Part 3 of B'Sue Boutiques Build a Line Challenge

As promised, here is my third (and favorite) kitty.  Isn't he beautiful?  Rascal is his name, because he once was one. Actually he is again at 11 years old, but that's a story for another time.  My kids call him my second son.  Moving on...

Welcome to the third installment of the B'Sue Boutiques Build a Line Challenge.  Our hard working, wise, generous, unpaid, and patient teacher is Brenda Sue Lansdowne of B'Sue Boutiques.  I hope you've been following along as I and the other 55 or so members of the group learned the meaning, importance, and implications of building a cohesive jewelry line.  In addition to its primary purpose, the three month "class" has covered branding, the importance of keeping up with fashion and jewelry trends, knowing your target market, blogging, pricing, inventory control and other useful topics.  Brenda has taught us, and searched out/provided valuable information from other sources.  If I was wearing a hat I'd take it off; she's been great.

As for the other members of the group?  I wish we could meet in person; there would be a lot of hugging and laughter.  Everyone has been supportive and encouraging, sharing lessons learned, laughs, successes, failures, and life events.  I'll be sad when the group breaks up.  Good folks!

This last post about the challenge will focus on photos of my finished pieces.  I've got three necklaces, two bracelets, and four pairs of earrings.  I'll post a photo of an unfinished necklace, too.

This last trimester has been the easiest for me because of the aha hour I had in February, which is described in the last post.  This time I've been more kind to myself.  I haven't achieved as much as some in the group, mind you.  My pieces aren't priced yet, and I only finished nine (five were required).  One ambitious soul completed 30!  I learned so much during this challenge, and this is just a jumping off point.  We've all grown as designers and business women.  We'll continue to grow, too.

Each of my pieces has at least one item from B'Sue Boutiques.  I'm not an assemblage designer, but I tried to use as many components from bsueboutiques.com as possible.  I'm not great about labeling where items originate from, so I may not have used as much from B'Sue Boutiques as I think/intend. That's something we learned recently during the challenge; how important Inventory Control is to keeping accurate records, pricing, pieces appropriately, and maintaining sufficient supplies for future sales within a line.

You've seen the first necklace before.  Its long to be layered with one or more of the others.  I may add a few more dangles at the bottom, but I consider it complete.

Notice the elements that the first and second necklaces have in common, including the lovely sea foam green Czech glass beads.  The glass pearl extender is old if not vintage, and the metal has a natural patina that coordinates with the green.  How cool is that?

There are still a few common elements in the third necklace.  I could/should have made this one shorter, to layer above the second necklace.  I'm not sure what I think about this third one.  One good thing is that I used a pretty glass orphan bead (in the middle) that I've had at least four years.  This necklace will be the least expensive in the line.

More common elements are seen in the first bracelet.  I made the bead chain (as also seen in the second necklace), and wound old lace through an antique brass chain.

The second bracelet is more sweet and blingy than my usual design aesthetic, but still coordinates with the rest of the line.  A new item is the off center, sea foam green flowers.  I may make another, simple necklace using those flowers as the focal point.  Now for the earrings:

Any pair of earrings will coordinate with any necklace and/or bracelet.  Voila, a line!  The third pair has gorgeous, vintage glass beads with pink flowers.  That's the only other color I used.  In case you aren't familiar with my work; many of my pieces are monochromatic.  However, a successful jewelry line doesn't need to as as limited in color; as you'll see in the other class members' pieces.  

On the photo above, imagine as the shortest layer a simple necklace (with the sea foam green flowers for a pendant) which I described in concept, but haven't made.  Or each piece can be worn separately, of course.  Below is a shot of the necklace I didn't get completed.  Its a statement piece, but still at the bottom level of the pricing pyramid.  (Sorry its a rather dark photo.  Next I should take a photograph class, maybe.)

And, a shot of my adored son (home for spring break) and my "second son".  They kept me company as I wrote this post.  Doesn't Drew look uncomfortable?  I put the pillow behind his head, boy what a lot of good it did.  Meredith was here for two days this week, but I didn't take photos of her, grrrr. Bad Mommy.  But I digress...

Do yourself a favor; read the blog posts of the other talented members of this terrific group, who are listed below.  And shop the lovelies at B'Sue Boutiques online shop, bsueboutiques.com. High quality jewelry components featuring metal stampings in several finishes, made in America and Lots of free resources.  Thanks for reading!

Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B’sue Boutiques,
Jewelry Making Outside The Box

Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs

Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio

Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales

Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose

Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard

Lynda O’Mara
Lomara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder’s Corner

Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs

Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems

Louise O’Shields
Desire Divine Jewels

Susan Killam
Killam Creative

Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry

Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico

Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks

Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs

Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage

Mitzie Crider  (me!)
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog

Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements

Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board

Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things

Teresa Shurter
TreeZ’s Treasurs

Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up

Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art

Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry

Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl

Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes

Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard
Mama San’s Mojo

Coral Law
ab:coraldesign

Part 2 of B'Sue Build a Line Challenge

Blog Post 2 / Cat 2 (Tigger)

Hello there!  This is my second blog post for the B'Sue Build a Line Challenge.  The third/last post and blog hop will be on 3/20/2015. The photo is of Tigger, who is technically my daughter's cat.  But he prefers me so here he lives.  A moody and crochety man, he is nonetheless very affectionate (when in the mood) and my second favorite of our three kittehs.

