Birds and Blooms….the finale!

March 20, 2015March 20, 2015 / apttowander / 39 Comments

For someone who designs and creates jewelry, I can be so non-creative in other ways. Until this very morning, I could never think of a name for my design line and marveled how others in the “Build A Line Challenge” (also known as BALC) could come up with a name for their line and even names for their individual pieces. Now that my line is named….Birds and Blooms….the tone has been set to continue designing cohesive pieces that will complete the line and that can be repeated.

First, I would like to thank Brenda Sue from B’Sue Boutiques for teaching this class. I have a feeling that this large class of students has been a challenge for her, but in her usual grace, she has encouraged, prodded and pushed us along to today’s finale. Next, I would like to acknowledge all of the participants who have dug deep to rise to the challenge and have created some beautiful pieces in doing so. Many of us have struggled in ways that we never dreamed and have bared our souls and exposed our weaknesses to each other.

I have only added a few pieces to the ones that I shared in the last blog hop but by no means is my lines complete. I’m not sure it will ever be! There are infinite possibilities using the beautiful sterling plates components from B’Sue Boutiques and natural pearls and I intend to continue creating pieces that will flesh out this design line.

So without further adieu I give you…………..Birds and Blooms

The necklace featured below is using a bird focal and although it is a smaller assemglage, it is still a substantial piece on the pyramid. I consider it to be toward the top of the pyramid, but not the tippy top!

This assemblage is nearer the top of the pyramid.

Hummingbird earrings

Stepped down bird focal necklace

Medium Assemblage

Stepped down bracelet

Medium to larger bird focal

Be SURE to visit all of the artists who participated in this challenge to see their fabulous creations!!

Blog Hop Artists and their websites:

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

Carole Carlson

Lynn Stinten

Marica Zammit

Catherine Shattuck

Michaele Collie

Mary Craig

Lee Koopman

Erin Whitacre

Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady

MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West

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

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

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

Renee Allen

Autumn Adams

Elizabeth Owens

Kat BarronMiller

Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard

Mama San’s Mojo

Coral Law

ab:coraldesign

Cindy Peterson

https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/

Making it harder than it needs to be…

February 19, 2015February 20, 2015 / apttowander / 51 Comments

When I first started the Design a Line challenge, I was excited about the prospect of creating pieces of jewelry that could be repeated, made more quickly, appeal to a variety of customers and be at a variety of price points. I was a jewelry making machine and this was going to be a piece of cake!

Deciding on the line was a bit more challenging than dreaming about it, but really…how hard can this be? I made the decision to do something completely different than I usually make but still within the same “nature inspired” genre. I couldn’t believe that I was beginning to struggle with creating this line. Me? Struggle with designing jewelry? I was stunned.

I began to look inward to determine what underlying issues I may be having with the idea of a “line” of jewelry that could be replicated. It seemed like a great idea and would certainly help with sales having a wider price range. But something about making more than one of an item just kept rubbing me the wrong way. Aha!! So THAT’s the rub. I really didn’t WANT to make a “line”!! This is why I couldn’t seem to move forward.

After a couple of soul searching weeks, I watched a video that Brenda (B’Sue Boutiques) did on how to step out a large, one of a kind piece (now THAT’s what I’m talking about!) to smaller pieces using the design components. By the end of the video my “Eureka” moment came and I realized that I had the makings of a “line” all along!! I was making this way too hard!

I took one of my larger silverware silverplate necklaces and began stepping back the components into smaller, coordinating pieces. Once I understood I was delighted to see that I didn’t have to compromise my “one of a kind” mantra at all. There were unlimited combinations that would make a line of jewelry that would be quick to make, still use my favorite components and didn’t have to be EXACTLY alike!

So, without further adieu, I present my design line pieces….

This is the larger assemblage which I stepped back.

This is the first “stepped down” piece with the same bird component and pearls used in the larger assemblage. Faster to make and at a price point for most anyone.

The second piece is a partial cuff bracelet, again with the same pearl rosary chain and flowers.

Next came a pair of earring using the silverware tulips also featured in the larger piece. Natural pearls repeat throughout all of the piece.

I decided to do a statement bracelet that would be at a higher price point as there are many silverware charms as well as large natural pearls. This would be at the higher end of the pyramid of price points.

And simpler yet are the natural pearl earrings that not only coordinate with the other pieces but would be a staple in any woman’s wardrobe.

I am so thrilled with the design line, but even more excited to be able to wrap my head around the entire idea of HOW to create a line. I began this journey not remotely interested in creating “duplicate” pieces for a line of jewelry only to find that I could remain true to who I am as an artist.

Blog Hop Artists and their websites:

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

Carole Carlson

Lynn Stinten

Marica Zammit

Catherine Shattuck

Michaele Collie

Mary Craig

Lee Koopman

Erin Whitacre

Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady

MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West

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

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

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

Renee Allen

Autumn Adams

Elizabeth Owens

Kat BarronMiller

Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard

Mama San’s Mojo

Coral Law

ab:coraldesign

Cindy Peterson

https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/

Apt To Wander Studio | Creating nature inspired, one of a kind jewelry…

January 29, 2015 / apttowander / 2 Comments

Apt To Wander Studio | Creating nature inspired, one of a kind jewelry….

