3rd and Final Blog Hop for the Build a line Challenge!

Hi everyone! So I know that we are supposed to be showing our lines today but I have the unfortunate opportunity to be laying down right now. "Now why are you laying down on the job Melida?"  you may be asking. Let's just say a lumbar puncture plus migrane does not make for a great working environment (as it makes it so I can not sit up for longer than a minute or two). Sooooo.......



After talking with Brenda, our great leader, I am going to talk about what I have learned. (I will post pictures in a couple of weeks)  One of the things I learned is that I am hobbyist that someday yearns to be a designer. I am still experimenting with what my look is and I learned that it is ok to take my time to figure it out.


The next thing I learned is that I have a style I like which is the steampunk style. I also found out that I live in the middle of the country and western style of the state. I have realized that for me to sell in my style I may have to travel outside my area , and I am ok with that. I just have to figure out where to go is all.



One of the ladies on the Facegroup does a color image about once a week or so that I have started to use as a challenge to myself. I found myself in a rut when it came to colors so it has really pushed me to go beyond what is comfortable for me. I really have to thank her for doing that for me (though I am sure she had no idea she was doing that. LOL. )


We started a discussion on how different people are trying to organize their stash and I had the thought "I have to organize my stuff but I wont find things if I do that?!" As I was reading what everyone was writing I was thinking but I don't want it to be so complicated! Then Brenda showed us her way and I was going" yes someone is doing it the way I want to do it!" It is nice to know that you can do it simple. Thanks Brenda!


I hope to stay in touch with all of these great ladies as we grow and do great things!



Let's get to it!      The final participants are:
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
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman (You are Here)
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

2nd Blog Hop For the Build a Line Challenge, Melida Boman with The Journey of Pens and Things

Hello and welcome to the second of three installments of the "Build a Line Challenge" Blog Hop. I have learned a lot and I am one of those that have banging my head on a wall. When I fist revealed my thoughts on a line, I thought I could do wedding head jewelry. I have since decided that this is too broad an idea, which is why I am hitting the wall. I thought to do 5 different styles that were simple but elegant. I keep going for the over the top look which I realize before I put it all together for the final time but that does not help me with concept. This picture is what I have got together so far.

I am not sure if this mermaid one will work, but it has given me an idea on a new one to try to make. I think I will try some charms and make it similar to a charm bracelet. I am waiting for some stuff to come in to see if that will work. Here is to hoping! LOL

I am a steampunk/refurbish girl at heart, which has made me decide to do another line while working on this one. I was having a huge mental blockage so I worked on this next piece for a couple of days (I still need to add a couple of pearls and crystals) You know how it goes.... as you are working on something totally different, that is when you get an idea that works with what you were trying to do in the first place. I feel that I that I can make this work but I am going to end up doing this in stages.

The other thing that I realized during this trip is that I have a been sticking my head in the sand when it comes to fashion. I have never been one to follow what people are wearing or what is "IN". My eyes have been opened a little in that I am going to start paying attention to what colors are in fashion but I am still wanting to stay true to me, so we will have to see if I can do it.

Thanks for coming over and rumbling through my head a little bit. See you next time!

Won't you come Join us on this adventure:

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

Linda Anderson

From the Bead Board

Alexandra Sefton

Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

Melida Boman (You are Here)

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

Middle of Febuary already?

Oh my were did the time go? Has it really been three weeks since I last blogged? The weather has been beautiful and inspiring. Hubby has been working on a segmented bowl that he hopes to be able to make more of. This the what it turned out like...



I have been trying to figure out what I am going to do with my line for the Challenge. For some reason it is fighting me so I figured I should turn to making some things to sell at the show we will be at towards the 3rd week of March. Here are some earrings I made...

As you might know I am a little bit influenced by the Steampunk style. I love gears and the elegance that combining them with the new age stuff. Here are several pendents that I made this weekend that I hope to figure out what chains to add to finish then up this week to add to the shop.

