 From Warren Feld and Land of Odds TAKING JEWELRY BEYOND CRAFT Join my community of jewelry designers on my Patreon hub September 1, 2025 Sign up for a Free or Paid Subscription[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) In this Issue: 1. You’re Invited: Solo Exhibition, Warren Feld Jewelry, 9/15 – 10/15/25, Pryor Gallery, Columbia, TN, “Pursuing Why Some Jewelry Draws Attention, and Others Do Not” 2. From a recent blog post by Christopher Remmers: Impossible Expectations 3. LESSONS LEARNED DOING CRAFT SHOWS: Finding Them Some articles you may have missed Featured ~~~~~~~~~~ 1. You’re Invited: Solo Exhibition, Warren Feld Jewelry, 9/15 – 10/17/25, Pryor Gallery, Columbia, TN, “Pursuing Why Some Jewelry Draws Attention, and Others Do Not”  “What are the essential elements which make some jewelry pieces stand out while others fade into the background. It’s not just about glitz; it’s about how I combine design elements to achieve beauty, appeal, functionality, and durability. Each piece starts with a blank space where I creatively introduce lines, dots, and shapes, aiming for a finished product that resonates emotionally and feels exciting to wear. I encourage you to think about how we can incorporate a little edginess into our designs to evoke a stronger response from our audience. Let’s strive to create jewelry that not only looks good but also makes people feel something special when they wear it.” — Warren Feld  “One of the primary challenges all jewelry designers face is knowing when to stop adding elements to their pieces. It’s important to find that optimum point of parsimony, where any additional or removed element would detract from the success of the design. Many designers tend to overdo it, leading to over-embellishment. I encourage my fellow designers to be mindful of this balance in their creative process. Let’s strive for that perfect parsimony in our jewelry creations — where we are confident that our pieces will be judged as both finished and successful.” — Warren Feld  “Jewelry design is an emergent process, a dialogue between the designer and the anticipated wearer. This ongoing dialogue reflects, modifies, adapts, evolves those desires, values and expectations of both designer and wearer. Jewelry transcends being merely an object; it conveys meaning through colors, shapes, and themes, reflecting the identity of the wearer and the context in which it is worn. I encourage designers to consider the intent behind their pieces, as this understanding will enhance their design process and ultimately make them better designers. I urge viewers to reflect on the purpose of these jewelry creations and how they can foster conversations through their jewelry.” — Warren Feld  “Jewelry, as an art form, is unique. It is only truly art when worn. Unlike paintings or sculptures, jewelry moves with the person, enhancing their presence as they engage in various activities. I highlight that to evaluate the success of jewelry, we must consider its inherent quality of being art in motion. I encoutage viewers to reflect on this perspective and how it influences our understanding of jewelry’s artistic value.” — Warren Feld  “The common approach to teaching and learning jewelry making techniques relies on a step-by-step method. I believe this is fundamentally flawed; instead, we should view these techniques as philosophies. As philosophies, techniques are seen involving a set of critical choices. Each choice has a fundamental basis for being and leading to success. Importantly, though, not all choices are the same or exist for the same reason. For example, some choices, their placement and sequencing are there to help your piece maintain a shape. Other choices, their placement and sequencing are there to enhance movement, drape and flow. Still other choices influence durability over time. Crucial when learning the philosophy underlying any technique is to recognize that any choice includes what mathematicians and linguists call THE SET and the UNSET. That is, every choice also reflects the things which weren’t chosen and the implications for why not.” — Warren Feld Solo Exhibit, Warren Feld Art Jewelry 9/15/2025 – 10/17/2025 Opening Reception: 9/18/25, 5-7pm  At 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. ~~~~~~~~~~ 2. From a recent blog post by Christopher Remmers: Impossible ExpectationsChristopher Remmers <christopher@christopherremmers.com> There are days when pursuing your art feels impossible. One minute you’re inspired… the next, you’re questioning everything. And underneath the inconsistency, the doubt, and the procrastination, there’s often a deeper pattern at play: You’re holding yourself to impossible expectations. You tell yourself: “I should be further along by now.” “If I were really talented, this would be easier.” “I need to fix everything at once.” What I see time and again in the Academy is that most artists aren’t failing at their goals; they’re failing at goal-setting. They set the bar so high that they can’t possibly