AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY: Third Blog Hop Post and Reveal for the 2016 BALC, sponsored by B’SUE BOUTIQUES

FALLIN’ LEAVES by AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY

I wanted to share this beautiful WHITE azalea from my back yard with you.  It blooms prolifically like this every spring, and, even though it is white, and not full of the colors I usually lean toward, it is one of my favorites!

I want to thank our mentor, muse, teacher, Brenda Sue Lansdowne, of http://www.bsueboutiques.com, where the BEST supplies come from, for everything she did for our BALC class this year.  It was quite an undertaking with all the modules and guidance she gave us throughout the three month process!  She never waivered.   And here we all are at the end of this amazing journey, having learned what it takes to be whatever we choose to be as an artisan creator of mixed media jewelry.

Today is the FINAL REVEAL of our lines.  As you’ll recall, I chose FALLIN’ LEAVES, as my new line.  I used B’sue components almost exclusively and applied my custom colors to several different leaf shapes and sizes, as you will see.  So without further ado, here is my line.

These are all earrings on a variety of leaf shapes, embellished with beautiful custom colors and Swarovski flat back crystals, rhinestone cup chain, and no hole pearls.  They are in the first level of the pricing pyramid.

Maple Leaf and Oak Leaf Pendant necklaces, colored and highlighted with flower bead caps with pearl centers, a small leaf, custom lampwork coordinating beads, and chains with lobster claw clasps.  These necklaces are in the second pricing tier of the pyramid.

These gorgeous dapped, curved, leaves are accented with custom colors, and flower bead caps with Swarovski flat back crystal centers, a small leaf, coordinating custom lampwork beads, rhinestone cup chain, small rolo and round link chains with lobster claw clasps.  All of these necklaces are in the second tier of the pricing pyramid.

These Feather Leaf Bracelets have been colored or buffed back to reveal color underneath.  They are accented with flower bead caps with Swarovski crystal centers, small leaves, coordinating lampwork beads, and beautiful chains with lobster claw clasps.  They are in the second pricing tier of the pyramid.

The custom colored large leaf Pendant Necklaces are enhanced with flower bead caps with no hole pearls or Swarovski flat back crystals, small leaves, lampwork beads and 22″ rolo chains with lobster claw clasps.

The Feather Leaf Necklaces are matching to the bracelets above, and have matching earrings, so can be bought as sets.

These Necklaces are also in the second tier of the pricing pyramid…”The Sweet Spot”!

Two Cuffs made with a variety of leaves and colors, with the usual accents and embellishments.  I think I am going to add some no hole pearls to the Cuff on the left.  The large Maple Leaves in the cuff on the right have been torch colored with no addition of any other colors…aren’t they beautiful?  These Cuffs are in the third tier of the pricing pyramid.

This is my top of the line Necklace for my FALLIN’ LEAVES line.  It has a variety of leaves, and the double layered custom colored sunflowers make it a Crossover piece for my next line, “SIZZLIN’ SUMMER BLOOMS”!

We all know that neatness counts, and customers definitely want to see that, so here is a photo of the backs of some of my pieces.

Here are a few more colors of Pendant Necklaces that still need chains, and two brooches and a medium assemblage necklace that are waiting for some gorgeous coloring.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my new FALLIN’ LEAVES line.  Watch for my new “SIZZLIN’ SUMMER BLOOMS” line in the summer!  Thank you so much for visiting again.

Now, it’s time to visit my awesome classmates’ blogs at the list below to see what they created for their new lines.  I am excited to see them all, too!!  I know we all will appreciate your kind comments.

Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box

http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com

Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio

http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog

Irene Hoffman, Heart’s Dezire by Irene

http://www.heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com

Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick

http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com

Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not

http://www.afrayedknot.net

Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs

http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me

Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie

http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com

Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time

http://www.onecanvasatatime.com

Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation

http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com

Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry

http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com

Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate

http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com

Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann

http://janntague.wordpress.com

Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs

http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com

Susan Bolton, Fern’s Place

http://www.fernsplace.org

Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets

http://noodlepiebracelets.com

Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks

http://woodsidewireworks.com/

Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs

http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com

Joan Donovan, Hailey’s Cottage

http://haileyscottage.com/

Alison Huie, Ally’s Baubles

http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com

Sharon Palac, Sharon’s Jewelry Garden

http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

Erica Olmos, Beeb’s Closet

https://beebscloset.wordpress.com

Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry

https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com

Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front

https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com

Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs

https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com

Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels

http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php

Mary Deis, The Rose Sword

http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com

Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design

http://smallstuffdesign.com

Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts

http://www.artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com

Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens

http://christinecravens.blogspot.com

Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs

http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com

Donna Parry, JewelryDonna

http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com

Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures

http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/

Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments

https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/

AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY: BALC 2016, SECOND BLOG HOP, sponsored by B’sue Boutiques

 

Fallin’ Leaves Spectrum

 

Welcome back to the BALC 2016, second Blog Hop, sponsored by B’sue Boutiques!  Here at AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY, I’ve been challenged for various reasons while creating my new line, “FALLIN’ LEAVES”.  But, I finally got my act together and began creating a few pieces.  

