The Big Blog Event!
Here's what's happening this weekend!
The Blog event is comprised of about 30 bloggers who will be chatting on their own blogs about the book. They were encourage to possibly make projects or talk about how the book has inspired their own cord and ribbon projects. Please check out the Beading Daily post to see the list of participants.
The Polyvore challenge is very cool. Erin and I donated 2 necklaces to send to the ultimate winner of the challenge, but they are also the starting point to the Polyvore outfits that participants will be creating. You can find out more about the challenge at the Beading Daily blog, here.
For my post, I decided to try my hand at a few of the other projects in the book.For this first one, I chose Erin Siegel's Elements of Earth project. This is one of my favorite pieces that Erin created for this book. It's a choker, but my rendition using this similar technique, is a bracelet.
I chose to use some very large glazed ceramic rounds from Lisa Peters art. The bead bunches that I used are larger 8mm wood rounds with abalone inlaid on one side. I used a deep purple waxed linen cording and faceted Czech glass beads which are quite a bit bigger than the seed beads Erin uses.
I chose a funky button that has some abalone shell on it, and it matches perfectly with the other elements in this piece. I also used a couple of cool lampwork glass beads on the ends of the bracelet. I have to be honest. I didn't follow the instructions. I know I know. It's terrible. But by the time I figured it out it was too late to turn back. So instead of re-threading the seed beaded strands through the holes of the ceramic beads, I just beaded them on the outside and tied overhand knots. The reason this doesn't work, is that the seed beaded strands slip off the ceramic beads quite easily.
The second piece, I created my own rendition of Mary Jane Dodd's earrings, Unfolding. I used some polymer clay beads from Doreen Willey, Bronze bead caps from Lesley Watt, and created the same beaded and linen fringe. The earring design is just like Mary Jane's project. Instead of making my own earwires, I used some brass leverback wires.
Here is a photo of Mary Jane's Earring project from the book:
The other good news is, I am giving away a copy of Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry to one lucky winner- to enter, leave a comment on this blog post and tell me, Do you follow beading instructions word for word or do you use your visual intuition to figure it out?
I will be picking a random winner for the giveaway on Sunday evening, June 24th.
Haven't gotten your copy of Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry yet? No worries!
Head on over to the Interweave Store to pick up your copy for $13.77
or if you want it NOW! Pick up the eBook version, on sale now for $10.77
IF i am trying to learn a new technique, then I follow directions exactly, the first time. If I just like the style or inspiration, then all bets are off.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty visual, but I'll read the directions when I get stuck.
ReplyDeleteI tend to follow the directions the first time, then change them up to suit my style the next time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to win!
Cristi
2ifbysea1067@bellsouth.net
Depends on the instructions and visual aids. Like lots of pictures, yes I get impatient and want to see the finished product. The book looks beautiful. Thanks for this chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI'm very visual and I get impatient ready the instructions. I will refer to the instructions if I get stuck and can't figure out the step from the pictures. I do usually add my own flair to the design before I think it's finished.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit - I'm a visual learner. And if that doesn't work, I'll resort to reading:)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever managed to follow any instruction word for word ...
ReplyDelete(not even recipes when cooking ;))
If I try to follow an instruction I always come up with other ideas on how to solve it, or just make it completely different.
Sometimes it's a good thing and sometimes I end up with something useless.
...the exception must be ikea furniture.
For the most part, I'm visual learner. But if I can't figure something out on my own, I will follow instructions.
ReplyDeleteI typically follow directions very closely (drives my husband nuts) for most things. But with jewelry, I check out the design visually and then give it a try. If I can't figure out something just by looking at it, then I resort to reading directions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this giveaway opportunity!
Hi Lorelei:
ReplyDeleteI doubt I ever follow the instructions word-for-word, even if I try.. I do try to follow closely, at least the first time. I do the projects to learn technique, and then go off on my own creative journey!
I think I really need to win this book! Either that or I'll have to break down and buy it ;)
I generally look at the photos and wing it. But if all else fails...read the directions!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! LOOOOVE your pieces!
ReplyDeleteI love your take on the projects. And if the seed beads slip on your bracelet, I say it just creates more movement. :). As for following directions, I would like to say that I do, but I inevitably skip something or add something, which might be okay in beading, but never seems to work well in the kitchen. (just ask my husband.)
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful bracelets!
ReplyDeleteI always always always wing it when I'm making anything. I'd rather try and fail on my own than think I'm too dense to accurately follow directions.
I Love your two newest creations. The bracelet is awesome in teh shades of purple you used. Purple is one of my favorite colors. The earrrings are so awesome too. I am such an earring freak. My coworkers tease me at work with all the earrings that I have but in a good way.
ReplyDeleteLike most people, if it is something I am learning for the first time, I follow the directions,or try to, if it is just something that inspires me, then I use my own interpretation of the project.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part I follow directions, but my intuition tends to take over and want to move me in different creative ways...
ReplyDeleteI use the instructions as a guide. Kind of like a recipe.
