This is a section of beaded chain I’m making for one of the pieces in my line for the Build A Line Master Class sponsored by B’Sue Boutiques. In Part 1, we talked about the inspiration for our lines. In Part 2, I’m talking about some lessons learned during the last month from our class discussions.
One of the challenges is to make pieces that are priced in the impulse buy range – $10 to $50. Last month I mentioned that the inspiration piece for this line sells for $75- $150, depending on the materials, so I knew I’d have to be creative in reducing the cost. I decided to use polymer clay to make some of the parts. To do that, I spent some time making test swatches of textures and color combinations.
Test swatches
After getting opinions from classmates, I made a second round of test swatches.
Test swatches part deux
I bought some bezels from B’Sue Boutiques to use with the clay. Only after coloring the bezels and baking the clay pendants did I realize there was no way to attach them to my necklace. Lesson learned: a little planning is a beautiful thing. You’ll see my clever solution in the reveal blog in March. Hint: I’m still using the bezels.
Pendant parts
I learned that I can’t really reduce the amount of time I spend making the necklace. By making a production line, I cut assembly time a little bit, but making the pendants myself added time, so I called it even. I am using silver plate and mixed base metals in this one to help keep the cost down.
I’ve got 3 different metals in this one.
Nevertheless, the necklaces are going to end up being my mid-range pieces. So then I had to come up with some lower-priced items. I shall not reveal all now, but here is a sample:
Polymer clay bracelets
You won’t believe how light these are! I still have to test-drive them. If they can stand up to a couple of days of me wearing them around, they will be fine. I’m hard on anything near my hands.
From a business standpoint, generous class members gave some tips on improving blog features. See my new search box on the upper right? And I added contact information. I’ve also been encouraged to get pinning on Pinterest, so expect to see more from me there (Beadsophisticate on Pinterest).
Please visit Brenda’s class notes blog (B’Sue Boutiques), and the blogs of the other class participants to see what they are up to and get their take on what we’ve learned
Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B’sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
Marcia Tuzzolino
Jann Tague
Judy King
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Carole Carlson (you are here)
Lynn Stinten
Marica Zammit
Catherine Shattuck
Michaele Collie
Mary Craig
Lee Koopman
Erin Whitacre
Monica Casady
Leila West
Cindy Peterson
https://howlingdogjewelry.wordpress.com/
Leila Belcher
Gloria Allen
Pamela Anger
Tammy Adams
Lynda O’Mara
Elizabeth Hildreth
Dana Hickey
Janet Calardo
Maria Clark
Lori Beekman
https://baccessorized.wordpress.com/ (B Accessorized)
Jennifer Kroeger
Amy Jorgensen
Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Louise O’Shields
Susan Killam
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
Gina Hockett
Linda Anderson
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
Teresa Shurter
Melissa Latimer
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris
Lori Meyer
Build a Line Challenge from B’sue Boutiques, Lori Meyer from Parisienne Girl, Part Two
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Denise Lussier Poirier
Renee Allen
Autumn Adams
Elizabeth Owens
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Coral Law
Bead Sophisticate 
“a little planning is a beautiful thing” That’s something I’m not good at myself …
So now we’ll have to wait until March to learn more about the pendants? I’m not a patient person …. 😦
LikeLike
Now, now, Cat. Maybe I’ll post a sneak peak on the Jewelry Artisans Community forum…
LikeLike
Carole, those bracelets are to die for. My goodness you have a gift with clay and color. Your line is coming together, nicely…some detours provide the best inspiration. I enjoyed my visit with you!
LikeLike
Thank you…the detours are making me just a little nuts, though. The pendant thing was just silly.
LikeLike
Carol…these are just fabulous! Your eye for color is impressive…looking forward to the next reveal.
LikeLike
Thank you, I’ve yet to meet a color I don’t love…or at least like a lot.
LikeLike
I’m on the edge of my seat to see how you finish the pendants!
Cheers,
Susan
LikeLike
Yes, I’m kind of interested in how it’s going to turn out myself, since I’m stepping out into the unknown. Waiting on a delivery from B’Sue. Fingers crossed that it works.
LikeLike
Simply lovely. Been working hard I see!
LikeLike
Can’t wait to see the finished pieces!
LikeLike
Thanks. I have a whole other colorway that will debut in March.
LikeLike
Your polymer pieces are lovely. The bracelets look amazing and hope they stand up to the testing!~Ingrid
LikeLike
Me too, Ingrid. I’ll be sad if they don’t. I’m giving one to a friend to test drive also.
LikeLike
Looking good! ~Elizabeth
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Can’t wait to see your finished pendants and really like your bracelets!
LikeLike
Thank you. They were fun to make.
LikeLike
Great works in progress Carole, and those finished cuffs are so pretty for spring! ~Renee H.
LikeLike
I was so focused on the line that I never even thought about them being spring colors, so thanks for the tip!
LikeLike
Those colors are so soft. I’m really looking forward to seeing the ned results.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
I love that color palette. I didn’t realize you could make cuffs from PC. That’s so cool.
LikeLike
I can’t remember where I saw the idea, pretty sure it was one of the polymer clay groups, and while I was pondering how to make lower-tier items, it popped into my head.
LikeLike
your palette is very soft .. love the colors .. the finished cuffs are beautiful
LikeLike
HEY! I’ll test drive one of those bracelets for you! they are beautiful! Just gorgeous! Love those colors and I am a bracelet freak!
LikeLike
Lol, thank you!
LikeLike
Wow wow and wow. Love the colors and textures on your polymer clay pieces.
