22 June 2012

Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry... and a Giveaway!

My name is Erin and I am a book junkie.

My shelves are jam-packed with all manner of books. There are books about technique, those using unexpected materials and found objects, tomes showing 1000 different designs... I even buy books that are outside of my chosen medium... things like paper crafting and journaling, fabric and painting. I think that if you have a wide variety of resources, there is no way that you cannot be inspired. I can't get enough of good resources.

The one thing that I will say about all the books on my shelves is that they don't just sit there idle. When I am stuck and need a push, I pick up a technique book of something I am not comfortable with and explore the possibilities. Even if it is not something that I can produce due to lack of materials or knowledge, I let the idea be the spark to propel me forward.

But there are some books that are more frequently accessed more than others. These are books that are not only a feast for the eyes and provide a wealth of intriguing designs, but ones that challenge my notions of design and style and do so with great attention to detail and clear concise instructions.

The new book Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry by authors Erin Siegel and Lorelei Eurto is that sort of book.

I can tell that this will be an oft-referenced resource in my library. There are enough projects in here that delight my senses and tickle my fancy that I will keep coming back for more.

I love fonts and colors and the layout on this book is just beautiful. The designs are fresh and full of interesting textures and beads and components.

I can tell that I will be inspired by a book for a long time to come when I find that I put sticky notes all over the outside marking the pages I want to revisit. And the ones on the inside where I sketch a bit of a design that this jump starts. I did that on many pages.

I appreciate that the instructions are on the same page or facing page of the gorgeous pictures. These are designs that can be made with very precious art beads or just those things that you have lying around. The techniques have been around for a long time, but these feel fresh and inspired. I especially love books that have collaborations with other artists, and this one brings together some of the finest talent in the beading community today. Each contributor has a distinct style personality that truly shines, and I give a lot of credit to Erin and Lorelei for being willing to open up this opportunity to some rising stars.

For all the books on my shelf, I never make anything exactly from them. I pick up one piece from this design and marry it with another to morph it into something that feels more like me. I cannot even imagine trying to make an exact replica of anything I would see published, and part of being an artist is trusting your instincts to go above and beyond what you see.

So I challenged myself to take three of the pieces in the book and make my own interpretations of them.


First I started with the necklace Ocean Love by Lorelei Eurto. This is one of my favorite designs in the book because of the color, the texture, the asymmetry that Lorelei does so effortlessly. I was working with a design I had been stewing for awhile based on Marsha Neal's Silk Palette Challenge.


I had already created a beaded section with one of Marsha's pretty pendants and I wanted to do something soft with the cords in the back, I was just not sure what. When I spied the simple yet substantial braiding in Ocean Love, I knew that was the way to go. Since my beads were not quite as chunky, I opted for less strands, but the effect is still the same.

{Garden Love}

Usually with cords like this I would use wire to secure them, so I thought that the idea to use waxed linen in a coordinating color using a hitch stitch was inspired. And the wax really helps secure it. I just so happened to have bought a pretty lavender thread and used that technique to dress up the hook clasp with the same stitch as well.


Next, I was intrigued by the Copper Antiquity earrings by Erin Siegel.


But making a pair of earrings like those would just be too easy, so I decided to challenge myself to come up with a different way to use that technique: make a necklace instead. And use a different shape.


I chose a little leaf shape from Vintaj and some sweet Czech glass flower beads. I had to punch a few more holes in the links and then connected them all with some pretty chain.


I modified the instructions a bit and the number of beads to suit the size and shape of my links.

{Meandering}
My necklace is meant to have the links meandering like stepping stones around the side. Or in the front. Wherever you feel like.

Finally, I was inspired by the sweet and delicate nature of Sakura by Erin Siegel.


I truly have never worked with waxed linen thread before, and I made sure that I picked some up at the Bead & Button show to play with in anticipation of this event. I bought a spool of it from Royalwood that was a nut brown color and was discounted because it had too much wax. It was a bit sticky but it is a good practice spool. I decided to take my color palette in a totally different direction and started with my inspiration pendant: one of my Simple Truths Woodsy Owls.


I have to admit that I had to read through the instructions a few times in order to understand it all, but once I got started I found that it was quite simple. Anyone can braid, right?
 

My palette included impression jasper, brass leaves instead of the stone dangles and an antique button for a closure.



I actually beaded this last night while watching my daughter's softball game! I did not think to bring tools other than my hands and a clipboard.

{Who Me?}
Unfortunately, I realized as I completed it that I was wonky in that back with the spacing between beads so the button is off. That is what you get when you don't bring scissors, a ruler nor pliers to bead at the ballpark! But I still like the look, I have had so many compliments on it already, and I can see so many possibilities for this simple technique.

