Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

divaS — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:44:11 GMT

Technically my comment is not on 'simple' but on the point that hit me most strongly which was "make what you love and you'll find your art". I needed to hear that. I just found jewelry making 3 months ago and truly, I am addicted. I kept thinking "I have to make things that will appeal to others so that maybe someday I can at least pay for my addiction supples". But my creativity got bogged down because how does one account for the myriad tastes of women today? So just yesterday I thought, "I just gotta do my thing and maybe I'll find a niche". It was very gratifying to hear that professional artisans thought the same way and found their art. I love Beading Daily. Susan.

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

I Create Wonders, Inc — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:50:39 GMT

I agree that findings and small details on something that looks so simple make all the difference, which is why I always try to use SS and gold or gold-plated materials for my accents and findings. Even if people don't recognize how much work went into the design and the small details, they do appreciate that you've used quality materials. I still struggle with wanting to make items with intricate beading rather than just stringing, since that is my first love, but am learning how to balance the two so that I have both styles to offer my customers. Thanks for your input. Hallie

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

WendyL — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:45:32 GMT

It's funny, the stuff that sells at my booth are the simple , every day wearables. People still love the bling, but it's the bread & butter that sells faster. Thanks fro the great articles, Wendy Lucka, Germantown, Wisconsin

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

Pauline — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:59:21 GMT

I have a degree in Fine Art and have just begun to turn my eye to beading and jewelry, I find that the simple designs appeal to me and the genius is in the details, I also agree that you should make what you yourself would wear, if you don't want to wear it you will not put your heart into it and that shows in the work. I look forward to seeing more of these articles, since they help me to see and understand the fun and design work in beading and jewelry, I am really starting to see the light. Thanks for the Inspiration, Pauline

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

Karen S. — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:27:18 GMT

It's good to see beautiful simple designs. I've only been beading a few years but feel intimidated when I look in magazines and find all those elaborate designs that I would never try to copy. I bead because I love it and can express my own designs. I only make jewelry that I would wear. I have numerous female family members and I make what would appeal to them also. Thanks for your designs. KarenKay

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

Ajewel — Sun, 17 May 2009 18:06:31 GMT

Having been in the jewelry business and designing for over 20 years, I've seen the pendulum swing back and forth from elaborate to the dreaded "Y" necklace. Simple is simple. Anyone can do it. Young people seem to love simple. And hanging and swinging. When you create a necklace that has interest, full of different beads, a focal point, an interesting clasp, wire or polymer beads it bears witness to someone's unique labor and creative vision. You may not want to wear an elaborate necklace, but everytime I wear my wire creations of venetian beads or my lentil circle polymer necklaces, I get stopped in my tracks. And when I'm wearing them while attending and working at the Whole Bead Show in Manhattan, I'm doubly flattered by other beading artists sporting their labors of love, whose eyes light up and do a U-turn to study my neck. If you feel comfortable making and wearing (and selling) small necklaces, then that's your "creative thing" more power to you. I'll do the big, interesting ones, thank you. Laura's Originals, New York

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

kricketsd — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:48:34 GMT

Hi I love all the designs that people submit.. i would like to know also how they got their neckaces into the movie. I would also like to know how do you figure out what to charge when you start making and selling jewelry? thanks...

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

EDJUDY88030@gmail.com — Sat, 16 May 2009 17:50:51 GMT

Judy M wrote re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make Thank you for a great reminder. Best Wishes to the two Young ladies and hoping to see more wonderful designs. I started my learning with my parents at age 14 and it has been too many years to count... My aim for designing has always been "Simple but Elegant". Sometimes that is hard to put together, but usually is the best outcome for your design and costs.

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

Myriad — Sat, 16 May 2009 02:37:30 GMT

My taste is simple and classic/vintage. While I do admire the more complex and "busy" patterned pieces and the people who make/create them, it's just not a look for me. Great article--I'm still adding to my repitoire of skills.

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

Magickal Hands — Sat, 16 May 2009 01:34:33 GMT

What a great article! I tend to lean toward big bold jewelry it is my style. I love to wear what I make and I always find people are more moved by the work when they see it on me then in case. I could not agree more about how the little details can lend so much to the work, did they tuck in there tails are the crimps covered ? Do they take the time to round each pin head to the bead? The shell and chain necklace is so sunning primitive but modern

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

BLONDIE-POP — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:30:42 GMT

kudos to silvija & tara. your off and running now........good job girls. on this necklace in twilight who works on it? does one design the other make or both do both? do you have a site to check out your style and work? as far as simple designs- i do some of both. i do have to please my customers that i have for years now. alittle of this, alittle of that, and a dab of that too. i myself enjoy simple work. i do find the more complex the harder i have to work. always wondering if things are even, or matching etc.... SIMPLE IS CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL ESP. IF YOU ARE MAKING CLEAN LINES. GO GREEN-GO CLEAN-GO SIMPLE & CHIC GOOD LUCK

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

AltheaB — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:23:43 GMT

I recently made an elaborate necklace with a challenge bead for our local bead show. I asked myself it I was really going to wear THAT? The answer was NO, so I took the whole thing apart and made something simple, simple, simple. It won the popular vote. Most people seem to visualise wearing a simple design with things they already own. Go Girls!

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

elaine — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:54:13 GMT

Elaine , I find simple has worked great for me, especially for daily wear.

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

Silvija and Taya — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:24:15 GMT

Thanks for reading our interview! We love spreading the word about our passion for simple, elegant design. Thanks to Danielle and Michelle for helping us bring our vision to you! As far as the Twilight movie goes, we really lucked out because the Costume Designer wanted to feature local jewelers from Portland when they were here shooting the movie. It's always wonderful when professionals see the appeal and importance of local handmade crafts. I guess we were just in the right place at the right time, and hope our luck will continue!

re: Why Simple Designs Aren't Always Simple to Make

Beadazzled — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:43:24 GMT

When a design is simple I feel like I am cheating with my design skills. Lately, I am learning that sometimes the simple designs DO look the best. Thanks for enforcing that idea.