Next Friday I will be doing the second of three blog hops. I hope to have another one or two finished to show, so I hope you will come join us!

Build A Line Challenge from B"Sue Boutiques, Melida Boman of The Journey of Pens and Things, Part One

Hi! I am Melida Boman, one half of the team of Pen and Things. I am so excited to be a part of the first Build a Line Challenge from B'Sue Boutiques. This challenge is a master class of sorts which should take three months and has three different blog hops, which today's is number one. There are 54 of us and we will be working hard to flesh out a line of jewelry that is hopefully cohesive and true to ourselves. At the end we hope to have a minimum of 5 pieces to show a the last blog hop.  

I am a 35ish wife, mom, full time hospital worker and part time jewelry/ pen maker. I have only been making jewelry for a couple of months but I have been doing different crafts for most of my life, like quilting. Here are a couple of my dragon art quilts.

  

These are some of the pieces of piece that I have made up.

 

I don't really have a place to work on making my jewelry. (I have to take over the dinning room table with I am ready to get to work). While siting there my Tanker likes to sit next to me and give his opinion.

So I know you all are dying to know what I have decided to work on..... so here is a pic, Can you guess what it is??



Yep I am going to be making Wedding Head Accessories. This one is a really simple one. I plan to make 5 that similar but different. I plan to do other simple things but you never know (I am know for going over board and it was hard for me to stop with this one). I figured I would show more on the second round so I hope you all will come back!

Thanks for Joining me on this Hop. Please hit us all by hopping to the next person on the list after me!



1. Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box


2. Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs


3.Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann


4. Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio


4. Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales


5. Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru


6. Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate


7. Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench


8. Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies


9. Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose


10. Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem


11. Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy


12. Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry


12. Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry


13. Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works


14. Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs


15. Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry


16. Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs


17. Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads


18. Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs


19. Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard


20. Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative


21. Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns


22. Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios


23. Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs


24. Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs


25. Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized


26. Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm


27. Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner


28. Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs


29. Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems


30. Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels


31. Susan Killam
Killam Creative


32. Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry


33. Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico


34. Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks


35. Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs


36. Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage


37. Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog


38. Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements


39. Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board


40. Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art


41. Melida Boman (THIS IS ME!)
The Journey of Pens and Things


42. Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs


43. Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up


44. Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art


45.Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry


46.Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl


47. Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes


48. Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise


49. Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design


50. Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns


51. Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane


52. Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry


53. Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo


54. Coral Law
ab:coraldesign



Fun on a sunny weekend in January.

This past weekend was such a great weeken that hubby was able to turn a couple of pens! He got an order for a segmented wooden pen using these 2 wood blanks.

He then cut them, glued them, waited, and then glued again. (He thought he was going to turn to dust due to all the waiting he had to do.) When all the glueing was done he then sliced them up and glued them one final time and he got this...

After these finally dried he was so ready to turn them into a fountain pen.

I think this pen came out pretty neat.  It was a good weeken all around.  

I will be doing a blog hop  for  the B'Sue Challenge on Friday. I hope you will come join us!

I did it!

So for the last month the Facebook group that I am a part of, B'Sue Boutique creative group,  has been talking about doing a 3month build your line challenge. I had been thinking about whether or not I had the experience to do this. I went to work this past week and was showing some pictures to a couple of coworker who were like "you so have to try this!"

My original idea was squashed before I could write it up but I fhought of something else that I hope will turn out to be fun. We will be doing a blog hop soon and that is when I can show what I thought up. Here is to hoping that people like it.

On other news I was working on a couple steampunk ideas.

I really like how the earrings came out

Now I just need to figure out what I want the chains for the necklaces to look like. I am a big dragon fan and I hope to be able to add more to my work 

Hubby has been complaining that the weather is too col to work on pens this week. I wonder what he is going to say next week when it is colder? 😊