Build a Line Challenge 2016, Part One
Hi there, friends! Some of you already know me from previous blog hops and elsewhere, but for those who are new ... I'm happy to see you here along with longtime friends! I'm Pamela Anger of Novegatti Designs ... and welcome to the first blog hop for the Build a Line Challenge 2016 from B'Sue Boutiques! Grab a cup of coffee and join Toby and I .... it's going to be an interesting ride!
Although I am an alumni of the 2015 BALC, I decided to take this 3-month-long master class again. Why take a class a second time? So many reasons! For one, the format of the class is different, and I've already learned so many new things about design styles, jewelry history, and more. Secondly ... much of the information I gain from the class is from the discussions with other classmates, and with some old and new friends in the class along with our teacher ... there's a wealth of knowledge flying around just ready to be grabbed. And lastly ... it's fun! I'm excited to be taking this journey again to further my understanding what it takes to create and market a cohesive jewelry line.
I've always been a crafty person; my happiest times have always been creating something. Years ago, I had a country crafts business, but it never felt 'right.' When I started making jewelry, I found my true love. Or perhaps rediscovered ... I was always fascinated by gems and pretty jewelry as a child. Over the years, vintage and vintage-style jewelry called out to me, and I've been greatly inspired by it, particularly the pieces of the mid 20th century by Haskell, Hagler, Amourelle, and others. Here's some vintage pieces that I love:
My jewelry journey hasn't always been easy ... it's an ongoing learning process. Looking back at earlier pieces, I can see how my style evolved. I'm comfortable with where I am now as far as design style ... my own take on early to mid-20th century retro. Oh, I still try new techniques all the time, and sometimes pieces that look different come along. I've learned so much over the past few years that I feel confident following my heart. Some of these necklaces I made are still close to my heart.
I happily live on a small farm in Minnesota with my husband, a bunch of rescued cats, and a few dozen assorted chickens. I absolutely love it, and can't imagine ever moving back to the city. The nature around me is always inspiring. I've also got a nice big workroom in our big old farmhouse for my jewelry creating ... my own bead cave!
I'm usually joined in my workroom by furry assistants. Although several felines hang out with me, Toby the Himalayan is my usual partner. You may know him from the B'Sue Boutiques Creative Group ... he's become quite a favorite among some of the other artists, and he will be 'helping' me in the challenge this time too!
Last year for the BALC, I created a floral line featuring three polymer clay roses ... Tre Rose. It was based on an old sentimental family story of roses that my father gave my mother long ago. It was a very feminine, romantic collection of jewelry. I enjoyed creating it, and came away from last year's BALC with a greater understanding of jewelry lines.
Over the years, I've found myself making more and more jewelry that might be considered 'classic' ... pieces that could be worn with many outfits, in neutral colors, that would always be in style. I'm fascinated with classic jewelry designs, and love these necklaces that I designed a few years ago.
That's why I decided to build my line this year based on the ageless classics: pearls and crystal.
Sounds kind of self-limiting, doesn't it? .... just brass components, white glass pearls, clear glass crystal beads, and rhinestones. But, no! I think I've had more ideas for this line than I've every had before, and I'm so excited to be working on it. The designs so far range from simple and classic to more ornate for evening wear, and the ideas keep coming. The "Timeless" (working name) line will include necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and earrings, all in classic pearls and crystal.
At the end of this class, during the third blog hop, I'll reveal my completed new line of jewelry. I anticipate many more pieces to come in the future as well ... the possibilities are endless! In the meanwhile, there is a lot of work to do. I have confidence that my heart will lead my hands, and my head will keep both of them in line!
I hope you'll join me and Toby on this Build a Line Design Challenge journey, and cheer me and my fellow classmates along! You can click on the links below to 'hop' along and see what everyone else in the class is creating too. Thank you for joining us!
This class is taught by the talented Brenda Sue Lansdowne of B'Sue Boutiques. I use many of her high quality brass components and supplies in my work.
- Love, Pamela & Toby
Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box
http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com
Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio
http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog
Irene Hoffman, Heart's Dezire by Irene
http://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com
Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick
http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com
Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not
http://www.afrayedknot.net
Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs
http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me
Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie
http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com
Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time
http://www.onecanvasatatime.com
Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation
http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com
Belinda Reed-Ingle, Vogue Rocks
http://voguerocks.blogspot.com
Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry
http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com
Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate
http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com
Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann
http://janntague.wordpress.com
Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs
http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com
Susan Bolton, Fern's Place
http://www.fernsplace.org
Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets
http://noodlepiebracelets.com
Barbara Kelley, Angels' Keep
http://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com
Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks
http://woodsidewireworks.com/
Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs <--- you are here!