Before I show you a sneak peek of some works in progress, I want to share with you a few things I’ve learned from our benevolent instructor, Brenda Sue Lansdowne, during the past month.  For instance, we made MANY collages of our previous work to see if we created pieces that had anything in common, since most of us love to do OOAK (one of a kind), pieces.  The two collages below told me that my creations have several things in common.  Color and nature themed pieces, for sure, but also, LOTS of roundness, curves, as opposed to hard angles or industrial look pieces.  I learned that I am influenced by the Art Nouveau style, which is considered more modern or contemporary.  Yep, that’s me!  Can you see it?

Variety of Brooches

Variety of Necklaces

Art Nouveau Style Brooch

Art Nouveau Style Brooch

Art Nouveau Style Stamping from http://www.bsueboutiques.com

One of the other things we were asked by Brenda, to consider is whether I am a “hobbyist”, a “maker”, or a “designer”.  I came to the conclusion that I am all three, at times.  I am a hobbyist when I get bored and just want to learn to make something new and different, just for fun.  It doesn’t fit into any of my lines, but I like doing it.  For instance, these pieces that I made recently;

Red and Matte Black bib style necklace and earring set

Matte Black, White, and soft pink necklace and earring set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am a maker when I get into a groove, and work on many pieces at once, that may, or may not, fit into my lines, as seen below, in the resin cabachon pieces I made.  I definitely want to make more and I want to sell them.

Custom colored Resin Cabachon Necklaces

Custom colored Resin Cabachon Brooches

Custom colored Resin Cabachon adjustable Rings

I am a designer when I work exclusively on creating new pieces for one of my lines, and I will sell them wholesale to a boutique, as seen in the next pics.

Recently created this Cuff, Tassel Necklace and Earring set to fit into my Bloomin’ Tulips line from last year

Now it’s time to show you some photos of what I have done so far for my new “Fallin’ Leaves” line.  Nothing is finished yet, but you’ll get the gist, I think.

Works in progress for Fallin’ Leaves by Aurora Designs Jewelry

Close up of a finished piece on the third level of my pricing pyramid

Lastly, my new tumbler, inspired by Leila West, of Leila Nicole Designs, for efficiently washing many components at once!

That’s it for this Hop.  Thanks, once again, for visiting.  I’d love it if you will leave a comment in the box at the end of the classmate list, gimme a like, and share with your friends.  See you again in April, when we have our final REVEAL, and you get to see everything we have all created for our lines.

Please, follow along below, with my very talented classmates.  I know they will appreciate that you took the time to read their posts and leave a kind comment.

Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box

http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com

Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio

http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog

Irene Hoffman, Heart’s Dezire by Irene

http://www.heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com

Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick

http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com

Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not

http://www.afrayedknot.net

Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs

http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me

Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie

http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com

Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time

http://www.onecanvasatatime.com

Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation

http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com

Belinda Reed-Ingle, Vogue Rocks

http://voguerocks.blogspot.com

Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry

http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com

Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate

http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com

Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann

http://janntague.wordpress.com

Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs

http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com

Susan Bolton, Fern’s Place

http://www.fernsplace.org

Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets

http://noodlepiebracelets.com

Barbara Kelley, Angels’ Keep

http://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com

Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks

http://woodsidewireworks.com/

Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs

http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com

Joan Donovan, Hailey’s Cottage

http://haileyscottage.com/

Alison Huie, Ally’s Baubles

http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com

Sharon Palac, Sharon’s Jewelry Garden

http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

Erica Olmos, Beeb’s Closet

https://beebscloset.wordpress.com

Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry

https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com

Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front

https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com

Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs

https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com

Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels

http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php

Mary Deis, The Rose Sword

http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com

Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design

http://smallstuffdesign.com

Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts

http://www.artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com

Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens

http://christinecravens.blogspot.com

Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs

http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com

Donna Parry, JewelryDonna

http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com

Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures

http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/

Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments

https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY: BALC 2016, FIRST BLOG HOP, sponsored by B’sue Boutiques

 

This photo was taken by my cousin’s husband, Dan Henning.  They are gorgeous pink and white tulips…my favorite flower in one of my favorite colors, pink!  These were in their garden last year, and he was kind enough to let me share the photo, here.