ReplyDeleteI'm a total intuitive follower. Love the pieces you made, esp the colors!
ReplyDeleteRarely do I use the instructions. I prefer to stumble my way through the dark! ;-) And it is there that I usually learn the best lessons, like you did. I also can't use a cook book without a picture of the dish. Great takes on the design inspiration. And I don't need to be entered as I already have a signed copy! Enjoy the day, Miss Lorelei! And congratulations on your success.
ReplyDeleteLove your bracelet and earrings! I have to admit, I rarely follow the directions unless it's a complicated pattern. I'll try to read through it once and go off on my own. Congratulations on your new book!
ReplyDeleteLove all the creations, Lorelei! This book is actually on my wish list. I was hoping to take my chances first at winning an autograph copy. I usually follow directions when it comes to the basics of the tutorial, but I do branch out from there with my own style once I get the basics down especially if it is something new to me. Congratulations on your success, you deserve it!
ReplyDeletecongratulations, lorelei - this is a wonderful book celebration! how cool that you made the 'unfolding' earrings in your own way... that is one of the things that i love about this book - it really encourages people to want to take the techniques and inspiration and make it their own...
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think of myself as needing a lot of structure (especially when first learning a skill), I don't think I've ever followed a set of directions to the letter. Not in cooking, nor sewing, nor any other creative endeavour. I guess we probably all feel we should have a bit of artistic input into something as personal as adornment. Thanks for offering this great travel guide to finding our own voice, Lorelei!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your book, which I am dying to read (it's on my wish list). As for your question, I look at the picture and read the instructions, but usually I adapt according to what materials I have on hand. I do rely on my visual intuition because I like the challenge of problem-solving on my own. If I get stuck and super frustrated, it's nice to know that instructions are there, though.
ReplyDeleteOh I like to think I can look at something and just do it...when all else fails read the directions. I can say on the more detailed items I do follow...I am too new to fake it. Love what I have seen of the book!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that I am not the only one who doesn't read instructions too closely! I rely on my intuitions most of the time.
ReplyDeleteVisual intuition! What a great paring of words!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the honor of including components I made in this fantastic book. I had the most fun, setting aside a special night to read through the book, decide what inspired me the most and then a WHOLE evening of jewelry making with lots more plans to come!
I know this book will be on my coffee table for a long time.
Warm & Fuzzies,
Shannon
Well, I try to follow instructions sometimes but I'm not very good at it. I usually just look at the pictures and figure it out.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Love your take on Erin's bracelet :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you Lorelei - you and Erin created an amazing book! I'm allergic to instructions, but inspiration is the reason I pick up a book.
ReplyDeleteI avoid instructions unless absolutely necessary. There's something about figuring it out on my own that almost always sends me off in a unique direction. I love your new book and would love to have a copy to go with my ebook version! Congrats to you and Erin!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you and Erin on the book. I'm a figure it out on my own kind of gal. It's one of the reasons why I love making jewelry. There is something so organic about letting your hands mold and shape the materials into the vision in your head. I would love to win the book, if not that is what the book store is for. All the best to you...
ReplyDeleteWhimsy
The bracelet you created is beautiful, even if the bead rows slip a bit! Elements of Earth is my favorite design in the book by Erin. My favorite out of your designs in Ocean Love (I really love the idea of braiding several silk cords together;, pretty yet bold).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you and Erin on such an amazing art book, inspiring our creative world!
Great pieces! I especially like the earrings. Congratulations on such a great accomplishment! When I first started making jewelry I did it by the book, but now that I have a few years under my belt I put my own twist to it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Lorelei! I so admire your work. The color combinations that you use are incredible. I am honored to be a co-contributor to your book!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you and Erin (and your contributors as well!). The book is fabulous and I left a review on Amazon after I got my copy. As far as instructions go, it kind of depends on the project, the way the instructions are written and how good the photos are. Honestly, when I can actually follow someone else's instructions and the way they think/write then I feel like I have accomplished something, but I almost always tend to jump ahead and try it my own way first because I know in the end, even if I've followed the directions, I'm gonna figure out how to 're-do' it to my own specs and liking! Great Book-Hop weekend w/all the happenings - it's so fun to see everyone's renditions and the eye-candy is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI follow instructions sometimes if it looks like they are using a new technique. If I get stuck while creating a piece I will also read the instructions.
ReplyDeleteI follow instructions sometimes if it looks like they are using a new technique. If I get stuck while creating a piece I will also read the instructions.
ReplyDeleteI am too impatient to read a lot of instructions, so usually look at a magazine or internet picture and then go from there. Inspiration can be fickle and doesn't come to visit me when I need it (grin) but I have fun seeing where my intuition leads me. I do follow instructions more when baking, however.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the 2 of you.....Heather
Hi Lorelei, Most of the time I uses my own judgement. Once in a while I follow the instructions mostly to learn something new. I don't need to be entered in the drawing as my copy of your book came yesterday. I am impressed.
