Build A Line Challenge - #fail

I have failed. I didn't finish the challenge. Why? Well, the largest reason is that I felt terribly discouraged. Lemme also say this.... I think that I came in to this challenge on a different page than many *maybe not*. I've been making my "idea" for several years, and it's my largest seller. As I mentioned in my first blog post, I have had a piece in my style (crochet) be published in Bead Style, so I wasn't really starting from scratch. I have countless photos of pieces I've made over the years, bracelets and necklaces.... where *I* messed up was not being able (or having the energy via chronic illness and life) to glean from the class where everyone else was. I felt like I was holding out for the last section - and really - where I felt I needed the most help. Along the line.... someone made a comment that really hurt me and if I'm being honest, kinda turned me off. Should I have spoken up, yep. Should I have taken the time to read further into the comments, perhaps.... but I didn't...again, my failure. I'll get through this and I'll go back to learn...and I've got good peeps around me who I'm sure will help me, where and when they can. So, to Brenda - I'm sorry. To my classmates - I've also let you down in not being able to share my wisdom or questions but hope that you will forgive me and still share your wisdom. No matter how far we went in this challenge, we're still all on the road together. Thanks for letting me walk with you, for a while. And...if nothing else....I have an idea for something for designers that may be pretty cool, too.....so maybe THAT will be my "line" and my claim to fame if this crochet thing doesn't work out ;)

Build A Line Challenge - Blog #2 - Ever feel like you've been caught with your pants down?

Ever feel like *everything* you touch kinda turns to dust and then you realize that you need to turn that dust into SOMETHING because you committed to it? This is pretty much how I've felt every day in the last 30. I'd like to say that I just need some time to catch up, but the truth is, I feel completely overwhelmed. 

I DESPERATELY want to get my line going. In seeing the 35 notifications pop up everyday, the more I want to read, but the more I just run out of energy to read.   I feel like 50+ people is maybe waaaay too many for something like this, but that's just me. 

Beautiful pieces from B'Sues Boutique - didn't use filigree beads

So, knowing that today a blog post is due.... I set out to get to work on my pieces.  I started with the pieces I purchased from B'Sue.  The ADORABLE czech flower beads and antique copper wire....and some filigree beads.  When I ordered the beads, I should have realized that I'd need a whole lot more than 2 packages to do a necklace...BUT maybe it was ok because in trying a new medium (czech beads) I should PROBABLY start smaller.  So, the bracelet was born. =)  I LOVE how it turned out.  I ended up adding some 4mm crystal ab fire polished beads, as well, and just LOVE the end result.  I also kinda loved the 1 strand, which is something to consider - because there ARE people who would like something more dainty and sweet.  Hey - lesson learned

A dainty version

While I was working on my "line" last night, and thinking through the question "What my ARE my barriers to getting a line going?"

Here's what I came up with...because actually MAKING the line isn't a barrier for me.  Pricing, I have a decent idea of (not really for wholesale yet, but I have a good idea of how much I use in terms of beads and generally what they cost) retail pricing and what is a good price point for me to focus on.  Doing shows for 2+ years has given me some insights, at least for THIS area of the country.

So....my barriers include:

- Packaging

•  consistent packaging....for pieces that could go wholesale, for sending pieces and packaging at shows
• Where do I find said packaging?  How do I buy less than 500 or 1000 pieces at a time? 
• Coming up with a new logo and is it wise to do something with crochet fool or stick with my current branding and do something cherry-esque (I'm leaning towards a new brand as cherry is OOAK, so if I go with another brand, then I could do non-OOAK)

- Where to find clients that are wholesalers - I have no bloody idea
- How do I get my products in their hands?
- How do I set MY pieces apart as my own - which I think just the way that I approach these pieces is "maybe" enough?  Maybe not.

• Could I have a little charm that's added on to each piece that notes it's mine?  
• Maybe this is where packaging comes in.... including a story about their piece or even just signing the packaging with a personal thank you?

- I, also think, that my pieces would be great for brides and EASILY customizable to their colors or needs....but again - How do I break into that industry?  Where do I find those wholesalers.  As a side note: my first published piece....my brightly colored crocheted piece.....was a bridesmaid piece.
From where I'm sitting, these are MY biggest barriers.  What are your thoughts?

Hostess and Teacher: Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box


Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board (You are here)

Marcia Tuzzolino
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
Howling Dog Jewelry

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

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

Build a what?!

WHAT am I doing!??!!?

My name is Linda and I'm a jewelry designer. (HI, Linda!)  I started making jewelry in Oct 2010 after going to a craft show and purchasing a piece for a family member for $38.  A few days later, I found the exact pendant at Michaels for $4.99.  I went home, googled 'How to make jewelry class' and there was one that night.  I took the class and wore my piece, proudly.  Then something weird happened..... people started asking where I got it.  (Strangers) I told them I'd made it and you'd have thought I told them I had won the lottery.  So, I felt like I was on to something.

I found another bead store that was offering classes where you'd pay for the supplies and they'd show you what to do with them.  I was kinda hooked (hardy har har).  I took classes about every other weekend..... learning new things....going home and practicing.  It wasn't until the crochet class (where I promptly threw the piece down, pouted and said 'I'm NEVER doing this again!') that I was challenged.  More importantly, when I went home.... I detoured through another shop where I found some gorgeous multicolored beads.  I made this GIGANTIC piece with the beads and lots of strands (not just the 3 we were told to use) and again - strangers.... but this time - the store owners and teachers noticed.   Something was happening......... 


All that said, those who know me, know that for many many moons I've dreamed of having my own line of jewelry.  Specifically, a line of crocheted pieces.....necklaces, earrings, bracelets....colorful - so quite versatile....geared towards working professional women...... and I'm taking the plunge!  I'm doing the B'Sue's Boutiques Build a Line Challenge!








 
I learned to crochet from my mother, while she was fighting her losing battle with cancer.  Crocheting was my way of dealing with things....until my carpal tunnel nearly made my fingers numb. She used to call me "A Crocheting Fool" - so I want to build off of that for this line's name and focus. 

One of our last photos together <3

 I had NO IDEA that in 1996, when I learned to crochet, that 15(ish) years later, I'd be BACK to crocheting and now doing it with wire, beads AND making a line!

How do I know this will work?  I don't.  I DO know that BeadStyle published one of my crocheted pieces.  I also know that the crocheted pieces are my best sellers....so....as they say "money talks".  

 SO....that's what I'm doing.  You can see what others are doing below!






















Hostess and Teacher: Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box


Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board (You are here)

Marcia Tuzzolino
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
Howling Dog Jewelry

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

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