I've been working on pieces for this challenge almost every week night after work, and almost every weekend day.  I work slowly and life happens.  Here is me working hard, looking old.  Messy, I know.

I've completed two necklaces and two pair of earrings. There's another, simple necklace waiting to be constructed, and two bracelets to finish.  If I had time I'd make another pair of earrings and one more necklace.  I absolutely adore this color, opally greenish aqua (what IS the real name?).  Here is a shot of the earrings (not a good photo, sorry), the focal for a necklace that probably won't get finished by the last blog hop, (bottom left) and some of the common components I'm using . Keys, crosses, and birds; three of my favorites.  Also fiber and buttons.

The main work in this challenge has been mental.  I do not replicate pieces; therefore, there are no economies of scale and my pieces (theoretically) cost more.  With the exception of earrings my pieces aren't simple or quick to make.  They're not bottom of the pyramid.  In the past I've made lots of necklaces that average $20-$30, but they don't sell well.  What I sell best are pieces that are obviously one of a kind and handmade, time consuming and thoughtful.  They often tell a story.  That suits me fine, since that's what I prefer to make.  I typically have undercharged for those pieces, but that's my problem and is being corrected this year.  One of the things I'm doing in 2015 is focus on better show venues, and I plan to expand/improve my online presence.  I do sell a lot of $10-$20 earrings at shows, btw. Bread and butter, as Brenda Sue says.

I've felt like a round peg trying to fit into a square hole during this challenge in terms of (1) price, and (2) ability to replicate pieces.  I had an AHA hour a week ago Saturday, when I realized that what I do is OK.  Its what makes me happy and what sells.  I made a list of my favorite jewelry designers, and they all make one of a kind pieces that are in a higher price range. Some support themselves that way, not all.  Fortunately, I don't depend on jewelry sales to support the 3.5 of us (or we'd starve.)  I wish I could, by selling what I want to make rather than simplifying my designs.  Maybe someday, way down the line.  My favorite designers have been at this a lot longer than me; I have a lot to learn and do.  Brenda Sue has done a good job of stressing that lower prices don't mean lower quality.  I think we're all still noodling on that.

Those who buy from me repeatedly are repeat customers because my pieces are one of a kind.  No idea why I struggled with the square peg thing. I went into this challenge knowing these differences existed, but Brenda Sue let me join, anyway. I'm grateful because I've learned a lot.

Posted on my desk; business or art?

I also struggled with the definition of Hobbyist.  I sell at shows, I do commission work, I have deadlines and I stress about my little business,so I'm a semi-pro, right?  I realized that based on Brenda Sue's definition I AM a Hobbyist, and that's Ok.  (I'm also a part-time designer.)  I don't do this for a living.  I do take classes (being a relative newbie and passionate about learning).  I Do pay attention to style and color trends.  I don't make trendy jewelry; many of my pieces are vintage inspired, but I'm influenced by trends and colors.  To my mind that's just being professional.

Sorry this is so long.  A year ago I resisted the idea of building a line.  Eventually I realized that it makes sense on a professional level, then read that show judges like lines in jury shots.  So I enrolled in this challenge to develop discipline, and learned a wonderful thing. Focusing on a line is Freeing and Inspiring!  Too many times I've gotten bogged down by too many choices (design-wise and in components.)  Limiting the choice of components (by using some common components) has simplified the design process, increasing my creativity.  The surprising thing is that I'm not bored.  (Typically before I finish constructing a piece my mind has designed at least four others.)  Maybe I'm still engaged because there's lots of individuality in each line piece.  Having said that, I am also working on a line of boho bracelets (which I Adore) and a line of Marsala colored jewelry.  At the same time as this challenge, cuz I'm dumb that way.

Here are the two necklaces I've completed.  I hope to finish one bottom of the pyramid piece.  Would love to complete the one with dangles hanging from the key (photographed above), too.  Its going to be painful to sell these pieces, because they've been part of this terrific experience. Thank you, B'Sue!

Thanks for hanging out and reading.  Don't forget to check out the other participants in the challenge.  Everyone has worked really hard (and not every post is this long.)  There is so much talent in this group!  Its SO worth your time!

Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques

Jewelry Making Outside the Box

Marcia Tuzzolino

Aurora Designs
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative
Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs
Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
Coral Law
ab:coraldesign

Build a Line Challenge from B'Sue Boutiques, Mitzie Crider of Needful Luxuries, Part One

The handsome young man above is Ivan the Terrible, #3 in my list of favorite four legged house buddies.  That fuzzy afghan in the background reminds me of something I want to tell you...

