Jewelry Design Inspiration

The inspiration behind the jewelry I create emerges in several ways.  A topic may spark an extensive drawing session.  This leaves me with ideas to make immediately, or alternatively, can give me more to build on.  Other concepts come about by playing with materials.  This is my favorite way to create.  Trying new and unexpected ideas with materials is fun.  I gain knowledge by doing this and improve my skills, even if the attempts are not successful.

Let me dissect the design process behind this pair of earrings I recently finished.  The inspiration came from one of my tools. 

I love the style of these dividers.  I bought the tool new, but it feels like an item that could have been used 60 years ago.  They appear sturdy and industrial.  I like the angles of the legs.  As a fan of texture, I appreciate the bumpiness of the buttons and handle.  Everything about them is very functional.

Considerable amounts of thought and sketching brought about this creation.

I created two buttons from precious metal clay and added texture to the sides.  Next, I balled the end of sterling silver wire to represent the knob from the dividers.  

The vintage copper bead corresponds to the thickness along side the divider's button.  I liked the appearance of the copper under rather than over the button in my design.

The flared triangle earring shape symbolizes the legs of the divider.  It is cut from sterling silver sheet.

I wanted to cover the piece with texture.  Hammering steel letters from a stamping set onto the silver would give the desired effect.  Did I want straight lines or an X shape? Practicing on a small piece of copper first (much more affordable than sterling silver) allowed me to see which pattern I preferred.  

Two holes were drilled into the triangle for attaching the balled wire and an earwire.  I hammered one end of each wire to flatten and appear more durable.  Rounding the hammered ends slightly with a file provides a finished look.  The wires were given loops and added to the triangle.  I squeezed them and gave a slight flare; functional because it prevents the wires from slipping off and it looks nice.  The earwire was formed by shaping around a pen.

The entire piece was given a patina.  I love the results on metal.  Tiny details and imperfections stand out to give the jewelry more character.

Where do you find inspiration? Share your ideas and methods!

Collaborating

A great way to connect with others in the Etsy community is by joining teams.  I recently became a member of Artists Helping Hands.  The team captain, Elise, envisioned a group of compassionate artists uniting to help those in need through creativity.  Each month, an organization is chosen by the team to benefit from the members' efforts.  Handmade items are donated to the cause.  Collaborative projects are made and auctioned; the proceeds given to that month's charity.  Artists Helping Hands is a new venture and has completed its first project with Genesis Women's Shelter in Dallas, Texas. The inaugural undertaking is outlined here by Trey of 2 Horse Weaving.  

The second project for Artists Helping Hands is donating handmade beads to The Beads of Courage Program.  Our team captain also requested beads for collaborative necklaces that are being created for auction.   I am honored to be one of several team members who is assembling necklaces. All proceeds from the public sale will benefit this wonderful program.  The color theme is a happy combination of blue, pink, and purple, designed by many loving hands for this specific purpose.  I cannot wait to see how it all blends together.

Collaborative Necklace Donations

Little Ways to Make A Small Business More Socially Responsible

Reuse

Boxes and packaging that are in good condition can be reused.  Remove any previous labels and color over extra markings with a heavy black marker before shipping.

Save your scraps! Can they be upcycled or donated? 

Increase Efficiency

Combine tasks such as picking up supplies, meeting with clients, and shipping packages into one trip to reduce the amount of driving.  Make errands more environmentally friendly (and fun) by walking or biking if possible.

Support

Do you believe in shopping locally? Buy supplies from nearby stores.  Prefer giving your support to other small businesses owners? Research independent suppliers for your business needs.  Do any companies share a common belief or endorse causes that are important to you? Purchase from them.  (I like ordering from Rio Grande Jewelry Making Supplies  because of their approach to renewable energy and great customer service.)

Mentor

Serving as a teacher or guide to another person is rewarding for both parties.  If the business is very small, and without extra funds, working with a high school or college student as an intern could be a good choice.  You will streamline your process.  The trainee will benefit from your business knowledge and particular areas of expertise.  Positive support from an adult role model makes a huge impact on young lives.

Volunteer

Give your time outside of work to a cause that you believe in.  Not only will it make you feel good, you will gain new skills.  Skills that could be applied to your small business. 

