Warren Feld Jewelry

Taking Jewelry Making Beyond Craft

Archive for July 28th, 2025

FLUENCY IN JEWELRY DESIGN: Selling Vs. Keeping

Posted by learntobead on July 28, 2025

Selling vs. Keeping: Saying Good-Bye

It is so difficult to part with pieces you have made. There is a natural attraction. You have poured time, money, and effort towards completing them. You put off other things you could have done, in order to finish them.

I remember submitting an entry to a Swarovski Create Your Own Style contest. First, all I had to send was a picture and a write-up. This was exciting — the anticipation of winning, connecting on some level to Swarovski — like connecting to a celebrity.

And I waited and waited to hear from them. And I did. One day an email popped up on my computer, indicating that I had made the semi-finals. The next step was to send in the actual piece.

My initial elation soon deteriorated into a type of grief. I had spent over 150 hours and over $1500.00 creating this piece. I did not want to let it go. Once sent, Swarovski kept them. I knew I wouldn’t get it back.

Although I could have wrapped and packaged my piece in a part of a day, it took me a week. I’d wrap and unwrap. Put it in one display box, then decide that wasn’t good enough. Another display box, and didn’t like how it sat in the box. Some reconfiguring the positioning, and then I had to close the box. Wanted to see it one more time, then closed the lid again.

I put the display box into the shipping box, but couldn’t seal it up. I left the shipping box open and sitting on a table in my studio. Had to see the piece several more times.

Then, I didn’t like the way the display box sat in the shipping box. Changed shipping boxes. Tried setting the display box several different ways.

Finally closed the shipping box. Labeled it clearly. Printed the shipping label. Felt I needed more documentation and insurance, should the box get lost.

Took a deep breath. Drove the box to the UPS office. Dropped it off.

And felt like I had lost my best friend. I was scared. Empty. Totally disconnected from the excitement of getting selected as a semi-finalist by Swarovski.

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More articles about FLUENCY IN DESIGN

https://www.patreon.com/collection/613906?view=expanded

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Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.

WarrenFeldJewelry.com
Shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
School.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Coaching by Warren Feld

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SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER
Merging Your Voice With Form

So You Want To Be A Jewelry Designer reinterprets how to apply techniques and modify art theories from the Jewelry Designer’s perspective. To go beyond craft, the jewelry designer needs to become literate in this discipline called Jewelry Design. Literacy means understanding how to answer the question: Why do some pieces of jewelry draw your attention, and others do not? How to develop the authentic, creative self, someone who is fluent, flexible and original. How to gain the necessary design skills and be able to apply them, whether the situation is familiar or not.

588pp, many images and diagrams Ebook , Kindle or Print formats

The Jewelry Journey Podcast
“Building Jewelry That Works: Why Jewelry Design Is Like Architecture”
Podcast, Part 1
Podcast, Part 2

Posted in architecture, art, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, cruises, design management, design theory, design thinking, enrichment travel, Entrepreneurship, fashion, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, literacy, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, Stitch 'n Bitch, Travel Opportunities, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

THE JEWELERS’ PALETTE, 8/1/2025

Posted by learntobead on July 28, 2025


From Warren and Land of Odds
www.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Join my community of jewelry designers on my Patreon hub
August 1, 2025
Sign up for a Free or Paid Subscriptionwww.patreon.com/warrenfeldjewelry[Note: Paid Subscribers on Patreon Hub get 25% Off @Land of Odds]www.landofodds.comHi everyone,
Some Updates and Things Happening.
(Please share this newsletter)


Some Updates and Things Happening.
(Please share this newsletter)

In this Issue:
1.  CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2026 Smithsonian Craft Show
2.  Finding Your Place Between Craft and Fine Art
3. CALL FOR ENTRIES: Palm Beach Craft Show
4.  New Book: Jewellery Now
5. Polishing Up Your Portfolio
 
Some articles you may have missed
Featured
 
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Trump has imposed another 40% tariff on Japan — on top of the previous 10% and 20% tariffs on Japan.    Add in the unbelievable price of gold.      And now you have it.    Japanese seed bead prices in July are another 40% higher than in June.    They are about anywhere between 50% and 260% higher than they were before Jan 20, 2025.

