The Reveal… 1st Annual Danse Macabre Blog Hop – Hoarders Corner

When I read Strega Jewellery’s blog hop announcement back in August, I was intrigued. I loved the idea of the Danse Macabre as a celebration of life.  The fact that I could make something other than jewelry made it that much better.

I primarily make jewelry, but I enjoy branching out from time to time to see what else I can do.  In this case, I knew I would make something that was not jewelry, and would incorporate Dia de los Muertos symbolism.  It took some thinking, but finally I remembered an assemblage project that I had set aside, titled “An Easier Way to Make a ‘Tin’ Nicho” by Deedee Hampton from the Sept/Oct 2014 issue of ClothPaperScissors magazine.

A nicho is a small three dimensional shadow box that is traditionally used for Day of the Dead altars; often using religious imagery or photos of loved ones who have passed on. The imagery and symbolism of Dia de los Muertos has always interested me. I like the idea of creating ways to acknowledge those who are no longer with us, and I love the bright colors and juxtaposition within the art itself.

Lately I’ve been working on modifying my projects to fit with what I have on hand, instead of adding to my already over-sized stash of crafting and jewelry supplies.  In this case, the project called for using aluminum sheeting, but I decided to use card-stock and collage elements instead.

I embellished the nicho using rubber stamps and embossing powder, added some metallic micro-beads and tiny foil stars, and completed the project by setting a Day of the Dead cat and mouse figurine into the shadowbox.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for checking out my blog hop post, and please be sure to view and comment on the blogs of my fellow participants!

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The Blog Hop Participants

Lee Koopman, Hostess	Strega Jewellry
Sam Waghorn	Pale Moon Creations
Dini Bruinsma	Angaza by Changes
Amy Jorgensen	Hoarders Corner
Tammy Adams	Paisley Lizard
Becca White	Morgana Fey Creations
Kim Dworak	Cianci Blue
Inge Von Roos	Inge’s Blog
Deb Fortin	Mohti Studio
Melissa Trudinger	Bead Recipes

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And I’m back… Just in time to blog hop!

It’s been awhile, what can I say? I was blogging pretty well for a few months, then life got busy, and busier still and now suddenly it’s six months later and I haven’t written a thing!

Well I am back and ready to try again.

Maybe you wonder what brought me out of my slump?

I’m glad you asked. My interest in my blog was piqued when I saw this post come through my feed from one of my fellow Build a Line Challenge alumni, Lee Koopman of Strega Jewellery.

Ms. Koopman wrote about being in a slump, being done with all that, and being ready to come back to the creative side.  Having been in a bit of a slump myself, blog-wise, her post struck a chord with me.

That combined with the subject matter

It was an open invitation to anyone interested to join an October blog hop titled “Danse Macabre” or “the dance of death”.

From the StregaJewellery  blog post  

“Literally, it means the dance of death and the phrase was coined in Medieval times when artistic types used allegories most of the time.   Danse Macabre illustrates the universal aspect of death.   It comes to all, regardless of station in life.  Paintings were created with skeletons dancing their way to the grave, sermons were preached cautioning people that the material side of life was unimportant, death is a fate we must all meet, peasant, pauper, priest, pope or noble.  So, enjoy life, make the most of it for we are all on our way to the same fate.   Life, after all, is a glorious dance with the grave as the finale, dance through it with joy!”

So I decided it was time to come back to the blog – and here I am!

Be sure to check back this evening for the great reveal and in the meantime check out my fellow hoppers!

The Blog Hop Participants

Lee Koopman, Hostess	Strega Jewellry
Sam Waghorn	Pale Moon Creations
Dini Bruinsma	Angaza by Changes
Mowse Doyle	Mowse Made This
Robin Showstack	The Crazy Bead Hoarder
Amy Jorgensen	Hoarders Corner
Nan Smith	Wired Nan
Tammy Adams	Paisley Lizard  You are here!
Catherine King	Catherine’s Musings
Michelle McCarthy	Firefly Designs Studio
Betony Maiden	Beadwenches Blog
Becca White	Morgana Fey Creations
Kim Dworak	Cianci Blue
Tami Norris	Tamis Creative Spot
Inge Von Roos	Inge’s Blog
Deb Fortin	Mohti Studio
Melissa Trudinger	Bead Recipes

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men – Blog Hop 3, Build A Line Challenge from B’Sue Boutiques

So I am here on March 20, 2015, the day of Blog Hop #3, a day late and a dollar short. I could not get my line finished in time because of work constraints.

