My photography and jewelry making journey. Please visit the Vintage Cravens blog for new product releases, outfit posts, shop updates, etc.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Build a Line Challenge 2016 - The Journey Progresses


Art Nouveau Necklace by Gorges Fouquet Jewelers, Designed by Alphonse Mucha
Circa1905 (photo via Project Wedding)

When I started the B'Sue Boutiques Build a Line Challenge (BALC) 2016, I discovered relatively quickly my design influences lie in the beautiful, undulating designs of the Art Nouveau movement, yet I am also drawn to the simplicity found in Arts and Crafts designs. Many of the colors used at the turn of the 20th century are soft and mutable, like the colors found in nature from which both artistic movements find their roots.


Arts & Crafts Necklace by W. H. Haseler Jewelers, Designed by Archibald Knox
Circa 1902 (photo via Victoria & Albert Museum)


One of the most enlightening exercises we undertook in this portion of the class was to spend time learning about designers and their influences in the better part of the twentieth century. I was amazed to find the spirit of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements carried on in designs by the likes of Miriam Haskell and Coro. I also enjoy beautiful Victorian mainstream designs and their ornate patterns. Modern designers like Alexander McQueen carry elements of Victorian design in their lines today.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2016 Collection, Coro Rhinestone Necklace, Miriam Haskell Demi Parure
Photos via Vogue, Treasures of Grace, and Aged and Opulent Jewelry


At this point in my jewelry career, I feel very confident in sourcing and selling antique/vintage jewelry on a small scale. I am developing jewelry making skills and would consider myself to be a 'hobbyist' with aspirations to grow my business into a full scale design and production venue. I truly enjoy the detail found in beautiful antique pieces and am honored to carry some of the thought processes of those who have gone before me into my first line. With All Jeweled in White, my initial focus is on simple design with a definite nod to the past. I am using high quality components in rich antique brass, Czechoslovakian crystals and glass pearls along with a few fun surprises like silk Sari ribbon and a new patina I am developing. Simple, yet elegant, All Jeweled in White is my step into the 'maker' category of a jewelry business.

A Few Components for All Jeweled in White


This is the second in a three post installment for the BALC 2016 blog hop (post 1 is available here). Our next post will be April 1, 2016, so please stop back for a visit.

Cheerio!
Chris


BALC 2016 Blog Hop

Be sure to visit the talented students in the BALC 2016 class. I am amazed at the amount of work these talented ladies have been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.


  



































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14 comments:

  1. http://lovelylaylabugjewels.com/February 26, 2016 at 6:45 AM

    This second part, I think we all can say we learned something.What a eye opener it was! From fashion,past history jewelry designer to present.Most of all where we fit in to all of that. I think your line will be great!

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  2. Mary ReckmeyerFebruary 26, 2016 at 9:52 AM

    Wonderful observations. I loved your blog and look forward to seeing your revealed line.

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  3. Susan Bowerman, Woodside WireWorksFebruary 26, 2016 at 1:44 PM

    The components you've chosen for your line are yummy! I look forward to seeing how you put them together.

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  4. Hailey's Cottage DesignsFebruary 26, 2016 at 6:55 PM

    Great idea, keeping the color scheme simple so the form is the star!
    I'm sure it will be lovely and I'm looking forward to seeing it!

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  5. Hailey's Cottage DesignsFebruary 26, 2016 at 6:55 PM

    Great idea, keeping the color scheme simple so the form is the star!
    I'm sure it will be lovely and I'm looking forward to seeing it!

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  6. Irene HoffmanFebruary 27, 2016 at 11:28 AM

    Great blog Christine. You have some beautiful inspiration there. Can't wait to see your designs in the final reveal on April 1st.

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  7. J.C. K.February 27, 2016 at 5:43 PM

    Beautiful blog Chris. I enjoyed reading some of your other entries too. Lovely.
    I'm excited to see your line, I know it will be amazing.
    The new patina sounds great too!

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  8. Clare NemethFebruary 27, 2016 at 5:58 PM

    I kind of lean toward the art nouveau style as well. Looking forward to seeing your line.

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  9. lyn reeveFebruary 27, 2016 at 7:48 PM

    I love your blog and easy way of explaining the class subjects..your line sounds like it will be exquisite so i can't wait to see x

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  10. Christine CravensFebruary 28, 2016 at 7:42 AM

    Thank you so much, Susan! As the years go by, I feel like the more I learn about vintage/antique jewelry, the less I know. I suppose that is true about most things in life :)

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  11. shatteredtimejewelryFebruary 28, 2016 at 9:08 PM

    Beautiful pics in you blog post! Can't wait to see the finished line!

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  12. janntagueFebruary 29, 2016 at 9:17 AM

    Loving everything you have shown us .. great blog

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  13. PamelaMarch 3, 2016 at 5:13 PM

    Great post, Christine, and love the photos! Looking forward to your reveal, and your new pieces!

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  14. Shari Lynn GardnerMarch 5, 2016 at 6:30 AM

    Love your blog Christine. It amazes me just how much we have learned so far in this class and I can't wait to see your finished pieces.

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