http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com
Joan Donovan, Hailey's Cottage
http://haileyscottage.com/
Alison Huie, Ally's Baubles
http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com
Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
Erica Olmos, Beeb's Closet
https://beebscloset.wordpress.com
Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry
https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com
Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front
https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com
Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs
https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com
Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels
http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php
Mary Deis, The Rose Sword
http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com
Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design
http://smallstuffdesign.com
Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts
http://www.artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com
Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens
http://christinecravens.blogspot.com
Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs
http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com
Donna Parry, JewelryDonna
http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com
Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures
http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/
Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments
https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/
I have loved what you did last year with the BALC. I think this is going to b exciting. I love the choices and with pearls and crystals WOW! I think I should have done this again. You are learning so much more with new artists Have fun and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy! You should take this class again next year ... we're having such fun and learning so much. ;)
DeleteI thought your line last year was a stunner, Pam. I'm pretty certain you are going to wow my socks off again this year. Love, love, love your theme. It is going to be so beautiful. And I so enjoyed reading your blog. It is a pleasure being part of this with you. I can't wait to have a glimpse of yet another show-stopping line from you. I know it is coming!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! I'm happy to be in the BALC again this year. ;)
DeleteI just want to thank you for sharing a little more about your experience last year and, of course, Tobi! I love your photo bomb in the studio, too :) Timeless - what a wonderful way to describe pearls and crystal jewelry. I cannot wait to see your line unfold!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine! Now if only I could get Toby to help more with cleanup than making messes ... ;)
DeleteWow! Beautiful jewelry and I think the pearls and crystal will be most elegant!
ReplyDeleteIngrid
Thank you so much, Ingrid! ;)
DeleteAll I can say is WOW! Pam your line last year was Gorgeous! But I believe you will top it with this one. What woman doesn't like crystals and pearls, anyway I loved your blog. I hope one day I can get as comfortable talking about my life experiences as you. Just from reading your blog I can tell you are a pretty down to earth gal. It is a real privilege to be in the BALC with you and the other classmates. But most of all to Brenda for sharing her gift of jewelry making with us . Pam I can't wait to read your next bog. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Belinda. I am pretty down to earth ... just the simple things in life are good for me. But I do love creating the fancy fun jewelry for others! ;)
DeleteGreat post! Can't wait to see what you create this year. :-) (Hi, Toby!) ~Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth! ::Toby waves back:: ;)
DeletePam, your pieces always have a timeless, romantic quality evocative of vintage jewelry. There is a grace and movement you coax out of the components that is rare and beautiful. I'm looking forward to seeing your new line. Best wishes & Cheers! ~ Lori
ReplyDeleteLori, thank you so much! I appreciate your kind thoughts, and I do believe you just found the word I was looking for to add to my line name .... "Timeless .... Grace.' ;) I think I like that, and the name Grace also has some special meaning to me, so hmmmmm ... Timeless Grace. I'll have to ponder that!
DeleteOh Pam, these are going to be lovely! You create such beautiful pieces and this year will be no exception!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Portia ... and I'm so glad you were able to stop by my blog!
DeleteGreat post Pamea. Love what youre working up for your line. Cant go wrong with pearls and crystals. Love, love. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Irene! ;)
DeleteLoved reading and enjoyed all the inspirational photos in the blog! Can't wait to see what you (and Toby the helper) make for your line!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mocki ... so glad you are blog hopping with us! ;)
Deleteohhh cannot wait to see! great blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nike, and happy you stopped by the blog!
DeleteGreat blog. Yes, you're right the classical style that you've done in the past is great, glad to see that you're seeking that theme out. Should be really great! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paula!
DeleteI seriously adore your theme, as a fan of all things shiny. It doesn't sound limiting at all, you sound focused and driven. Also I love your workspace and your fluffy helper.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanette. ;) My work room and my kitties are my haven from the real world.
DeleteGreat theme and loved seeing your line from 2015 too ! I am looking forward to what you and Toby create!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Val! ;)
DeleteGreat post, Pamela! I love pearls and crystals, and can't wait to see your "Timeless" creations!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marcia ... I'm having fun with it. ;)
DeleteGreat post, Pamela! I love pearls and crystals, and can't wait to see your "Timeless" creations!
ReplyDeletePam.....we have such a similar style and aesthetic, and I find myself so drawn to your interpretation of what to do with my stampings and vintage goods. Thank you so very much....and Mr. Toby, too! for all your participation on the Creative Group and especially for joining us for class again this year. I love your choices and am positive your line will be breathtaking. Just remember as you create it, do some statement pieces but also some that COULD be reproduced. The Haskell look is compelling to both of us. I am certain if we could spend a weekend of brainstorming together we would come up with some great new ideas on how to pull it off. But in the long run, keep TIME in mind as it affects PROFIT. And you deserve to be paid well for your lovely work. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH from the bottom of my heart for just being THERE and all your sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words! Toby and I enjoy the groups so much, and are happy to be a part of them .... and we're so glad to be able to be in the BALC again this year! Don't worry, we have many designs in the works for this line ... some simple, some more intricate ... and every one can be reproduced with time and pricing kept in mind. But it sure is fun playing with all of these pretties too! Thank you again!
