BUILD A LINE CHALLENGE FROM B’SUE BOUTIQUES, NIKE BOTTALICO OF OBJECTS AND ODDITIES, PART THREE

BUILD A LINE CHALLENGE FROM B’SUE BOUTIQUES, NIKE BOTTALICO OF OBJECTS AND ODDITIES, PART THREE

by nikebottalico

 AN EXPEDITION &  EGYPTIAN JEWELS

egypt-expedition  Brenda Sue Landowne at B’Sue Boutiques hosted a wonderful 3 month class of more that more than 50 super creative peeps!  Wow, we kept her busy and what a great Master Class “Build A Line Challenge,”  (Class) sponsored by B’Sue Boutiques has been!  The outcome of this Master Class was so the participants could learn to build our own brands, build our own following, have jewelry that our customers would be pleased with!

Part of the challenge was to build a line of jewelry using B’Sue Boutiques items from Brenda’s shop, choose a style that Brenda Sue approved of (so not too many of one style), and come up with a cohesive line of at least 5 pieces of jewelry. The class members are so awesome — they took off and ran with this challenge; many created a large line of jewelry!  Some like me,  are continuing to mull the entire process!

 rustic_egyption-theme

one piece from my line

 What did I choose for my line/collection/limited edition?  If you are following my blog, you know my plans. If not and you are a first time visitor:  I chose to create an 1920s Egyptian Stylized Jewelry Line.

Egyptian Revival photo c.1920

image from the internet

Egyptian style jewelry has been popular since the Egyptians designed it! Plus I love History and Culture! Many aspects of Egyptian Jewelry continues to be popular throughout the years, the lotus, beetles, palm trees, and pyramid.  The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 caused an explosion in Egyptian inspired jewelry – fueling (for me) one of the best periods in jewelry, characterized by daring exotic designs and color combinations.  Since the 1920s, the Egyptian revival trend has returned every few decades. Some of the most ornate pieces made in recent years by Joseff of Hollywood for the 1963 epic “Cleopatra,” starring Elizabeth Taylor.

We were also encouraged by our fearless leader/teacher, to learn about popular jewelry designers and designers who came before us.  I love Bohemian Style Jewelry and I was able to find many designers who I could relate to as an artist!

josephofhollywood

Bulgari-Cleopatra-earrings-410

image from the internet

I knew that I would be able to get the supplies I needed from B’sue Boutique.com!

triangle_gold_satin

Also since I have a love for this style of jewelry surely it would be easy to create~ NOT!

My work in this class has stretched me to my limits and beyond.  I needed to think and re-learn how to create with thoughtfulness of who my customer is, what I am saying as an artist, my style, use of color pallets from Pantone’s Seasonal colors to  other color theories such as “Color Me Beautiful.”  There were many suggestions to consider as best practice to use for the beauty industry and to use for a jewelry business.

 

 Summer Color palette

image from the internet 

I learned that I really I like to make “one-offs” or One of a Kind Jewelry… I found how very difficult it is for me to shift into a mode of planning to make multiples of an items. I am trying to make the shift as I believe I can create more cohesively as an artist now that I have taken the class.   I learned though,  I have so much more to learn!  I watched my fellow Jewelry designers flourish while I struggled….  However, this does not mean that I am going to give up on this process as it has been such a wonderful journey!  

I did understand the concepts of class, but I still found the process as quite difficult.  The Class is great!  I encourage the class for anyone who is serious about learning,  to take the class when it comes up again~ You will learn a great deal about yourself, your fellow designers  and how to go about Creating a Line of Jewelry! What a great group of people I have worked with!

My take away~

  • Photography for an On-line presence is so important and I am still working on that for my business, clear, sharp pictures of my creations.
  • Planning on what my designs are going to be here forward–  managing a supply inventory which is an intimidating task because there are so many unknown factors!  I have to ask myself how many pieces do I plan to make, how deep do I need to keep my stock keeping in mind availability, and where can I can get quality items needed for my line. (B’Sue’s of course!)
  • I need to ask myself, am I creating a limited edition of a Full line that I make over and over with small adjustments depending on what season, or what the customer is needing at that time.