I'm Mitzie Crider of Needful Luxuries.  Its odd to write that since this isn't a new blog, but of course its new to some readers, especially the other participants in the Build a Line Challenge from B'Sue Boutiques.  Welcome, y'all! (I'm from Texas)

The challenge is a master class that will last three months.  There are 56 participants from different countries, with different levels of experience and different styles.  The variety is exciting; so much to share with and gain from one another!  Each person is creating a cohesive line of jewelry in his/her own style.  We've already learned a lot, from each other and from Brenda Sue Lansdowne, who is graciously teaching the class.  At the end of the challenge (aka "project"), we will reveal a complete line of jewelry with at least five pieces.  This is Part One of three blog hops in the Build a Line Challenge.

I have a full-time job so there is limited time to design and make jewelry (too bad its about all I ever want to do.)  I've got a husband and three cats.  I started designing jewelry about four years ago for a distraction when my youngest went off to college, and because I Love jewelry but can't buy it all.

My design style is to one of a kind pieces that use vintage jewelry and/or found objects combined with modern supplies.  I enjoy repurposing heirloom (not necessarily expensive) jewelry into meaningful, wearable art.  I joined the challenge to learn discipline.  Knowing how to create a cohesive jewelry line should increase sales, improve my time management skills, assist with the eternal question "What do I price this?" and increase the potential for wholesale accounts.  

Here are a few shots of previous work.

I don't have a theme for this challenge, and my pieces will still be one of a kind.  They won't be able to be duplicated, because I use old/found components and because uniqueness is part of my brand.  However, they will be cohesive.  I will make a long necklace with some of my typical bells and whistles, a shorter and simpler necklace, a bracelet, and two pair of earrings.  I'll make more if there's time, but considering the speed at which I work there probably won't be!  I'm using antique silver and bronze, a beautiful sea green blue that I don't have enough of, off white, and some trademark components.  Nothing is finished yet.  And that's ok (she told herself repeatedly.)

Here is a shot of the left side of my work table, piled high with unfinished work.  The magazine is for inspiration (not copying) and the top bead board is covered with the start of the shorter necklace.  This photo is hard to share, like posting a pic of me without make up!  Not showing the right side, oh no.

The photo below shows the color I'm using.  I wish I had more beads that color; I'm in love with it and need them for the challenge!

The next shot is the bead board for the longer necklace with potential components, and piled high with bags of goodies from B'Sue Boutiques.  Those came a couple of days ago. Now its time to get going and have some fun!  (Designing is the best part by far.)

The photo below shows my first draft of the long necklace.  Its hard to show this, too!  Under the old glass pearls hides a strand of rhinestone chain; envision them side by side.  Dangles will hang from the old brass piece, which I think is part of a buckle.  The piece is unbalanced and could use more color.  I need to look at it upside down.  I'm looking forward to B'Sue's critique, but nervous, too.  The last time I took an online course, the farther along we got, the less good the teacher had to say about my work!

I've been struggling with this project.  I typically over-think designs; which reportedly stems from inexperience.  In trying to keep the price point at or below $50 I've worked on the first necklace so long that I've raised the cost above what it should be.  Stop over-thinking my designs; can that be taught?!  If so, can I learn it?!  To find out, come back and see my progress in Part 2 of the blog hop on February 20th.  Cat #2 will be introduced and he's a sweety, so you don't want to miss it.  The last blog hop is on March 20th when the completed, cohesive jewelry line (and favorite cat) will be revealed.

You Must check out the Part 1 blogs of the other challenge participants. There's an incredible amount of talent represented in the names below.  Grab your beverage and pet of choice, settle back, and check them out.  You'll be so glad you did!

Challenge sponsored by:

Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques

Jewelry Making Outside the Box

Marcia Tuzzolino

Aurora Designs

Jann Tague

Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King

Apt to Wander Studio

Linzi Alford

Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales

Cynthia Wainscott

Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson

Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten

Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit

Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck

VRBrose

Michaele Collie

The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig

Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman

Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre

Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady

MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West

Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson

Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher

Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen

Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger

Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams

Paisley Lizard

Lynda O'Mara

LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth

MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey

Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo

Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark

Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman

B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger

Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen

Hoarder's Corner

Robin Reed

Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs

Ingrid Anderson

Lilis Gems

Louise O'Shields

Desire Divine Jewels

Susan Killam

Killam Creative

Mary Katherine Deis

The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry

Nike Bottalico

Nike Bottalico

Susan Bowerman

Woodside Wireworks

Kristy Le

Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs

Jan Peters

Stylized Vintage

Gina Hockett

Freestyle Elements

Linda Anderson

From the Bead Board

Alexandra Sefton

Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

Melida Boman

The Journey of Pens and Things

Teresa Shurter

TreeZ's Treasurs

Melissa Latimer

Smithed Up

Renee Hong

Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art

Nadine Edris

Moondance Jewelry

Lori Meyer

Parisienne Girl

Jennifer Merrill Williams

Artists of All Stripes

Denise Lussier Poirier

Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen

Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams

Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens

1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller

Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard

Mama San's Mojo

Coral Law

ab:coraldesign