DeleteTimeless pearls and crystals .. love it .. pearls are a weakness of mine .. looking forward to our journey together ..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jann! ;)
DeleteHi Pamela and Toby, I love your theme. I do agree it timeless. Something you can dress up and down. You are great in class and I look forward to learning and sharing with you the next few months. BTW, your blog is very nice, and your work is exceptional!
ReplyDeleteChris K.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Chris!
DeleteI love your theme and look forward to seeing how you bring it about.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue ... so glad you stopped by! ;)
DeletePam, your theme is just wonderful, and I know you will do it justice. I have loved everything you have shared with us at the creative group, and last year's line was just lovely. And your blog was very enjoyable. I know you line will be incredible. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth, for your kind commments! ;)
Delete(it's Renee - Small Stuff Design): Loving your theme and can't wait to see what you do with it. It's going to be gorgeous and so versatile! Pearls, crystal and metals are my go to as well. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Renee! I'm excited to be working with pearls, one of my favorites!
DeletePamela I really like your work. I look forward to seeing where your pearls, crystals, and brass take you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Elisabeth! ;)
DeletePamela I really like your work. I look forward to seeing where your pearls, crystals, and brass take you.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! Can't wait to see what you design!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Clare!
DeleteCrystals, pearls and brass stampings, what's not to love? This is going to be great.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carole ... I think it'll be a fun line!
DeletePearls and crystals....I'm sure this line will be quite stunning.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteHi Pamela, Jinxy waives back to Toby. I love your theme, mainly because I love pearls and the crystals can really bring the pearls to life. So happy to be sharing this class with you and Toby.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shari! Toby and I have having fun, buried in pearls!
DeleteWhat girl doesn't love pearls & crystals! I have loved and admired your jewelry for quite a while. Can't wait to see your new line.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ginger! ;)
DeleteThat was nice to learn a little more about you and Toby. Your work is beautiful. What a treat to follow along on your journey. Charlotte
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte! ;)
Deletelove love your blog with all the pictures and your history!!! i think your idea of pearls and crystals is classic and beautiful! best of luck with everything :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mildred ... I appreciate your stopping by! ;)
DeleteWho doesn't love crystals and pearls! I love just looking at all those beautiful sparkles! I'm sure it will be beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin! ;)
DeleteGreat blog. The pictures drew me in (drooling) and kept me going. What a beautiful theme to create with. Loved looking at your past creations. Looking forward to seeing the finished jewelry!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your nice comments, Janet ... I'm having fun with this line! Glad you stopped by! ;)
DeleteFantastic blog and your jewelry is truly amazing...you are such a talent and its a pleasure to view your work
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lyn!
DeleteThank you so much, Lyn! ;)
DeleteI am so envious of all your pearls and crystals, yummy! I look forward to this journey with you, and drooling over your new beautiful line!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon! ;)
DeleteI have a love of pearls that is crazy and have a collection of parsed leaded(I am sure of that) Crystal in all colors that I am hoping to work with. Will be excited to see what comes of yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! Ooooh, your crystals sound gorgeous ... I'd love to see a picture sometime! My 'crystals' are just firepolished glass for this line, but I love real crystal!
DeleteThanks for sharing with us Pamela & Toby!
ReplyDeleteI love your coffee cup!
I just want to jump into your pictures and snuggle your assistants. How do you even get work done?! I know I couldn't.
When I think of beautiful jewelry, I automatically think of Miriam Haskell. It's just an amazing style. As she is an inspiration for you, I wonder if your pearl and crystal line will be influenced by her?
I can see her influence in the last jewelry photo your shared. I guess I will just have to wait and see the final result! I think you could definitely pull it off.
Thank you, Diana .... most definitely, Miriam Haskell jewelry is a big influence in my jewelry, and especially in this new line! I love Haskell jewelry. ;)
DeleteYou have a wonderful imagination and the talent to bring what you see in your mind to life.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margie, and I appreciate you stopping by to visit my blog! ;)
DeleteCan I subscribe to this? I am looking forward to seeing your new,designs, and possibly making a,purchase later in the year for my oldest daughter, Melanie, who loves jewelry.
DeleteCan I subscribe to this? I am looking forward to seeing your new,designs, and possibly making a,purchase later in the year for my oldest daughter, Melanie, who loves jewelry.
DeleteBeautiful as always!
DeleteIt was wonderful to get to know you better through your blog. Can't wait to see your completed line, since it has all my favorite components-except Spectra beads ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love your designs. No wonder you're an alummni from a good jewelry class. I'm pretty sure you would create another set of awesome jewelry for this year's challenge.
ReplyDeletePam, great post! I loved getting a chance to see into your life. Your working area is gorgeous. Funny thing, though, when I saw the thumbnail of your worktable, I thought maybe you were contrasting an old and new life, because from far away it looked like your worktable was pushed up against a glass window overlooking a city skyline. Subliminal imagery, maybe?
ReplyDeleteYour poor cat must be quite patient, to put up with being the model for your jewelry, lol. He's gorgeous, and so was your Tres Rose line last year. I can't WAIT to see how this line comes out! Best wishes.