Okay, to be perfectly honest, I am feeling very vulnerable at the moment. I have been working behind the scenes on new jewelry designs for this summer. The process has been awesome. It makes me all giddy and excited. At the same time though, I am very unsure. I am worrying, holding them close, and not wanting to share. I have six new pieces sitting on me desk and I can't decided it they are genius or junk. I don't think you all could stand another fluffy post about nonsense on this blog so it is time to share what I have been working on...
"Respired" is the first piece in the "Re-Inspired Junk Collection". You had to know that if I was going to jump on the repurposed jewelry band wagon that I would find a way to do it with wild color. Yes... repurposed jewelry. The photo at the top is of an enameled metal brooch I bought while out thrifting with Lorelei last weekend. Very sixties/seventies. It is BIG and BOLD, measuring more then 3inches across. I totally busted it apart. I used wire to bring the pieces together in a new way, added big lampwork hollows, then strung them up with vintage enameled chain. I love using enameled pieces. Essentially, enamel is glass... so I am still using glass in a creative new/old way.
Why am I feeling all insecure? Several reasons. First, I can't decide if I love it or hate it. Is it too much? I have worn it a few times, outside the house, and it is light as a feather, you hardly know you have it on. Yet, everyone else knows you are wearing it and you gotta be prepared to have your chest stared at all day. Second reason, I really think I am on to something here. And I am very worried that the minute I show this light bulbs will turn on over peoples' heads and I am going to see tons of flower pins turned jewelry components show up every where. I am feeling very protective of it, at the same time, I can't not show it. How will I get feedback about reason #1 if I don't?
So far the reviews have been great. I previewed this photo on Facebook last week to lots of love. I am really loving an orange and hot pink design setting on my desk that I will share tomorrow. Now it is time to hear from you... leave me some feedback. Have I gone off the jewelry deep end? LOL.
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33 comments:
I vote "Brilliant"! I love it.
sister,
people WILL copy these and you should be flattered when they do, these designs are RED HOT! especially sinse i have had a sneak preview at the rest of them... you are on to something. the ring is mine..wink wink.
opps did i give to much away?
love your loving
sister
It's bold , big and oh so cool!!!!!! I love that you added the lampwork to the flowers. I think it is so different than any of the other repurposed jewelry I've seen. Beautiful!!!
kerry...oh so cool, kerry...i love it...so you, so fun, so original...can't wait to see tomorrow's design...
damn, you're one creative gal...
It's bold and definitely you. People can try and copy but they won't be able to copy the essence that you put into each piece. That's what makes your work above and beyond!
Fine! Now I have to start hitting estate sales... ;-) Totally amazing Kerry!
Kerry... what an incredible piece... totally you & completely creative. Just wanted to direct you to Susan Jones... (http://www.beadartists.org/Gal1978_Susan_Jones_Designs.asp) she's been using vintage flower pin parts & pieces w/ her lampwork since at least late 2007. She's shown them on LE & sells them @ shows... you, of course, would bring the concept to a much larger audience.
Bravo! Love it...I would match my outfit perfectly today! Another winner for sure.
Marcia B.
Thanks everyone!
Thanks so much for the link, Julie. I have only ever seen Susan's beads, I didn't know she was making jewelry. I will feel better now about the letting go and sharing knowing there are others out there. And I am glad to see out styles are so very different.
It all looks great on you, as you have a good neck. Put THAT on your resume. The piece is fantastic, as usual.
Ann
I think it's great, Kerry. People will make similar items, people have been making similar items (www.beadinpath.com - Heather DeSimone wrote a blog about it a few months ago). That's o.k., it's all part of the creative process. Keep designing and inspiring!
Kerri, I must be missing something, I have no idea why you feel the need to 'hold things close'. Unless there are people that are stealing all of your ideas. If so, that is just wrong. But really, it is very vintage looking.......that is so hot right now. I love them! Reminds me of some of my grandmother's jewelry. You are putting books together now, so folks are going to use the ideas that you put together. It's the nature of the beast. Hopefully they will put their own spin on it and move past a blatant copy. But you just never know. Hopefully it will push you to keep moving forward without looking back.
I think it's fun. Of course it's going to get some stares, but aren't you always hoping that people want to look at your work? You go girl!
