Don't Reinvent the Wheel

Like most crafters, I have more ideas than time. And I'm coming up with more every day! I love trying new techniques and using new materials. But sometimes it's better to use a technique that you know works well. It's fun to experiment, but it's more productive to go with what works.

I learned this lesson recently when I tried to paint some chevron earrings and magnets. Don't get me wrong, they turned out pretty cute and I love the colors, but they were a lot of work and they were a mess.

All the while I had prepainted wood ready and waiting. I purchased a sample set of several colors of lacquered wood. I've done a few custom pieces with it, but haven't done much for my shop. The other day I got a request for some pieces with the black wood, so I cut out a few extra shapes and I love how they turned out.

I made these into Chevron Cuff Links and I love how the lighter wood (maple vs. alder) really stands out compared to the black. And it was a piece of cake compared to trying to paint each and every zig and zag! I have about 10 other colors, so I'm hoping to get more colors added to my shop and other designs as well.

  Have you learned any lessons lately?

Designing Necklaces - Learning as I go

I recently started creating some necklaces with my wooden components. I've had some pretty good success with all my other jewelry items that I wanted to try something larger scale and play with new designs. I've found out that my designing is a work in process...lol!

Here is the first design I tried. I liked how it looked all laid out on the table, but it didn't wear quite right. The pieces didn't hang like I'd expected and it looked all jumbled at times. I think one of my biggest obstacles is that the wood is so light.

So I decided to start with a more simple design and see if I could work from there. So I removed all the smaller pieces and added one more larger piece and left them in one single strand. It's a much simpler design, but I'm much happier with how it wears and hangs.

As most of my readers know, I love the chevron trend, so I decided to make a chevron necklace next. This one turned out pretty well, but I didn't like how wide the pieces were. I think this is more of a personal preference than a design flaw, so I made a second one with narrower pieces.

I really love how this one turned out. I much prefer the narrower pieces and think the whole piece hangs well and wears well. I even added this one to my shop already and have gotten quite a few views and favorites! I'll be adding the wider one as well. Even though I prefer the narrower one, I think people will love them both :)

 I have a few more designs in mind that I'm working on. I like to take a few days to put them together and see how they look when I come back to them. Then wear them for a while and see how they look when they hang. I've been having fun coming up with new designs!

Friday Features - Chevron Crazy

If you read yesterday's post about my new technique and designs, you know I'm a fan of chevron. I've loved this pattern since it became popular last year and I love it in every color! It's such a fun design and works well for both young and old alike :) It didn't take me long to find great chevron finds on Etsy. Take a look at this week's favorites...

Valentines Peasant Style Dress CHEVRON Grey with Red Heart baby toddler girl short sleeves

by lilsweetieboutique 

Coin Purse, Keychain, Tissue Case: Organize Your Purse Kit in Pink & Grey Chevrons.

by  NFallonDesignStudio

Chevron Laptop Cover, 13 Macbook Pro Cover, Macbook Pro Sleeve

 by LittlePigeonCrafts

Oven Mitt -Gray and White Chevron - Gift Under 20 - Gift for Foodie

 by  pasqueflower

New Techniques - January Challenge

Our first Blogging Business Artisans Challenge for 2013 is brought to us by Deb of storybeader. Here's what Deb has to say about her challenge: "Set aside time to work on and complete a new technique that you admire. It can be within your field of expertise, but doesn't have to be. Blog about your project at least once during the month of January and show us your progression with photos or a video."

This challenge was very popular last year that we decided to do it again...we all need that nudge to work on new projects! For my new technique, I decided to make some fun chevron designs and paint them fun colors! I first engraved and cut them with my laser. I then hand-painted them and topped them with a clear coat for protection.

 Of course I started with pink :) I made a set of post/stud earrings and a set of magnets. I just LOVE how these turned out! I can't wait til I can get a bunch more painted in several different colors! I plan on adding dangle earrings and maybe thumb tacks at some point too.

Thanks Deb for this challenge. This is a technique I've wanted to try for a while and hadn't sat down to do it. This challenge was just what I needed!