You will still find that our prices on www.LANDofODDS.com are some of the lowest in the industry.

And if you become a paid subscriber on our Jewelry Designers’ Hub (www.patreon.com/warrenfeldjewelry), you’ll get a 25% discount on all your purchases.
  
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1.  CALL FOR ENTRIES:  2026 SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW
Read the full prospectus here



Read the full prospectus here

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  2.  Finding Your Place Between Craft and Fine Art
To find your place in the art world, when you work between craft and fine art…Decide how you want to be seen: are you positioning yourself as a fine artist, a maker, or something in between?Use juried exhibitions and curated shows to elevate the perception of your work.Keep your public-facing presence (like your website) aligned with the identity you want to reinforce.If you feel like you’re missing knowledge, treat it as a gap, not a flaw — and go fill it. Read, attend, ask, explore.
Tip: find the meaning behind your materials.
  
Jewelry Design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about intention. Ask yourself: “Why am I making this?” Not just, “what is it for?”
  
Color, material, and format carry symbolism. For example, green might represent life, not just beauty.
  
Makers often create with function in mind. Fine artists consider concept and philosophy. Designers are somewhere in between.  Explore how your materials can express ideas and represent who you are as a jewelry maker/artist, not just fill space.


Selling Is about story-telling,
and your stories signal where on the Craft to Art to Design continuum you place yourself. 
  
Selling your art often feels awkward and uncomfortable.  Rather, don’t try to be a salesperson, be a storyteller. Let your enthusiasm for your work do the talking.
  
Instead of pushing for a sale, talk about your process, materials, or the inspiration behind a piece. Invite curiosity and let conversations unfold naturally.
  
Why it works: People connect emotionally with art. When they understand the story and passion behind it, they’re more likely to see its value—and buy.

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  3.  CALL FOR ENTRIES: Palm Beach Craft Show
Read the full announcement here



Read the full announcement here

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  4.  New Book: Jewellery Now

 Jewellery Now presents Elizabeth Goring and Gregory Parsons’ selection of work by 64 of some of the best and most interesting designer jewelers from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, from highly experienced artists to those in the early stages of their careers.


The exhibition aims to demonstrate the range of materials, processes, and ethical concerns influencing contemporary jewelry practice. It will feature both established and emerging artists, showcasing their technical skills, experimentation with materials, and innovative approaches to jewelry design. The exhibition also acknowledges the legacy of pioneering makers from the 1960s onwards and spotlights those challenging traditional notions of jewelry. 


This publication accompanies the exhibition by the same name at Ruthin Craft Centre, July 5–September 21, 2025. View it  here .

  

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5. Polishing Up Your Portfolio
  
💬 Including project statements in your portfolio adds depth and context.
   
Galleries appreciate understanding your inspiration and intent. Make your portfolio work harder for you.
  
Presenting only your larger or more profitable works (with a statement) is totally valid, especially if smaller sizes aren’t financially sustainable. 
  
You don’t have to eliminate smaller pieces, but consider offering them online/in alternate formats later. Focus first on getting your current portfolio in front of galleries and seeing what gains traction. 
  
Once you’ve built some momentum, you can revisit other sales strategies.
  



💻 A self-contained digital portfolio works better than an online website portfolio. 
  
A self-contained digital portfolio gives you more control over presentation than a website slideshow. 
  
Galleries are more likely to open an attachment than click a link. We recommend creating a polished PDF portfolio you can email directly. 
  
You can still share your website, but make sure the portfolio stands on its own. This boosts your chances of getting noticed and taken seriously.

Also consider self-publishing a LOOK BOOK, which you can bring with you to various places.    You can even sell this and/or give it away to better paying customers.


