Welcome to
Part 2 of the B’Sue Build a Line Challenge.
My emerging line combines brass stampings and filigree from B’Sue Boutiques and my own polymer
clay faux soutache. Faux soutache is a
traditional fiber arts technique that uses colorful braided cords to make
intricate and fluid jewelry designs. I’ve
interpreted the soutache in polymer clay which offers endless options for color
and design.
I started by selecting a range of brass options that caught my eye and that I thought would
pair nicely with the polymer clay. I had leaves, flowers large and small,
filigree and ornate brass plates.
Initially I was overwhelmed as I envisioned using three of the large flowers in a statement necklace.
Luckily
there are three other artists participating in the challenge that live in the
Denver area, Lynda O'Mara, Alexandra Sefton and Lori Prull Meyer. Lynda got us all together to talk about what we were creating. We each shared our
progress and sought advice from the others.
This proved to be really helpful to me as the main advice from the
others was to simplify my vision. The
relief was immediate. I don’t have to
create wild, large pieces – simple may be better for my style. Finding myself renewed and inspired by
meeting these artists, I was ready to go.
I’m starting at basic bracelets. I used the brass ornate framed piece as my base, curving it into a bracelet shape. Using silver Gilder’s paste I changed the color of one of the brass pieces to match a button I planned to use as a focal.
I sculpted directly on the bracelet blanks, cured them and used E6000 to glue the polymer clay to the brass. The polymer clay does not adhere to the metal so lifting it off is a breeze. The colors are a turquoise, gold and purple.
In the second piece I created I experimented with a two tone look by leaving the brass its original color and a silver button. So far I’m liking the initial designs and am starting to generate more ideas for the next pieces.
For 2015 I planned to join several challenges and push myself to try new techniques and explore my creativity. I’m not sure production work is for me though I’m glad to learn from the talented artists pushing themselves to create a jewelry line. It’s fun to see where this takes me.
Please take
a look at the other fantastic artists participating in the challenge by
visiting their blogs below.
Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Marcia Tuzzolino
Jann Tague
Judy King
Linzi Alford
Cynthia Wainscott
Carole Carlson
Lynn Stinten
Marica Zammit
Catherine Shattuck
Michaele Collie
Mary Craig
Lee Koopman
Erin Whitacre
Monica Casady
Leila West
Cindy Peterson
Leila Belcher
Gloria Allen
Pamela Anger
Tammy Adams
Lynda O'Mara
Elizabeth Hildreth
Dana Hickey
Janet Calardo
Maria Clark
Lori Beekman
Jennifer Kroeger
Amy Jorgensen
Robin Reed
Ingrid Anderson
Louise O'Shields
Susan Killam
Mary Katherine Deis
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Kristy Le
Jan Peters
Mitzie Crider
Gina Hockett
Linda Anderson
Alexandra Sefton
Melida Boman
Teresa Shurter
Melissa Latimer
Renee Hong
Nadine Edris
Lori Meyer
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Denise Lussier Poirier
Renee Allen
Autumn Adams
Elizabeth Owens
Kat BarronMiller
Sandra Ballard
Coral Law
Love your sculpting. Bet it requires lots of patience :-)
ReplyDeleteI also like the colors that you've used so far. Will be looking forward to seeing your finished pieces in our final blog hop.
Marica, thanks so much for your comments. This is a great way to tweak our techniques.
DeleteThis is quite cool, Maria! I, too, am really looking forward to your finished pieces.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Susan
Thanks Susan, so glad you like the technique.
DeleteMaria, these pieces are gorgeous. I love where you are going with this and your blog was a wonderful read. Well done! I am really looking forward to seeing your line come together!
ReplyDeleteSusan, thanks for your kind words. Appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteMaria, your pieces are beautiful! There is amazing, organic detail and flow to each piece. I'm so lucky to know you and be your Colorado Connection buddy 😉. Sending love and light ! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLori, thanks so much for stopping by. I feel glad also to have made the connection!
DeleteOh my gosh Maria--these are just beautiful! I LOVE the mixed metal colors and the polymer soutache idea is classy to the max!!! So happy to be part of "The Fab Four" with you! I can't wait to see lots more pieces from you--and what a great idea to use that gorgeous lacy stamping as a bracelet!! Maybe you'll have some teals, magentas, greens eventually?!!! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the kind words. So glad we connected!
DeleteBeautiful pieces so far and love the use of mixed metals. Great focals for your bracelets!~Ingrid
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the mixed metals, I think it's my favorite also.
DeleteYou love your designs on the brass with the polymer clay is awesome and what a great idea you have going on
ReplyDeleteCindy, thanks for your comments and for stopping by.
DeleteYou love your designs on the brass with the polymer clay is awesome and what a great idea you have going on
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post Maria and I have to tell you your jewelry is coming together beautifully. Love your use of polymer clay. Can't wait to see the finished line.
ReplyDeleteIrene, thanks for stopping by and your kind comments.