Those cuff bracelets are gorgeous!!!
Can’t wait to see your finished line in March.
LikeLike
Thank you. I’m enjoying my experiments in polymer clay.
LikeLike
Those cuff are fab!! Can’t wait to see the finished pendants. Your colors are wonderful, perfect for spring!
LikeLike
Oh, right. I totally meant to plan for spring 🙂
LikeLike
So pretty the way you colored the polymer clay. Love the bracelets.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
I wish my clay stuff looked as good yours! Can’t wait to see the finished stuff.
LikeLike
I took a master class with Christine Damm, which really improved my claying skills.
LikeLike
Wonderful blog post, Carole. Really like how you show and explain your process. The colors are fantastic!
LikeLike
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really like the colors you’ve chosen, and am looking forward to seeing your big reveal!
LikeLike
Thank you. I have some surprises in store.
LikeLike
yummy colors and I cannot wait to see your entire line! great blog!
LikeLike
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words.
LikeLike
What a beautiful pastel color pallet you have chosen just beautiful and great post too.
LikeLike
Thank you, and I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
LikeLike
Your chain is impeccable and the way it matches the polymer pendant’s or visa versa is beautiful!
LikeLike
Thank you, Teresa. Hearing that makes it worth the time I spent wrapping those dang loops!
LikeLike
I love the clay pieces you created. I discovered myself that sometimes you have to step back before you go forward. I think experience is the best teacher.
LikeLike
Autumn, I’m stepping back so much I feel like Michael Jackson!
LikeLike
Your design elements are beautiful. Love the textured polymer. I am trying to add the polymer bracelets as well but needing to do some work of the flowers I am adding to it. Trying to lower the profile. Yours are gorgeous. Can’t wait to see your line finished.
LikeLike
Janet, I wore the bracelet to do errands this morning, and I found it stretched a bit, so I’m going to have to make some kind of a clasp to make sure it doesn’t fall off.
LikeLike
Love your clay work, your colour blends are great
Cheers
Lynn
LikeLike
Thank you. Color is my thing.
LikeLike
Your pendants are lovely. I’m looking forward to seeing more! ~mary
LikeLike
Carol your jewelry pieces are beautiful! I love the acents on the bracelets and the pendants. Your color choices are brilliant. Uhhh now you have us all waiting ohh so curious about the bezels! I will be right on your blog page day one to see what comes from the bezel victory! ~Louise
LikeLike
Thank you, Louise. I am awaiting a shipment from B’Sue. I hope my idea works out!
LikeLike
Love the textures and colors on your polymer clay. LOVE. Those bangles are fabulous. Can’t wait to see how you solved the bezel dilemma.
LikeLike
Hope I can live up the hype I apparently created!
LikeLike
Very pretty coloration and the bracelets are great!
LikeLike
Thank you. I surprised myself with these colors. This class is really making me focus.
LikeLike
I love PC and some of your stuff resembles Mokume Gane (I’ve been playing around with that lately). Can’t wait for your reveal!
LikeLike
I have tried mokume gane and enjoy the random patterns that result.
LikeLike
Pretty pieces! Looking forward to seeing the finished line. 😉
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Love how you showed us the color adjustments on your polymer! Very curious and excited to see your pieces with the bezels and your whole line! :):)
LikeLike
Thank you. I’m hoping to have another colorway ready for the reveal.
LikeLike
Great colour palette and love that you make your own components too- looking forward to seeing how you fuse that with B’sue supplies for your line in the final reveal in a month .
LikeLike
Thanks! It has been interesting for sure.
LikeLike
Great Post! I really love the blend of colors and your texture is wonderful! The chain looks really good but those Bracelets are to Die for!!! LOVE those!! Great Job!!! Be Blessed!!!
LikeLike
I’m so pleased that you like the bracelets. They are a new item for me.
LikeLike
I wouldn’t call myself someone who loves pastels. You addition of the all the textures make these an exception. Your work is lovely and emanates a peaceful feeling. Can’t wait to see more.
LikeLike
Nadine, thank you for saying this. The inspiration for this set of pieces is “Me Time”, so I am so glad that you see a peaceful feeling in the work.
LikeLike
Very nice! I love the creativity that comes from limits! Can’t wait to see it all 🙂
LikeLike
Carole–I enjoyed reading your blog and seeing what you’ve done so far. I love the colors in both Part 1 and Part 2 of your test samples. I don’t do polymer, so I’m even more impressed, especially the textures. Looking forward to seeing how you put them in the bezels and pull everything together!
LikeLike
My secret supplies arrived from B’Sue yesterday, so I’ll test out my idea very shortly. Fingers crossed!
LikeLike
It is so much fun reading this blog hop and seeing the different approaches! It is inspiring me to try my hand at designing my own lines! So far the most I have done in that regard is creating matching pieces, but not something I would call a line per se. Planning is something I definitely need to get better at as well! I am looking forward to all of the beautiful results!
LikeLike
Isn’t it amazing that with 55 participants, there are so many variations? No one is the same, even though we are all using materials from B’Sue Boutiques.
LikeLike
Carole your pieces are beautiful, I love to work with polymer clay I can see how much work you have put into planning your design and cost, I can’t wait to see your finished pieces
LikeLike
Thank you, Cynthia. I hope I’ve been able to keep the cost down for the impulse section of the line.
LikeLike
I really like the color and texture of the polymer clay. They are like some broken tiles found in a house with colorful walls.
LikeLike
Thank you, Coral. I have been playing with texture since taking a class with Christine Damm.
LikeLike