We’ve arrived at the middle of our Build-A-Line Challenge Classroom with Brenda Sue Lansdowne. We’re being led with a loose but loving group of hands, and hopefully one set is our own. I’ve realized that the challenge is not just a contest about winning, but it’s all about learning.
Our ultimate goal in this class is to design a line of jewelry that is cohesive and looks like it’s all been made by the same designer. We’ve learned that we need to have levels of complexity in our pieces so that we can have different price points. If we only have “Over-the-Top,” “One-of-A-Kind” pieces in our collection we’ll be limiting our customer base. That makes total sense. One thing that Brenda Sue and the rest of her design team strives to do for us is to teach us common sense. Obviously one thing I’m in very short supply of, as proven by my first and second necklaces. 
My first necklace is still growing – literally. It needs some flowers, there’s coloring to be done on the etched parts & more & more. Definitely WAY over the top!
The class kept discussing what we needed to do to brand ourselves, how to package our items so when a customer went home with one of OUR treasures everyone would know immediately where it came from. Designer after designer was showing her wonderful work. Simple, unique, with clean lines and cohesive looks. Brenda Sue made a wonderful new video showing how she made her line based on her first piece. I got it, I understood it, but I couldn’t seem to make it. Then late one night I got out that classic book by Deanna Farneti Cera “The Jewels of Miriam Haskell.” There’s a picture in there that’s so close to what I was working on for my first necklace it had to have come out of my subconscious memory of the first time I checked this book out of the library.
Now obviously no one’s going to wear all those leaves on a regular basis, so I looked at the following pages.
As I continued to read, VERY late into the night I started to SEE it, how I could still say what I wanted, actually NEEDED to say with my jewelry, and make it SIMPLE.
This is Not cheap jewelry, as some may fear, we’ve been discussing that for days and days. This is merely scaled down jewelry based on our ultimate pieces. It will be made in such a way that anyone can afford it, and most everyone interested in our style will want it.
Each piece will work with the others and can be added to whatever parts of the whole the client already has purchased. If a husband shows up wanting to buy a part of the set I can say, “Well, does she have the necklace? What about getting her the hair barrettes?
Once I saw more pieces designed by Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell I had more ideas than time to organize them.
I took the whole pile of everything I’d bought from B’Sue Boutique and everything I’d made so far & started spreading it out on my bed so I could see it all at once.
I’d seen pictures in Cera’s book showing Chatelaine clips, Sautoirs, wrap bracelets, lariat necklaces, earrings of all types and clusters.
I came up with more pairs of earrings as well.
My favorite ones can’t be reproduced more than once, since I only have a few pieces of these crystal branches.
I had so many NEW ideas – based on the research I was doing as well as the help from all of the participants in our class, the design team and of course our intrepid leader Brenda Sue herself.
I was on the verge of giving up on this idea and switching to my back up design, which I really like too, but I felt like I’d failed. I definitely wasn’t living up to my feeling that I was going to prosper like “a tree planted by living water.”
One of my favorite verses, based partly on my nickname of Trees.
So now that I’ve spent weeks trying out new techniques, and feeling like I haven’t actually mastered any of them,
I feel like I’m ready to begin! You may be thinking “It’s about time lady!” And you are so right.
So, tonight, instead of typing up my blog like a good little girl, I started playing with another idea! I had so much fun!
This bracelet seemed to make itself, or almost anyhow. I need to take the stamping blank off and learn how to stamp in the wording. I’m not too keen on etching right now, but I’ll save that info for another post. My daughter’s are both in love with this one, and the branch is a lot faster to make than resin coating a real one!
Please take the time to follow the other ladies through all of their trials and travails too. I’m sure you’ll be as inspired as I have been.
Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B’sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
Marcia Tuzzolino
Jann Tague
Judy King
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Carole Carlson
Lynn Stinten
Marica Zammit
Catherine Shattuck
Michaele Collie
Mary Craig
Lee Koopman
Erin Whitacre
Monica Casady
Leila West
Cindy Peterson
https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/
Leila Belcher
Gloria Allen
Pamela Anger
Tammy Adams
Lynda O’Mara
Elizabeth Hildreth
Dana Hickey
Janet Calardo
Maria Clark
Lori Beekman
Jennifer Kroeger
Amy Jorgensen
Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Louise O’Shields
Susan Killam
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
Gina Hockett
Linda Anderson
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
You are Here for – Teresa Shurter TreeZ’s Treasurs Keep going!
