Thursday, January 22, 2015

Build a Line Design Challenge, Part One ... Pamela Anger of Novegatti Designs

   
     Hello there, friends!   I'm Pamela Anger of Novegatti Designs ... and welcome to the first blog hop for the Build a Line Design Challenge from B'Sue Boutiques!   I was thrilled when I learned that I was accepted into this 3-month-long master class to learn more about what it takes to create a cohesive jewelry line, how to work in my own style while considering current trends, and how to take my jewelry to the next level.   My nearly 60 other classmates and I are already discussing and learning so many things ... and having lots of fun getting to know each other!
    
     I've always been a crafty person, and learned to do many arts and crafts as a child.  My happiest times were creating something.  For several years in the '80s, I made and sold the then-popular country decorations, but was never happy doing so ... just not my thing.  I had always been fascinated by jewels, however.  I even cut out pictures of gems from catalogs and taped them to my ears and fingers as a kid!  When it finally dawned on me about 15 years ago that *I* could make pretty jewelry, a whole new world opened up.  I was in  love!

     Although I grew up in the city, I now live on a small farm in Minnesota with my husband, and I love it.  No more city living for me ... I'll never move back! The nature around me is always inspiring.  New green growth in the spring, pretty flowers in the summer, gorgeous fall colors, and icy wonderlands in the winter ... always beautiful inspiration for new jewelry designs.  I'm also lucky enough to have a whole workroom in our big old 5-bedroom farmhouse in which to create my jewelry. 

     I'm blessed, too, to have my furry feline assistants, who are all rescues.  Although there are several kitties that hang out in the workroom, Toby the Himalayan is my apprentice and usual helper.  He's become quite a favorite among some of the other artists in the BSue Boutiques Creative Group, and he'll be helping me in the Challenge. 
     















     


     
     Why did I join this challenge?  Although I've been designing and creating jewelry for years, it's only been recently that I'd begun to think in terms of jewelry lines or collections.  I have a little summer line of shabby patinated necklaces (The Rusty Rose Collection), and I made a small series of wintery-Christmas necklaces ... but hadn't really gotten together any traditional jewelry lines.  Joining this class was the opportunity and nudge I needed to point myself in the direction of making lines that were appealing and affordable.

     I thought long and hard about the line that I wanted to create for the class.  It ultimately came down to following my heart and instincts, and my own style.  I decided upon classic, simple floral designs using my handmade white polymer clay roses, brass leaves and filigree, and glass pearls and beads.

     Each of the varying but similar necklace designs will feature three roses.  Why three, you ask?  When my father was courting my mother many years ago, he wanted to buy her roses but couldn't afford a dozen of them.  He gave her three roses instead, and told her that they represented the three words "I Love You."  Isn't that sweet?  The three 'I Love You' roses have continued through the years and other family members, and is carried on in this jewelry line as well.


     Each design may have a bit of accent color in one
of several pastel or jewel tones, multiplying the potential design combinations.  Earrings and a bracelet may also be added to the collection, as well as a few variations with other filigrees and rose colors.  I've got so many ideas!

     My goal with this kind of jewelry line is for it to appeal to many.  I thought about possibly making a  more specialized, or more complicated design line, but sometimes simplicity speaks for itself.  I've been creating more classic designs lately, and I'm hoping that this line will follow that path too.  
  
     At the end of the class, I'll reveal the completed line of jewelry, and I'll share my progress along the way.  Meanwhile, there is a lot of work to be done.  I haven't decided on a name for the line yet.  I do have my design ideas somewhat in order, but it's still just a pile of unfinished components at this point that I've rearranged several times.  There's so much to take into consideration ... but it will come down to my instincts.  I have confidence that my heart will lead my hands ... and I'll keep a sense of humor close by just in case.   :)

     I hope you'll join me on this Build a Line Design Challenge journey, and cheer me on!  Please do comment if you can. "Hop" along with the links below to my fellow jewelry artists' blogs, and give them a little cheering too!

~ Pamela



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
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     <--- You are here!
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
Ingrid Anderson     Lilis Gems
Louise O'Shields     Desire Divine Jewels
Susan Killam     Killam Creative
Nike Bottalico     Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman     Woodside Wireworks
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
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

89 comments:

  1. Love your polymer clay roses Pam. And also the story behind your choice of three roses.

    Toby is just the cutest :-) He's become quite the celebrity in the creative group heehee

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    1. Thanks, Marica. ;) Toby is quite the little character!

