I hope to have the pleasure again and soon. You contributed much, made a beautiful line, and shared quite a bit with those of us struggling with technical issues. Thanks for everything and I wish you much success with your line.
Thank you, Susan. It’s been my pleasure to share the little bits of tech info I’ve accumulated along the way. And to get to know you and the rest of the class. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you in the Creative Group.
A perfectly crafted post with all the best details, great photos and a clear view of what you want to do, streamlined, true to who you are as an artist. Thank you so much, Tammy, for being such a vital part of our class and for all your participation, I can barely remember a day that you were not present and part of the conversation. I know the class was a lot of work, but I think we all took away new things learned that we would have learned no other way. It’s been a great experience. We have a few weeks to go with sum up and then we’ll leave the core group page open for my first class members who want to come back and network.
Thank you so much, Brenda, for accepting me into the class. It was a wonderful learning experience and I have take-aways that will help keep me focused on developing a cohesive style for my collection. I only hope I can maintain the focus outside the discipline of the class and the deadlines. 😉
Well I messed up again on entering my reply I think it ended up underneath your micro the dragonfly which are really cute. But my response is for your blog of your file jewelry line. Darn these eyes sometimes they tricked me into what I’m reading what I’m seeing. I liked all the info you put in this blog though very intriguing and interesting and well thought out. My favorites are still the yellow and the white necklace sets thank you for sharing all your social media skills I have learned a lot from you
***[comment moved to correct post]My favorites are the yellow and the white as I can see the patterns of the polymer clay a lot better. I want to thank you personally for all of the insights and sharing you have done with social media it is helped me with my skills. That is what is been so great about this experience is other artists helping each other. Looking forward to seeing more of your jewelry line
Thank you, Cindy. It’s been wonderful and I’m so happy I was able to help here and there. And thanks for showing some love for the yellow Air Lizard. She was feeling pretty left out.
This is a very well thought out design line.
Thanks, Sue. Now I only need to keep up the momentum from the class.
Love the yellow and blue sets they are so bright and so much fun! Great job!
Thank you, Erin. That’s at least two votes for something other than the aether pieces. 🙂
Such a cool concept. It came together very nicely. I can’t wait to see the big mama purple paisley. And see you at the reunion. 😉 haha
Thank you, Lori. I hope to get the purple piece done in the next week or so, and then debut it in my blog post about all the things I learned from the class.
WOW, so much work and such lovely colour combinations. You deserve for these to sell like mad
Thanks so much, Lynn. I hope you’re right about the sales.
So unusual and pretty. I love the chameleon effect of these pieces with the lizards. Also loved how you tied your pieces to symbolism that will definitely appeal to many. Such a privilege to work with you and the other artists during this challenge. Good luck to you.
Thank you, Maria. I’m so glad you like the chameleon effect. I know lots of folks would have made the lizards stand out more, but I went a different direction. And it was a pleasure to be in class with you too. Good luck to us all.
Spectacular post! It’s informative, easy to read, fun and full of eye candy! I love your Elementals and had a good laugh at your lizard- free zone! I really like the molten look for the fire element but being a Pisces I’m always a sucker for the blues. There is so much to like about your whole concept and each piece!
I’m so glad to get to know you a bit in this adventure. You’ve contributed a lot to the group and to me personally. When we were just getting started and I was freaking out about setting up my blog you were so helpful and knowledgeable. I really appreciated that! Hope that we keep crossing paths.
Thanks so much, Nadine. It’s so nice to hear that someone besides me likes the molten lava effect. That’s the finish I’m most proud of making. And I’m glad you like the water for your sign too. 🙂 It was great to be part of the group, and to be able to help here and there. I’m sure I’ll see you around the Creative Group once class is over.
You have created a wonderful line! I love that you explained the elements and each piece perfectly represented your idea. Just WOW, congrats on a great designed line!
Thank you, Chi. I’m glad you liked the info about the symbolism behind the designs.
these are fabulous Tammy! I really like how you lay out the meanings of the shapes and colors of the elements. Great job!
i liked Aether the best. I think a turtle or seahorse would look good in the water one.
Thanks, Debbie. You’re right about the seahorse or turtle. Maybe I should do a set where the animal is one that “belongs” in that element.
