Am I Industrial Chic?

Can I possibly pull this off? I don't know, we shall see. I was desperate the last few days to try something new, and out of of my current comfort zone, and when I picked up the design booklet at Michael's  yesterday, for the new Industrial Chic line from Susan Lenart Kazmer, I thought, maybe this was the ticket. Needless to say, I walked out with $39 worth of doodads, nothing major. Here's what I came up with.

I bought a package of these twisted links, and added some of my art beads to the ends, dangling them as a charm type necklace on copper bar chain from Ornamentea.  The Stamped copper charm is from Zoa Art, the Ceramic flower is from Lisa Peters Art, and the Glass headpin is from Gardanne Beads.


I created this necklace while chatting with Debby on Facebook. I had gotten to the end of it and was complaining to her how I wished I had some sort of small word charm to add to the other woodland charms. Didn't end up finding anything but I still like the way it turned out anyway. I bought the Industrial Chic metal washer type rings at Michaels , and thread them onto small chain, and hung a Green Girl Studios Mushroom charm, a bee and mushroom from Jangles, and a ceramic leaf from Every Heart Crafts. I like the Steel wire up around the back of the necklace. This is a new thing for me, I think I like it.  Added a bit of softness with a little teal silk tie.


This bracelet was inspired by one of the bracelet designs in the technique booklet. I bought of these cute little metal tins, and took the loops off, and added my own brass wire and spacers.  The clasp at one side is also from the I.C. line. Used some brass wire, in a bangle style, and strung more of those washers, and a few lampwork discs (HMB Studios, and Ellen Dooley) I had originally made this piece with steel wire, but liked the look of the brass much more, so I switched it all up. I also love the contrast of the metal sliders on the brass wire.

These were fun to make, I feel satisfied. I had been holding off buying some of these things at Michaels, because of a few reasons. It was hard for me to buy components that weren't "the real thing"- especially since Objects and Elements has such a great selection of components that are heavy duty, real metal, handmade items.  But once I let this go, and realized that yes, Michael's recreated these components on a more affordable level for beaders on a budget, and that yes, you get what you pay for- I decided to try a few out.
I have bought certain things at Michael's before- where the quality of product just wasn't there, so this was another reason I was hesitant.  I think I made smart decisions, and bought components that seem solidly made, that I can actually use, and sell my designs knowing that they won't fall apart. I love the fact that Susan encourages you to alter the pieces any way you want, for your designs.
Well, anyway, that's my 2 cents on that.

Comments

  1. I think it looks awesome, and I know what you mean about Michaels, but I'm excited about this new line. They were just putting out the Industrial Chic stuff last night. Whoever was in charge of the display must've gone home with just the tags up and a whole cart of un-priced product in a grocery cart!!! I was so mad! I've been waiting and waiting for them to get it. I know if I it too long all the good stuff will be gone. This beading biz is rough!
    I love your new stuff, Lorelei--you just get better and better :)

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  2. Those look great! I used to buy a lot of stuff from Michael's but you are right, you get what you pay for! In the last few months they have come out with a few things that are pretty cool, it might be worth trying something new :)

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  3. I like these - especially the bracelet. Very cool!

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  4. First...they ALL look great!!! Love them! Second...oh heavens, it is a good thing I had NO idea these were at Michaels, or I would have spent ALL of my vacation money yesterday while I was visiting the city!! Whew.....but, I still might have to spend it, as they look AWESOME! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Warmly,
    Leslie

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  5. I think you pulled it off, Lorelei! That first necklace is rockin with the three dangles!

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  6. They are super great Lorelei. I think that these pieces are pretty well made and they are not a Susan knock off since she has her name on each package. When I bought some, I felt I was supporting her as well as Michael's since she has agreed to it. And really they are high quality for a low priced item. You out did yourself on these. Love them all.

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  7. Love the bracelet! The dangles in the first necklace are hanging from very nice copper bars-type-things. Are they from the Michaels set, or something you made yourself?

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  8. I know what you mean about Michaels, and after a couple wasted trips I stopped trying. But today I'm headed to the city and will see if our Michaels has these components.......

    I love your creations, but the bracelet with the tin has to be my favorite!

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  9. I love these your pieces! I saw Susan's line there last weekend and grabbed a few. Fun things!

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  10. I am right there with you about michaels. Some of the stuff just looks too cheap, but if you scrounge through it, you can find some good stuff too. I looked through the whole industrial chic line, rejected some of it as looking too fake, but embraced a few pieces which I will pair with "real" hardware stuff like old rusty washers and springs.
    Erin

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  11. I work at Michaels part time as an event coordinator and I myself dont like to use their findings. But some of Michaels things are great like they have real jade and other real stones. So picking thru Michaels they do have a bunch of good things in the way of beads. The other things like the silver findings and metal I really dont like. I guess there is something for everyone and people must learn starting somewhere.

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  12. I think the answer is yes...yes you are ;-) Great job on all of these - especially like the Witch Hazel bracelet!

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  13. I love the antiquated look of your Witch Hazel bracelet--really pretty! Love the other pieces as well!

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  14. I think they look wonderful Lorelei! You achieved a lovely balance with the Michael's components and the art beads. I love the bracelet the most too.

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  15. Having seen Susan's work in person, touching her components and comparing these to that, there really is not comparison. The real deal is just that. But these really do give you that same vibe and some of the components, like the framed game pieces or the metal cog spacers are really quite nice. I would certainly alter other items that have that same look, like the hex nuts with the same words applied to them. But I have bought about $50 worth of components and find them a pretty good substitute in a pinch. I am especially loving those twisted metal connectors. Great possibilities there and they are very sturdy.

    Nice work, Lorelei!
    Enjoy the day!
    Erin

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  16. michael's is next door to where i get my special dog chow..so had stop in and check out susan's commerical line..there are some really cute components.
    i fell in love with the giant head pins "metal fibers" funny name..
    i know i can do something with those...i love what you have done with the industrial chic idea..beautiful..the necklace with the big flower and curly wire dangles is my fav

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  17. Just *LOVE* the little tin bracelet! I was hoping it was on your etsy site.. ;-)

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  18. Hi Gretz! it sold, but I may be able to recreate it again. let me know if you want one.

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  19. Yes I would LOVE one! :-D

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