Once I finished the initial prep for my pieces, which was mostly adding patina with my torch and sealing the pieces, it was time to bring out the big guns. I gotta say, power tools are very therapeutic. Torches are, too. And hammers… I like tools. Once the prep steps were finished, things kind of rolled right along for me. I knocked out some earrings, a ring, and I’m about 75% done with my cuff. I still have plenty of work to do, but I feel like I’m heading in the right direction, and it happens to be the path I started on, which is kind of nice. I still feel comfortable with the western boho concept. I haven’t had to totally re-think anything at this point. Granted, that could change at any time, but for now I’m content.
Where I have been putting a lot of my focus, and where I feel I really need the extra time/effort is on creating the whole “package.” I’ve been looking harder at packaging and presentation, which includes my logo, business cards, what I use for shipping, and even displays and photo backgrounds. Trying to figure out what non-jewelry pieces of the puzzle are missing has been interesting and very challenging for me.
I have been learning so much in this challenge. B’Sue Boutiques provides amazing supplies, but so many other things, too. I have had so much fun learning with the BALC participants. We have been helping each other work through some kinks, finding new ways to look at things, supporting each other in so many ways, and soaking in the knowledge that Ms. Brenda has to offer. I am so thankful to be part of this challenge. In the 3rd and final hop, next month, I will show my finished product line. I’m looking at it as a final exam for this class. I just hope I’m really as prepared as I think.
Happy Hopping!
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 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 coraldesign
Thanks for being a vital part of the challenge and all your promotional tweets!
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I’m small potatoes, but I try to help get word out. Thanks for stopping by, Brenda. =)
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Can’t wait to see the rest of your line!
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I should probably get moving on that, huh? haha
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Tools! Love ’em! You’re having some fun, I can see that! Packaging is something I’ve been thinking about also. I’m glad you brought this up. I hope that for the final round, we will be discussing this.
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Yay tools! I love getting so many opinions on topics like packaging.
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I’ve been reevaluating my packaging since the discussion at the FB group. There is so much to think about while we’re building our businesses!
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There are so many areas that need attention, aren’t there? It’s kind of overwhelming. I’m glad we can toss questions/ideas at each other.
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Your wonderful jumbo grin with those power tools tells the whole story! You are content and more! Perfect. Great read. Can’t wait for the next one!
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I was having fun, that’s for sure!
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I love power tools as well, they are the best.
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It’s true. 😉
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Looks like you are having fun with those tools! looking forward to seeing your pieces. ~Ingrid
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I’m a big fan of fun. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Ingrid. =)
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Your big grin says it all Lori 🙂 What a wonderful experience this challenge has been hasn’t it?
Love your work in progress pieces. And that cuff looks like it’s destined for great things 🙂
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Thanks, Marica! It really has been a wonderful experience. So much to learn… Thank goodness for all of y’all going through it too. =)
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Tools!!! 🔨 😀Great post, looking forward to seeing more.
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Thanks!
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I like your work in progress pictures to class I like all the interesting questions you asked in the class.
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I’m nosy… and can’t seem to help it. haha
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Really liked your photo, Lori. Anxious to see some of your finished pieces!!
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Haha Thanks!
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super cool Lori! Awesome post and cannot wait to see your entire line! Way to go~
~nike xo
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Thanks, Nike!
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Yay for tools! and fire 😀 Looks like you’ll have some fun things to show off in your line very soon! Looking forward to seeing it!
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ok, it’s time for hammer quiz!! how many hammers do you own for the jewelry business?
now how often do you use more than 1 or 2 ??
yes, tools are the bomb!
(me: 17, and 2 almost every jewelry session a a small 7 buck hammer I bought when I started to make jewelry, and my raw hide mallet that’s starting to look like a dog chewed it. . not so much on the others, except the one I use to de-pin clock gears– 2lb brass stamping one. love my hammers!)
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Great post, Lori! I don’t do power tools, but admire those who are brave enough to. 😉 I too struggle with the packaging/logo/branding end of the jewelry business, so you’re not alone. Can’t wait to see more of your pieces!
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I agree, smashing metal with a hammer is great fun. And what could be better than using power tools to make jewelry? Playing with fire, of course. I love the theme for you line and look forward to seeing more.
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Be careful with those tools! And stay warm : ) I think it’s great to show behind the scenes work like this, so many people don’t know what goes into handmade things. ~Renee H.
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It’s true! They don’t realize how much time and effort goes into each piece.
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I love seeing your creative process your line is wonderful and I have to admit playing with my dremel was quite fun when I made my soapstone sculptuture. I can’t wait to see the rest of it! XOXO!
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What’s a girl without her power tools! Loved seeing you in process. Looking forward to the final line.
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Love power tools too! Can’t wait to see your line.
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Love your enthusiasm and can’t wait to see some more of your line! A fun read and good photos. This is quite and adventure isn’t it?
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Tools are fun! We have that kind of drill also. Where did you get your anvil? And when can I come over to play? 🙂 ~Elizabeth
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You are smart to be thinking about packaging. It’s all part of the branding.
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Fun photo! Love women using tools!!!
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Thanks!
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Looking forward to what all those tools and your imagination will be creating.
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Thanks for stopping by!
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What a FUN photo! You look like a crazy lady to know. Marvelous that you’re already that far along & that you’re content w/ your work. What a blessing!
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“I love it when a plan comes together!” Have fun with those tools! I’m looking forward to seeing your final reveal.
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Looks like a really fun line that will appeal to a lot of peeps! Fun pix of you going up the Creative Canal with “gun” and camera! LOL (Nat Geo used to have all kinds of articles with titles like that and when I saw your photo, I thought of you going traveling!) :):)
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Looks like a ball!! Looking forward to seeing more finished pieces!!
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Thanks!
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I love the thought of using power tools…but in reality it is pretty scary for me!! LOL Love what I have seen of your line and can’t wait to see more!!! Be Blessed!
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They scared me in the beginning, but once you get started, they are addicting. Thanks for stopping by!
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I am a tool addict, also lol! Looking forward to seeing your collection next month.
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Glad I’m not the only one! Thanks for stopping by. =)
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Looking forward to seeing your line reveal in a month!
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Thanks!
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I also love the tools, it’s half the fun of creating!
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So true!
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