It was so very interesting to see your entire design process come together as the final line. All your pieces look delightful but my favourite is aether; I find it so very classy. As someone who has been making collections and lines for many years now, I would like to add a point; if you want your line to be profitable then the mid range and high range pieces must be more and dont release all your low end pieces at once. you should keep them around a while to bait customers who are reluctant to spend on your high end pieces
Thanks so much, Divya. And thanks for the marketing tips.
Wonderful post, Tammy …. very informative, and great photos of your pieces. Your line is unique and well-done, and you’ll go far with it! It’s been a fun time being in the class with you! <3
Thank you, Pamela. Same here.
A wonderful post and fantastic line. Love the individuality of each element yet it is cohesive. Very informative. Thank you for all of the info you provided throughout this class! Very unique pieces and I am sure they will appeal to more people than you think! Ingrid
Thanks so much, Ingrid. I hope you’re right about the appeal.
These are some classy lizards, Tammy! Including the background info and research about each design adds to their collectibility (I just made up that word!) The water lizard focal almost looks holographic to me, your clay designs are very skillfully done. The lava looks real, and combining it with gunmetal is a great idea. Your presentation is beautiful. Great job on your line!!
Thank you, Renee. I’ll have to be sure the include the background information with them in my online shop. It seems like it might be an important marketing tidbit.
Tammy .. Your jewelry designing is wonderful .. My favorite is your white set, it is so beautiful .. This class was wonderful, watching everyone grow and design, I learned lot’s from you and I appricate your talents .. Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful jewelry .. Jann 🙂
Thanks, Jann. Very kind of you.
I love your artistic work! I have loved being in class with you as you are so giving and helpful!! I am a Virgo but my favs are the Blue and White! I love how you presented all the information and such an excellent blog! Such a privilege to be in a class with you! Wishing you the best!!!
xo
Thanks so much, Nike. It was lovely how everyone in the class helped each other with different things. Best wishes for you too.
Tammy I must commend you on your blog post…outstanding!! Your line is unique, your color choices are great and your blog very informative. A great line and a great post. Fantastic!!
Thank you, Irene, for that lovely comment. I feel as if I just got an A+ on a class project. 🙂
Lots of thought behind your design line Tammy, and lots of work as well! I hope you keep us all up to date on how your line does, it’s sure to have a market!
Thanks, Jann. I will definitely share updates in the alumni group. 🙂
I like that you added a non-lizard aspect, I think it allows your color and blending skills to shine. Which they do 🙂
I love the idea of expanding, frogs and dragonflies – together or separate I think would do very well. Congrats on a well thought out and researched line. I’m looking forward to seeing where you go with this. You already know it will sell 🙂
Thank you, Dana. I especially appreciate the compliment on my color skills.
I am in love with your Aether Lizard collection.
Thanks, Jeanette. That one does seem to be the most popular among my classmates. Maybe I should make a whole collection out of just that set?
Tammy–Your line and your blog are so well thought out. I love the symbolism and how you showed it beside each piece. Very well done. While I’m a triple fire sign, I also love the aether the best and identify with the characteristics it represents. Great job! Congratulations!
Thanks so much, Lynda. I’m a fire sign myself. I can see why aether could appeal to everyone though. It’s sort of the universal spark.
Tammy what an amazingly beautiful line you have created I love each and everyone. I’m a Gemini and your spot on with the color and I’m an air sign as well. I wish i had half of your stellar organization skills, your so talented and I’m glad to have had this journey with you.
Thanks, Kristy Le. That’s very sweet of you to say.
Tammy,
First, I want to thank you for sharing all your knowledge and expertise on so many topics of discussion in our group. Second, your blog post is awesome, and very informative. I just found out that I am a summer, (my least favorite season here in SoCal! Lol). I really like how well thought out all your creations are, and how pretty that Aether set is! Love the brooch. It was a pleasure getting to know you and taking the class with you. Looking forward to your purple paisley lizard creation and to the alumni reunion.
Thank you, Marcia. Summer is my least favorite season here in the mid-Atlantic. I might enjoy it slightly more on the west coast where it’s not so humid. It was a pleasure to be part of the class with you too.
Tammy your colors, design and symbolism all demonstrate a well planned cohesive line. You put so much thought and creativity behind each element. I love how you have presented it all in your blog.
Thank you so much, Fran. I truly appreciate your kind words.
Your Elementals or Elemental Lizards line is remarkable. I appreciate your explanation of each element. It’s been a pleasure taking this challenge with you!
Cheers,
Susan
Thank you, Susan. It was a pleasure to get to interact with lovely talented people like you.
