Yikes... Feeling the Pressure

Must finish my Year of Jewelry project!!

YOJ 1: Woven Gemstone Necklace

My first Year of Jewelry (YOJ) project is a long woven gemstone necklace with aqua blue apatite and smoky quartz beads.  I love it!! I have never made anything like it before, but it was relatively quick and easy to do.  It did take some planning though.  If you're interested in tips on how to make one, see my other blog Lisa Yang Jewelry for more pictures and information. I'll be wearing this for the next few weeks to make sure the design is sound and it will wear 'happily ever after'.  There's nothing worse than jewelry that doesn't withstand the stress of every day living.

Year of Jewelry: Week 1 (for me)

I'm excited and nervous all at once.  The first week of the Year of Jewerly 2012 has started for me.  For everyone else who joined up at the beginning of the year - it's the beginning of the second quarter.  I've decided that I'll be making a woven necklace with gemstones.  I've tried a few different things, but I'm still not quite satisfied, although I do feel like I understand the technique that I'll use and the materials (at least the C-Lon size that is appropriate!).

One of the things I have the most difficulty with is convincing myself that I don't need to buy any supplies to complete a project.  I have 10 different spools of C-Lon thread in different colors, but I've convinced myself of two things:  first, a color other than the ones I have would be better and second, that there is a weight of cord that is heaver than the thread and lighter than the C-Lon cord that I have (another 10 spools of different colors) that would really be better.  However, I am going to complete this week's project without buying anything!  It's almost inconceivable, but I know I can do it.

My goal is to complete my project tonight, so I can have the next couple of days to get my photography area worked out.  I have a light cube and a great camera, but that doesn't mean I know how to take great photos.  I'm sure two days should be enough to get at least decent photos - and then I can improve from there.  I'll be posting my project this weekend.  Yay!

Year of Jewelry Preparation

The next quarter of the Year of Jewelry project is going to be starting soon and I need to get ready!! Tonight, I started by making a list of techniques or styles that I would like to explore. I'm sure this will come in handy when I find my creative juices lacking. So, here's the list:
- Necklaces or bracelets using beads and C-Lon thread or cord
- Framed gemstone beads for pendants or earrings
- Multi-tier necklaces
- Chunky jewelry
- Gem embellished hoops
- gem charms/charm bracelet
- fringe earrings or pendant
- mixed metals
- handmade clasps
- mosaic pendants or earrings
- wire weaving
Well, I'd say that's a good start and may keep me moving even when I'm not 'feeling it'. My goal joining this time is to really work on defining my personal style and improving my techniques.

There's still one more major hurdle that I now I will need to take care of in order to meet my goal. I need to set up a photo 'studio'. We have a great camera, I have a light box, a tripod, lights, etc. I've just never taken the time to set it up and play with it for any length of time. I've got to admit, the ideal solution would be to take the pictures with my i-pad. How easy is that for uploading?! Well, if you've got any guidance on the easiest way to do the pictures, please send them my way, since I know that will be an obstacle to my timely posting.