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  2. Good Morning Pam, great post and I love how you have the line sketched out in words and your head!!! Your components are beautiful! The 3 roses story is wonderful and will work really well in the marketing of your line!!! Be Blessed

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    1. Thank you, Robin. ;) I love making polymer clay roses, and had to fit them in somewhere!

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  3. Oh Pamela, I love your story about your theme…it made me a little "misty eyed." Beautiful blog and jewelry! I'm happy to be in this class with you.

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    1. Thanks, Susan. ;) I'm so glad to be in the class with you too! How fun!

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  4. Your story about symbolism of the 3 roses will be a hit with customers! People love to buy handmade items that have a story behind them.

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    1. Thanks, Michelle! I hope so ... with the meaning being "I Love You," that could cover a lot of gift giving occasions. ;)

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  5. Great Blog and I am so interested in your story! Love it! Beautiful work too! I am so excited to be working along side of you on the Challenge!

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    1. Thanks, Nike. ;) I really happy to be here with you and the others too!

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  6. Hi, Toby! Pamela, I love the story of the 3 roses, maybe you can incorporate it into the name of your line? Can't wait to see some finished pieces. :-) ~Elizabeth

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth. ;) I'm trying to think of something incorporating three, love, and roses, and so far not coming up with much. Toby sends kisses! X

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  7. I love your back story, especially the part about your parents. Your line could be called "Three Roses". ��

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    1. Thank you, Lynda. ;) I'm leaning toward that name for a line, but just can't decide yet. Something will come to me!

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  8. I love your jewelry already and can't wait to see what you have in store for us .. Jann

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  9. Hi, Pam andToby! I also thought that the story of the three roses would be a perfect name for your line. I know it will be beautiful, all of your work is so inspiring to me. Can't wait to see more! Gina H

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    1. Thanks, Gina! I appreciate that. ;) Toby sends love and kittykisses!

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  10. Hi Pam and Toby, Sheryl from Facebook here...so excited to see your results, the story of the 3 roses gave me goosebumps:) i will do the hop, and see what your new friends are up to:)

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    1. Hi, Sheryl! Thanks for coming by ... I and the others sure do appreciate your support! Watch for the roses line later this spring! ;)

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  11. Love your blog and the story is so sweet! Can't wait to see your creations!! Hugs!

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  12. Awesome blog Pam and and love your rose story, its very endearing and a peek into who you are and why you do what you do. Good luck with the line and I can't wait to see what comes of your ideas~! xXx Ne

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    1. Thank you, Ne! I appreciate you stopping by and for the encouragement! ;)

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  13. Absolutely Love your roses and can't wait to see the line you create with them. The sneak peek is gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you, Dana. ;) So happy to be in the challenge with you!

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  14. Your polymer roses are lovely and love the reason why you chose to use three! Looking forward to seeing your designs. ~ Ingrid

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  15. Love your blog and your jewelry is absolutely gorgeous. It's a pleasure to meet you!

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  16. Wow Pamela your blog is just fantastic! I love how everything that you create is just phenomenal, yet I know that you are going to go beyond yourself in beauty for this challenge and I can not wait. I am truly a fan of your work for sure. Three roses wow that is a great way to live life I love that concept so much. Thank so much for the very kindness of you and give the King my love!!! ~Louise

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    1. Thank you, Louise! Your jewelry is gorgeous too! :) Toby sends some sweet kittykisses to you!

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  17. Your story is fantastic! It will make a lovely line, especially with your gorgeous roses.

    Cheers,
    Susan

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  18. I love the 3 roses, it's such a personal touch to your jewelry line.

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  19. Three roses, what a lovely theme, what a lovely title for your line maybe, simple, elegant and thought provoking.
    looking for to seeing more

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    1. Thanks, Lynn! ;) I'm thinking "Three Roses" might be a good name ...

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  20. Pamela that is the sweetest story you shared of your parents! I am excited to see your completed creations!

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    1. Thanks, Sandra. I just hope my line can live up to the story. ;)

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  21. I love the story of the 3 roses! I think maybe you should consider that name for your line and tell the story of your parents, people will love that! And it's great to see Toby!

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    1. Thank you, Cynthia. ;) Toby waves and sends kitty kisses!

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  22. Your workspace is fantastic :-) Great blog, glad to be on this journey with you!

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    1. Thanks, Monica! I'm lucky to have a room for my own, messy as it is. Happy to be in the challenge iwth you too!

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  23. Sweet story behind the three roses. Your polymer clay roses are gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you, Carole. ;) I love making the roses!