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       Upcoming Workshops by Warren Feld

Sat, 8/16, 9am-Noon, WIRE WRAPPED CABOCHON PENDANT
Middle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins June 21  http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm


Sat, 8/16, 1-4pm, WIRE WEAVE 2 and SUN PENDANT
Middle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins June 21   http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm


 Sat, 8/23, 1-4pm, INTRO TO WIRE WORK and MIX N MATCH BRACELET, Hoamsy, Nashville, LC Goat, Germantown, 1220 2nd Ave N
Register:  www.hoamsy.com


Sat, 9/20, 9am-Noon, LEARN BEAD WEAVING: RIGHT ANGLE WEAVE and CURVY RAW BRACELET
Middle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins June 21   http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm
 

Sat, 9/20, 1-4pm, INTRO TO EVEN COUNT, FLAT PEYOTE and JUNGLE FLOWER BRACELETMiddle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins June 21   http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm

 Sat, 10/25/2025, 9am-Noon, PEARL KNOTTING…WARREN’S WAY
Middle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins September 20    http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm


Sat, 10/25/2025, 1-4pm, BEAD WEAVING (Fringe): CATERPILLAR ESPIRITU BRACELET
Middle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins September 20    http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm


Sun, 10/26/25, 1-4pm, DISCOVER PEARL KNOTTING 
Register through Hoamsy.com
Class held at Cyanide Cider, 410 Woodbine St, Nashville, TN 37211


Sun, 11/16/25, 1-4pm, WIRE WRAPPED CABOCHON PENDANT
~~~Register through Hoamsy.com
Class held at Cyanide Cider, 410 Woodbine St, Nashville, TN 37211


Sat, 11/22/25, 9am-Noon, WIRE WEAVING INTRO AND MAYAN PENDANT
Middle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins September 20    http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm


Sat, 11/22/2025, 1-4pm, INTRO TO WIRE WORK and MIX N MATCH BRACELET
Middle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins September 20    http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm


Sun, 12/7/25, 1-4pm, WIRE WEAVING AND MAYAN PENDANT
Register through Hoamsy.com
Class held at Cyanide Cider, 410 Woodbine St, Nashville, TN 37211


Sat, 12/13/25, 9am-Noon, WIRE WRAPPED CABOCHON PENDANT
Middle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins September 20    http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm


Sat, 12/13/25, 1-4pm, WIRE WEAVE 2 and SUN PENDANTMiddle Tenn Gem & Mineral Society, Donelson Fifty Forward
Registration begins September 20    http://www.mtgms.org/schools.htm



9/15/2025 – 10/15/2025   
Exhibit, Warren Feld Art JewelryAt Pryor Gallery, Columbia State Community College
Humanities Building (Waymon L. Hickman Bldg), 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
Exhibits are free and open to the public
Gallery Hours:  
   Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
   Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

My pieces will be showcased in this exhibit.   In the works is a possible Seminar and a beading workshop.

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WARREN FELD JEWELRY (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com)
Custom Design, Workshops, Video Tutorials, Webinars, Coaching, Kits, Group Activities, Repairs
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Join our community of jewelry designers
on my Patreon hub
Be part of a community of jewelry designers who recognize that we have a different way of thinking and doing than other types of crafters or artists.
One free downloadable Mini-Lesson of your choice for all new members!
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Follow me on social media:  facebook, instagramshop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Where you can buy:
Seed Beads and Delicas, Kits, Books, Finished Jewelry

school.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Take advantage of our video tutorials, mini-lessons, projects and our coaching services:

Read articles about jewelry design and about the business of craft:
Articles on Medium.com 

Books (in kindle, ebook or print formats) by Warren Feld, purchase from Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com:

Kits by Warren Feld

Ask about my COACHING services

Arrange a GROUP ACTIVITY

Add your email address to my Warren Feld Jewelry emailing list here.


 
Thanks for being here.   I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.Join A Community Of Jewelry Designers 
On MyPatreon Hub



Posted in architecture, art, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, cruises, design management, design theory, design thinking, enrichment travel, Entrepreneurship, fashion, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, literacy, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, Stitch 'n Bitch, Travel Opportunities, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Leave a Comment »