Spread the Wealth

Donate a portion of your sales to a favorite charity.  Do what you can.  Even if it is a small percentage, you are making a difference.  If the funds are too tight, spread the word.  Tell others about the organizations that you want to support.  Serve as a humanitarian.  Be an example through your actions.

Get inspired.  Take a look at  5 socially conscious startups. 

 

      

  

Authenticity Part 2: The Handmade Movement

Last week's thoughts on Authenticity motivated me to do more research.  I began to ask myself questions:  When exactly did the Handmade / DIY Movement begin? What started it? Is it as big as I perceive it to be?

The Do-It-Yourself mentality has been going strong for some time.  This article from the National Building Museum illustrates how both the surge in home ownership between 1890 and 1930, and a multitude of new products with step-by-step instructions in the 1950s and 1960s,  transformed hobbyists into handymen and handywomen.   Amidst the enthusiasm of DIY Home Improvement, This Old House was first broadcast in 1979.  It's popularity continues today.

This Old House is a favorite show of mine.  Watching the team progress through the home remodel is fascinating.  The crew completes each step thoroughly.  No mediocrity here.  Everything is built to last.  Local craftsmen are commissioned to fashion ironwork for balconies, repane original windows, and replace vintage trim with historically accurate pieces.  This teamwork keeps the house authentic.

I return again to authenticity and our desire for it as consumers.  We do not want the same exact thing as everyone else.  We do not want all of our purchases to be manufactured  in China.  We do not want cheaply made.  We do not want unsafe.  We do not want pesticides in our vegetables and meat that is burdened with antibiotics.  Fortunately, these opinions are prevalent.  We are doing something about it.  We are getting smarter about purchases.  We are growing our own food and supporting CSAs.  We are making. We are recycling.  We are upcycling.  We are crafting.   

Our search for the genuine, unique, or quirky has been made much more accessible by the internet.  Online marketplaces such as Etsy allow the buyer not only to purchase handmade and vintage items, but also to communicate with the creator / seller.  Artists have the opportunity through Etsy for their work to be put in front of a global audience, to make a living without the necessity of a brick and mortar shop.  Artisans are taking their own passion for authenticity, individuality, and durability, and becoming social entrepreneurs. 

I may not be an expert yet like Norm Abram on This Old House, but I am learning.  I am acquiring many new skills along the way.  I am making.  If something that I create with my own hands is liked enough that a person wanted to give it as a token of friendship, love, or appreciation, that is all I need to feel rewarded.
 

Authenticity Part 1

I recently watched the movie Chocolat (2000).  A few days later I watched a TED Talks on the topic of "What Consumers Want".  I felt that these two viewing experiences tied together.

In the TED Talk, author Joseph Pine explains why consumers value authenticity.  He states that we want genuine experiences, not drive thru or big-box, megastore type experiences. I agree.  For example, when I think about trips I have taken and the meals consumed during those trips, some are considerably more memorable than others.  I recall eateries that are off the beaten path; the local places with distinctive dishes and original decor.  I consider activities such as hiking through a forest or playing in the ocean waves authentic experiences.  Events that have me completely immersed in the moment and surroundings.  I want to drink in the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds.

How does Joseph Pine's theory on authenticity relate to a film set in a constrained French village during the year 1959? If you have not seen it, a brief overview:  Vianne (the lovely Juliette Binoche) breezes in to a small community with her daughter and opens a shop.  Vianne is an expert chocolatier.  Coincidentally, the season is Lent and the townspeople are counseled to avoid tempting confections.  Vianne is not disheartened.  She believes in herself. We observe her warmth and morale radiating to and influencing the villagers.  They begin to trust her.  Vianne does not judge them or expect certain behavior.  They confide in her.  They gain confidence and begin to see their true selves.  Not surprisingly, her chocolaterie becomes successful. This film relates to the TED Talks because Vianne provides an authentic experience through her shop.  She is true to her heritage - we learn that her mother was also a chocolatier.  Vianne is true to herself by doing (making) what she loves.  The happiness which comes from it radiates to those around her.  It is even reflected in the colorful clothing she wears.  She does not try and conform to the town. (Vianne's daughter asks why she does not wear black shoes like all of the other mothers.) She invites passers by to come in and experience the chocolaterie; providing them a friendly, non-judging, inviting place that has customers returning.  Why do they return? They enjoyed the memorable, genuine, authentic experience.

