October 20, 2009

Sketch to Reality - Jewelry Design

Asian Inspired Metalwork Earrings - BUY HERE
I carry a journal with me that I sketch jewelry designs that I am considering for future projects. My journal pages look something like the photo above with several designs on the each page.

Whenever and where ever the inspiration may present itself I pull out my journal and sketch it out with element details as needed. This was a straightforward design and didn't really require any clarification. Some of my designs do need exact information so that I can understand the design weeks later when I am at the bench.


The reality pieces are modified as needed during the fabrication phase. I opted for a more rounded shape instead of the teardrop shape in the sketch. I also added lever backs, but I think the next pair will have handcrafted earrings instead like the original design.


Asian Inspired Metalwork Earrings - BUY HERE
This is my creative process that I use when designing jewelry pieces. When I sit down at the bench I thumb through my journal and look for a design that intrigues me. It is a time saver for me so that I can begin work immediately. What's your process?

9 comments:

Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life said...

Your process is amazing. Lovely creative items.

My process is thinking, writing, editing, stupification, doubt, thinking some more, letting it rest, taking it to a critique group and sometimes throwing it in the corner.

Leslie @ Bei Mondi said...

I've started keeping a journal also. It seems that I have great ideas at the times when I'm far away from my beads. I keep a small one in my purse for emergencies.

Esther said...

beautiful!!!!!!

TesoriTrovati said...

I love the sketch book idea, and I really need to start one. I even bought one with blank pages on clearance at Michaels. I want it to be more of a mixed media exploration with sketches (which I need to work at refining) and color swatches and quotes and random bits of inspiration. I want that journal to be a work of art in itself. But the first step is actually carrying it with me... maybe I need a bigger bag?!
I don't always sketch, but I do have some that are waiting for the right time to complete and that sketch saves me when I get there. Usually I just jump in and let the beads tell me where to go. But I always need an inspiration, music, lyric, wallpaper, master art, something tangible to start the story flowing...
Thanks for the probing question today! Enjoy the day! Erin

Narrative jewelry said...

They are gorgeous ! Love the shape, the color and the asian mood of them.

xox

Meine Handarbeiten said...

What a wonderful work. I like it.

Alex

Unknown said...

Amazing that you hand make this incredible jewelry!!!

:) T

LivArtNow said...

Hi, to celebrate, and thank my 50 followers for all their wonderful comments I'm having a giveaway, your name is already in the hat for the draw and if you have a moment you're more than welcome to pop by to check it out!!

Thank you so much, Linda

cinnibonbon said...

What a super idea for a jewely journal. Girl you are too much! I love it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.