I hope you enjoyed my little stop on the Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry book tour. Thank you to Miss Lorelei and Miss Erin and Interweave for inviting me to the party.

I highly recommend this book. And it’s on sale right now – both the print and eBook! Print edition on sale for $13.77 ebook on sale for $10.77 and available for immediate download.
Please head over to Beading Daily to get to the other stops on the book tour and to find out more about the cool Polyvore design challenge that sounds really fun!



But what is a party without a gift? I have a signed copy of the new book Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry and I would like to gift it to one lucky commenter. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post, plus be sure that your email is turned on in your profile or add it to your comment (sorry... if you do not provide a way to contact you your entry will be invalid. How do you know if you are entered? I will send you an email reply.). I will select a random winner from all eligible comments on Monday, June 25th.

71 comments:

Michelle said...

Such beautiful designs...I'm would love to win this book!

mairedodd said...

excellent, erin! i love your interpretations...

Amy F said...

I love all of the pieces you made - so pretty!

Honey from the Bee said...

Erin - this post is wonderful! The review of their inspirational book and how you used it as a stepping stone for designs of your own. Love theirs and yours! The one with the silk is just drop dead gorgeous.

Bobbie said...

It was fun to walk through your process with you, and the results are so cute!

Unknown said...

As always, GORGEOUS work, Erin! I am in love with your rich hues and mixed techniques in every piece.
I will be looking forward to more from you!

jessememan said...

Such beautiful work, as always, Erin! I love how you incorporated the book tutorials into your own gorgeous style!

Janet said...

I love the look of all your pieces. I just stumbled onto your blog through the hop and will be following. Thanks for sharing - I can't wait to get my book. :-)

sandi m said...

Great interpretations Erin. My fav is Garden Love.
I don't have this book in my library yet, fingers crossed....

Gaea said...

Such beautiful designs! You have a lovely way with words! Maybe there is a design/inspiration book in your future?

Lupe Meter said...

These are awesome designs!! You did a wonderful job and now I know that I can incorporate my own style using the tutorials in the this book. I would love a chance at winning this great book and signed too!! Thanks for sharing! 8)

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Wow Erin, the pieces you created are gorgeous! You succeeded beautifully at your challenge! Wonderful write up too. While I do have a copy of the book, I'll have to admit I would love to have a signed version!

lunedreams said...

Love your interpretations of these designs, Erin! You've made them "all you"!

Lisa said...

Hi, Erin! Love your post and love how you never cease to inspire me to look at things differently,like your interpretations of the ideas in this book. I love how you took their ideas and made them your own. I love books, too, and sometimes get in the rut of how to make something my own and not just copy an idea. Enough rambling. I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Have a great day and wishing you and your family happy times at the ballpark. I love the ballpark, too! :)

SReeseDavis said...

Beautiful designs Miss Erin. I am getting closer to making a decision about my jewelry. Can you believe it? Love to see all your new work. I will be calling you. Take care! You are so talented!

Michelle Mach said...

Wow, you really took the designs in entirely new directions! I think I'm especially partial to the last one because of your owl pendant. (P.S. You don't need to enter me in the drawing ...)

Katalina Jewelry said...

Love your takes on the book projects! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the book.

Tanya said...

Erin, those just blow me away. I saw that first necklace and popped over to your etsy store to see if you had it listed. I adore how you turned the earrings into a necklace. Your work is always inspiring.

Lola said...

Great interpretation ... awesome designs, Erin!

cw whitedogjewelry said...

Erin, your designs are very different from the original, but I see the inspiration process.
I would love to have a copy of this signed book to help when I'm struggling for design inspiration.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Chris White

Beth Hikes said...

Wow these are all gorgeous! But I just adore the top necklace with the braiding and Marsha's pendant. It's spectacular. Love the detailing of the crocheted thread around the clasp. Precious!! xoxo Beth

Doreen said...

Your interpretations are lovely! I especially like the first one! I'd love to win a copy of this book. It looks like there are lots of really special designs in there!

Lorelei Eurto said...

Great jewelry! Love the colors you chose for the braided silk necklace, and I love the way you tied the linen cording the leaf toggles. That was brilliant! Always inspired by your work. Thank you for participating in the blog fun this weekend.

Denise Yezbak Moore said...

Erin you are an amazing designer! I love all of your designs. Erin's earrings are incredible! I really want a pair of those! Beautiful job missy!

Rose said...

I love how you used the projects! Especially thevleaf shapes and flowers. Really beautiful!