Melissa Latimer
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris
Lori Meyer
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Denise Lussier Poirier
Renee Allen
Autumn Adams
Elizabeth Owens
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Coral Law
Great blog!
I’m not so sure about that, but I’m part of a GREAT group, I do know that for sure!
Wow! What gorgeous jewelry! I’m so glad you kept at it! ~ Melissa
Melissa, I’m so glad too. With the encouragement of all of you out there it really spurred me on to keep trying. Your such an uplifting person, Thanks!
Love the richness of your colors Theresa. I think that you’re going to have a very elegant line.
I agree with you 100% on the various points you mentioned. I think that once you get the hang of it – the making simpler designs part I mean, I think that you’ll be OK.
I’m actually beginning to like making simpler designs. I’m really enjoying it
Loving what I’m seeing so far!
Marica xx
What an incredible thing to say. I never aimed that high. I just want to learn and DO! You’ve been a wonderful help w/ your insights Marcia. Thank You so much. Like you say, Once I saw the simpler pieces I can’t see what was so hard about it in the first place. They just seem to make themselves! I do love it, now it’s more like fun than work!
go Teresa!! Way to seize your creative inspiration! Rarely convenient, but always productive
Lookin’ good!!
Who needs convenience! I can go for hours & then remember I have to get up in the morning or cook dinner for the troops
Thank you for all the insights & encouragement. Can’t wait to get to all the other blogs.
I, too, found inspiration by spreading out all of my stuff in one space and just playing with it. So glad you have found your muse. That piece is great! I’s no wonder your daughters love it!
Great minds think alike Lee! Now I have to make a couple more to give them
I can’t wait until my workshop lights are up, then I’ll have space & be able to go to bed at night!
I love the last bracelet design as well. If you don’t overthink it things will just fall into place like a bracelet did. In I’m so glad you haven’t given up you have a great theme and I can see pieces pull from the bracelet made into earrings. Can’t wait to see the final results in March
Thank You Cindy, you’ve been a great encouragement!
This was an enjoyable read. I’m so glad you pushed through, this is going to be a wonderful line and I’m so looking forward to seeing it completed!
Thanks Dana! I’m not sure I’ll ever truly complete it. Brenda Sue keeps adding more great pieces that fit w/ this theme! I’m working on an order now
I ran out of leaves yesterday!.
What a wonderful post. I find it interesting that your revelation came after reading the Miriam Haskell book again! Such fantastic inspiration. Your designs are lovely. ~Ingrid
Every time I check that book out I see something new. I’ve probably read the print off of half of it myself. I can’t wait to earn enough to buy this one & the new one Brenda mentions. Thank you for being so gracious Ingrid. I appreciate it so much!
We are having quite an adventure aren’t we? Great to see you making such progress in the way you are approaching your work. I love your branch design and can’t wait to see more.
Hi Nadine. I’ve had so much help to get this far. I hope to get to “blogging” each week now. I think I have it figured out finally, w/ a lot of help from friends and family!
I truly enjoyed reading your blog post. I love where your line is heading. The bracelet is wonderful! Keep going!!!
Isn’t it funny how the last, “easiest” piece to put into place becomes a favorite? I’m glad it’s reproducible, I have a couple of girls who both want one
What a journey you are on! I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes you.
Well, Lori, I guess it’s the night for puns, but I hope it takes me to the “Tree’s Top”
Thanks for stopping by! “See” you soon.
Beautiful things, Teresa! I’m glad you’re ‘branching out’ and making such amazing pieces. Frank Hess has always been one of my favorite designers too. I have “Miriam Haskell Jewelry” by Cathy Gordon, another fantastic book.
😉 You’re so fun Pamela! That books on the top of my wish list too, but they don’t carry it at my library. I kept putting off buying the jewelry books and bought textile arts books instead. Time to change gears!
I enjoyed reading your blog and hearing about your creative process. And the quote is really beautiful. ~mary
Thanks Mary, That’s the source of my best inspiration!
Don’t you love those light bulb moments? Beautiful jewelry, and inspiration. I do the same thing when ideas start flowing–just lay it all out there and pretty soon things just jump into place lol! Great job!! Gina H
You’re so kind Gina! Thank You. Yes, I do love it, but I feel a little bit like Hannibal on the A-Team, you know “I Love it When a Plan Comes Together.”
Sounds like you’ve had your Eureka moment!! No worries. You have 4 weeks to pull it all together. I have Faith in you because what I’m seeing is just beautiful!!
