jewelry making fun

have you seen the new vintage groove jewelry, by designer jill schwartz? she has teamed up with making memories to bring us some gorgeous jewelry supplies to create with. i first heard about this on my trip to the MM offices, last november. jill was actually there with all the pieces spread out on this huge table, and they were deciding on how they were going to group everything and package it. was neat to see a glimpse of the process. now, i'm the first to admit that i'm not actually a big jewelry person. meaning, the only jewelry i wear is my wedding rings. but i was totally up for the challenge of creating with this new collection.

i decided to invite my good friend, sierra, over to create with me. she's an artsy fartsy girl, like me. but with a different style. and while i was drawn to a ton of the pieces of this collection, i knew that some of it wasn't quite my style. it's gorgeous. just not "me". but i could see it being "sierra", and knew she'd have fun with it. she dug right in there, and started creating. pulling pieces out, taking chains apart, cutting pieces, and putting together fun mixtures. me? i sat there and debated, hemmed and hawwed, over analyzed, and maybe even got a little anxious and overwhelmed at one point. lol! i'm such a clean and linear person, matchy matchy, and everything measured to precise and perfect spacing. so this was a creative push for me. 

but the nice thing about doing something with a friend, is that you always start chatting and talking about stuff. and at some point, i just started making stuff. we were both totally into what we were making, not really looking at each other much, but chatting away. sierra even said at one point, "i've never talked to you like this". which was kind of funny, since i've known her about 8 years. lol! anyways. the point of this, is that i made a few necklaces. all on my own. and i loved it. they're nothing too fancy or elaborate. but for my first time jewelry-ing it up (i might have made that term up), i'm really happy with them.

tell me that's a great shot. because i took these all one-handed. holding the necklace in one hand at arms length, getting the pieces to dangle the right way, and hold my heavy camera in the other hand and snap away, all while trying to keep my focus point. i even had my external flash on there, which made it heavier. i like to do things the hard way ;)

i was determined to use this super cute teal flower. it was the first thing that caught my eye. i think i had something else dangling on there, with the two flowers. and then i thought about the "L" monograms. when i got my package, jenny had tossed a ton of L's in there. i'm assuming it was for "laura", although it could be because she "loves" me so much ;) so, i was joking that i should add an "L" to everything i make. like a signature touch. i kind of liked that idea.

i should have changed into something that actually matched better. but i don't have access to my room during the day, since joe sleeps after working all night. and this was taken one handed, outstetched arm. not sure i would have looked better if someone else took the photo, but in my mind, i would have. lol! and i did mean for this to be slightly off to the side (i didn't just put it on crooked), and not hanging right in the middle.
 

another cool one handed shot. better than some of my two handed shots, to be honest ;)

this large chunky piece was another one that i was drawn to right away. i was joking that in my simple nature, i would normally just attach this to the chain and be done with it. lol! but i picked out another piece to dangle on there, along with my signature "L" ;)

this would probably look cooler with a different shirt. yeah, i think so.

an hour or so spend with a good friend, creative goodness, and six creations to show for it. not bad at all. although i only made two necklaces, and sierra made 3 necklaces and a bracelet. she wins. but i have plans for more, so i'll share more next week. edited to add: sierra has her creations up on her blog this morning, and she's be thrilled if you would stop by and see what she made HERE.

right now, the collection is being released at select target and ac moore stores, across the country. if you go to the vintage groove jewelry site, you can see a list of all the stores that are carrying it. and if you're local to me, you're in luck. the modesto target store is one of the select california stores, and it's all in stock and on the shelves ;)

Comments

[wendy myers]

I am so excited about this! Wish I had a target close by. I cannot wait to see more. Both of your pieces are Fantastic! I like bold, but not too bold. These are great!

[Carolyn]

Love these...I'll have to pay Target a visit.

[Sierra]

Love them on you! I had so much fun. Thank you again for letting me share in the creations! And the nice talk time. lol

[Jackie]

That looks so cool. I also have not gotten into making jewelry, more because I just can't start another hobby. But I must say I am drawn to these, especially the letters. Do you know if there will be any other places besides those listed on their site that will sell this, like maybe online? Thanks for any help.

[Sara Rossi]

Beautiful Laura!! I'm with you & never thought I'd be into making my own jewelry but you are so inspiring!! ; ) And yes your one handed shots are awesome!!!

[Marianne]

OMG, I LOVE the first one. I want one exactly like it, with an M! Nice work!

[Angie Blom]

wow they are both beautiful Laura!!

[krolski (kathy)]

These are great Laura! I love to make jewelry so I'll have to check out the vintage groove!

[traci]

I love the green one especially! I might try my hand at it since I used to make jewelry. BTW, I know what you mean about not having access to the bedroom since hubby sleeps days.

[traci]

Bummer, none sold in the state of Missouri. Weird!

[Cheryl]

Love these! So pretty especially the turquoise one. I hope we get it at our Target store. You did very well taking a photo with one hand. LOL!

[Leslie]

I LOVE YOUR NECKLACES!!!! So very cute! I've been checking out the MM blog and dreaming that I could actually do something with it someday. I will definately check out Sierra's stuff too!

[Melanie Gleisner]

I really want this jewelry!! Awesome

[Laura T.]

Beautiful job. You are just full of talent girl!

[dawn]

These really are pretty. I'm not into jewlery either but love the look of these. When I read about your putting an "L" on all of yours it reminded me of that show Laveren & Shirley. I loved that show and Laveren was my favorite because of her "L" on everything. Good for you trying something new. I'm going to head over to Sierra's now and look.

[erin terrell clarkson]

so pretty. can you go into business selling them? :o) i could definitely find shirts to go with them. ~e

[Carla]

Wow! Wow!! Gorgeous jewelry Laura! I like the way its hanging off to one side. Looks cool like that.
I like the chain with the bigger loops! And I will definately check out Sierra's blog!

[Carla]

OK, I just read Dawn's comment above about wearing an "L" for Laverne. LOL!!!! Funny!

[Heather Ruwe]

i see jewelry making in my future now....gorgeous pieces laura! :)

[Penny]

I love them both, Laura! I can't wait to show Amanda. She is sure to want to try these out for birthday gifts for her girlfriends. I just hope they are affordable since I'll be paying. lol!

[marissa]

How cool! And how lucky are we to have a Target so close that carries it! Did you see the book there too?

[danni p]

check you out girl. you're a jewelry making nut.lol
adorable!
~d

[ShellyJ]

Absolutely lovely! I can't wait to see this stuff near me. Our T doesn't have it yet :(

[alicia king]

i love this line! can't wait to make me something unique :)

[Sandi N.]

Laura

I think I see a new trend in the makes:)

Sandi N.