A Love of the Unexpected
>> Saturday, March 15, 2008
Celebrate a Love for the Unexpected
at GalleriaLinda
I love copper and I love purple, although its not a color combination I had thought about using together. I also like to mix unexpected materials, but again, I never would have thought of mixing Swarovski pearls with faceted Acrylic. I think that's part of the fun of browsing the jewelry shops on Etsy -- the guarantee of an encounter with something creative and unexpected.
When I first saw the stunning sparkle in this morning's ROYAL COPPER PEARL AND PURPLE AMETHYST ACRYLIC CUBE necklace, I never would have guessed that the bright copper Swarovski crystal pearl would be such a stunning complement to the faceted Acrylic in deep Brazilian Amethyst. In addition to making a dramatic color statement, the unusual mix of materials in this design is really fabulous. It was designed by Linda Harrell at GalleriaLinda in Lakeland, FL.
Linda, how did you get your start in jewelry design?
I have always loved bling and loved going through my mother's jewelry box. I wanted to take a jewelry class in college but just did not have the time, so I hung out with a friend that had access to the jewelry lab. I have been making jewelry since college (a while back) and have been known to string or hang a few odd things around my neck! (Christmas ornaments, steak bones, for a few...tastefully done, of course).
What motivated you to turn your craft into a business?
Having been in creative positions for years in the corporate world, I found that they are not as creative as they sound, designing what others want - call it corporate burnout. In 2006 I had it with the lack of true creative expression in my life and started making jewelry like a mad woman just to get my groove back! My friends in Texas and Indiana were amazed at what I made and were so supportive and encouraged me to sell (They are still great customers). Late 2006 I discovered Etsy. After researching shopping cart software for my web site, I thought Etsy was a great deal instead. I love to interact with so many artists and designers.
What are your top three sources of inspiration when creating designs?
The beads themselves - Since I don't plan out my designs on paper, I let the colors, shapes, and textures take over. Sometimes a trip to the bead store has me coming out with the oddest things just because I love the shape, texture, or sparkle! They may not go together initially, but somehow, they work into an unplanned design. Design is an "organic" process for me.
Sleek, clean designs - Because of my background in commercial interior design, I find inspiration from modern architecture and furniture, like Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Michael Graves and many others. Oddly, I love to watch certain HSN or QVC jewery shows. I certainly do not fashion my designs from those shows, but a closeup of a shape, texture, or type of bead will catch my eye. Some of the handmade contemporary silver shows are quite inspirational. Lakeland has a premier juried art festival and strolling along the lake looking at exquisite sterling and gems handmade jewelry is awesome for the creative spirit.
Unexpected mix of materials - For example, I like to take crystal pearls with carved soapstone or with contemporary acrylic cubes. I am always looking for that interesting juxtaposition of texture, color, and material - to use the same materials as others but use them in a different way.
Who has provided you with the most support for your jewelry designs?
My husband loves to see me excited about creating. When I am happy, he is happy...!
My five friends from Texas and Indiana too. If it were not for them, I would never pursue the marketing and selling part and just let my shop sit. They encourage me so.
Linda, thanks so much for sharing your jewelry with us today! If you' like to see more of her fabulously unexpected color and material combinations, please visit her online today at:
at GalleriaLinda
I love copper and I love purple, although its not a color combination I had thought about using together. I also like to mix unexpected materials, but again, I never would have thought of mixing Swarovski pearls with faceted Acrylic. I think that's part of the fun of browsing the jewelry shops on Etsy -- the guarantee of an encounter with something creative and unexpected.
When I first saw the stunning sparkle in this morning's ROYAL COPPER PEARL AND PURPLE AMETHYST ACRYLIC CUBE necklace, I never would have guessed that the bright copper Swarovski crystal pearl would be such a stunning complement to the faceted Acrylic in deep Brazilian Amethyst. In addition to making a dramatic color statement, the unusual mix of materials in this design is really fabulous. It was designed by Linda Harrell at GalleriaLinda in Lakeland, FL.
Linda, how did you get your start in jewelry design?
I have always loved bling and loved going through my mother's jewelry box. I wanted to take a jewelry class in college but just did not have the time, so I hung out with a friend that had access to the jewelry lab. I have been making jewelry since college (a while back) and have been known to string or hang a few odd things around my neck! (Christmas ornaments, steak bones, for a few...tastefully done, of course).
What motivated you to turn your craft into a business?
Having been in creative positions for years in the corporate world, I found that they are not as creative as they sound, designing what others want - call it corporate burnout. In 2006 I had it with the lack of true creative expression in my life and started making jewelry like a mad woman just to get my groove back! My friends in Texas and Indiana were amazed at what I made and were so supportive and encouraged me to sell (They are still great customers). Late 2006 I discovered Etsy. After researching shopping cart software for my web site, I thought Etsy was a great deal instead. I love to interact with so many artists and designers.
What are your top three sources of inspiration when creating designs?
The beads themselves - Since I don't plan out my designs on paper, I let the colors, shapes, and textures take over. Sometimes a trip to the bead store has me coming out with the oddest things just because I love the shape, texture, or sparkle! They may not go together initially, but somehow, they work into an unplanned design. Design is an "organic" process for me.
Sleek, clean designs - Because of my background in commercial interior design, I find inspiration from modern architecture and furniture, like Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Michael Graves and many others. Oddly, I love to watch certain HSN or QVC jewery shows. I certainly do not fashion my designs from those shows, but a closeup of a shape, texture, or type of bead will catch my eye. Some of the handmade contemporary silver shows are quite inspirational. Lakeland has a premier juried art festival and strolling along the lake looking at exquisite sterling and gems handmade jewelry is awesome for the creative spirit.
Unexpected mix of materials - For example, I like to take crystal pearls with carved soapstone or with contemporary acrylic cubes. I am always looking for that interesting juxtaposition of texture, color, and material - to use the same materials as others but use them in a different way.
Who has provided you with the most support for your jewelry designs?
My husband loves to see me excited about creating. When I am happy, he is happy...!
My five friends from Texas and Indiana too. If it were not for them, I would never pursue the marketing and selling part and just let my shop sit. They encourage me so.
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1 comments:
wonderful Interview and I love the featured piece! Unique indeed!
Terronda
www.uniquecommodities.blogspot.com
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