Meaningful Jewelry

Talisman and Amulets

The jewelry I design and wear does double duty...meaningful and beautiful.  I strive to make my pieces stand out not only as a "pretty face" but they also must have a "beautiful soul".  Your jewelry should reflect who you are in your heart.  Here's an example of a Muse that I recently constructed.

I call her "Fate"  She has been constructed from polymer clay, sterling silver, fine silver, copper, three jade cabochons and a dice.  What fate does she have?  Is there such a thing as fate?  What will the jade pieces do for her luck?  She seems calm, satisfied, content with her fate; is she?

I want my jewelry to ask more questions than they answer.  

Here are a few artisans from ArtFire that also share my thought process.

The first piece is from SagesCupboard who sells her artwork on ArtFire

The piece above is from PiersonstudiOCD who is also on ArtFire.  

Take a moment to examine the thoughtful and deliberate design criteria they used.

Inspired Designs and Designers

Today, I'm going to share some thoughtful design work from some of my favorite artists.  This page won't need a lot of narrative so just enjoy the work.

The first piece I have chosen is an acrylic 5x7 panel...small, but what a punch.  I love the yellowish background contrasting with the Saguaro Catus.  Simple and effective.  Great placement and cropping.  Lots of whimsy and fun.  You can check out more of her paintings and artwork in her shop on ArtFire where she showcases her unique work at GildedOwlJewelry's 

Secondly, I have loved the way that MartieRocco uses (actually re-uses) guitar strings in her thoughtful designs - for example in this guitar string bracelet. You are wearing a unique, one of a kind piece - what a conversation starter!

I'm going to showcase a few artists each day to demonstrate what I think is good design - and why....want to add something you have?  Contact me....

LISTENING TO YOURSELF FIRST

The Value of Listening, Seeing and Feeling 

Taking time to listen to your inner voice is as important as any other single element when designing or creating.  It is necessary to think about why you are creating this piece; why you are using this material; why you think the size is appropriate and the scale is correct ; is the design stretching your abilities and increasing the knowledge of your materials; will this be a satisfying experience for you as the designer. If you can make all these things come together, then I believe you will be creating a successful piece. This is not to say that if you have to struggle to make something work that it won't be a success...it just means that sometimes increasing your knowledge and skill set will take energy and patience, and that in of itself, will make it satisfying.

 

I incorporated a new technique (to me) of hollow bead formation to make this charm bracelet.  I wanted to try it so I read, studied tutorials and jumped in.  I designed the rest of the bracelet around the hollow charm form by using different techniques but keeping the scale and size appropriate for the piece.

A fellow ArtFire artist also shows her inner voice in this piece.  Soothing, unique and totally inspired by her inner muse.

COVER GIRL BEADS

Cover Girl Beads