meet it. Then they crash, feel shame, and retreat until they try again with the same unrealistic plan. This is how you end up in the “fits and starts” cycle: burnout, self-doubt, inconsistency, repeat. It’s hard emotionally, and it really stifles you creatively. And it definitely keeps you from building momentum. So what’s the alternative?: Set goals that support your nervous system. Build rhythms that you can actually stick to Practice consistency over intensity. It’s not glamorous, but it works. If your dream is to become a full-time artist, or simply to make work that feels alive and true, this kind of sustainable structure is non-negotiable. It’s what we teach inside the Conscious Creativity Academy: Vision first. Structure second. Mastery over time. About Christopher Remmers:Christopher Remmers is a classically trained oil painter, educator, and entrepreneur. As an artist, Christopher has built a body of work that explores myth and story through nature, ceremony, and psychedelia. His large-scale narrative figure paintings aim to initiate an experience of awe and transcendence by connecting the viewer to deeper meaning and purpose via archetypal motifs and chiaroscuro compositions. His work is collected internationally and has been exhibited, awarded, and sold through Sotheby’s and the Art Renewal Center’s Salon, among many others.As an educator, Christopher has taught foundational skills in classical painting and drawing through the Georgetown Atelier in Seattle and privately from his studio in Bellingham, WA. This has evolved into a unique offering for creatives of all backgrounds called the Conscious Creativity Academy and has become a quickly growing community online and in person.As an entrepreneur, he is co-founder and Creative Director of Evolving the Myth, an immersive art experience bridging the gap between deep meaning, our relationship to the wild, and large-scale narrative art. He guides individuals and groups into the wild utilizing a variety of nature-based modalities, exploring the fundamental axiom that our most authentic creative self is found via our relationship to nature. This work is informed by his lifelong practice of Vipassana Meditation, training rooted in Wild Mind and Soul Craft practices, and his deep connection to nature. ~~~~~~~~~~ 3. LESSONS LEARNED DOING CRAFT SHOWS: Finding Them From SO YOU WANT TO DO CRAFT SHOWS Kindle or Ebook or Print  There are plenty of tools and resources for finding out which craft shows are right for you. You just have to make yourself aware of these… And use them. Not every show will be a good fit for you. Research them. Converse with vendors and management there. Ask yourself: Is there a good fit with (1) your art work/merchandise, (2) your goals, (3) your expectations, and (4) your customers. RESOURCESFestival Network (festivalnet.comCrafts Fair Online (craftsfaironline.comArt Festival (artfestival.com)Sunshine Artist (sunshineartist.com)Art Fair Calendar (artfaircalendar.com)Craftmaster News (craftmasternews.com)Fairs and Festivals (fairsandfestivals.net)Art & Craft Show Yellow Pages (artscraftsshowbusiness.com)Art Fair Source Book (artfairsourcebook.com)Facebook posts, groups, eventsEtsy Teams (etsy.com/teams)Juried Art Services (juriedartservices.com)Zapplication (zapplication.org)Check local and statewide arts commissionsCheck local and statewide arts/crafts associations  QUESTIONS TO ASK VENDORS, MANAGEMENT and YOURSELFHistory?Attendance?Marketing plan?All fees?Availability of electricity?Availability of parking?Layout? Where might you end up?Food vendors? Entertainment?Your vendor location relative to food and entertainment?Admission charge?Merchandise mix and fit with you?Local, state sales taxes; insurance? Then, check for show reviews, ratings and experiences on line. Do some social networking. And, THINK! ~~~~~~~~~~ Upcoming Workshops by Warren Feld 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 BRACELET Middle 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  Sat, 12/6/25, 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, 12/6/25, 1-4pm, WIRE WEAVE 2 and SUN PENDANT 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 ~~~~~~~~~~ 9/15/2025 – 10/17/2025 Opening Reception: 9/18/25, 5-7pm Solo Exhibit Warren Feld Art Jewelry At 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 an this exhibit. In the works is a possible Seminar and a beading workshop. ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~  SOME POSTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED: Finding Jobs and Pathways NAMING YOUR BUSINESS: Reality Test The Permanent Jewelry Craze: Why Everyone’s Getting Zapped ~~~~~~~~~~ |
| WARREN FELD JEWELRY (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com) Custom Design, Workshops, Video Tutorials, Webinars, Coaching, Kits, Group Activities, Repairs ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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  |
Archive for August, 2025
FLUENCY IN JEWELRY DESIGN: What Is Jewelry, Really?