Isn’t it great when we Finally Find it! Like you said, Eureka! You’ve been a big help w/ all of your comments on the site, can’t wait to look at your blog. I’m only about a fourth of the way through, but everyone is so gifted & giving of themselves. Thanks for all you’ve done and said too.
Beautiful pieces! I look forward to seeing your finished line.
Thanks Leila, that means a lot coming from you, you’re very gifted at this!
Great blog post! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Well, Renee, that makes two of us! I don’t know where this is going to go, it’s just kind of growing on me ;P
These pieces are beautiful and I love the grapes and leaves!
Thank You for the support Erin. Even before starting in on crafting & jewelry I’ve loved grape vines. I even decorated my dining room with them. I hope to practice more ways of making the bunches so I can get different sizes, I’m trying chain tomorrow!
It’s actually great that B’Sue keeps coming out with new things that will fit your line. You’ll be able to keep it fresh for a long time.
Her selection is really wonderful, I am so glad I found her. Every time I go back to look she seems to have even better stuff than the last time!
You are on a roll now, girl! I love spreading all my things out and shifting them back and forth. Something about just “touching” them for awhile lights a little spark, which, when lucky becomes a flame! I enjoyed reading your story. Until next time, my friend!
Susan, you hit the nail on the head! It’s exactly how I feel. “D Touching them helps me to envision what’s the next step and how to go on & on. Here’s hoping I have enough fuel now for a bonfire – See you in a while!
Your line is going to be gorgeous. There will be something for every occasion with all the different types of jewelry you’re including.
Your so encouraging Tammy! What a nice thing to say and what a lovely way to put it. I’m really enjoying watching your pieces develop as well, they’re so unique & imaginative, be seeing you.
Way to keep at it until you figured it out!
Kind of like the “Little Engine that Could!” “I think I Can” & with all of the help from this group it’s working!
The use of leaves is really pretty. I love how you’ve combined the polymer clay and brass. Really looking forward to seeing your completed line.
Thanks Maria, that means a lot coming from you. I love your artistry w/ clay & coloring your metal. I’m finally going to have some time to get out my Gilder’s paste & swellegant again this week. Hope my coloring is as even as yours looks.
Great blog, Teresa. Glad to know your lack of common sense is working well with your creativity now! It really looks like your line is coming together well. Looking forward to seeing more.
One of the few times in my life that it is working in my favor, Hope to get some stuff up tomorrow for the earring challenge.
for once.
You have invoked one of the jewelry gods! Actually I think it’s amazing your library has such a kewl book. I think your simplification plan is dead on good job.
Wasn’t her stuff just amazing. My mom had many of her pieces long ago, she never kept any and oh how we wished she had, many, many years later. I appreciate your coming by!
Teresa your jewelry work and creativity is just awesome, yet it is the quote ” I am the vine … you are the branches” that steals the show for me, like how amazing that is to attach to such beautiful pieces. Bravo classmate, Bravo!!!!! ~Louise
The Creator is really the inspiration for my creations
so I have an unlimited source for ideas! I found that site by accident, but it’s one I think I’ll go back too. I wish I knew where the image came from originally. I think I’ll use that search to see if I can give the proper credit for it. Thanks for the applause Louise!!
What a beautiful line and you and I are like minded in our need to research what has come before~ I love to look at books and research The Designers!” I cannot wait to see the whole line! Best wishes and so glad to be on this journey with you~
~nike
Wow, thanks Nike! Yep, Books have always been my go to guide. I’m learning to use YouTube now & the rest of the internet, thankfully, or I’d never have found you all. Thank you for all the help you’ve been these last few weeks. Your insights are wonderful & so is your line!
I am soooo very glad you did not give up! Your line is Fabulous and I love the colors! Great way to figure it out!!! Have a Blessed Day!
Thanks Robin! I’m so glad too! I just finished reading your post – We’re at about the same point, but I think we’re both blessed just having this opportunity to work w/ all the others here, especially Brenda & her team, WOW – What a bunch.
That video was a real eye-opener for me! I can’t say that I’m completely there, but getting closer, same as you. Great blog!
I think we’ll all be working on these ideas and possibilities long after the challenge class is done. I hope so at least! 😀
Good grief–I can’t believe how talented you are! So many new techniques–etching, resin, polymer and who knows what all else–you’re like a house afire with wonderful ideas! Loved the “bed spread” photo! And I really enjoyed reading about the steps along the way as you evolved–very honest of you to share that part of yourself. LOVE the grape beaded clusters and all the wonderful colors of the leaves and glittery too! Can’t wait to see your whole line. :):)
I’m not sure it’s talent Alexandra, I think it’s kind of ADHD most days
I was so surprised that it worked to do it that way, I’m sure my hubby hopes it doesn’t take that every time. You’re marvelously encouraging, Thanks so much. See you soon! Still hopping….
