Michelle's book focuses on non-traditional uses for regular, everyday jewelry findings. I thought this idea was so creative, playful and exciting when I first heard about it, but at the same time, I felt completely challenged by the whole concept! I was nervous and a little bit scared. It's not everyday that I'm using conventional jewelry components outside of their intended purpose. The idea is pretty revolutionary. It is such a different way of thinking and approaching jewelry design. Everything I had ever known about components had to be turned on it's head, sometimes literally.
The pressure was on. Was I creative enough to come up with compelling projects for this book? Would I be able to use the findings in a unique way and still deliver a piece of jewelry that was beautiful, stylish and wearable all within the coming deadline??? Yikes! Sounds like a tall order to me, but I was more than determined to be a part of Michelle's vision for her book any way that I could. There was no doubt about that. I was up for the challenge. I racked my brain for ideas. I dedicated much of my time and energy. I'll be honest, I worked my tushie off on the projects for this book and I could not be prouder of the results!
My Jewelry Projects:
It's a little tough to talk about Michelle's book without mentioning the clever use of jewelry findings and the innovative ideas. That is what the book is about, of course, but I want to focus on a different angel. I'm going to be highlighting the fashionable aspects of the finished jewelry projects as a whole. I'm lucky enough to have 5 designs published in Michelle's book. I'm sharing 4 out of those 5 with you here. The fifth one I'll leave as a surprise! I created stylish pieces that I absolutely love and would wear myself everyday. My jewelry is always fashion-driven. That's what I'm passionate about. That's what's exciting to me and that's what motivates me to create.
Making a jewelry piece that merely uses a finding in a clever way would never do. It has to be fashion-forward with wear-ability and quality in mind. So, with that fashion focus, I thought it would be a fun idea to present my designs from the book along with clothes and accessories to show you how I would style them and reinforce the look and inspiration I had in mind when I created each piece of jewelry. Each of the four looks represents a particular fashion season and/or a fashion style that I love to express and wear.
Making a jewelry piece that merely uses a finding in a clever way would never do. It has to be fashion-forward with wear-ability and quality in mind. So, with that fashion focus, I thought it would be a fun idea to present my designs from the book along with clothes and accessories to show you how I would style them and reinforce the look and inspiration I had in mind when I created each piece of jewelry. Each of the four looks represents a particular fashion season and/or a fashion style that I love to express and wear.
Vintage-Inspired Spring:
Playful Summer:
I hope you have enjoyed this peek into Michelle's book. Please join me again later for PART 2 of this post where I hope to feature more fashion-forward jewelry designs by some of the other talented book contributors. So many fabulous projects in Unexpected Findings by my fellow designers. I have quite a few favorites. I can't wait to highlight them here on my blog and tell you why I love them and what makes them hot jewelry designs for today's fashion trends. Stay tuned for that!
Thank you for stopping by today as we celebrate the launch of Michelle Mach's book, Unexpected Findings: 50+ Clever Jewelry Designs Featuring Everyday Components
What would a party or celebration be without gifts? Leave a comment here on this post for a chance to win some fabulous giveaway prizes from the book's author, Michelle Mach!
Unexpected Findings Giveaway Prizes:
Grand Prize: $50 Etsy Gift Card to be used at any Etsy shop where gift cards are excepted!
Second Prize: An "Unexpected" Mystery Pack of Findings from Michelle. (No photo. It's a surprise!)
The giveaway is open to all visitors except the book's contributors and author. Contributors and author are welcome (and encouraged!) to comment, but won't be entered in the drawing.
One comment per person per blog post for a maximum of eight chances to win if you visit and comment on all eight book-related posts during the September 15-19, 2014 period.
We'd love for you to help us spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. No extra entries, but lots of good karma!
Michelle will contact the winners by email this weekend (Sept. 20-21) and post the winners to her blog next week (Sept. 23). Remember to leave an email address in your comment for her to contact you, if you win.
Blog Tour Schedule - September 15-19, 2014
Monday, Sept. 15
Michelle Mach
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Lorelei Eurto
Erin Siegel - YOU ARE HERE.
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Cindy Wimmer
Erin Prais-Hintz
Thursday, Sept. 18
Andrew Thornton
Friday, Sept. 19
Denise Yezbak Moore
Molly Schaller
Thanks for checking out Unexpected Findings: 50+ Clever Jewelry Designs Featuring Everyday Components
Disclosure: If you make a purchase of the book via the links I have provided in this post, I will receive a small amount of Interweave affiliate credit. Thank you!!
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