Posted by learntobead on August 25, 2025
Abstract:
We create and wear jewelry because we do not want to feel alone. But “not wanting to feel alone” can mean different things to different people. People want to feel a connection, and jewelry is an important tool or signifier for them. The jewelry designer must have insight here. The designer needs to understand what jewelry really is in order to make the kinds of successful choices about forms, materials, design elements, inspirations, techniques, arrangements, public presentations and exhibitions and the like. Why do people touch it, wear it, buy it, display it, share it, collect it? There are different frameworks, that is different types of evidence or lenses, from which the designer might draw such understanding, including the sensation of jewelry as OBJECT, CONTENT, INTENT or DIALECTIC. All these lenses share one thing in common — communication. Although jewelry can be described in the absence of communicative interaction, the designer can never begin to truly understand what jewelry really is without some knowledge about its creation and without somehow referencing the designer, the wearer, the viewer and the context.
WHAT IS JEWELRY, Really?
Simply put, we create and wear jewelry because we do not want to feel alone.
But “not wanting to feel alone” can mean different things to different people. People want to feel a connection, and jewelry is an important tool or signifier for them. The jewelry designer, in order to make the best choices and the most strategic choices throughout the process of designing a piece of jewelry, requires some detail and clarity here. What does it mean to say that we create and wear jewelry so we do not want to feel alone?
We might want to reaffirm that we are similar (or different) than someone else or some other group or culture, so that we do not feel alone. We might want to signal some connection (or disconnection or mal-connection) with a higher power or mystical source or sense of well-being or with some idea, concept or meaning, so that we do not feel alone. We might want to express an intent or feeling or emotion, so that we do not feel alone.
We might want to differentiate what it means to be yourself relative to something else, whether animate or inanimate, functional or artistic, part of a dialectic conversation with self or other. We might want to signal or differentiate status, intelligence, awareness, and resolution. We might want to separate ourselves from that which is sacred and that which is profane.
Whatever the situation, jewelry becomes something more than simple decoration or adornment. …
CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE ON THE JEWELRY DESIGNERS’ HUB
Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.
Warren Feld
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: accessories, beauty, fashion, jewelry, Style | Leave a Comment »
The Permanent Jewelry Craze: Why Everyone’s Getting Zapped
Posted by learntobead on August 17, 2025
By Louis Owen, Brainspin
and representing Stella Rose Jewelry Supply
3mm Heart Chain from Stella Rose Jewelry Supply
I’ve been seeing more and more vendors at art and craft shows specializing in permanent jewelry. Was always curious about what it was, how it was done, and how permanent it really was. I share this article by Louis Owen, who answered my questions. — Warren Feld
At Land of Odds with Warren Feld Jewelry, we’ve seen our fair share of jewelry trends, from bold statement pieces to the return of vintage classics, but few have made as big a splash as the permanent jewelry craze. This “zapping” trend is everywhere right now, and for good reason. It blends style, sentiment, and craftsmanship into something people truly connect with.
Permanent jewelry isn’t just an accessory; it’s an experience. And in our world of ever-changing fashion, it’s one of the most meaningful shifts we’ve seen in years.