Deletereally excellent use of color clay, I love the little swirlys you are doing on the brass components!
ReplyDeleteKat, glad you like the colors and swirls. My favorites also.
DeleteSoutache is really pretty and your soutache is every bit as pretty. I am really excited to see where this goes.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteI really like mixed metals so I loved the two tone effect! Love them all and can't wait to see the finished line!!
ReplyDeleteLeila, I'm growing fond of the two tone also. Thanks for stopping by.
DeletePretty pieces, Maria! Love the color combos! I can't wait to see more ... ;)
ReplyDeletePamela, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it!
DeleteGorgeous color choices and beautiful polymer clay work. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteTammy, thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comments.
DeleteI like how you've used that B'sue piece, I'll have to try that one sometime. I love the complimentary colors and your refined techniques with the clay.
ReplyDeleteRenee, I wasn't sure how this would work, hope you do try the piece it's versatile. Thanks for stopping by.
Deleteow, your creations are just gorgeous and i love your theme and color pallet my friend. here's to more happy creating can't wait to see the rest of your beautiful line. XOXO!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and your kind comments.
DeleteGreat designs! I especially like the last piece with the silver and brass. Your polymer work is impressive.
ReplyDeleteMicheale, thanks for your kind remarks and stopping by.
DeleteThese are really a WOW! Great color choices and that incredibly fluid work with the polymer is spectacular. Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteNadine, thanks so much! I appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteLove your polymer pallet looking forward to seeing a finished piece
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteYou are doing a great job with the faux soutache.
ReplyDeleteCarole, thanks for the encouragement.
DeleteMaria, your soutache is amazing and beautiful!! Love the colors so far.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteMaria your artwork is spectacular!!! It is always a great delight to read your blog and OMG I did not realise you are on YOUTUBE too! Woo wee you are famous just as I thought! Yes I am a fan for sure. Thank you for kindness as always and I can't wait to see your final reveal! ~Louise
ReplyDeleteThe YouTube videos are so much fun and it is my goal to be a famous YouTuber ha ha. Thanks for stopping by and your encouragement Louise.
DeleteGreat design elements. Love the clay and brass together. Can't wait to see the complete line.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea, so very original and looking good.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteHi Maria, I was sure I'd gotten on already & told you how much I love this method of interpretation of soutache jewelry, but I guess I muffed it. :) These are really coming together for you. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your comments and kind words.
DeleteReally lovely pieces and look forward to your collection~ I love your style! It has been wonderful to work with everyone in this class and to see how we all create~
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
~nike
Nike, thanks for your kind words. I've enjoyed the class also.
DeleteMaria--I'm so glad that you're part of the Colorado connection. Your clay soutache pieces are amazing and I'm so glad I could meet you and see them in real life. Adding the brass components it really taking them to yet another level! Looking forward to seeing more of your creations and getting together again.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have connected with you, Alexandra and Lori. I love having fellow artists so near by. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteBeautiful and very intricate and time consuming!
ReplyDeleteSandra, yes time consuming which makes me worried about production work. Brenda recommends limited editions which makes a lot of sense. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteSoustache as a design elements has always intrigued me, making it with polymer clay is fantastic!!! Love what you have finished so far! Great Job!!! Have a Blessed Day!!!
ReplyDeleteRobin, thanks so much for stopping by and your kind comments.
DeleteWELL DONE.....and you know, it's really not so much about doing production work as actually being ABLE to if you want to. You do such gorgeous work, limited edition work---say making 2-3 pieces of a design and then not making it again for awhile, or doing the same design but in different color families, might really help you to expand. It's about being more efficient and being able---if you want to!---to make more money at what you already do so well. Thanks for all your input and I think you are doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteBrenda, thanks for your comments. I appreciate the perspective and have enjoyed the challenge. Thanks for this as I know it must be a lot of work.
DeletePretty pieces, anxious to see your line next month!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Monica.
DeleteLove your polymer soutache! Looking forward to seeing the whole line in the final reveal . Linzi
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Linzi.
DeleteI will try to post, Maria. I'm on WordPress and blogger is giving me a hard time. So hope this goes through! :)
ReplyDeleteFirst, your work is amazing! Love the southwestern look as I'm from Denver as well. Hang in there! ~ Catherine S.
Catherine, it worked and I got your message. Thanks for the kind comments. I gravitate to the Southwestern look having lived in Arizona for a long time. Thanks again for stopping by.
DeleteYour soutache is gorgeous and the color mix jus fabulous. Im glad you took the ride, I am looking forward to the finished pieces
ReplyDeleteGloria, thanks so much for your kind words and reading the blog. I appreciate it.
DeleteYour soutache is gorgeous and the color mix jus fabulous. Im glad you took the ride, I am looking forward to the finished pieces
ReplyDeleteWonderful art! Can't wait to see the whole line!
ReplyDeleteI love that technique!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy, it's a fun technique.
Delete