 

I’m baaaaccckkkkk!  Yep, I’m doing the Build a Line Challenge 2016, sponsored by Brenda Sue Lansdowne of http://www.bsueboutiques.com, fame.  I decided I wanted to learn more about how to grow my business, Aurora Designs Jewelry, and this is the best place to do that, for me.  I am honored to be in the class with 36 others, some of whom are also alumni, and some newbies, and even our leader, Brenda Sue is creating a new line this year.  I’m very excited to see what she will do, as she had a very successful line of her own several years ago.

So, please enjoy reading and hopping along as we begin our journey here.

Part one of my Bloomin’ Tulips Grand Parure in reds and antique silver

A collage of different Bloomin’ Tulips’ designs

These are collages, (we practiced making lots of collages for class this year).  I created a line called “Bloomin’ Tulips” last year, and made the collage of the red tulips, and another one of a variety of designs from the line.  I just love those Tulip Beads, small and large, that B’sue carries on her site!  Creating a collage is a great way to showcase several pieces of your jewelry at once, and it’s how many people who sell on Etsy showcase their jewelry. You can do closeups of a specific part of your pieces so the customer can see the details.  I am still creating new designs for my Bloomin’ Tulips line; for example, this great bracelet/cuff in a vintage style.

Vintage Style matte black and satin matte gold cuff/bracelet with Swarovski crystal center

I made these large sunflower pendant necklaces last fall.  I did my custom coloring on them, and I think they turned out pretty great, don’t you?  My fave is the double one in blue/green/gold.  I added coordinating little spectra bead dangles with a flower bead cap on each one.  They are about 32 inches long, so they didn’t need a clasp…you can just slip them over your head.  I still have them in inventory, if you’re interested.  You can find me on Facebook.

Here I am modeling the finished cuff on my wrist.

I made this cuff last September for the “Change it UP Challenge”, sponsored by B’sue Boutiques.  We were challenged to use a stamping in a totally different and unrecognizable way to create a whole new piece.  This is what I started with:

This is the piece I selected to use for my “Change It Up, Vintage Flair” Blog Hop

Can you find it in my cuff?  I used four of these necktie stampings from http://www.bsueboutiques.com!!  Pretty cool, huh?

I heard through the grapevine that brooches were back, so I created a few using resin cabachons that I made and custom colored.  Then, I set them in bezels from B’sue, and embellished them a little bit.  I made most of them convertible, meaning they can be worn as a brooch or add some chain and wear them as a necklace…your choice.  You can see a several in the photo below.

and a couple resin cabachon rings

and a few resin cabachon pendant necklaces

I did a little beading with my “Makering Buddies”, Jann and Renie, and attached the beaded pieces to a B’sue stamping

And I created a few leaf bracelets with a little flower and leaf accent

Which brings me to the REVEAL of my new line for this year’s Build a Line Challenge…….

“FALLIN’ LEAVES”

by Aurora Designs Jewelry

Here are some of the components that will be in my designs.

I haven’t completed anything yet, but wanted to give you all a little teaser for the second Blog Hop, where I will be revealing at least ONE finished piece.  So stay tuned, for February 26, 2016.  I’ll be looking forward to seeing you again.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my first blog post.  I am ever so appreciative if you’ll leave a word or two in the comment box below the list of my classmates.

Here is a quote that keeps me going when my creative muse can’t be found for a bit, and I think it can apply to so many situations in life.  Don’t give up…Keep going!

I know all my classmates would love for you to click on their links below, and read and comment on their posts, too.  Enjoy the HOP!!  See you in February!

Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box

http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com

Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio

http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog

Irene Hoffman, Heart’s Dezire by Irene

http://www.heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com

Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick

http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com

Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not

http://www.afrayedknot.net

Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs

http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me

Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie

http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com

Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time

http://www.onecanvasatatime.com

Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation

http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com

Belinda Reed-Ingle, Vogue Rocks

http://voguerocks.blogspot.com

Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry

http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com

Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate

http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com

Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann

http://janntague.wordpress.com

Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs

http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com

Susan Bolton, Fern’s Place

http://www.fernsplace.org

Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets

http://noodlepiebracelets.com

Barbara Kelley, Angels’ Keep

http://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com

Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks

http://woodsidewireworks.com/

Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs

http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com

Joan Donovan, Hailey’s Cottage

http://haileyscottage.com/

Alison Huie, Ally’s Baubles

http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com

Sharon Palac, Sharon’s Jewelry Garden

http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

Erica Olmos, Beeb’s Closet

https://beebscloset.wordpress.com

Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry

https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com

Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front

https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com

Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs

https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com

Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels

http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php

Mary Deis, The Rose Sword

http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com

Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design

http://smallstuffdesign.com

Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts

http://www.artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com

Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens

http://christinecravens.blogspot.com

Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs

http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com

Donna Parry, JewelryDonna

http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com

Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures

http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/

Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments

https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/

AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY “CHANGE IT UP” BLOG HOP sponsored by B’SUE BOUTIQUES

