I’d like to share a lesson in jewelry design using our jewelry links. We often receive questions from new jewelers about how to approach the design process or what to do when confronted with a creative block. One of my favorite suggestions is to explore a theme, technique or color combination that has worked for you in the past or that you’ve always admired. What happens if you change the scale? What if you mix up metals? What if you substitute a different gemstone? Chances are you’ll hit upon another success that is in the same family as your original piece.
The three earrings below all feature the same theme: combining different shapes and sizes of our ½ hammered links. These links are incredibly versatile and so much fun to work with! We offer them in multiple sizes, shapes and finishes, allowing for almost endless combinations. By mixing up the scale and the metals, I came up with three very different earring designs. They all work because of the layered, rhythmic feel of the repeating lines in the links. What do you do when confronted with designer’s block?
Layered links symbolize keyholes in this pair of earrings.
Like honeycomb, these links create a framework for the honey and honeybee.
The links in these earrings create a golden aura around buddha.
I love this topic — I keep a sketchbook of ideas and sometimes when I have designer’s block, I’ll leaf through the book and check out designs I didn’t finish or finished but never rendered. I’ll also go to fashion magazines and check out what’s going on in other aspects of fashion — handbags, clothing to look for inspiration.
Sometimes I look at what I have and think about what pieces are missing from my current assortment — am I missing certain colors or types of stones? Should I try a few more post earrings or pearl necklaces? This is when it can be helpful to look at past sales and try branching out from best-selling designs.
Most importantly, tho, I think is to keep playing with your materials. Pull out scraps and experiment! Take apart that piece that didn’t make the cut and remake it again!
best,
peggy
Comment by Handmade Jewelry by Peggy Li — March 26, 2010 @ 5:56 pm
Hi Peggy,
Sketchbooks are a must have for artists! When the creative muse visits, it’s important to appreciate the gift and take notes! I’ve found that even the inspiration that was so great as to be unforgettable seems to fade away unless I sketch it out.
I’ve also found that as I’m working on one piece, it may generate ideas for related pieces. I’ve started jotting these next phase projects down as well or they’ll be gone by the time I’ve completed the first piece. Sometimes I’ll put one or two pieces of each material for the next project in a little “idea” bag that I can go back to when I have more time.
Your idea of playing with your materials is so important. It’s amazing if you give your self permission to play how many different ways one piece, stone or technique can be used!
Comment by leah — March 31, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Hi Peggy,
Speaking of playing with materials, I’ve found that dumping a whole bunch of beads and findings, ribbon, etc. onto a white heavy-duty deep-dish paper plate helps me visualize the color combinations. The white background shows up the colors, the deep well of the plate keeps the beads from escaping, and you can stack them up when you need to put them aside. – Barbara
Comment by Barbara Whitchurch — April 16, 2010 @ 1:34 pm
Hi Barbara,
You’re on to something! I agree that mixing up materials in possible combinations can lead to great pairings. After completing a project, I dump the left-over beads & parts into my “mix box” (a clear flat tupperware container). I often open this box when I need small accent beads. This “mix box” is especially helpful when working on earrings. When the current “mix box” fills up, I start a new one. Each mix box has a different personality depending on the projects I worked on at the time: one box is heavier on pearls & gemstones, another has more old African trade beads, etc. It’s like a walk down memory lane!
Comment by leah — April 19, 2010 @ 10:05 am