And bummer that it is, I’m just really excited for the time when I can take all of this knowledge and make it work for me.

 

 

What I know…

• Time spent learning is never a waste – knowledge is yours forever.
• Sometimes having the ideas and the will to make them happen are no match for having no time
• When you have two things that you’ve committed to, the smart money is on the project that pays your bills – practicality trumps creativity.
• I’m okay with that. A great job is hard to find, and I really enjoy my work.

What I’ve learned…

• In the case of the Amazing B’Sue Boutiques Build a Line Challenge and Master class, the learning has been the “missing link” that I’ve been needing to move beyond being a hobbyist selling a hodgepodge of pieces to becoming a jewelry designer with a coherent collection of recognizable work.

• I’m already half-way there. Between the prototype jewelry line I’ve started for this course and the pieces that I have in my Etsy shop, I already have the beginnings of a collection in my shop – some tweaks here, and change in designs there, and I am on my way.

• The importance of the Pyramid. Not the obnoxious Amway sales scheme, but this one:

• I LOVE the art of fashion! This course has reminded me (again) why I love couture.  It is the art of our time and like good all art, Fashion with a capital “F” can be fun, or ridiculous, or it can take itself quite seriously.  Fashion can make you think, or blow your mind. Sometimes it will just plain piss you off – but it elicits an emotion, and creating emotion is a primary element of art – it makes you feel.
• To be successful, it’s important to know fashion – if only to know what you want to ignore. Haute couture is the basis for the choices we are given when choose our own clothes, jewelry and even home decor. Whether you shop at Barneys in New York or Walmart in a small town, your options are informed by capital “F” fashion.  With this in mind, it only makes sense to keep on top of and (hopefully) just a little bit ahead of trends and fashion.

I’ve learned these things and many more, too numerous to list and keep my blog post a length you’d want to read, and for that I am so glad I made the decision to take the course.

So again, thanks a million to Brenda Sue Lansdowne and all of my classmates for the fun, knowledge and camaraderie of the last three months. It was such a great opportunity, and I’m so glad I could be part of it. Please take the time to hop to the blogs of my fellow Challenge takers and see the always amazing and often prolific work of some amazing artisans!

 

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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 Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck VRBrose

Michaele Collie The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams Paisley Lizard

Lynda O’Mara LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen Hoarder’s Corner — You are here

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 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 Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens 1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard Mama San’s Mojo

Coral Law ab:coraldesign

Build A Line Challenge from B’Sue Boutiques, Amy Jorgensen – Ameme Designs at Hoarder’s Corner, Part 2

Welcome to Blog Hop Number 2! This is the second of three blog hops for the B’Sue Boutiques Build A Line challenge, hosted and taught (for free!) by the fabulous, knowledgeable and very generous Brenda Sue of B’Sue Boutiques.

 

In Blog Hop Number 1, I introduced myself and my Etsy shop, Ameme Designs, and I showed the evolution of my design skills since I began making jewelry.  I also gave a quick view of my ideas for my line, and the components I was considering.

 

 

Fast-forward to Blog Hop Number 2, and my line is shaping up in my mind if not actually on the work table.  I’ve dropped the ribbon, added in rhinestone chain around the cabochons and I’ve started giving serious thought to chain – a necklace has to hang from something, after all.

 

The move away from using ribbon in my line changed the aesthetic slightly, and as I experimented with adding the rhinestone chain, the name of my line came to me – “Simply Luxe” – the designs are simple, but they look quite rich due to the custom-finish brass cameo stampings with turquoise and gold cabochons, the rhinestone adds the bling they need.

In addition, I’ve been joining into conversations with my classmates, and reading and watching videos that cover all aspects of fashion and jewelry design and marketing. I’ve learned so much.  One of the things I’ve learned?  That I need to learn so much more! But now, thanks to this class and challenge, I know what I need to learn more about.

While I had hoped to have one piece to show you today, real life had other plans for me this week.  So you’ll need to pop back next month for the final reveal – Blog Hop Number 3!

I hope you enjoyed my second blog hop article, I hope you have a little time to “hop” around this list of blogs below, and give them a like or a comment.