Hi!  Welcome back to my Aurora Designs Jewelry’s blog post!  It’s been a while…no excuses for the long absence, just didn’t do it.  BUT, Brenda Lansdowne from http://www.bsueboutiques.com, challenged us again, and who can resist that cute face when she issues a challenge!  So, here I am participating in the “Change It Up” Blog Hop.  We were tasked to choose one of the pieces in the photo below, from http://www.bsueboutiques.com, and make it into something unrecognizable from the original piece. I want to share my journey and my processes through a pictorial journal.  Please follow along with me on my journey to my finished piece and see how I “Changed It Up”.

These are the four pieces from http://www.bsueboutiques.com from which we had to choose.

This is the piece I selected to use for my “Change It Up, Vintage Flair” Blog Hop

This is how I started to “change it up”. I separated each necktie and cut off the small tabs that connected them.

I added some texture to each piece with my texturing hammer,  for cool interest.  I wanted it to show well after I colored the pieces.

Soldering station set up and ready to solder some of the pieces.  I hadn’t soldered in quite a while, so I just went with what I remembered from the class I took a long time ago.

Needed to do a bit of bending and forming to get the shape I want with a bracelet bending pliers, my husband’s vise, and some brute strength.

Picked some B’sue focal pieces from my stash and added some color with alcohol inks.  Can you see where I’m going yet?

Cold connected the focal pieces with a screw, washer, and nut, and realized it looked similar to a red and black cabachon from B’sue’s supply website.

Anyone who knows ME, knows I always need to have some BLING!  Do you recognize these red pieces?

I decided it needed a touch of PearlEx powder here and there.  I glued the pearl into the center and put some red Perfect Pearls on it, then sealed the whole thing.  Wasn’t crazy about the red pearl, so…I “changed it up”.  You’ll see it in the final photo.

After painting and sealing the sides, it was time to connect the focal to the the sides. Some gluing and clamping works for that.  Now it sets for twenty-four hours.

After waiting for twenty four hours for the glue to set, I took the clamps off and when I was making an adjustment to one of the sides, it came off!!  I was not worried.  I just decided to cold connect the cuff sides to the center focal.  Took it apart and started cold connecting.  When I finished that process, I repainted the whole thing, and sealed it.  Now I present to you, my Change It Up, Vintage Flair Gothic Cuff.

Matte black and Glossy red with a black pearl center and rhinestone cup chain accent. Pearl Ex powder on the focal swirled edges and the outside flower petals.

Here is the side view of the finished cuff.

Here I am modeling the finished cuff on my wrist.

Before I started my Challenge piece, I decided that I would not start another new piece until I had cleaned up EVERY half finished piece at all three stations on my large kitchen table, so away I went, working five to six hours a day, non stop.  I was inspired by my friend Jann Tague of Clever Designs, when she was here for a play date a couple weeks ago (we played with resin that day, and I made a bunch of cabachons in my mold), and she started digging (literally), through my stuff on the table.  She kindly sorted out a bunch of things for me, and point blank told me to “git ‘er done!”  So I began working on all the things on my table.  Many only needed chains/neck treatment to be finished.  (I have a hard time with that sometimes.)   Then, I posted them on our B’sue Boutiques Creative Group Page last Friday and Saturday for FUF (Finished Up Friday).  It felt SOOOOOO good to have finished about half of what was on my work table.  Here are photos of some of the finished pieces and my Work Table photo for this past Wednesday’s WTW (Work Table Wednesday).  Once I finish what is on there, I will have fewer than ten pieces left to finish.  Then, I can start my FALL Themed pieces!

Pretty Black and Gold medium assemblage with vintage rosary chain.

Large blue polymer clay flower with a Swarovski rivoli center, and brass ox book chain.

This altered piece had been on my work table for over a year. Rhinestone chain accent and book chain finished it.

I beaded the focal pieces and couched them onto altered pieces from b’sueboutiques, and added some chain to complete the cuff.

Here is a preview of one of my fall themed pieces, a beautiful rusty orange sunflower necklace.

One of the resin cabachons that I colored with Perfect Pearls and Mica Chips, them made into a pretty brooch.

Iced Enamel and Ice Resin small heart earrings with a crystal accent, and bow lever backs ear wires.

