B'sue Boutiques Build A Line Challenge, Blog Hop Three
Micheale Collie, The Vintage Gem
The Big Reveal
I spent the last week of February and the first week of March frantically getting ready for my second show. My daughter helped during the show, where I debuted three of the pieces from my line.
I find it almost surreal how the past three months have seemed to fly by. I began the Build A Line Challenge (BALC) with a vague idea of what I thought could make an interesting line. Many thanks to Brenda Sue Lansdowne of www.bsueboutiques.com who accepted me into the challenge and provided support, guidance, and encouragement throughout this process. I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the amazing women who've also been a part of the Challenge. The camaraderie in the Build A Line Challenge classroom has been second to none. I've learned so much from these talented artists and designers, developed friendships and simply don't want this to end!
While preparing to write this post, I found this photograph from my first BALC blog post.
These pieces represented the kernel of an idea that would become more than I ever dreamed possible. I'm not, nor will I ever be, finished with my line. I've realized the infinite possibilities that lie ahead for this line and any others that I begin.
In February, one of our Classroom discussions centered on where each of us identified ourselves, a hobbyist-who makes pieces for herself, family and friends; a jewelry maker-who puts components together to create pieces; and a jewelry designer-the true artist, with vision. If there's a middle ground between jewelry maker and jewelry designer, that's where I see myself. I'm planning to take more classes, do more research, learn as much as I can about design elements and hope to become a jewelry designer.
Enough of the chit chat, I hear you-get on with the big reveal!
Those of you who've read my blogs will recognize some of these pieces, but I've added more and even have pieces still to complete. I've already sold one of my first dragonfly necklaces-woo hoo!! My pricing pyramid is still a work in progress, particularly at the higher end. I have earrings in the $12-15 range, a bracelet that's $20, and necklaces that start at $25 and go up to $40. I'm still trying to work out pieces at the high point on the pyramid.
Without further ado, here are my completed pieces:
The top necklace sold after the last blog hop
 |
| Blue Gold Butterfly Bib Necklace Set
I have a lavender and gold necklace similar to this, but need more beads to complete the chain!
|
 |
| Fuschia Dragonfly Set |
 |
| Teal Dragonfly Set
I enjoy creating these sets in different colors. Dragonflies are a personal favorite and I seem drawn to them in my work. Where possible, I include vintage elements like the Lucite beads in the chain of the teal dragonfly set.
 I have two other butterflies like this that I've either painted or colorized using Swellegant. I ran out of time to finish the other two. 
I love this dragonfly in the silverware finish and plan to get more to create bracelets with. I'm definitely adding these bracelets in different finishes and colors to my line.
My lowest price point pieces are my earrings. I enjoy working with these dragonflies, but want to expand to include butterflies and hummingbirds. This teal pair was made with a small piece of filigree cut from a B'sue round filigree stamping. I really like this design!
  
Now, for something a bit different! I've had a picture of this in my mind for two months, but was only able to see it to fruition this week after discussing the problems I was having with these pieces amongst the B'sue Challenge Group. Thanks to each of you who had a hand in helping me get these finished!!
I love the chocolate finish of the flowers, which I tried to replicate on the cuff. The black-eyed susans in the center of the flowers are from vintage enamel earrings, which had seen better days, but turned out really well here. I'm planning to add a pair of earrings. Time for another B'sue order!
I could write a missive about my experiences in the Build A Line Challenge, but I won't, this time. Come join us at the B'sue Creative Group on Facebook if you make jewelry, as a hobbyist, a jewelry maker or designer. You won't find a more supportive or encouraging group anywhere.
Thanks for reading my blog post and following me during this journey! Please visit the blogs of the amazing artisans listed below. You won't be sorry.
|
Marcia Tuzzolino
Jann Tague
Judy King
Linzi Alford
Cynthia Wainscott
Carole Carlson
Lynn Stinten
Marica Zammit
Catherine Shattuck
Michaele Collie---you are here!
Mary Craig
Lee Koopman
Erin Whitacre
Monica Casady
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
Ingrid Anderson
Louise O'Shields
Susan Killam
Mary Katherine Deis
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Kristy Le
Jan Peters
Mitzie Crider
Gina Hockett
Linda Anderson
Alexandra Sefton
Melida Boman
Teresa Shurter
Melissa Latimer
Renee Hong
Nadine Edris
Lori Meyer
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Denise Lussier Poirier
Renee Allen
Autumn Adams
Elizabeth Owens
Kat BarronMiller
Sandra Ballard
Coral Law
Michelle, it has been such a pleasure sharing this journey with you. You pieces turned out beautiful. Those dragonflies are going to "fly off the table" at your next show! They are beautiful. Well done, my friend!
ReplyDeleteWonderful colors! These pieces are all so perfect for sping! I'm sure they will sell in a flash!
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL work Michaele ... your color pallet is lovely and fits so well with your theme .. Wishing you much success <3
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pieces. I love insects and flowers so these pieces are right up my alley! Lovely colorization as well.! Congrats on a lovely line.