A Trend Years in the Making
Permanent jewelry’s journey started in luxury circles, where custom welding experiences were offered as exclusive events. Over time, its charm spread to boutiques, artisan jewelers, and even pop-up shops at festivals and private parties.
I’ve watched its appeal grow with customers who want more than just something pretty, they want something lasting.
How the “Zapping” Process Works
The process is simple yet special. Using a safe micro-welding tool, the jeweler fuses the chain directly onto the wrist, ankle, or neck, creating a clasp-free piece that fits perfectly. The spark lasts seconds, but the jewelry can last for years.
Many jewelers focus on offering high-quality chain options in solid gold, gold-filled, or sterling silver. Clients often add charms or connectors that make their piece completely unique.
Why Everyone’s Talking About It
Permanent jewelry has the perfect recipe for going viral:
· A visual “zap” moment that photographs well.
· A symbolic meaning that resonates with friends, couples, and families.
· A style that works with any outfit, any day.
Social media is a major driver, but so is word-of-mouth. Customers often say they go in for permanent jewelry in because they saw a friend’s welded bracelet and wanted the same experience.
The Materials Behind the Magic
Of course, quality matters. Many jewelers rely on trusted suppliers like Stella Rose Jewelry Supply for premium permanent jewelry chains. This ensures the finished piece not only looks beautiful but can stand up to daily wear.
If you prefer something with a bit of history, shops like Xtreme Pawn often have vintage gold or silver chains that can be repurposed into permanent jewelry, a creative mix of old-world charm and modern style.
Is It Really “Permanent”?
Yes and no. With care, your bracelet, anklet, or necklace can last years. But it can also be removed with scissors if necessary. That’s part of the charm, it’s long-lasting, not a lifetime sentence.
Our customers appreciate that balance of commitment and flexibility.
Why This Craze Has Staying Power
While some trends fade fast, permanent jewelry may be here to stay. It fits perfectly with the movement toward intentional, sustainable fashion. People want fewer, better pieces, and welded jewelry delivers on that promise.
We’ve seen firsthand how it brings people together, whether it’s two best friends getting matching bracelets or a couple marking an anniversary. It’s more than just a trend; it’s a moment you carry with you.
Final Thoughts
The permanent jewelry craze isn’t just about style, it’s about meaning.
Whether you’re drawn to the sleek look, the sentimental value, or simply the fun of “getting zapped,” there’s never been a better time to try it for yourself. Stop by, see the chains in person, and let us help you create your own little spark of permanence.
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: art, blog, fashion, lifestyle, Style | Leave a Comment »
FLUENCY IN JEWELRY DESIGN: Cultivating Your Practice
Posted by learntobead on August 12, 2025
Building that relevance into your work
What Is Your Practice?
What do you (or will you) say to people who ask you what you do for a living? When you say, “Jewelry Designer”, you probably get a “That’s nice” or “Oh, you make jewelry,” and perhaps a far-away look. Most people can’t imagine exactly what you do. Their images and experiences with jewelry and what it can look like, the materials available to use, the techniques applied are somewhat limited. Not everyone knows you can craft jewelry by hand, not just by machine.
It can be difficult to define the scope of jewelry design. There’s your inspiration and intent. The availability and knowledge about materials and techniques. There are the perceptions and desires of your various audiences. What you do as an artist and designer may involve several different kinds of tasks. Your process may be conventional or unconventional. And it’s not just the “What do you do” aspect of the question, but the concurrently implied “Can you make a living at this” aspect of the question, as well. It’s almost as if they are about to say, “What do you really do?”
The response you want to come up with is your personal understanding and recognition about your passion for design, and all the things that drive this passion. Your excitement in telling your story will become infectious, and, while they still might not comprehend everything you do or the how and why you do it, they will certainly see that you are a jewelry designer, one who is intent on achieving some level of success within the profession.