Anonymous said...

It's raidly becoming my favourite book, I could look at it for hours! And I've already bookmarked about a dozen projects that I want to try in some way or another. Your interpretations are beautiful, and have my mind humming with possibilities.

Roxanne Mendoza said...

Hi Erin! I haven't had a chance to get the book yet. ;) I love the pieces you created especially the 'meandering' necklace!

Michelle W said...

Lovely necklaces! I love the owl necklace! I have been wanting to get the book, but haven't been able to.

CreatingCures said...

Love all three of your interpretations - beautiful! ~~T

Brandi Hussey said...

I love love love that first necklace you made! It's absolutely gorgeous!

Samsmama said...

I love what you did....may have to use it for inspiration. Hope to win the book!

Betty S. said...

Really love the "Who Me?" necklace. Ignore the irregular braiding in the back, it's supposed to be earthy. Besides, I'm super impressed you made that necklace sitting in a ballpark without any tools other than your hands. This could be the book for me!
Thanks for a chance to win!

stafford37@optonline.net

Here Bead Dragons said...

Neat ways to interpret the pieces in the book. Looks like a great book to own and use.

~cryssT

Anonymous said...

Such wonderful interpretations of these projects. Congrats on the book! And thanks for the chance to win a copy, too.
Lynda
lyndacarson@cox.net

gelfling50 said...

Hello Erin thank you so much for a look into this fabtabulous book. I am stoked big time about this giveaway. I am broke at the moment so can't run right out for a copy so will try my luck at the giveaway. This is amazingly generous of you to do this...Thank u for this opportunity ...bye for now and Happy beading

Rebecca said...

Gorgeous interpretations, it makes me wish I had left myself more time and had been able to push myself to create more! My usual problem....running out of time! Don't enter me into the draw - I already have a copy of the book, and whilst it'd be nice to have a signed one, I would rather it went to someone who hasn't been able to get their hands on it as yet. ANother totally awesome post Erin!

Anonymous said...

I have seen pics from this book in several blogs, it is amazing!!
What a great inspiration for e beginner like myself!!

DESPINA
deb_oro@yahoo.gr

Joanna-Gloria said...

I would love this book, pieces I'd love to wear and make.
Please enter me
:))

Joanna-Gloria, yana_ven@yahoo.gr

Yee said...

Erin - I love how you took design elements from the book and made them yours. Your pieces are lovely!!!

-Yee

Anonymous said...

This book is definitely going to have to find its way to my shelves! Thanks for sharing some of the beautiful designs and for showing your own gorgeous interpretations. I've been wanting to use silks and not sure how to incorporate them. You have given me inspiration and motivation to get this book.

Cece Cormier said...

Great necklaces. Love how you gave them your twist and interpretation.

Klassy Joolz said...

Erin,

Your designs are fabulous as always. Would enjoy having this book...thanks for the special giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Erin

I really like the owl necklace. The cord is completely integral to the necklace. Good color harmony. A great take off on the original necklace.

Rita
(parrarita@yahoo.com

Maneki said...

I've been looking at that book a couple of times, wondering if I should add it to my craft book wish list. I probably should.

I really like your variations of the book project, especially that gorgeous owl necklace. I also like how you used the earring links as necklace links. Very neat adaptation.

As for books, my economy keeps me from going totally crazy and buy all the books I want. Which is a good thing because I tend to run out of book shelves... You really can't have too many books. For pure inspiration, for techniques [generally I prefer technique books to project books, Jinks McGrath's The Jeweller's Directory of Decorative Finishes being my best example of that], for smart ideas and tricks, for info on materials and tools. And I too like to add books and mags outside my main area (embroidery/beads/jewellery making) for inspiration and new ideas. As well as books in my area, but about things I can't make due to lack of tools and materials (like my silver filigree book). It's eye candy, but something can really inspire projects in other techniques and materials too. Even such a thing as the digital art mags can inspire more tangible textile or metal projects.

Heather said...

You do such amazing work and I love your interpretations of the different pieces.

Especially love the Owl of course....mine gets worn every day, grin.

Thanks for the chance to win this book...I would really love to read it

Cheers....Heather
figtree @ rogers dot com

Unknown said...

You create the most wonderful things!!
Thank you for the chance to win!!

Anonymous said...

All of your pieces are so PRETTY! Great job on interpreting the feel of each design from the book. I would love to win this awesome book!

LoriF said...

As a bead weaver, I am just getting into the Boho/stringing/mixed media world. I LOVE the pieces you've done! Talk about inspiring!
Would love the book too...I collect signed editions, and I would adore adding it to my collection.