Apt To Wander Studio | Creating nature inspired, one of a kind jewelry…

January 29, 2015 / apttowander / 1 Comment

Apt To Wander Studio | Creating nature inspired, one of a kind jewelry….

Build A Line Challenge from B’sue Boutiques, Judy King of Apt To Wander Studio, Part One

January 23, 2015January 23, 2015 / apttowander / 49 Comments

I blame it all on my husband! HE was the one who said, “Why don’t you bid on some of the vintage jewelry”? Of course the first lot that I purchased was double stacked on a 3 X 8 table and took me weeks to sort through all of it. There were some great pieces that I sold in my Etsy store, but there were just piles of pieces that didn’t have a lot of intrinsic value…but too nice to discard. Just about that time I stumbled upon B’Sue Boutiques where I saw beautiful pieces created with repurposed jewelry. The rest is history!!

A little about me…

Here I am!

I’ve been a registered nurse for 42 years and have worked in many areas of nursing, but primarily in oncology. Three years ago, I had an offer from a company based in Philadelphia for a position in which I could work from home and I gladly accepted. What a joy and blessing to be able to get up each morning, put on yoga pants and a T-shirt and head into my office! I have a 27 year old daughter (my only child) and she and her husband Ben are expecting our first grand baby in May. Of course, I’m beyond excited! My husband is retired but manages to keep himself fairly busy away from the house. We are involved in church activities and are avid movie goers. Our sweetheart is a little dachshund girl who we call Sissie…but more affectionately “Baby Doll”.

Back to my jewelry…

My work and style has changed so much over the last couple of years. I eventually sold all of my vintage jewelry and now just concentrate on brass, beads, pearls, some polymer and a little bit of fiber here and there and I adore found objects. I love working with Swellegant products and producing incredible colors and patinas on most any surface. I am really all about assemblage. It’s what I love and what I do best…BUT…it’s not what every customer is looking for. I am still in a quandary about what I want my future in jewelry to be about. While my head understands the business aspect of making products that sell…I haven’t convinced my heart of that yet!! I am a proud member of the B’Sue Boutiques Design Team along with some very talented artists.

B'sue Boutiques Design Team

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/Articles.asp?ID=297

My Build a Design Line…

I have decided to use a combination of brass, natural pearls and brass for my line. I’ve started playing around with some ideas, but haven’t decided on exactly which direction I want to take. I’m excited to see everyone’s designs and just know that we will all learn so much from this challenge.

Robin and Ben Predmore

Sissie and Harold

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Coraline No middle name yet Predmore

This is a shell assemblage that I created over a year ago and have since sold. I think I will be going a bit simpler for this challenge!!

Blog Hop Artists and their websites:

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

Carole Carlson

Lynn Stinten

Marica Zammit

Catherine Shattuck

Michaele Collie

Mary Craig

Lee Koopman

Erin Whitacre

Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady

MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West

Cindy Peterson

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

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

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

Renee Allen

Autumn Adams

Elizabeth Owens

Kat BarronMiller

Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard

Mama San’s Mojo

Coral Law

ab:coraldesign

And so it begins…

July 9, 2014 / apttowander / 2 Comments

When I began making jewelry two years ago, I never had any idea that it would eventually lead to a Facebook store, an Etsy store and a blog. Let’s start at the very beginning….usually a very good place to start!

I love all things vintage. I’m vintage, so things that most people call vintage I remember from my childhood and youth. When my husband retired I was still working away from home so he didn’t drive me too crazy. However, three years ago I was offered a position working from home and I jumped at the opportunity. It was heavenly, except that we were now together pretty much all the time. While we get along famously, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

Although he had some activities to fill his time, I thought it might be nice to have something that could use his professional expertise and fill some more of his day. We enjoyed going to antique auctions and soon our house resembled an antique store. What a brilliant idea!! I mentioned getting a couple of booths at a nearby antique mall with an opportunity to buy the antiques but also a way to move them and perhaps, make a little money as well. He agreed and our antique business is history.

At many of these auctions there were large jars and boxes of vintage jewelry, and while I thought it was lovely, I knew absolutely nothing about marketing it. Finally, on a whim, I bought a HUGE table full of jewelry for $400.00. When I do things, I generally over-do them. It’s part of my family genetics I suppose. What could be a long story will be abbreviated to: I now collected and sold vintage jewelry.

As one who usually over does things, I continued to add to my collection for the next couple of years and enjoyed using many of the less valuable or broken pieces to create new pieces of jewelry. I guess I have a knack for creating and an “eye” for it for soon I began taking my jewelry to shows all over Florida. While I didn’t strike it rich, I did well enough to cover all my costs and then a little bit more.

I stayed with this style until recently when I kept being drawn to images and other’s jewelry that was inspired by nature. I am a nature freak, so I guess it should not have come as a surprise. Sooooo…my style is moving in the direction of jewelry that is inspired by nature and usually includes something vintage in the piece as well.

My business name came from my daughter. We both love to travel, especially if it includes back-packing, hiking, camping, water, mountains, deserts, bird watching or some other form of outdoor activity. One day she said, “Well, mom, you know that we are both apt to wander.” And so the name was born.

I hope you will enjoy my blog and will visit my Facebook store and Etsy shop to see what’s available.

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