This is what I have left to finish on my work table. I will have them finished by the end of next week. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, now. WOOHOO!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my blog post and following along in my process for “CHANGING IT UP”, and seeing some of my creations.  I love working in mixed media and love being in such a loving, supportive, encouraging group of people. Brenda Sue Landsdowne is an awesome mentor, and she has the absolute BEST supplies and perks on her website, http://www.bsueboutiques.com.  I hope you’ll check out her site and while you’re there, be sure to click on the Design Team page and read about my journey.  Thanks for reading, and I will be ever so appreciative if you will leave a kind comment and share and like my blog post.

I leave you with this thought.

The list of participants is below and they all have made some amazing creations.  To join the Hop, just click on the next name’s url below mine, and away you go.  Please leave them a kind comment, too.  I know they’ll appreciate it!!

Brenda Sue Lansdowne

Jewelry Making Outside the Box

Mary Deis

The Rose Sword

http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com/

Jann Tague

Clever Designs

https://janntague.wordpress.com/

Lori Beekman

B.Accessorized

https://baccessorized.wordpress.com/

Renee Hong

Fine and Dandy Jewelry

http://www.fineanddandyjewelry.blogspot.com/

Cynthia Wainscott

Exotic Peru Jewelry

http://exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com/

Dana Hickey

Magpie Approved

http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com/

Mary Beth Quigley-Spiker

Q Settings

https://qsettings.wordpress.com/

Karen Eaton

KJewelry Creations

http://kjewelrycreations1.blogspot.com/

Shari Gardner

SLG Jewelry Designs

https://slgdesigns.wordpress.com/

Alison Huie

Ally’s Baubles

http://allysbaubles.blogspot.com/

Pamela Anger

Novegatti Designs

http://www.novegattidesigns.blogspot.com/

Carole Carlson

Beadsophisticate

https://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com/

Cindy Peterson

Howling Dog Jewelry

https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/

Marcia Tuzzolino

Aurora Designs

http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me/

Charlotte Smothers

Sea Horse Ranch Life

http://seahorseranch.blogspot.com/

Catherine Shattuck

Victorian Rose Boutique

https://vrbrose.wordpress.com/

Clare Wells Nemeth

Papercrafting Magic

http://papercraftingmagic.blogspot.com/

Erin Whitacre

Shattered Time

https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com/

Lynda O’Mara

Lomara Creative

http://www.lomaracreative.com/

Ginger Hammond

Lynn Leigh Designs

https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com/

Ingrid Anderson

Lilis Gems Artisan Jewelry

https://lilisgems.wordpress.com/

Deb Beechy

Beetique

http://www.beetique56.blogspot.com

Harry Wood

Oscar Crow

http://oscarcrow.blogspot.com/

Delyssa Maxwell

Past Time Fancies

https://pasttimefancies.wordpress.com/

Paula Gaskill

Lovely Layla Bugs

http://lovelylaylabugjewels.weebly.com/blog

Irene Hoffman

Heart’s Dezire by Irene

https://heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com/

Alexandra Sefton

Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

http://wilywolverine.blogspot.com/

Leslie Carver

Adorn Divine Designs

http://adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com/

PART THREE BLOG HOP: AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY, BUILD A LINE CHALLENGE sponsored by B’SUE BOUTIQUES’ BRENDA SUE LANSDOWNE

That’s Me!

My favorite flower

This is our sponsor’s supply website where I buy the majority of my supplies for my line.

A sampling of the Bloomin’ Tulips Pendants designed by Marcia Tuzzolino of Aurora Designs Jewelry

 

TA DA!!!

I want to thank our teacher/mentor, Brenda Sue Lansdowne, of http://www.bsueboutiques.com, jewelry supply company.  I also wish to say to every member, that this has been a wonderfully inspiring journey with all of you, and I appreciate all of your support and encouragement during the process.  We’ve had the privilege of being the first class for the Build a Line Challenge, and no one can ever take that away from us.  I will not go into everything we learned in this challenge in this post, but will in a future post.

Here we are at the finish line for the Build a Line Challenge.  I am proud that I made it to the end, and have a complete line to share with you.  I was inspired by my Grandmas’ gardens, and my favorite flower, the tulip, and my love of color.  My basic components are large and small tulip beads in a variety of finishes, that I have manipulated and colored, in most instances, so they look like a different flower.  I named my line “Bloomin’ Tulips” by Aurora Designs Jewelry.

So without further ado, please enjoy your walk through my Bloomin’ Tulips garden,

Beautiful tulips in Holland

from seedling/bulb to fully blooming in a variety of designs, and from lowest priced to highest on my pyramid of price ranges ($18-$225).  I don’t plan to elaborate much on my photos, but will let them speak for themselves. 

