The beginning of my Build a Line Challenge |
Welcome back to part 2 of my blog about the creative journey
I am taking. I have been facing more than the
Build a Line Challenge in the past 5 weeks which has not made it easy to keep
up with blogging and the creating the way I had hoped. But I am on a better
track now and hope to entice you all to keep with me on this journey of
creating my cohesive line of jewelry, Simply Floral!
Our mentor Brenda Sue Lansdowne has provided us not only guidance but so much insight and wisdom that I feel so lucky to be on this journey. Recently she went into great detail about whether you are a hobbyist, jewelry maker or jewelry designer. I read all of this information and decided that at this time in my life I am a jewelry hobbyist. I may someday go to another level but right now I am in my happy place being who I am. The description is as follows:
"A
hobbyist is someone who enjoys making jewelry for their own use, to share with
friends and relatives as gifts, and maybe sell a bit on the side. They are more interested with exploring their abilities, trying out all the new
trends and taking lots of classes."
"Hobbyists are important in a community of artisans as they provide a great deal of inspiration. A hobbyist is not necessarily a beginner; they could be very advanced in their abilities. A hobbyist may also be well known as an artist. At the same time, they have no need to build a line or concentrate their efforts in any one arena unless it's the 'technique of choice' at the moment."
"Hobbyists are important in a community of artisans as they provide a great deal of inspiration. A hobbyist is not necessarily a beginner; they could be very advanced in their abilities. A hobbyist may also be well known as an artist. At the same time, they have no need to build a line or concentrate their efforts in any one arena unless it's the 'technique of choice' at the moment."
Thank you Brenda for making me feel like I am in a place where I belong and love it. Thank you for this challenge.
B'sue |
So for now I have to focus on completing more pieces for my line. This will help me to start building my pyramid from the bottom up. I will create multi tiers of products and price points for Simply Floral. I am creating some polymer clay elements for my designs in the smaller stages. Here are a few pictures I wanted to share what has been going on in my studio. Of course I always need other interesting components to create my line and other designs. The components can be found at http://www.bsueboutiques.com/
Lots of B'sue Boutiques brass and silverware silverplate components |
Polymer clay leaves and flowers with B'sue Boutiques' brass & silverware silverplate components |
I have posted a few completed pieces for my weekly
challenges of Work Table Wednesday (WTW) and Follow Up Friday (FUF). These are
so fun and needless to say motivating to get some things accomplished. And sometimes there are some little gifts
that B’sue gives out for posting to the group pages and Pinterest pages.You can follow me on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/janetcalardo/
Here is a recent FUF posting. I have now
included some matching earrings and plan on a few other items in the line to be
unveiled on the last Blog Hop in March.
And finally below is the Blog Hop list of the Build A Line
Challenge participants that are the most kind, caring, giving artists that I
have ever met headed by our mentor and friend Brenda Sue Lansdowne of B’sue
Boutiques.
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
Janet
Jan Lea Designs
Brenda Sue Lansdowne
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/
Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me./
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
https://janntague.wordpress.com/
Judy King
Apt To Wander Studio
https://apttowander.wordpress.com/
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
http://magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.co.uk/
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
http://exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
https://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
http://www.dragonzwench.blogspot.com/
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
http://www.beadlovelies.com
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
http://www.vrbrose.wordpress.com
Micheale Collie
The Vintage Gem
http://thevintagegem.blogspot.com
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
http://jewelryalchemy.wordpress.com
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
http://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
http://monica-casady.squarespace.com/blog/
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
http://leilanicoledesigns.blogspot.com/
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
http://leilabeedesigns.wordpress.com
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com/
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog
Lynda O'Mara
Once Upon a Line
http://www.lomaracreative.com/Blog.php
Elizabeth Hildreth
Mad Scientists Designs
http://madscientistsdesigns.blogspot.com
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
http://janleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Design
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com
Lori Beekman
B.Accessorized
https://baccessorized.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
https://reliccharm.wordpress.com/
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
http://amemedesigns.wordpress.com
Robin Reed
Handcrafted Bead Designs
http://artistryhcbd.indiemade.com/
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
http://desiredivinejewels.blogspot.com/
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
http://www.KillamCreative.blogspot.com
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com
Nike Bottalico
Objects and Oddities
http://nikebottalico.com/
Susan Bowerman
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
http://trendyjewelryle.blogspot.com/
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
http://stylizedvintage.blogspot.com
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
http://needfulluxuries.blogspot.com/
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
http://wilywolverine.blogspot.com/
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
http://thejourneyofpensandthings.blogspot.com
Teresa Schurter
TreeZ'S. Treasurs
http://treezstreazurs.com
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
http://smithedup.blogspot.com/
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
http://fineanddandyjewelry.blogspot.com
Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry
http://moondancejewelrymaine.blogspot.com
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
https://parisiennegirldesign.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
http://artistsofallstripes.blogspot.com
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry By Denise
http://jewelrybydenise.wordpress.com
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
http://www.smallstuffdesign.com
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
http://autumndawns.com/