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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 Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck VRBrose

Michaele Collie The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams Paisley Lizard

Lynda O’Mara LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen Hoarder’s Corner — You are here

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 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 Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens 1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard Mama San’s Mojo

Coral Law ab:coraldesign

My Build-a-Line Challenge Progress – Getting Ready to Hop Again

Where does the time go?! I feel like I just blogged, but it’s been over three weeks since I participated in Blog Hop Number One for the B’Sue Boutiques Build A Line challenge!

Although I’ve been quiet on the writing front, I’ve been busy on designing front – participating in discussions, asking questions, reading blogs and watching videos.  All in all, I’ve been thinking out my line, choosing elements and components, and then choosing again in the parameters of the challenge.

The process isn’t new to me – I do much of my designing in my head before I ever start to build a piece, but the scope of it is. Creating a line means thinking how the pieces will go together, and how they will stand out within the line while complementing each other.  Each individual design impacts the whole of the line.  It’s a new approach for me, and so far, I’m enjoying it and learning a ton.

Here is my progress so far. I’ve created the focal cabochons and attached them to their cameos:

Focal Cabochons

Into the cameo stampings

Now I’m just working out some final details:

Be sure to check back on Friday, for Blog Hop Number Two of the B’Sue Boutiques Build A Line challenge! In the meantime – check out my Etsy shop, Ameme Designs.

Build A Line Challenge from B’sue Boutiques, Amy Jorgensen – Ameme Designs at Hoarder’s Corner, Part 1

It’s here!  Blog Hop Number 1, the Grand Entrance, the First Reveal… It’s finally here and I hope you are as excited as I am!  This is the first of three blog hops for the B’Sue Boutiques Build A Line challenge, hosted and taught (for free!) by the fabulous, knowledgeable and very generous Brenda Sue of B’Sue Boutiques.

So what exactly is a Blog Hop?  A blog hop is a virtual social event, often based on a challenge or theme. Blog authors share links to other blogs – and then “hop” from blog to blog, reading, liking and commenting on all of the offerings while encouraging their readers to do the same.

I am Amy Jorgensen of Ameme Designs, and I’ve been making jewelry since the late nineties. When I started out, I dabbled in a little bit of everything with fairly simple designs and materials. My first attempts were nice and great work for a beginner. Here is some of my work from 2000-2001:

2000-2001

2000-2001

But  I always wanted to know and do more. As time went by, I continued to work on my skills, and my designs became slightly more complex, moving beyond just stringing or weaving beads to wire-wrapping and semi-precious gemstones and unique beads. In these pictures, spanning 2005-2009, my techniques are improving and my design skills are beginning to emerge

2006

2006 – eni oken inspired wire work

2007

2008

2009

And then between 2009 and 2013, I stopped making jewelry. During my unintentional break I met my husband, we got married and bought a house. But when things got back to “normal” I was ready to start creating again.

In 2013 I joined the BSue Creative Group on Facebook and that’s when really began to find my style. Being a part of the B’Sue community was encouraging. I felt challenged to make new items with real design ideas.

2013

2014

2015

All of this has led to now – January 23, 2015.  I like to think I’ve brought my favorite techniques with me while learning new ones and finding ways to put the Ameme Designs stamp on each piece I make.

For the next three months, with Brenda Sue’s help and instruction, myself and over fifty other designers and artists will challenge ourselves to move forward.  We’ll do this by stepping back, slowing down and really thinking about what our style is, and how to incorporate that style into a cohesive five-piece line of jewelry that can be reproduced and falls within impulse price-points. In other words, she is going to teach us how to make a line of jewelry that sells!

Here is a sneak peak of what will go into my upcoming line. I can only tell you that it will be contain five necklaces and use the supplies you see here and few others I will reveal next month when I have some items to show for my hard work.

Lastly, if you enjoyed my post here, please take some time to “hop” around this list of blogs below, and give them a like or a comment.  Better yet, start following them and watch them progress over the next three months. I will be doing the same, I can’t wait to see what they’ve been up to!

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 Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck VRBrose

Michaele Collie The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams Paisley Lizard

Lynda O’Mara LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen Hoarder’s Corner — You are here

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 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 Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens 1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard Mama San’s Mojo

Coral Law ab:coraldesign

Hankies and Hatpins

Something awesome arrived the other day!  My mom told me she was sending me some stuff for Hoarder’s Corner and to be on the lookout for a package from her.  When the package arrived, I was excited to see what was in it.  Turns out, I had a reason to be excited.