 

Earrings to match small pendants

 

Small Pendants with ball chain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural finish earrings with Spectra beads and Swarovski crystals

 

Brass ox small pendant on ball chain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earrings to match large pendants

 

 

 

Large bead pendants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ombre tulip bead rings

Brooches, one convertible to a pendant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A neutral colored Pendant and small assemblage necklaces

Small assemblage necklaces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large open bead center pendants

Large open center bead pendant with earrings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Etched blank with large open center focal and matching earrings

 

 

 

I made this cuff a while ago, and saw that it already has the tulip beads shown as part of my line. It fit right in!

Orange red medium assemblage necklace

 

 

 

 

 

Three drop tulip beads with chain dangles

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible necklace and bracelet

 

Convertible necklace and bracelet with matching earrings

 

Part one of my Grand Parure in reds and antique silver

 

 

Part two of my Grand Parure in reds and antique silver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are works in progress that need necklaces, and some unfinished earrings

 

I have one more piece to show you, but I want to give a shout out to Lesley McIver of Glitz Art Glass from New Zealand.  All those pretty small beads on the necklaces are from her.  I love her beads for use in my creations and they make very cute, easy peasy earrings and work so well with bits and pieces from http://www.bsueboutiques.com, too.  They come in wonderful colors that match and compliment my custom colors on my tulip beads.  So, thanks, Lesley!!

I hope you’ve enjoyed meandering through my tulip garden.  I have my last, top of the line piece, to show you, then it would be wonderful if you will hop on over to the next group member below to see what awesome creations they have to show you!  We all appreciate a kind comment and likes and shares, if you’re so inclined.  Thanks for visiting.

 

Beautiful peach and sage green assemblage with three pair of matching earrings. This piece is at the top of my pyramid. It’s called “Point, Counterpoint”.

 

You can start hopping here.  Have fun!!

 

 

Brenda Sue Lansdowne

Jewelry Making Outside the Box

Marcia Tuzzolino  This is where you are in the hop

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

https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/

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

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

http://www.parisiennegirldesign.wordpress.com

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART TWO BLOG HOP: AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY, BUILD A LINE CHALLENGE sponsored by B’SUE BOUTIQUES’ BRENDA SUE LANSDOWNE

A sampling of the Bloomin’ Tulips Pendants designed by Marcia Tuzzolino of Aurora Designs Jewelry

“Virtual classes, Inspiration, Pricing discussions, “AHA” moments, LOTS of lively discussions and participation, Pyramids (not the ones in Egypt), Challenges to date, and Progress to date.

I thought this quote was very applicable for those of us in the challenge.

These topics are just a few of the things that have been discussed during the past month.  There are so many extremely knowledgeable and talented members in this group, and to a person, they are willing to share their expertise with everyone else in the group.  I am not going to discuss all of the aforementioned topics in this blog (we’d all be here until the end of next week if I did that), so I am going to share some thoughts about just a couple… My Inspiration for my propensity to make floral jewelry, thus, my “Bloomin’ Tulips” by Aurora Designs Jewelry line.  And the Pyramid, as it applies to the pieces and their prices, in my Line.

Tulip Varieties and Colors

Inspiration…” My Grandmas’ Garden”

When I was young, we went to my grandmas’ houses often and one of the things I loved at their country homes were the flowers in the yards and in the gardens among the vegetables.  There were so many different kinds; marigolds, petunias, gladiola, carnations, geraniums, daisies, lilacs, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, roses, peonies, violets, and my favorite at Grandma Schank’s when I was a child, sweet william, (now I know it as dianthus).  I would run to the spot in the yard where they were growing, and sit in the grass, sticking my nose in the red, pink, and white sweet williams.  They had a kind of wonderful sweet spice fragrance that I loved.  The flowers of spring and early summer were my favorites, and still are.  The huge variety of colors attracted me, in addition to the lovely fragrances of those flowers.  Over time, tulips became my singular favorite flowered, with lilacs, being a close second.

When I started making assemblage necklaces after I joined the B’sue Boutiques Creative Group, one of our first monthly challenges was to make a piece of jewelry that reflected what our inspiration was for making our style of jewelry.  I created this over the top assemblage necklace, that I named, “My Grandmas’ Garden”.

Inspired by both of my Grandma’s gardens when I was a child, I created this piece. LOTS of color, different kinds of flowers, a cameo representing me, and one representing my two grandmas.

The majority of my jewelry contains flowers because of my grandmas’ inspiration.

