Monday, October 20, 2008

Thanks to those of you who took the time to read and comment on my last post. I'm pretty much done being frustrated and am just looking at this experience as an opportunity. How? Well, if the jewelry rep thing had worked out the way I expected, I would probably be trapped into making multiple versions of the same pieces over and over again (albeit in different colors, but still the same few designs). Instead, I'm able to do what I love: play with new techniques and designs.

Speaking of new designs, here are the latest additions to my Etsy shop. This first piece, called Opulence, is one of my all-time favorite creations (and that's saying a lot considering the number of pieces I've created over the past few years). I absolutely positively LOVE the way this bracelet feels. The texture. The weight. There's just something about all those triangle beads. This was a big investment in time, as you might imagine... more than 700 of those little fringes to add the triangles. It was fun, but these aren't the kinds of things I want to work on every day.



Another recent listing is my Op Art cuff, this time created in peridot and purple. I love this color combination, despite the fact that it used to be my division's official colors when I was working (have I mentioned how happy I am that I'm retired???). :-)

I recently posted a picture of my Imprisoned Heart pendant, so here's the picture of another version of my little abstract heart -- Crazy Quilt Heart. As much as I like black and white, I have to say that I love the crazy quilt version of this design.

And last, but certainly not least, is my newest creation: Smilin' Jack. This little guy, who reminds me a bit of Jack Skellington (don't you just love his face?!?!), is dedicated to all those Halloween fanatics out there. You know who you are.

See? If I'd been busy beadweaving away on all those designs I sent to the jewelry rep, Smilin' Jack and some of these new pieces might never have been created. They'd have just stayed ideas stuck in the back of my head while I did the same designs over and over and over.

One last thing for today. The Bead Art Originals Items of the Week! If you haven't been checking these out, you've been missing a treat. You can read all about the details of the specials being offered by me and my fellow BAO members on the Bead Art Originals blog. My offer this week is for a free matching pendant ($29 value) with the purchase of the Rivets in Steel cuff. There are nine other members participating this week, so check 'em out!


17 comments:

Krista said...

Your opulance piece is gorgeous!

Melody Marie Murray said...

Awww, Jack is adorable!

Unknown said...

This bracelet is so gorgeous! You should join us in our Make Something Monday meme so you can showcase your amazing designs! You are so talented!

Lisa Peters Russ said...

I love, love, love your newest Opulence and Jack Pieces!

Victoria said...

Your Jack cuff is Awesome!

Hot Rocks said...

These are all so beautiful...I LOVE Opulance!

Anonymous said...

I think you are better off without the rep deal. I've often wondered how some artists can make the same thing, with different variations, over and over again. How boring and uncreative. It was a blessing in disguise. :o)

Unknown said...

all gorgeous, but i love opulence!!! i love using triangle beads, they have a really nice feel to them and add some different texture... and I LOVE Jack Skellington!!!:-) glad you are looking at the whole experience positevely :-) and i'm sure you will have more opportunities where you work, time, effort and artistry will be appreciated as it should be and valued its worth!!! :-)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful talent!

Opulence solves the color problem. :-) It goes with everything.

Jean9 said...

All very beautiful as usual! You are right about the jewelry rep thing, as much as we would all like to sell this way our craft would become very tedious and dull.

Live, Love, Laugh, Write! said...

Gorgeous new pieces! Your work inspires me :)

bubble said...

Hello,
i really like your pieces and i just discovered your blog now through entrecard...i specifically liked your last post in the sense that's a theme that concernes us all...i think we should never undersell our work because our time and ideas are one of a kind and precious... great to know that's lots of people who fell the same. You can spend few money to make machine work, not human.

Deb DiSalvo said...

In awe, as usual! You are soooooo talented!
Cheers,
Deb

Mod Provisions said...

Your work is amazing!

Maggie said...

I love that opulence bracelet! I agree with you about those triangles, I am so drawn to them for some reason!

Sorry about the rep deal, but I am sure there is a better deal for you somewhere on the horizon, but one where your work is greatly appreciated!

Beaderjojo said...

Don't let the fact that someone *else* doesn't know the true value of your work get you down! Your creations really are appreciated. =)

I love your latest bracelet Opulence. The texture, the colors. It's just so darn funky!

XanFactor said...

love the designs... you are very talented... i wish i could do something like that...

hmmmm

=)