Anonymous... I want to address your comment. Thank you so much for giving it. I want to make clear to everyone, I don't think people are "copying me". I do realize though that people get inpsired by my work. I expect it, and I know it happens. By the time things come out in books and magazines, I am on to the next thing... so that is okay. I feel like this is new and fresh, like a newborn baby. I am not feeling ready to let others "be inspired" by it. That is all. No accusations being made... just talking about how I am feeling about introducing a new design. Someone told me once, don't show what you aren't ready to have copied. I hear that in the back of my head when ever I show a new photo. I feel vulnerable, but at the same time very excited.
Just so we are clear though... no harsh feelings are going to anyone via this post. I am just having an insecure artist moment. That's all.
Thank you so much for all the support everyone!!
Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is just wonderful! Refreshing to see upcycling done in such a colorful way...
Hi Kerry! I also love the way the flower pin components look with your glass - very fresh and saucy! The enamel chain is perfect also. I'm not sure the silver components fit as well though (since you were asking for feedback ;) ). I'd rather see something sleek at the front, like a big ball headpin, and maybe put the a flat spiral at the back for smooth stability. And for a clasp, either something more subtle in black (just oxidize?), or something bolder. Definitely keep going with this line! I've seen people repurposing flower pins but I've never seen anything that looks anything like this. More, more!
i think it's awesome! I would wear it all over the place! Great job.
Nicely Done! And nicely said. Good points you make about being ready to "put it out there". I am struggling with the same stuff right now.
You are a brilliant artist, and your creativity shines through in your work every day. ;)
LOVE IT!
I see what you mean, it's good you share, it shows your level of professionalism is out there way past others that take your work! Thanks for explaining what you meant. I didn't realize I posted as anonymous. I generally post as just plain old me!
This is so exciting to see! I love vintage costume jewelry. Thank God I was smart enought to keep all of my grandma's things. They were 'old and ugly' at the time....now I find them unique, clever and exciting every time I look at them. The clasps at the back of necklaces and bracelets are wonderful. On a pearl necklace there are little tiny diamonds on the clasp at the back of the piece. So intriguing.
No need to be insecure about this - it is FABULOUS!
I have to admit that I wasn't too sure whether I liked it until I saw the picture of you wearing it. Totally changed me mind about. This is a piece that I would proudly wear.
My initial reaction was 'unsure' when I saw the first photo but seeing it being worn I think it looks stunning.
Amazing, astonishing, astounding, fabulous, fantastic, incredible, marvelous, miraculous, phenomenal! Ahhh..yah ...I love it!
Totally awesome Kerry,
What a great idea.
I love it Kerry!
Until recently I worked with artists (some of an international calibre) for a number of years. One thing I learned is that, artists often hold things close - it's somewhat like nurturing a baby for 9 months....everything has to be ready in order proceed. That alos goes for how you feel about it!
Another & very important thing I learned is that an artist HAS the idea's, or looks at something & sees the infinite possibilities.
Everything after that is craft.
Tell yourself that when the copies start ;o)
I love it! Stunning! Can't wait for tomorrow.
kerry! this necklace is so bright, bold and beautiful; such fun! it looks so nice on you. i haven't seen anything quite like this piece. i'm also very excited to see the next piece. lisa d., portland, oregon
Well that is the dilemma isn't it? I have a piece as my blog banner right now that is inspired by the Warhol Marilyn Monroe screen prints. Very same feeling I have for it. I am protective of that piece but yet I want to share it. I have to let it be in the world and believe in the basic goodness of people. Your design is unique and I love it. But those flowers are around. I think I may even have some in my own repurposed jewelry stash. But reinterpreting and reinventing are all part of the idea of being creative. I like your take on it, and would never take someone's design like that and call it my own, but you may have inspired legions of jewelry artisans to look at things in a new way. That, my dear, is something to be proud of!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Oh. And I forgot to leave you my Words Of Wisdom for the day...
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Oh man, that sharp contrast of black and white...awesome!
Eh...some may copy, but come on, you have such a sense of style, we will know if it's not yours!
No, you haven't gone off the deep end. I actually did this three years ago and haven't shown my designs on the net because I knew it would be copied the moment it hit the WWW. I already have had local artists attempting to copy me. So get ready for it. They are quite the hit for my business!
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