My Challenge Climbing the Pyramid

When our mentor, Brenda Sue Lansdowne, created a video about using a Pyramid to create our lines by having a larger, bolder, piece, and stepping out the components to make smaller, less costly pieces that are cohesive and coordinating, it was a bit of an “AHA” moment for me.  Not the head slap, “I could’ve had a V-8” kind of “AHA”, but an “AHA” moment, none the less.

I reworked this focal to make it an addition to my “Bloomin’ Tulips” line.

This was created from the larger necklace.

Two pair of Earrings stepped out of the reworked focal necklace.

I realized (happily), that I was on the right track with what I had created so far for my Bloomin’ Tulips Line.  But I began seeing my Line with a broader eye.  I reworked one piece I made awhile ago, and found another piece that already fits into my, but near the top of the Pyramid.

I reworked the focal flower from a rose to a tulip on this piece and it fits right into the top of my line.

I made this cuff a while ago, and saw that it already has the tulip beads shown as part of my line. It fit right in!

My Pyramid will have seven levels of pricing and jewelry.  The first 3-4 levels will be priced at $15-50 for each piece.  The upper levels will be $51 and up, with the top being the most expensive.  EVERYTHING will have common elements and will be very cohesive and recognizable as “Bloomin’ Tulips” by Aurora Designs Jewelry.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the pieces I have already created or that are works in progress for my line.

My workspace while I am creating my Bloomin’ Tulips.

A sampling of one style of the Pendants for Bloomin’ Tulips by Aurora Designs Jewelry

A neutral colored Pendant and small assemblage necklaces

Orange red medium assemblage necklace higher up on the Pyramid

Pink lavender small assemblage necklace with pearls

A variety of colored Bloomin’ Tulips rings

In my next blog, I’m going to share a design challenge I had with one of my pieces and how I solved it.

I would love to hear from you in the comment section below.  Your feedback matters to me.

Thanks for visiting.  I appreciate that you took the time.

Hop along now, to the rest of the great blogs.

Brenda Sue Lansdowne

Jewelry Making Outside the Box

Marcia Tuzzolino

Aurora Designs

Jann Tague

Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King
Apt To Wander Studio
https://apttowander.wordpress.com/

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

https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/

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

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

Making Progress

Quick update…just watermarked my photo for the first time…Do you see it??
These are my orange red BLOOMIN’ TULIPS’ pendant and earring prototype for my new line at AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY.  This is Design #1 of five (so far), different new designs for my new line.  I’m having fun creating these new pieces which will be sold at a price point between $15-50.

Be back soon.  Have a great weekend!! 
Go Seahawks!!!

Posted from WordPress for Android

PART ONE: BUILD A LINE CHALLENGE from B’SUE BOUTIQUES; MARCIA TUZZOLINO OF AURORA DESIGNS JEWELRY

 

Yellow Tulip Varieties

 

I’m Marcia Tuzzolino owner, designer, and creator of Aurora Designs Jewelry.  I am one of 56 members of B’sue Boutiques Creative Group on Facebook, who is participating in the Build a Line Challenge sponsored by that group.  Our mentor and master class instructor is Brenda Sue Lansdowne, who is the owner of https://www.bsueboutiques.com, a jewelry supply company.  I am very new to blogging and this is my very first Blog Hop.  This is Part One, of three.  I will share a bit about myself and my background, photos of my designs, past and present, and tell you here in Part One, why I chose to participate in this Build a Line Challenge master class.  The Challenge runs from January, 2015, through March, 2015, and there will be two more Blog Hops; Part Two, February 20, and Part Three-Final Reveal, March 20, when we will reveal our completed Line.  We will talk about our journeys and processes as we create our cohesive lines of jewelry (a minimum of five pieces).

That’s Me!

Purple Tulip Variety

 

 

 

 

Bridal Necklace St. Petersburg stitch

 

I began making jewelry in 2007 at my local bead shop and started my business, Aurora Designs Jewelry, in 2009.  I have a passion for creating a variety of jewelry, and am now able to do it full time since I retired three years ago.  I have taken many, many, classes in a variety of media, including beading, wire work, soldering, polymer clay and assemblage.  I quickly learned that I have a knack for designing and creating beautiful jewelry using beads, paints, inks, and other materials to alter the color and look of my pieces.  From there, I moved to teaching a few classes of my original designs in beading and wire work.

About two and a half years ago, I joined the B’sue Boutiques Creative Group on Facebook, at the invitation of one of my friends, and was introduced to the world of mixed media and vintage jewelry and assemblage.  B’sue Boutiques is owned by Brenda Sue Lansdowne, and she teaches free video classes on YouTube.  After ordering some of her high quality, made in the USA, brass components, I watched her video on making assemblage necklaces.  I promptly sat down and made two assemblage necklaces (photos below); one, a Steampunk (I didn’t even know what that was), “Take Time to Smell the Roses”, and a statement period piece, “Going to the Ball”.