Your Practice, and how you define and live and succeed in it depends on gaining some clarity in terms of…,
(1) Having a definition of what Success as a designer means to you
(2) Developing a production (and marketing) Routine
(3) Creating a Consistent and Coherent body of work
(4) Being very Organized
(5) If selling or exhibiting, taking a Multi-Venue Approach
(6) Developing a Criticality where you are reflecting, evaluating, validating,
legitimizing, being very metacognitive
(7) Self-Care and finding balance in your life
(1) Defining Success
Not every designer is going to define success in the same way. In fact, there will be dramatic differences. …
… CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE ON THE JEWELRY DESIGNERS’ 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 | Tagged: art, craftsmanship, fashion, interview, jewelry | Leave a Comment »
THE JEWELRY DESIGNERS’ PALETTE, 8/15/2025
Posted by learntobead on August 11, 2025
From Warren Feld and Land of Odds TAKING JEWELRY BEYOND CRAFT Join my community of jewelry designers on my Patreon hub August 15, 2025 Sign up for a Free or Paid Subscription[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) In this Issue: 1. Jewelry Designer’s Action Exercise 2. How Do You Know When A Piece Is Complete? 3. Eddie Basha Family Collection of Native American Jewelry 4. Primarily Use Instagram To Build Up Your Email List 5. Masriera Art Nouveau Jewellery, 1839 6. How to Know It’s Time to Nudge Prices Up 7. Wearable Poetry Some articles you may have missed Featured ~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Jewelry Designer’s Action Exercise JEWELRY DESIGNER’S ACTION EXERCISE: 1) Define your 5 jewelry designer friends you would like to most influence you. If you predict your future as a jewelry designer based on the average of those 5, you will find yourself smiling for who you are bound to become. They can also be part of the “eminent dead” (jewelry designers from the past that you admire). 2) Are they the 5 jewelry designers you spend the most time with, or thinking about, or studying their work? If not, decide what are the necessary changes you want to make so that they become so. ~~~~~~~~~~ 2. How Do You Know When A Piece Is Complete?How Do You Know When a Work of Art is Complete?by Ivan Barnett, Klimt02, 7/28/2025 Read the full article here “It happens in most studio practices more times than not. Every conversation between artist and mentor, gallerist and collector ask this question. It’s a question that hovers silently over the table or sometimes echoes in the middle of the night when you’re staring at a work: “How do I know when it’s finished? How do I know when to stop?” That wise old saying “sleep on it” can often be the perfect solution. Studying the work when you are fresher can be one of the best solutions. Yet, at the heart of the matter, I have found that “the knowing” comes from the years of “going too far,” because you think the work or exhibition will be better or stronger “if I do more.” That can be the case at times. However, there’s nothing better than going too far too many times to remind us.” “Completion is not perfection. The quest for perfection is often elusive. The real signal of completion is that final moment when the creative can say with ease that “I wouldn’t move or change one thing.” The piece no longer tugs at your sleeve—it offers us a quiet “yes.”” Read the full article here Basha Sr, the father, moved to the United States via New York City to join his family in 1884. He would move to Arizona in 1910, where he founded a general store in the town of Pima, then called Goodyear. In the 1930s, the Bashas traded extensively with Akimel O’odham (Pima) peoples, who would bring mesquite wood to exchange for groceries. It was a different time, with firewood a valuable and always needed resource for the wood stoves that heated most buildings in those days. Basha Jr gathered most of this collection in the 1980s and 2000s. What makes it special is the personal relationships Eddie shared with many of the artists. More than objects, these pieces represent the friendships and the respect shared between the Basha family and these master artisans. ~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Eddie Basha Family Collection of Native American JewelryRead the full article here Basha Sr moved to the United States via New York City to join his family in 1984. He would move to Arizona in 1910, where he founded a general store in the town of Pima, then called Goodyear. In the 1930s, the Bashas traded extensively with Akimel O’odham (Pima) peoples, who would bring mesquite wood to exchange for groceries. It was a different time, with firewood a valuable and always needed resource for the wood stoves that heated most buildings in those days.   