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  24. What a wonderful family tradition! Your workmanship is beautiful too!

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  25. Great story and love your designs.

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  26. What an amazing inspiration--the 3 roses! Really like the piece you showed and its "simplicity"--very elegant and classy. Sometimes it's hard to know where to stop! Love your hand-made roses. :)

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    1. Thank you, Alexandra. ;) I tend to go overboard on adding things to jewelry I make, so we'll see how simple I can keep this line.

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  27. I love the story behind your roses, how sweet! Looking forward to being on this journey with you.

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    1. Thanks, Michaele! Happy to be in the challenge with you too! ;)

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  28. I like the sentiment of the 3 roses.

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  29. Pamela, great idea! Thanks for sharing the story behind the three roses, it's sweet. Your house looks amazing! And Toby looks great, as usual! Everyone loves roses, and designs of three are great...can't wait to see more!

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    1. Thanks, Renee! I'll have to post more photos of the farm here, in the summer ... so pretty and relaxing. ;)

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  30. Great job on the post, love your house and all the kitties and your jewelry....well. It's wonderful! I love to pin it as often as I can and thank you so much for all your endorsements of B'sue Boutiques materials. XOXO to all the kitties esp TOBY, our mascot at the Creative Group

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    1. Thank you, Brenda Sue! I appreciate so much any time you pin or show photos of one my pieces ... such a thrill that is! Toby sends kittykisses and bigghuggs, and is honored to be part of the group. ;)

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  31. I love the story behind the 3 roses. You always crank out so many pieces, I love it and can't wait to see your finished line!

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    1. Thanks, Leila! You make some awesome jewelry yourself, and I don't know how you do it with working full time and your hands full with the boys! Glad we're on this challenge journey together. ;)

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  32. Great blog and inspiration for your line! Can't wait to see more

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  33. Lovely blog, Pam. I loved how you cut up pictures and wore them. So cute! LOL The line looks fab and I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

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    1. Thanks, Renee! Haha, I think my sister thought I was nuts back then with pictures of diamonds scotch-taped to myself. :)

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  34. What a sweet story about the reason for the three polymer clay roses. Which, by the way, are lovely. Looking forward to seeing your line.

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    1. Thank you, Tammy! So happy to be in the challenge with you! ;)

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  35. Pamela, the polymer roses and stampings/filigrees are lovely. I will particularly enjoy seeing the other polymer clay artists jewelry lines. Looking forward to the completed line.

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    1. Thanks, Maria! ;) I'm also looking forward to seeing what other polymer clay artists do with their lines ... so fun!

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  36. I love the three roses story, that is so sweet and romantic! I look forward to seeing your line!

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  37. Can't wait to see where this journey takes you. Your 3 Rose story is so romantic and I am glad you are incorporating that too.

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    1. Thanks, Dolores! The roses are so fun to make, sometimes I can't stop myself. ;)

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  38. glad to be on this journey with you pam. Can't wait to see your sentimental roses line.

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    1. Thank you, Gloria! So happy to be in the challenge with you too! ;)

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  39. I love your blog it's awesome and I love your kitties as well, of course you know I love your jewels too. Love your concept for the challenge, here's to happy creating.

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    1. Thank you, Kristy! Isn't this fun? ;) Toby sends kittykisses, and is happy to be along for the ride.

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  40. Roses are sentimental for me as well, Pam! Just lovely design ideas. Looking forward to seeing your creations.

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    1. Thank you, Judy! I love working with the roses. ;) Happy to be on this journey with you!

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  41. Roses are sentimental for me as well, Pam! Just lovely design ideas. Looking forward to seeing your creations.

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  42. What a lovely story. It's going to be classy design and popular.

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  43. Hi Pam!
    How's the Tobster doing? Such a sweet story about your Mom and Dad and the 3 white Roses- How romantic! Given that you are basing your line around white polymer roses I think the perfect name for your line is "3 White Roses"...Really looking forward to see how you challenge yourself and seeing your finished line!! I think that challenging myself is the part that really has me the most excited about creating this line...I have and have had so many ideas and now to have the jump off and perfect time to bring them to life in the form of a cohesive line is very exciting to me! ...And I am equally as excited for you too!
    Looking forward to seeing you in class girlfriend!
    xo

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  44. Love the story with the 3 roses. Your house is FAB Love Toby too. Look forward to seeing your line! Linzi

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  45. Love your designs and what a sweet story behind your theme.

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