Tips for Finding Inspiration for Handmade jewellery
Inspiration for handmade jewelry is not difficult to find. In the old days, when there was no internet. I used to go to libraries and spend hours. Looking through design magazines and books, and searching for new ideas for techniques and designs. With the internet, everything got easier. The world’s biggest library is at our fingertips. You can ask questions and learn anything you would like.
By looking at others’ pictures, you can get inspiration for your own work. We have been working non-stop on new techniques, new styles, shapes, and designs for our handmade earrings. When making jewelry, experimenting seems never-ending. We always have new projects going. We are always in search of new techniques and designs.
Working with many famous artists and translating their artwork and design ideas into jewellery opened new horizons for us. Cooperating on art jewellery making with Lynn Bean, Jo Lynch, Bob Coonts, and Nick Gustafson has been a great experience with us. Expanding into custom designs also helps increase our sales. Making custom jewelry is very important for getting inspiration, as it opens your ideas and thoughts to new dimensions.
Sometimes you get a good idea, and you have to run with it. I keep saying “enough already,” but oops, there is another design begging to be a pair of unique handmade earrings. Well, what are we to do? Just make it, that’s what.
There have been many times in our history when designing was complex, and techniques would not work correctly. Right now, it is not a problem, but I’m sure that everyone has at one time or another had a difficult time with a new style or technique. What are you to do when things are not working the way you want? Perseverance is the only way to get through tough times. When things are not turning out right, try taking a step back; go for a walk or a swim. Getting away from your studio can bring a fresh perspective to your work.
We have a file where we collect ideas, patterns, colours, and shapes. Whenever we are stuck on a design, we go back to the file and are sure to find something that sends us in the right direction. To focus on making your handcrafted jewelry, especially when using a new technique, you need to think clearly. Paying attention to the details is usually the key to success. The slightest deviation can produce inadequate results.
Techniques need to be refined into the easiest-to-follow steps. This will allow you to re-create the same results every time, which is very important if you are selling your handcrafted jewellery. Retail customers may love the fact that no two pieces are alike, but that doesn’t necessarily work when you wholesale jewelry. Wholesale customers want the design they ordered, not a similar design, the same design.
Taking a break can at times be the only option. With all the pressures of modern life, we sometimes need to do something just for fun. Take the family to the beach, the park, or the library. You might find a book that explains your technique better, or your daughter might make a drawing that triggers inspiration for handmade jewelry. We all find our inspiration in different ways.