ReplyDeleteYour new book looks awesome! It's been on my Amazon wishlist for some time, so thanks for the chance to win a copy! Usually I read through all the instructions, then sit down and make the item, only referring back if I get stuck, since I rarely have the exact same beads, etc. So I guess I do both, but I'm not much of a stickler for following exact directions.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thrilled you used one of my projects for your inspiration! That is an honor. LOL! You discovered what I also discovered when I was first designing that project! I did that same exact thing you did in my prototype project. I later made a second necklace which is the one in the book. LOVE both the bracelet and the earrings. I'm really very excited because I've seen some really spectacular things coming from the designers in the blog hop. I'm amazed. It's truly inspiring! We did good, Girl! ;)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the book! Can't wait to get a copy! I very rarely read the instructions, unless it's a technique I'm determined to learn and I can't "get it" visually.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I have that same funky button in my collection. Truly funky! lol.
ReplyDeleteI try to figure it out on my own and if i fail miserably, then i check the instructions... Which is mor often than not. Lol.
If the piece is something I've never seen, I will read through the instructions, then change it up or down, as the case may be.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks wonderful!
Hi! Congrats on the book! Love the bracelet. :) I too am a visual learner but if its complex looking I will skim through instructions and then give it a go.
ReplyDeleteI try to figure it out by looking at the picture, then I read the instructions to see if I'm right! I like seeing the complicated designs because I usually learn something new.
ReplyDeleteIt's much like cooking for me - I scan the instructions and then dive in and use my intuition but I do sometimes think i would have saved time if I'd followed more closely...just isn't in my nature though!
ReplyDeleteI start out following instructions but usually I end up "bending" them creatively
ReplyDelete:))
Amazing book, congrats to all!!
Joanna-Gloria, yana_ven@yahoo.gr
I used to try to stick to the instructions as closely as possible but I find that the more confident I get, the less I stick to them
ReplyDelete:))
They are always inspiring me though and I always try to follow strictly whenever I am learning a new technique from scratch...
You gotta have some knowledge first before starting bending the rules, right?
;-)
I would be so happy to have that book
DESPINA
deb_oro@yahoo.gr
If I have to read directions..then its probably not for me ! ;-) I was that way in school too. Definetly a visual kind of gal!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy of this book. Looks like there's so much inspiring projects in it. I'd especially love the e-book. Will check it out and cross my fingers to win. :)
ReplyDeleteForgot to add, I usually follow word for word at first and then start changing it around.
ReplyDeleteI don't usually design using others' instructions. I may read them but will come up with my own versons from just looking at the pix.
ReplyDeleteIt's been fun to see how others have interpreted your book pieces. I'm bummed that you and Erin were already gone when I stopped at the booth at B&B. Can't wait to get a copy.
Congrats to you and Erin - most deserving!
I'm a visual person so I usually try to figure it out following the pictures. Congratulations on a beautiful book!!
ReplyDeleteI love your version of the Elements of Earth bracelet! I'm always a fan of purple.
ReplyDeleteMostly I just use my visual intuition for beading instructions.
Supere67@yahoo.com
Hey, don't know why I didn't leave a comment the first time I hopped over here....must have been on my phone which rarely lets me, grr! I hope that bracelet is wearable despite the seed beads slipping off, because it is absolutely awesome! Your jewellery - and photos - have seriously never been better than at the moment. Gorgeous! And the earrings are perfect. I love Lesley's bronze components, so fun to work with. But that bracelet.....inspired. I really like Erin's original design but never would have made it as me and chokers just don't get on. But a bracelet! Such an obvious transition but yet, one I would never have considered. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of this hop, your book is AWESOME!! I know that it and Heather Powers' are the two that will bring me most inspiration over the next few months.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing your bracelet because I'm bracelet challenged and need some inspiration. I do follow directions but like to use my own materials which sometimes works (and sometimes...) I hope a win this book! Thanks, Kristen kristenvarian@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love the book and can't wait until Erin come to Raleigh next month! I follow the bead instructions for material combinations then put my own spin on the piece.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Stacy
Sissy & Jack's
As a beginner to jewelry making I tend to follow the instructions. But if I'm inspired to change things up, I will. Very excited to see your new book!! Pick me! Pick me!!!
ReplyDeleteVisual intuition first, directions if all else fails :).
ReplyDeleteWauw, this is my first visit to your blog, and it is amazing!! You made some great stuff! I'm a fan!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book. It looks fabulous. I follow directions if it's something I haven't tried before. I'm a big follower of instructions for everything. Just can't help it! I love this concept of showing a piece from the book and your interpretation.
ReplyDeleteΠΑΝΕΜΟΡΦΕΣ ΟΙ ΔΗΜΙΟΥΡΓΙΕΣ ΣΟΥ!!!!!!ΕΝΤΥΠΩΣΙΑΚΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΩΤΟΤΥΠΕΣ!!!!!ΤΕΛΕΙΕΣ!!!
ReplyDeleteΚΑΛΗ ΣΥΝΕΧΕΙΑ!!!