Among the contents of ribbon and other collected bits for a collage project or mixed-media jewelry, she had packed in some family heirlooms — from three generations of maternal Grandmothers.  Like I said, awesome!

There were hatpins from my grandma, which may have been from her mother, who was a milliner and made hats. Hankies – two of them, one a unique hexagon shape on a soft floral print, and the other a white square with lovely tatting along one corner.  My mom can’t remember if they were my grandma’s or great-grandma’s, she’s had them since high-school.  From my great-great-grandmother – an embroidered silk collar to be worn with a “fancy dress that had a lower cut neckline” (from the note in the package).

Hatpins from my grandmother,

Hankies from my grandma or her mother

Embroidered collar – from great -great grandma

Slide locket with Virgin Mary. Probably from grandma

And last but not least, a small cloisonne locket, whose cover slides aside to show an engraved Virgin Mary.

All that family history in some unassuming hankies and hatpins. Knowing my family, there’s probably a story (or more) to go with each of these pieces. I’m not sure why I love this stuff, but I do, and I’m very glad they joined the collection.

New Year, New Challenge

Happy New Year! I hope that all of you had a wonderful and safe time ringing in the New Year.  My evening was spent with my husband and these two party animals.

Though I managed to stay awake a bit longer than the dogs, it was not by much. I am proud to say I made it to midnight – in my own time zone, even – before crashing at approximately 12:16 am.

My ushering out of 2014 may have been low-key, but I’m glad to report that more exciting things are afoot in 2015…

Because I clearly don’t have enough to do, I am planning to participate in the B’Sue Boutiques Build-A-Line challenge and judged contest starting in January and running through March.

So keep your eyes open for future posts – I’ll tell you all about the process, and participate in blog hops with the other participants.  If you’re not familiar with blog hops, stay tuned to this site on January 23 to find out what they are all about and see cool stuff from multiple artists.

For those who don’t make jewelry and even some who do, I should say that this is a pretty fantastic opportunity.  Not only is Brenda Sue Lansdowne (the B’Sue behind the Boutiques) teaching the course, but she’s doing it for free, using the knowledge she gained from having successful commercial handmade jewelry lines in the nineties to walk members of the B’Sue Facebook page creative group through the process.

Her only caveats? That we use visible B’Sue Boutiques components, and that we commit to the project.  I know I can do the first one, and I plan to do everything I can to follow through with the latter.

So with much excitement, some anxiety and a ton of curiosity I’ll sign up on Monday and begin gaining the tools I need to create a cohesive jewelry line.

Wish me luck!

Welcome to Hoarder’s Corner!

Welcome to Hoarder’s Corner

So this is my first post – and as I noted in my “about” section I’ve been making jewelry since the late nineties.  I started out with some beads from my grandma’s stash, and a sewing needle and some thread.  As I figured out that I enjoyed the craft, I also figured out that I wanted to make more than a string of beads to go over someone’s head.

I came to the conclusion that I needed the right tools…

A few books and a bunch (or so I thought at the time) of supplies later, I was hooked. Cleaning out my grandma’s house a few years later – who, I should mention, never threw anything away, ever – I made sure her jewelry making items always had a home with me.  That was likely the beginning of Hoarder’s Corner.

What is Hoarder’s Corner? Hoarder’s Corner is the space (or spaces) where the tools and supplies and pieces of string to short to use but too pretty to throw away live.  It’s the bookshelves with more paint and brushes and completed projects on them than books. Its the tops of tables and rolling drawers and boxes of magazine clippings and paper flowers and sewing supplies live together with the photography supplies and all the ephemera in a sort of organized, always increasing, might need to dig for it but it’s in there somewhere kind of harmony.

Hoarder’s Corner is where just about anything I’ve picked up and thought, “I can definitely make something with this” lands and stays, and stays. Until one day, miraculously, it does get used.  More times than I can count, I’ve thought, “I should throw this away” and soon after used it in a design that just popped into my head.  Beads can sit for 10 years, and then one day out of the blue, I’m getting to the point of running out of them. Because of this, I give in to the urge to keep whatever “useless” thing I “think” I should throw away, because I know that sooner or later another denizen of hoarder’s corner will find a new, permanent home in a design or project.

So, welcome again to Hoarder’s Corner.  I hope you don’t mind a little clutter…