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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Little Treasures

Good Morning! When I opened my shop, I wanted a section titled "Simplify". The shop partner I had said no; I let it go. It ran around in my mind off and on these last couple of years. Lately I've been feeling restless, a little bored with my work and I started thinking about Simplify again. I needed to do something different and decided to try to design smaller earrings: shorter, lighter, smaller, I guess, minimal use of art beads, 2.5" maximum. . . . .  most of the time. I soon realized what a challenge I'd given myself. I have never worked this way. My design time is always free. No I have to make THIS today; or I have to use THOSE BEADS today. I just don't work that way, have never worked within restrictions; have you? Isn't that a great part of jewelry design, that there really are no rules!! How could I possibly make things specifically "smaller, lighter, shorter, minimal use of art beads," yet still have them be me. . . . still have the soul I hope I'm infusing into my work each day. Many things came and went, put together, taken apart. Eventually I came up with five designs I was happy with.

first five designs
I created a section for them titled "Little Treasures". Cute huh? I had a lot of help with the name from Mary DeTray. Thank you, Mary!

today's Little Treasures








So here are my earrings for today! 

I listed them this morning in "Little Treasures". They are 2" long, just about featherweight, actually, 0.106 ounces/3.01 grams, quite petite, no art beads, but they do have some lovely treasures. I wonder, though, if even the people who know my work will see a distinct difference between these and my "regular" work. Is it only something that I am feeling? I'm sure that most of you have absolutely no difficulty doing what was a pretty big deal to me. I had gotten myself wedged into working a particular way and needed to push myself out. Maybe ya'll will tell me what you think.

Ya know it's funny that this challenge was about simplifying my work; usually a challenge brings to mind MORE intensive, MORE intricate. . . . .

So outside of showing you these cool little earrings, since this has been ongoing the last few weeks, I thought I'd share with you how I forced myself to step outside of my comfort zone. I went in a direction I'm not used to, with guidelines to follow, and restrictions! Now that I've worked at this for a few weeks, it's no longer outside of my comfort zone; I know I can make smaller, lighter, shorter earrings using minimal art beads. Because I took the challenge, I have expanded beyond my usual repertoire. When I see some tiny but totally awesome beads, I can make something cool with them, rather than appointing them the role of accent beads, ya know? I'll be keeping an eye out for my next self-appointed challenge. Keep your mind wide open and take the challenge, no matter how small; it's always worthwhile. Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back on 12/29.

p.s. In the listing you can read a brief description of the ancient beads used here. They are so cool.
p.p.s. The "minimal use of art beads" in the above collage were made by: Kristi Bowman Gruel of
         Kristi Bowman Design; Jennifer Ghoulson Morris of Eclectic Prairie; the maker of the lampwork
         leaves is unknown.I received them as a gift. If anyone knows who made them, please let me know.
         Thank you!

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12 comments:

  1. What a nice little collection and challenge, Norbel. It's the same for me too , the challenge to go more simply and lightly in my designs. I think you nailed it and they exhibit the same artistry and your own style.

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    1. Isn't that odd. . . .huh? It seems so backwards. Thanks, Kim. Your feedback always means so much to me.

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  2. Okay I would call these anything but simple! They are amazingly artistic and unique! I don't ever confine myself to a certain set of beads or tell myself I have to use this or that. Art jewelry just doesn't work that way. Great work! Love it!

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    1. Hi Cindy. Thank you so much for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate your feedback! Thank you!! :)

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  3. You've definitely keep the Norbel feel. I love what you've done with the cord - so neat!

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    1. Thanks for that, Claire. It was a concern, but in the end I think it worked out. ;) Thank you!!

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  4. Oh I love these little treasures. They are definitely Norbel. Wonderful challenge as well. I tried to set myself the challenge to work with certain beads and oh I found it very difficult. You absolutely nailed it.

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    1. Janine, thank you!! I am so glad you think they're "me". :) That means a lot. Thank you!

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  5. When I find a pair of your earrings on Pinterest, I always pin it. I have NO TROUBLE recognizing your LITTLE TREASURES as yours!

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    1. You are so awesome, Susan. I am grateful! Thank you. :)

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  6. I agree with everyone's comments!!! these are anything but simple, they show tons of character and are quite lively. Looking forward to your next challenge series Norbel!! keep stepping out of your comfort zone ☺

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  7. I'm with Lynn and every body else, I second third and fourth all the comments above. You never disappoint!! :)

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