 

Take Time to Smell the Roses

Going to the Ball Period Piece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rest, as they say, “is history”.  I am continuing to grow in my business and creativity, became a member of Brenda’s Design Team (found on her website, https://www.bsueboutiques.com), and decided to participate in the Build a Line Challenge.

Components for the Challenge

My Sketch Pad

My Work Table

 

More Coloring opened Tulip Beads

Pencil Sketches

Design #1 orange red tulip beads

Coloring the opened Tulip Beads

Some Swarovski Bling

 

 

More components for additional designs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you guessed what I’m doing for my Line?  Yep, it’s TULIP BEADS!!  I love tulips!  They are my favorite flowers and there are over three thousand varieties!!  So, I have four different designs I am going to make for my Line.  You may not recognize them as a standard looking tulip when I am finished, but they will all be made with the TULIP BEADS in different sizes and finishes from https://www.bsueboutiques.com.  I am manipulating them into different shapes, stacking them, coloring them, and fastening them together, then adding a few other things for variety.  Easily reproduced and changed up quickly for variety…I won’t have three thousand varieties like the tulips in nature, though!  Can you imagine?  Here is a little peek at what I have done so far for Aurora Designs Jewelry‘s Line of Tulips.

 

Design #1 Colored Tulip Beads

Design #1 Colored Tulip Beads

Purple Tulip given to me by my friend, Jann

 

These can be made into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and brooches.  I will have at least five pieces in my Line with a color scheme of blues, reds, yellows, and metallic.  Accent colors will be secondary to the primary colors, and include tangerine, purple, green, and cream.  And, any of you who know me, know that I must have some bling in there somewhere!

I will be blogging about my journey through this Design a Line Challenge, as I build my Line.  I will be very appreciative if you will leave comments, follow my blog, reblog, like, tweet, and share my blog with your friends and families.  Thank you for visiting and I look forward to showing you more in our Part Two Blog Hop on February 20.

MY LINKS:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/auroradesigns

WordPress:  https://www.auroradesignsjewelryblog.me

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/MarciaTuzzolino

 

The BLOG HOP starts HERE:  Please take a look at the blogs of these wonderfully talented jewelry artisans, and like them, share them, comment on them.  I know they will all be very happy that you did!

HAPPY HOPPING!!

 

Brenda Sue Lansdowne

Jewelry Making Outside the Box

Marcia Tuzzolino

Aurora Designs

Jann Tague

Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King
Apt To Wander Studio
https://apttowander.wordpress.com/

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

https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/

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

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

A COUPLE SMALL CHANGES

I’ve made a couple small changes to my blog in anticipation of my first BLOG HOP next Friday, January 23.

 

Yellow Tulip Varieties

 

Would love for you to take a look and give me some feedback. Thanks a bunch!!

 

IN MY FREE TIME…

I am so pleased to say that I have been accepted into the BUILD A LINE CHALLENGE sponsored by Brenda Sue Lansdowne of http://www.bsueboutiques.  There were sixty (60), spots available, and I am happy to say, as of this posting, that all but four (4), have been filled!!  Tomorrow is the deadline for entry, so hop on board if you are a member of the BBCG, and have a blog already.  Just email Brenda at bsue1441@aol.com, and let her know your idea in three paragraphs or less.

I have already begun doing some layout work from my sketches, and am happy with what I am seeing so far.  I can’t show you anything until we have our first blog hop on January 23, which will be the first reveal for everyone who is participating.  It’s going to be VERY exciting to see what everyone has chosen, and I am really looking forward to it.  It will be my FIRST EVER blog hop, so a new experience, also.  Which is one of the biggest reasons I chose to participate in this challenge.  I love learning and challenging myself to get the heck out of my comfort zone.  Do something new, learn something new, keep my mind and hands busy… it’s all good, any way you look at it.

I plan to be kept pretty busy with the BALC, (we are a little like the federal government in this group… we make an acronym out of all the different names we have for things in the group!), but “in my free time” or when I just need a break, we are still having our regular monthly challenges, in which I am going to participate.  For January and February, we are going to take a piece of jewelry that has not sold or that we really don’t like, and rework it into an updated piece.  I have my pieces all picked out already.  Here are the “BEFORE” photos:

 

 

 

 

 

I will post the “AFTER” photos when I have finished reworking the pieces.  That’s it for now.

Have a great week.  Talk to you soon, and please watch for my post on January 23 when I show you what I am doing for my BUILD A LINE CHALLENGE.

 

P.S.  I love tulips!  They are my favorite flower!!