Monday, January 21, 2008

The Salt Mines...

This is a photograph of one of my new pieces that I've made within the past couple of days. CLICK HERE to go to my Jewelry photo set on Flickr and see the other necklaces that I've been making recently. (You can tell that they're new because they're all shot "artfully" on the windowsill with driftwood and a red onion that's been hanging around my kitchen growing sprouts since Thanksgiving.)

At the determent of my blog, I've been tremendously busy lately. I've been working like crazy and haven't had much time to sleep, let alone blog. Though I've making lots of goodies for Tucson, which I'll take pictures of when they're all finished up. I can't wait to go out to the desert. I've been missing my family and bead show buddies something fierce. I also need to restock on chain. I do go through it rather quickly.

6 comments:

Cynthia Thornton said...

Yo. This looks really pretty. It also looks more comfortable than some of your previous pieces! Pretty colors too! I can't wait till Tucson!

Andrew Thornton said...

Yep! It is much more comfortable than some of my other designs. Some of the show pieces I make aren't necessarily for comfort, so much as to spotlight the pieces being used. I think I'm reaching a point where I'm trying to do both.

And... I used one of my Anne Choi beads! You know how I like to keep them in the dragon horde... but lately I've been using a lot of them. Now I don't know why didn't do it sooner.

I also like this piece because it can be worn two ways. With the clasp on the side or in the back. I love versatile pieces.

I can't wait either!

Lorelei Eurto said...

I've said it before, I'll say it again. You are so talented. When you take a piece like this to Tucson, do you sell it? Or is just for display purposes? Just curious.
So who is your favorite Chain Supplier? I wish I could buy stuff wholesale. I just haven't come to that point yet in my sales.
have a good day,
lorelei :)

Andrew Thornton said...

Hey Lorelei,

Thanks so much for all your kind words!

I usually design either for books and publications, display units for trade shows, or private clients. The piece shown, Sakura, will probably end up in a magazine.

In designing for these different purposes, you have to consider various price points, durability, and sensationalism. For instance, a very elaborate collar dripping in Swarovski crystals might not be something one would pick for an everyday accessory and is best left as an example of how to best stretch the concept of a material to its fullest potential.

I get my chain from a lot of different folks. I don't know if I have just one since we get it where ever we can get the best quality for the least expense. For retail, I love going to Ornamentea. They've got a great selection of unusual chains and findings. Saki Silver sometimes has good finds, as well as some of the other Thai Silver importers like Singaraja Imports or Kamol or Na Bo Ro.

Fusion Beads has a good selection as well and you get various price breaks with the more quantity you buy... their quantities are easily attainable quantities that smaller designers can afford... you don't have to buy spools and spools of it if you don't want to or can't afford to.

Anyway, good luck and keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you are using your coveted Annie Choi collection. Thank you for using the Fall colored ginkgos. The necklace looks gorgeous as do the others!!

I've been crazy busy myself getting ready for Tucson. Looking forward to meeting up with you there and seeing what beauties you've been making in person.

Andrew Thornton said...

Hey Lisa!

I know, right! They are some of my most precious treasures.

I really enjoyed using them. I was inspired by a walk I took not too long ago. Ginkgo trees line a particular block on my way to the subway and as I was passing, the wind blew and a scattering of leaves fell like dancing light to the ground. I really liked putting everything together.

I bet you've been busy! I hope everything is going well in your preparations. My work for the show is going slow. Hopefully all this hard work will pay off!

OH! You have to come to our party. I'll give you the information when it gets closer to the time.