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
http://1996shabbylane.blogspot.com
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
http://mamasansmojo.blogspot.com/
Coral Law
ab:coral design
http://abcoraldesign.blogspot.com
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/
Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me./
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
https://janntague.wordpress.com/
Judy King
Apt To Wander Studio
https://apttowander.wordpress.com/
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
http://magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.co.uk/
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
http://exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
https://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
http://www.dragonzwench.blogspot.com/
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
http://www.beadlovelies.com
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
http://www.vrbrose.wordpress.com
Micheale Collie
The Vintage Gem
http://thevintagegem.blogspot.com
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
http://jewelryalchemy.wordpress.com
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
http://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
http://monica-casady.squarespace.com/blog/
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
http://leilanicoledesigns.blogspot.com/
Cindy Peterson
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
http://leilabeedesigns.wordpress.com
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com/
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog
Lynda O'Mara
Once Upon a Line
http://www.lomaracreative.com/Blog.php
Elizabeth Hildreth
Mad Scientists Designs
http://madscientistsdesigns.blogspot.com
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
http://janleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Design
http://www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com
Lori Beekman
B.Accessorized
https://baccessorized.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
https://reliccharm.wordpress.com/
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
http://amemedesigns.wordpress.com
Robin Reed
Handcrafted Bead Designs
http://artistryhcbd.indiemade.com/
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
http://desiredivinejewels.blogspot.com/
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
http://www.KillamCreative.blogspot.com
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com
Nike Bottalico
Objects and Oddities
http://nikebottalico.com/
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
http://trendyjewelryle.blogspot.com/
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
http://stylizedvintage.blogspot.com
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
http://needfulluxuries.blogspot.com/
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
http://www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
http://wilywolverine.blogspot.com/
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
http://thejourneyofpensandthings.blogspot.com
Teresa Schurter
TreeZ'S. Treasurs
http://treezstreazurs.com
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
http://smithedup.blogspot.com/
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
http://fineanddandyjewelry.blogspot.com
Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry
http://moondancejewelrymaine.blogspot.com
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
https://parisiennegirldesign.wordpress.com/
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
http://artistsofallstripes.blogspot.com
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry By Denise
http://jewelrybydenise.wordpress.com
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
http://www.smallstuffdesign.com
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
http://autumndawns.com/
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
http://1996shabbylane.blogspot.com
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
http://mkpbeadart.blogspot.com
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
http://mamasansmojo.blogspot.com/
Coral Law
ab:coral design
http://abcoraldesign.blogspot.com
Really nice!~Melissa
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa.
DeleteWow Janet! Your line is the epitome of spring. Such gorgeous colors and flowers.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
Thanks Marica. With all the snow we just got today I am ready for Spring.
DeleteSuch beautiful colors!
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin.
DeleteI love your polymer clay flowers, Jan!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Susan
Thanks Susan. Love making them.
DeleteJanet, your clay work is amazing. And the fact that you've been carting your supplies back and forth and can still create work like this is incredible. Well done! See you in class, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan. So many times didn't have what I needed but now I try and plan a little better what I will be working on. I know I will really have to concentrate on make a lot more in the next month.
DeleteYour polymer pieces are so vibrant and lovely. Really liking what you have done so far and looking forward to seeing more. ~Ingrid
ReplyDeleteThanks Ingrid. I appreciate your comments.
DeleteYou know I love your flowers and you're on a roll with this jewelry line of yours totally awesome. I can't wait to see more Janet
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy. I love what you have done as well. It makes me want to really get busy!
DeleteLovely! Your flowers and the colors make me smile and think Spring is coming! Wonderfully done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chiron. It can't come soon enough!
DeleteYour polymer clay flowers and leaves are superb. And you have been combining them so seamlessly with B'sue components. Your line is going to lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy. I appreciate your comments. It means a lot.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deletereally lovely stuff, you are very talented with clay!
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are gorgeous and I'm really looking forward to seeing your beautiful line in its entirety!
ReplyDeleteYour pieces are gorgeous, Janet, and I'm so l looking forward to seeing the rest of your line! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Pamela. It will be so exciting to see everyone's work. Boy it will take a lot longer getting through the blogs. I am only part way through.
DeleteJanet i just love your vibrant designs and your gorgeous polymer flowers. I too love a lot of color and I can't wait to see your whole line. I hope all is well in your world. XOXO!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristy. I love the colors of polymer. It has been a bit of a struggle to get it all done on time but am determined to make it work. So glad we are in this together.
DeleteGreat designs, Janet. You have it more together as a "hobbyist" than some businesses that I have seen. Your little daisies or chammomile flowers are my favorites.