Basha Jr gathered most of this collection in the 1980s and 2000s. What makes it special is the personal relationships Eddie shared with many of the artists. More than objects, these pieces represent the friendships and the respect shared between the Basha family and these master artisans.  Read the full article here ~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Primarily Use Instagram To Build Up Your Email List 💻 To get people to register their emails, bring them to your website & sell high-ticket jewelry through Instagram… Focus on building your mailing list, this is where most conversions will happen.Offer a free incentive (lead magnet) to encourage people to sign up.Create a sense of exclusivity and scarcity: emphasize when pieces are one-of-a-kind or produced in limited quantities.Study successful designers/artists in your niche who consistently sell out and observe how they structure their sales funnel and build anticipation. ~~~~~~~~~~ 5. Masriera Art Nouveau Jewellery, 1839 Visit the website to drool over 100s of his pieces, and a more thorough presentation of the jeweler, his work, video demos of enameling, and much more. Masriera is one of my favorite jewelers. You can still visit his studio and shop in downtown Barcelona. “Handcrafted, delicate and exquisite jewelry that embodies the world of fantasy and colour of this artistic movement. Its origins are boldly revealed in its iconographic features, strongly inspired by the Mediterranean, where winding floral forms and feminine sensuality breathe life into the mystical fusion of “woman and nature”, dreaming up fairies, nymphs and a whole imaginary universe of figurative art.”  “The roots of this brand date back to the 19th century, when LLuís Masriera, born into a family of artists, painters, enamellers and jewellers firmly linked to the cultural and artistic life of Barcelona, decided to open his first workshop in the city to explore new creative channels of expression of the Art Nouveau style in jewelry.”  “After almost two hundred years, MASRIERA continues to perfect the enamelling technique: a careful and meticulous process in which the translucent enamel is applied in such a way that light passes through it. “   Visit the website to drool over 100s of his pieces, and a more thorough presentation of the jeweler, his work, video demos of enameling, and much more. ~~~~~~~~~~ 6. How to Know It’s Time to Nudge Prices Upby Red Dot Blog (a great newsletter to sign up for) https://reddotblog.com/ Read the full article hereHere are a few reliable signs it’s time to raise prices:Your work is selling faster than you can replace it. If pieces are flying off the wall, your prices are likely too low.You’re receiving consistent positive feedback—but from buyers who hesitate to commit. Sometimes a higher price can actually increase perceived value and help buyers take the work more seriously.You’ve built a steady following and repeat buyers. Your collectors believe in you. Gradual increases won’t scare them off—especially if you’re transparent and consistent.Your business is struggling to cover costs despite strong sales. If profit margins are tight and you’re not covering overhead, a pricing adjustment is warranted.He’d also add this: if you find yourself frequently rationalizing your current price structure—“It’s not the right time,” “The economy’s shaky,” “Maybe next year”—those are often signs that a price increase is overdue. A Practical Approach to Raising PricesHere’s how I advise approaching a price increase:Do it gradually. A 10–15% increase annually is usually reasonable and expected. For work that’s in especially high demand, you might consider more, but always weigh consistency and sustainability.Be transparent with returning collectors. Let them know your prices are increasing soon. Some will jump to purchase before the change. Others will appreciate being in the loop.Don’t apologize. Frame your price increase as a natural reflection of your growth and success. Collectors will mirror your confidence.Update everything at once. Be sure your website, portfolio, price lists, and gallery partners are all in sync. Confusion breeds mistrust. Read the full article here ~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Wearable Poetry To Swallow the Self. A Joint Essay Exploring an Interdisciplinary Creative Process by Rosana Lukauskaitė Read the full article here To Swallow the Self (1) “In “Wearable Poetry”, which received the honorary SMCK ON REEL Audience Award (2) in Munich in March 2025, we – contemporary jewelry artist Neringa Poškutė-Jukumienė and poet Rosana