ReplyDeleteIngrid
What a lovely line. I love your dragonfly theme. Great job Michaele
ReplyDeleteFirst of all congratulations on your sale after the last blog post. I think this validates your design for your jewelry line. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in your blog very inspirational. And I too love dragonflies and butterflies
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!
ReplyDeleteFine job, Michaele! I can see that your sticking out the rough patches in this challenge really were a good discipline for you and you have the start of something that will be excellent for you. Take what you have learned, and keep going!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Micheale! My favorite is the little dragonfly perched on the flower cuff. Your line looks great!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful line! Your coloring is stunning and perfect for your lovely creations. Congratulations on a wonderful line!
ReplyDeleteYour pieces are beautiful and I love how you used the same elements in trios to make the larger pieces. Very nice. Such a privilege to work with you and the other artists during this challenge. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteYour pieces are beautiful and I love how you used the same elements in trios to make the larger pieces. Very nice. Such a privilege to work with you and the other artists during this challenge. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteYou've made a fantastic line of jewelry! I, too, love love love the chocolate brown with the vintage daisies. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Susan
Love the dragonflies and everything looks great.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your line Micheale! So beautiful. Can't decide which ones I like best. They're all gorgeous but I think I like your dragonfly pieces best.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Susan. Your dragonfly pieces are gonna fly off your table fast!
Well done!
Marica
Bead Lovelies
Little lady what a gorgeous collection you have here your colors are just stunning as well and you know I love color. Sweetie you did an amazing job with your line! XOXO!
ReplyDeleteOh I love me some Dragonflies! And by the looks of these so do you. Great job, I especially like the vintage teal looks.
ReplyDeleteKeep going!
Jjan Stylized Vintage
Wonderful job, Micheale, coloring and creating your unique designs. Love the cuff, too.
ReplyDeleteMicheale well done! I love your blog and your beautiful pieces! I have loved being in the class with you as this has been such a wonderful experience! You will do very well with sales! Your customers are going to be buying right and left! So happy for you! <3
ReplyDeleteThe blue dragonflies are my absolute favorite, I love love love 'em! Great job Michaelle!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am really intrigued by the magenta/teal dragonflies. Beautiful work
ReplyDeleteLove your line of jewelry. Using multiple butterflies and dragonflies are really neat.Love the earrings that go with them. Wishing you lots of sales.
ReplyDeleteYour butterflies and dragonflies line is wonderful, Michaele! I love all of them, and your colors are great! Wishing you much success with your line ... and so glad to have been in the class with you! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong with dragonfly and butterfly jewelry. Always popular. And you've chosen lovely colors and designs to show them off. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteI would describe your delightful collection as "colorful simplicity." I could see any piece around my neck (except for earrings and bracelets) and with some of my spring wardrobe! Your collection design will be recognizable because it has the signature of your skills and talent allllllll over it!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful line and I love the colors and the dragonflies and butterflies and... Really Great Job!! It has been fun to work with you! Have a Blessed Day!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Micheale your jewelry line is just divine!!! I truly adore your blog and I am in awe of your amazing pieces. I really love the dragonfly with the ruby crystals in the flower oh my that is just delicious!!! I have truly enjoyed this amazing adventure with you and I am truly thrilled by your amazing skill to design a phenomenal jewelry line! ~Louise
ReplyDeleteI love the way this come cross as spring time to me!
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you order for this line. The whole line is simple but keep its uniqueness. Using vintage earrings or parts make it even more special.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Jewelry love all the colors, congratulations on your sale already.
ReplyDeleteyour stuff is great!! but... you seriously need to charge more.. don's sell yourself short, you are doing great work and you won't get the respect you deserve if you don't raise your prices
ReplyDeleteGreat designs! Love those fabulous dragonfly necklaces! You've got a great thing going here! And glad to hear that you are already selling some of your pieces. Looking forward to hearing more!
ReplyDeleteGreat designs, love how you used the dragonflys!
ReplyDeleteGreat designs and beautiful work! The necklaces in the first picture look vintage fabulous lol!
ReplyDeleteYou've got me at the get go! I love teal and fuchsia and dragonflies! 'Nuf said! Really your pieces are SO beautiful! Really like how you put the dragonfly earrings together. Hope to see you post lots more wonderful new pieces! So fun! :):)
ReplyDeleteGreat vision with the dragonflies! It is so much fun to experiment with colors and settings, I agree with you, this line is full of infinite possibilities! Love the bead dangles on the dragonflies as well!! The earrings are my favorite! Great job!! Gina H
ReplyDeleteMichaele--Great job! I love dragonflies too, and a really, really love the smaller necklaces with the curved tail dragonfly. What a great idea. I'm not surprised that you've already sold some. Your colors are vibrant and fun. Can't wait to see more as you continue on with this line. Congratulations!
ReplyDelete