Sweetie I’m glad you continued with your gorgeous line. It is so inspiring in makes me want to take a walk in the woods and take in all of Gods blessedly beautiful nature. Keep up the excellent work. XOXO!
Thanks Kristy Le, I’m afraid you’d get frostbite this week though! Keep warm & keep at it!
Looking good. I look forward to seeing the finished pieces.
~Elizabeth
I appreciate that Elizabeth. Since this is all just materializing as I go along, I can’t wait to see them either ;P
Less is more and it’s looking like you are getting the balance just right.
Great looking blog and interesting to read
You’re so right Lynn, that can never be repeated enough. Less is also so much fun, once you get the hang of it that is!
AWESOME read, well, well done, love what you are designing and your thought process. Let’s see where the road takes you…..I will be watching!
You’re so encouraging Brenda, that means a lot to me. You’ve been such an inspiration, help and encouragement, leading by example and even reminding me in one of your videos about that Haskell book! I know that the one you recommend isn’t the one I have access to, but all the ideas & the beauty is in there. Thank You so much for taking me on this first adventure with you all.
Teresa — you’ve got this. Absolutely, without question GOT THIS. I can’t wait to see that bracelet finished… love it!
Cheers,
Susan
Wow Susan, I love you for saying so! I know I certainly hope so. I hope to finish the bracelet & earrings tonight! I want to get some up for my WTW & so here I go. Six more to hop to!
Teresa .. great blog .. lot’s of pictures which I like .. spreading things out to get the visual is important to me also .. If I leave everything in a closed box I’m not inspired .. Looking forward to seeing more of your finished designs on March 20th ..
Well, Jann, I guess that proves I’m in the company of true genius! I’m slowly switching all of my stash to clear jars on the shelves & my hubby’s going to hanging some marvelous peg racks tonight for me. We bought them when our local Joann’s moved locations. They’re 2′ x 5′ & can hang from sliders in the ceiling, so they slide past each other! I’m putting all my metal and brass components in bags & hanging them on the HUNDREDS of little pegs. Can’t wait to post pics when they’re up
I’ll be able to see it all at once. I am SOOOO lucky to have him as excited by this as I am.
Great blog about your journey. Love all the pictures….they tell a story. Your line looks wonderful and can’t wait to see the finished line.
Thanks Janet! That’s exactly what I was going for, Telling a story in little pictures and designs. I don’t know that I’ll ever truly finish, but I’m going to keep at it!
Teresa , love where your line is going. Love how you have incorporated lots of different techniques into your processes and pieces. The colors are lovely.
You’ve been a great help and a real encouragement Marcia. All the techniques so far are experiments, now the work of finishing begins. Thanks for your input, your colors are so inspiring and well thought ought I appreciate your input all the more.
Great blog post, and you seem to have got a handle on the line now- beautiful pieces and I love your trees/nature theme. Look forward to seeing the completed line .
It certainly took a while & a lot of coaching from all of you. I absolutely love your book! I checked out a copy from the library last week & I am absolutely in love with every design. Your work is amazing. Thanks for being a part of this challenge & sharing your vision with us all.
Awesome blog. What a great read, loved all the pictures. I am sooo looking forward to the reveal of your line. You have chosen great components.
Wow, Thanks. I’m working on it again today. I hope to have some done, done soon. I can’t take credit for the components, It’s all thanks to B’Sue’s choices when she places her orders.
I so enjoyed reading about your journey! Your work is lovely.
Thank You Micheale, I appreciate you taking the time to drop in!
Teresa, I thoroughly enjoyed clicking on each of your photos and seeing what you’ve been working on. I disagree with you about the etching, I think they are great and look nice peeking out of your collaged pieces. Humility = teachability. You are doing an excellent job with your line. I am so glad you didn’t give it up! Those top of the line pieces are just fine, and just keep adding down the line from there. Thank your sharing your thought process and the book images. The scripture fits perfectly, and I believe your work is inspired! You have talents in many jewelry techniques from clay to wire wrapping, so keep up the awesome job!
Hello Renee, You’re such an encouragement! Thank you so much. I’m sorry I missed this message for so long, it’s really brightened up my day! I thoroughly enjoy everything you post & your thoughts are always insightful, so this means a lot to me. See you in the funny pages