Well to close, I am so glad I participated. I am still mulling on all the new ideas and creating my Line, or Collection,  or a Limited Edition!!  ~Whew~

I hand patinaed my pieces, hand painted others, sanded, drilled holes, soldered, and hand wrapped wires.  I used some similarity in  colors for the pieces also.  I started out one way…. drifted to another.  I am thinking carefully now as an artist, what am I saying for this line?  I am working on a price Pyramid, lowest to highest for my Line and continuing to develop pieces.

Here are some of my finished product for the Class as we will be judged for creativeness, completeness, and continuity of the pieces:

egypt-expedition

IMG_1885

egyption-grung-bracelet-1

egyption-grung-bracelet--earring

 Egyption_Pharoh_Head_Bug

moment-wing-bracelet

IMG_1886IMG_1883

IMG_1881

Live_Life_Bracelet

Thanks Brenda Sue,  and all my fellow designers for this time together ~  this time together has been such a gift!

XO

nike

P.S. Be sure to Visit:

bsue-pic-for-blog

 

 

 

 

66 thoughts on “BUILD A LINE CHALLENGE FROM B’SUE BOUTIQUES, NIKE BOTTALICO OF OBJECTS AND ODDITIES, PART THREE”

  1. Nike, you are taking away a lot from this class, I can see that. Just knowing that you have a lot to learn means you have learned a great deal. I am feeling the same way myself. I think I have the beginning of something then realize I have so much more learn. The research involved……whew! You have done a fantastic job so far and I know you are going to do well with this line. I love the work you have done. Your pieces are beautiful with well thought out designs and colors. I’m so glad you are on WordPress so I can “follow” your blog and keep up with what else you do. It’s been a pleasure being in this class with you.

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  3. Wow Nike. You’ve done an awesome job. I love your theme, the colors you used and also your designs.

    I especially like your Pharoah earrings and also your inspirational message bracelets.

    What we’ve learned in this class will be with us forever. Because this was a challenge, there of course had to be dates and deadlines but from now on, we can all take our time, to think hard about we’ve learned and make tweaks if necessary to develop our lines further.

    Bravo Nike!

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  5. Thanks Irene, I have more not finished yet. I play on getting it all finished and possted. I have been thrilled to be in class with you! You are an amzing & giving soul!

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  6. Marica, there will be more to come, I was so excited to rea your blog, best wishes and great success to you. Favored and Hearted your Etsy Shop! I learned so much from you — a huge thanks!

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  9. Nike, such an interesting and rich theme. Love these pieces. Such a privilege to work with you and the other artists during this challenge. Good luck to you.

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  12. Congrats on your line Nike, its beautiful and anything Egyptian styled is so marketable and stunning. You’ll have no problem selling any of these beauties~! Good luck with the line and great job on it and the blog~! xXx Ne

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  15. A great blog with neat interesting info. Loved the paragraph of your take away thoughts. Your jewelry is unique and love the designs. I also love the sidebar pictures….very cool.

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  25. Nike your line is just beautiful!!! I love your artwork and you did an awesome job on all of your pieces! Thank you so much for sharing your process with us it truly reminded me of the benefits of participating in this entire effort! I am truly grateful to have had this amazing expereince with you!!! ~Louise

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  26. Nike, I really love the colors you chose for your line, and the designs you’ve created. Your blog post story was great and interesting to read. So glad that you took this journey with us, my friend.

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  27. Thank you so much Louise! I have so enjoyed meeting you and having this experience with you also. I will be around to read you soon! I am a bit under the weather and am reading the Blog Hop slowly. My best wisher to you and how I have enjoyed your work!

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  28. Marcia! Your work is Amazing, and I adore it! Thank you so much for your kindness to me and your encouraging words. I have so enjoyed working with you in this class! I have learned so much from you! ❤

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  29. Nike I love all of your pieces! I too have learned a great deal and still have more learn! The beetle jewelry is always my favorite but love those pharaoh earrings. This has been a wonderful adventure for us all. Ingrid

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  30. Oh Ingrid~ thank you so much! I am so appreciative of meeting and working with all of you! What a wonderful experience! I am on the hunt for more of the little pharaohs…. I want to make more of those for sure!
    xo
    nike

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  32. Nike, I love your pieces. They are so unique and have your personal stamp on them. I especially love the colors you used. This is a beautiful line. Well done and it was a joy sharing this adventure with you!