Adding Texture to Precious Metal Clay

Precious metal clay, PMC, is a versatile medium to use for crafting.  In an earlier blog post, I gave a basic overview of metal clay along with some guidelines on getting started with it.  Now I am sharing a favorite attribute of this material - its ability to accept texture.

  Texture is defined as: "the characteristic visual and tactile quality of the surface of a work of art resulting from the way in which the materials are used."

Textured items are very appealing to me.  I love their depth, feel, and visual interest.  In a pmc beginner course, I was introduced to texture tiles.  These are flat rubber stamps.  The instructor helped me create a necklace by pressing these tiles into the metal clay; leaving an imprint.  I was hooked.  I wanted to make more jewelry and I wanted it to be original.

A purchased texture tile

       

 My enthusiasm led me to create my own texture tiles.  Four things are needed to do this:

• an object with small, raised or imprinted details - items found around the house are good to start with
• distilled water in a spray bottle
• two ounces of polymer clay
• toaster oven *

*Home ovens are not recommended.  Polymer clay releases low levels of non-toxic fumes while heating.  These fumes can leave a residue in the oven which would be re-released when baking food.  Check into getting a toaster oven that will be designated solely for polymer clay crafts.  I found a nice one for $15 at Goodwill.

Create a texture plate:

1. Assemble the materials.  Pinch off 1/4 of the polymer clay.  Condition the clay until it is soft and pliable. 
2. Roll the polymer clay out like dough, leaving it at least 1/8 of an inch in thickness.
3. Spritz the surface of the clay with distilled water - this prevents your textured object from sticking to it.
4. Press the texture into the clay and gently remove.
5. Happy with the results? If not, squish the clay and repeat steps 2 through 4.
6. Place the texture tile on a plain index card and bake in the preheated toaster oven at 275 degrees Farenheit for 15 minutes.  When the time is up, turn off the oven and leave the clay inside until the oven is completely cool.  This strengthens the clay. 

A few of my homemade tiles

                                                   

To inhibit the texture tile from sticking during use on metal clay, lightly apply a substance such as Cool Slip, olive oil, or Burt's Bees Natural Hand Salve to the surface before making an imprint.

What is Precious Metal Clay?

An image of a stunning necklace followed by the caption "created with precious metal clay", set me on a path of exploration.  Precious metal clay? What is that? As a girl that grew up loving Play-Doh, then Model Magic as an adult,  I had to learn more.

Precious metal clay is a substance developed by Mitsubishi Materials of Japan in 1990.  PMC is microscopic silver or gold particles combined with water in an organic binder to form a material with qualities similar to modeling clay.  As with other soft clays, metal clay can be sculpted using hands or simple tools, shaped, molded, and given texture.

After a precious metal clay creation has air-dried, it is fired in a kiln or with a hand-held torch.  This burns away the binder leaving only the pure metal.  Depending on the type of metal clay used, some shrinkage will occur. 

Sounds amazing, right? A couple of things before you run out and buy it:

 * It is not cheap.  A 16 gram package (this is just over half an ounce) of silver PMC is around $37 and can fluctuate with the silver market.  As expected, gold metal clay is significantly higher.  Copper and Bronze metal clays are lower cost alternatives.

    

* It dries out very quickly.  You'll want to know what to expect and plan your design before opening the package.

I highly recommend enrolling in a beginner course before purchasing any materials.  I found a local certified instructor with whom I spent a Saturday; happily learning the basics.  A one-time class cost me around $75.  This included instruction time and all materials.  I left the workshop with my own necklace and a head full of ideas...that I am still building on.

Visit this gallery for a slideshow of designs by PMC artisans.  Fascinated? Search for a local class.

If you are already familiar with pmc, Cool Tools is a great resource.  The site includes an online learning center with videos, guides, and projects for beginners and beyond.  Cool Tools also offers the most competitive pricing I have found when  purchasing precious metal clay.