Tammy, Tammy, Tammy Oh my goodness you blew this challenge away!!!!!!!!! Ohhh so much spirit filled detail to your entire jewelry line my word Tammy your clients will be gifted with spirit energy wow!!! OK now I see clearly for sure! What an awesome line you have created. Each one of your pieces are just outstanding. The colors are radiant, the concept is brilliant and the clay beads at the end of the necklaces is just classy nice!!! Wait a minute it’s a slide show too when you click on to see the photos!! Hey when I grow up as a better artist I will be taking my tips from you Tammy. Your clay work , mixed along in additional elements with beads is just awesome!! Thank you deeply for all of your support and I am so thrilled for the gifts of you! ~Louise
Aw, shucks, Louise. Thank you so much for the very kind words.
your line is really fab… I predict you will go far far far. I can’t believe how many talented clay artists there are in the this group, and you are fit company!
Thanks, Kat. I hope your prediction comes true. For us all.
Tammy, I love little lizards and you’ve made these guys really appealing. Thank you so much for all your help and endless patience with the multitude of questions that I’ve had. Your illustrations and charts as well as comment threads that have arisen in this class have helped me immensely! Thank You!
Thanks so much, Teresa. It was my pleasure to help out here and there.
Thank you so much for your input in the group. You have such a clear mind about your line and target market. That’s very important for a jewelry designer and I can say you are. Thanks for sharing the meaning of each element. It’s very interesting. So glad to be with you in this journey.
Thank you, Coral. I appreciate the title of designer. I feel like I know so much more about where I want to go, and how to get there, since taking this journey with you all.
Tammy let me first say , you were so much fun and so very interesting and helpful in this challenge!!! It is an honor to be in the same challenge!!! Now on to your AMAZING line!!! This is so cool and interesting and informative and fun!!! You did a fab job with the clay and colors! I am in awe!!! Be Blessed!
Thanks so much, Robin. Your kind words mean a lot.
Tammy, you have a stunning line. My favorite is Water, because I just love the blues and I’m one of those people whose happiest on or in the water. Your polymer skills are spectacular. Thanks for always sharing so generously of your many talents in the class. I’ve learned so much from you and am grateful for the time we’ve spent on this journey.
Thank you, Michaele. All these compliments about my polymer skills are really going to my head. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to take this journey with you all as well.
I have been meaning to read this for… (umm, weeks?) not sure when I first saw it on Facebook, but it’s been in my tabs for a long time (I always force quit my browser so my unread tabs are restored when opened). Anyway, Wow! These pieces are wonderfully conceived. What a great line! I love them with and sans lizards! And I love the air element too, which says a lot since I’m not really a yellow person. 😉 The swirls with the white just work so well and the shapes you’ve chosen are so attractive. Really well done, everything!
Thank you so much, Beth. Getting compliments on my clay work from an artist like you is truly special. And I’m glad my personal crusade to bring more attractive yellow jewelry to the world is making some progress.
Thank you for sharing in our Challenge Facebook group, I learned so much from your input. All of your pieces are so nice, but the aether is my favorite, absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, MJ. I think I learned a little bit from everyone too.
So Tammy, you know from my comments on your 2nd blog that I went stark raving mad over Aether! Still there in the raving zone–LOL! But I’m really appreciating the blue and green and yellow lizards now. Even tho I’m a Sag, those are my faves. You definitely have a way with polymer! When I was looking for this I noticed a photo of polymer dragonfly eyes that are so lovely! Anyway, I’m delighted to see the earrings and chains and all that you’ve added to your line. And a purple lizard–I already thought I was in heaven!!! And then you mentioned you could do other elementals: frogs, turtles, butterflies, cats–thriliing! Can’t wait to see your further creations. And I always love to read your comments in our group–you’re a fund of info! So let me know when you price the Aether series. I see what Brenda meant because I caught myself thinking, well if the necklace is more than I can do, I could at least get the earrings. Hahaha! What I’d REALLY like is a filigree cuff with the round aether on it!!! (Because unlike a necklace, I could sit and look at it all the time and kinda meditate on it!) Have you eve wanted to make one of those? :):):)
Wow, thank you so much, Alexandra. Having another jewelry artist interested in owning one of my designs is the highest honor. I will definitely consider making a cuff …as soon as I get the hang of working with B’sue filigree. When I get these pieces ready for sale, you’ll be the first to know.