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  33. leilassparklies thank you so very much! I so appreciate you reading and coming to visit me. I have more sayings to use for my line. Now that I have revealed it, I will be makering more! YAY! Such a great class!

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  34. Susan, you are such an outstanding talent, and amazing person. You have been so kind to me and I so appreciate your comments! Thank you and I have loved being in this class with you! What an amazing group of women we are all! Best to you and you are in my thoughts dear heart!

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  35. I am so thrilled to be able to comment…..THANK YOU NIKE for all your immense support throughout the challenge and I hope you were able to take from it everything you needed. I know the way was not easy for you these last few months as the life challenges were great but you need to feel good about yourself and very proud. You completed the tasks 100% and did a FINE job while staying true to yourself, your art, and what you set out to do, your chosen theme. A+++++

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  36. I have learned so much Brenda, I thank you so very much for this opportunity! You are marvelous and so are all the other “students” — class participants! Thanks again!

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  37. Nike–Your line is great and very unique. I loved your use of the colors with the gold and the Egyptian themed charms, etc. Thanks for summarizing the take-aways. I think we all took a lot away from this class. Congratulations!

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  39. People like jewelry with special theme. Yours rock! I like the color and how you use the stamping. I have some Egyptian connectors but they are just sitting in my drawer. So glad we are learning together in this class.

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  40. Thank you very much Coral! I have enjoyed being in this class with you and all the other ladies! I am still reading, will get to your blog tomorrow I hope! 🙂

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  42. I really love Egyptian styled jewelry there’s something so mystical and magical about it and your line is just stunning. I love all your beautiful color choices as well and it was an honor be with all of you on the journey. XOXO!

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  43. Nike, you’ve been such a help through this whole class, Thank You! On top of that, you’ve made some really cool pieces, timeless and just right for the present at the same time. You’ve captured the colors perfectly! The lapis & turquoise were a big part of Egyptian pieces & are big favorites still, as you rightly noted. It has been a tough but rewarding time working through the challenge, I’m so glad to have been in it with you.

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  46. Nike, You have done a wonderful job with your jewelry line. My favorite so you scarab necklaces in your painted beetles for your earrings on I do like the bracelets with the wings. We have all learned a lot in this class. And it has been a pleasure to get to know you as follow beetle jewelry designers we rock! I love your blog and the fact that you have this history and story to go with your jewelry I think that’s a really great selling feature you have continue on your path. XOXO

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  47. Oh thanks Cindy! I have much more planned that I did not get finished. That will be coming up in the next month! I am really excited to continue down this path! I have loved working with all of you and all the creative minds collectively! such Fun! xoxox

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  54. So lovely, Nike! Your line is stunning. It was a pleasure being in the Class of 2015 with you! ~Melissa

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  57. Nike, I love your designs and sense of color! Those bracelets are fantastic and the whole theme so rich! Nicely done! I’m so glad to have been part of this experience with you and hope we have many more jewelry adventures together! Take care,

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  58. Thanks Nadine. I have so enjoyed being in this class with you and all the others! I learned so very much! Take care, huge sales to you and I wish you all the best!

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  59. Thanks so much Jjan! I have loved doing this class with all of you! Wow, a lot to learn and I am mulling over it all! I wish you the very best always! Best Wishes!

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  61. I so like your Egyptian theme! And you’ve got some of my fave colors together–a sort of orchid-lavender with the verdigris turquoises! The way you used the Czech leaves, scarabs and that pharaoh head is lovely! It’s been fun reading your comments in the class and we get to “stay together”–what a treat! Your whole line is beautiful and I hope you make much more and post for us to see. :):)

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  62. The “Expedition” bracelet is my favorite. I am seeing the “angel” wings in a whole new way now. I definitely can see them as a major element in Egyptian art, never noticed that before! Your scarab pieces are also lovely. Your colors are great! Keep it up, you’ve got a great line. I was really excited to see Egypt themed pieces in the challenge!

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  64. Alexandra, thank you so very much! Thanks for noticing the colors, I worked hard to age and distress them and loved how they turned out. I was hopeful others would also like them! So enjoyed the class with everyone!

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