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee for your kind comments. When writing the blog and adding the info B'sue wrote about it was clear. But I would like to do some shows and making more f=effort to sell what I make.
DeleteJanet,, these little "gardens" are so lovely. Love the pink roses especially.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria. I love those too...I think its the color.
DeleteJanet,, these little "gardens" are so lovely. Love the pink roses especially.
ReplyDeleteLove your designs and your polymer work is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Micheale.
DeleteJanet .. I love your finished necklaces and the pictures of your components .. Your color pallet and polymer flowers are beautiful .. Looking forward to March 20th to see more of your jewelry .. Hugs ..
ReplyDeleteThanks Jann. Love doing this with all these wonderful artists. So inspiring. Hugs back to you.
DeleteLove the clay flowers. Very pretty. :-) ~Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth.
DeleteSuch vibrant colors. Your pieces are like summer gardens! Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nadine. I love flowers & gardens.
DeleteLove your polymer clay flowers. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your line.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carole.
DeleteThanks Sandra. Trying hard to keep up.
ReplyDeleteLove your floral designs and your use of polymer clay in them. So pretty. Anxious to see your completed line.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marcia. I am so anxious to see your line too.
DeleteI agree with Nadine, a summer garden
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn. Love doing flowers.
ReplyDeleteJanet your flowers are so lovely, I'd hate to have to pick a favorite. Your organization is marvelous too! Wow, very professional.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun your designs are and make me feel happy! I love your colors and shapes~ Delighted to read you and am so excited to be in this class with you!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and cannot wait for the reveal in March
~nike
Thanks nike i appreciate your comments.Excited right back. It has taken days for this #2 blog so the last one may take a lot longer but I love reading everyone's blog.
DeleteJanet--I really, really love your three necklaces at the top of the blog. Your flowers are wonderful. I admire your skill with them and how you put them together with the other components in your line. I'm really looking forward to seeing your complete line!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynda. I think the hard part was keeping cost down for the components to make them affordable. I still want to do a statement piece yet. Time will tell!
DeleteAbsolutely love your polymer flowers and leaves! Your pieces are so dynamic with the clay and such pretty colors! You may be a "hobbyist" (which was interesting reading on your blog), but you could sell up a storm with these. The earrings are really fun! Looking forward to seeing it all. :):)
ReplyDeleteThanks Alexandra. I copied the info from one of B'sue's post. I did edit it a little about pricing for any customers that might come across this blog. It was in one of the classroom notes I think. Check it out if you did not see the entire post. it was great info.
DeleteThanks Alexandra. I copied the info from one of B'sue's post. I did edit it a little about pricing for any customers that might come across this blog. It was in one of the classroom notes I think. Check it out if you did not see the entire post. it was great info.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYou've GOT IT!!! PC flowers are fab and your work is impeccable!
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy! Your line is one of my favorites by far.
DeleteI am so happy that you are happy!!! LOL You are also a very gifted designer! I love your flowers and your designs!!! Great Job! Be Blessed!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin. I struggled with some of the things others have talked about but thee came that moment when I created something simple that I could work with and hit the price points I wanted to get.
DeleteThese are sooo pretty and you have done a wonderful job. I am so glad you joined us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda. I am so glad that I joined this challenge. I struggled a little in the beginning picking out a line design with the right components and to keep it is a good price point but I am so glad that I was able to achieve this.I am so thrilled to be in a happy place thanks to your descriptions of being a hobbyist, artist and or designer. The hobbyist label fits me now and maybe someday I will go further but I am at complete peace with who I am thanks to you and your wisdom. I will treasure this experience and all I have learned.
DeleteGreat blog and love all the pretty polymer flowers Janet. Can hardly wait to see your finished line.
ReplyDeleteThanks Irene. I can't wait to see your as well. It has taken me longer this time going through the blogs and I am guessing it will be a lot more time in March but what fun!
DeleteI really like your polymer clay components, you are one talented lady! Very pretty colors, can't wait to see your entire collection next month.
ReplyDeleteThanks Monica. I appreciate your comments.
DeleteI am all about those flowers (as you know ! ). great job and looking forward to seeing your whole line in a month ! Linzi x
ReplyDeleteThanks Linzi! I can't wait till I have more time to go back through your book and make some new items.
DeleteI love your vibrant work and your flowers are just amazing!!!! There is just so much beauty in all that you do!!! Your line will be exceptional for sure!!
ReplyDelete~Louise
Thanks Louise. i need to really start producing the rest of the line!
DeleteSuch beautiful work, Janet! Love your colors as well. ~ Catherine S.
ReplyDeleteThanks Catherine. Amazing that everyone's designs are so different.
DeleteIt's really coming along! I love your blog background, btw! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy. All freebies on The Cutest Blog on the Block. I wanted to add some things but have been so busy did not have time to.
Delete