Unknown said...

Ok so I love your interpretations. The links with the glass flowers and your owl necklace are my favorites. I'd love to try out some of the ideas in this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

dreaminofbeads / SAS Jewelry Designs said...

Oh how I would love to win this book! Such inspiration.
Sonya Stille

Mona Rae Baroody said...

Beautiful designs and great blog. I'm following now!

Jewels By Ine said...

I love the bracelet! You used very nice colors! I would love to wear that piece :)

Clayworks by Lisa Boucher said...

Your interpretations are amazing Erin! They look like they belong in the book! At first glance that's what I thought. I love what you did with the Czech flowers on the leaf shapes, and the beads you chose for the owl necklace are perfect.

Cindy Cima said...

I get much of my inspirations from books and magazines as well.

I also use your method - I do not copy exactly but try to morph the designs in something different.

Love your Garden Love - I see the whimsical nature that Lorelei is known for but you made it your own! Great idea on the wax linen to secure! I have just started using fibers and looking for new ideas for securing.

Your necklaces using Erin Siegels designs as inspirations came out great too!

This book is on my wish list big time and would love the chance at an autographed copy!!

Raida said...

Erin, I just love your Garden Love Necklace, it's beautiful. Great inspirational ideas in this book. Would love to win an autographed copy. Thanks! raidisbrow@aol.com

The Jewelry Larder said...

I am inspired to create using strings and cords after seeing all the yummy pieces here. : )

Traci said...

What beautiful books and such a fun book to own!! Beautiful work Erin. gettagift at shaw dot ca

Traci said...

Meant beautiful designs. Love iPhone.

Pepita said...

I would love to have the book - from what I've seen in your post, it is one of those must have. I also like very much your interpetations of the book designs, specially the second one - how you took the inspiration from earrings to make a neklace - similar in a way, but a totally different outcome.
pepita.handmade@yahoo.com

Dawn Doucette said...

Erin, I love your interpretation on designs from the book. I've always admired Lorelei's designs for much of the same reason I admire yours. Each one has a story, and each bead is waiting to find the right chapter with which to talk. Your spin on Lorelei's originals are inspired, artistic and simply delightful!

Job well done my friend!
{Hugs!}

Erin S said...

OK, I have got to get this book. I would really like to work more with fiber, but my knotting is legendarily bad. Gonna take some practice, for sure.

Off the Beadin' Path said...

Erin, you really turned the inspiration from this lovely book on its' ear! Nice pops of color and your techniques look great! I wonder if some of the excess wax on the linen will eventually work or wear off? I think it might. Such a good color for linen. As always, your pieces are an inspiration upon an inspiration and show off their " Erin touch" so well!

Rosalynn said...

Erin, I loved your variations of the designs from the book. You used the ideas from the book as a jumping off point and definitely made them your own designs as I knew you would. The book sounds as though it will inspire us with many ideas and new uses for materials and supplies. I can't wait to own a copy for myself. Winning one would leave more money for those new supplies.
Rosalynn
gembouquet at gmail dot com

Amy said...

I am so glad that there's a book that shows us how to make innovative and creative jewelry with relatively inexpensive materials. (Some semi-precious stones, sterling silver, gold-filled beads or findings are so expensive today.)

Beetique said...

I really like the owl necklace you made! I would like to win the book too!

Alice said...

Ohhh, I hope I'm not too late! I just got back from a short vacation to a family reunion and didn't see this post! Like you, I have tons of jewelry books on my shelves too, and my hubby just rolls his eyes when I bring another one home. And after seeing all the posts about this lovely book, I am wanting to add it to my collection.

Your pieces are just beautiful! I love how you added your own twist to each design. The 'Who Me' necklace is darling!

Ema Kilroy said...

Your jewelry interpretations are wonderful. I have been eyeing this book for some time. I hope I will be the lucky winner, hopefully I'm not too late. thanks for the opportunity.

Erin Siegel said...

Erin,
Once again, you KNOCK my socks off! You never cease to amaze. I probably sound like a broke record by now. Seems I am always saying that in my comments about you and your designs, but it is so very true! Your design sense and innovation is truly inspiring! Thank you for all your support. It is so very much appreciated!

Shai Williams said...

I don't want to enter the contest as I had my copy on pre-order and already have stickies all thru it. I did however want to comment on how much I love your designs. That first one is so my style and is just gorgeous!

Girl Just Talking said...

I love your designs especially the ocean love necklace!

Linh
http://befashionfit.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I really loved your crafts, also the shoots are great! I wish I had that book. Thanks

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