Lukauskaitė – came together to investigate transformation through the confluence of wearable art and language. This collaborative project unfolded during a ten-day creative residency in Lisbon, supported by the “Culture Moves Europe” (3) mobility grant and mentored by Portuguese jewelry artist and researcher Cristina Filipe (4). Our central question asked how poetics could be made wearable – not just metaphorically, but materially – through an embodied, spatial, and interdisciplinary practice where the body becomes both a sensing instrument and a site of inscription. Rather than seeking a final product from the outset, we focused on process-based research, engaging the body, object, voice, and landscape in reciprocal gestures of response and resonance.” “Throughout the process, we returned often to the question of wearability – not simply as adornment, but as a way of carrying text and gesture on the body. Neringa’s doctoral research, “Body and Jewellery Spaces” (7), informed this aspect of our method. We treated the body as both a sensing tool and a site of inscription. By thinking through the wearable as a porous boundary between interior and exterior worlds, we explored how language, memory, and material could linger on the skin – be absorbed, carried, or shed. Adorment elements, like the black “Widow” lipstick from “Jeffree Star Cosmetics”, were introduced as ritualistic markers – simple, performative objects that could signal transformation without explanation. The lipstick, a cosmetic and symbolic artifact, stood in for both armour and intimacy, linking adornment to self-invention and narrative.” Read the full article here ~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Solo 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 an this exhibit. In the works is a possible Seminar and a beading workshop.add 11/0 or delicas ad here ~~~~~~~~~~ SOME POSTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED: SELF-ESTEEM: MAKING CHOICES SELLING VS. KEEPING FINDING COMPATRIOTS JEWELRY IS ONLY ART AS IT IS WORN YOU CAN’T PAINT WITH BEADS NAMING YOUR BUSINESS: BRAINSTORMING WITH OTHER PEOPLE ~~~~~~~~~~ Feature your jewelryHere next weekIn This Newsletter, as well as, on our Jewelry Designer’s Hub! Email a post (text and/or image) to warren@warrenfeldjewelry.com. Promote your current projects, promotional copy, News & Views, videos, reels, tutorials, instructions, social media posts online in this newsletter and on our jewelry designers’ Patreon hub. No deadlines! Opportunity available all the time. No fees. But don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity. This copyrighted material is published here with permission of the author(s) as noted, or with Land of Odds or Warren Feld Jewelry. All rights reserved. ~~~~~~~~~~ Repairs Stumping You? Let Me Take A Look I take in a lot of jewelry repairs. People either bring them to me in Columbia, TN, or, I pick them up and deliver them back in Nashville. I am in Nashville at least once a week. It’s been convenient for most people to meet me at Green Hills Mall. But if not, I can come to your workplace or your home. This is perfectly fine for me. My turnaround time typically is 3-4 weeks. I do most repairs, but I do not do any soldering. I also do not repair watches. These are the kinds of repairs I do: o Beaded jewelry o Pearl knotting, hand knotting o Size/Length adjustment o Re-stringing o Wire work/weave/wrap o Micro macrame o Broken clasp replacfement o Earring repair o Replace lost rhinestones or gemstones o Stone setting o Stretchy bracelet o Metal working which does not involve soldering o Bead woven jewelry and purses o Beaded clothing o Custom jewelry design View my How-To-Repair-Jewelry videos on our Jewelry Designers’ Hub. My most recent how-to: Converting 3-Strand Stretchy Bracelet to Cable Wire W/ Clasp  |
| WARREN FELD JEWELRY (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com) Custom Design, Workshops, Video Tutorials, Webinars, Coaching, Kits, Group Activities, Repairs ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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  |
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FLUENCY IN JEWELRY DESIGN: Finding Compatriots
Posted by learntobead on August 4, 2025
Finding Compatriots: You Need A Support System
While you bead and make jewelry alone a good part of the time, it’s no fun to always bead and make jewelry alone. It’s good to become part of a support network — even build your own.
Some people form informal beading or jewelry making groups, and hold meetings once or twice a week at their homes. Others join more formal local bead societies and clubs and collaborations. People take classes and workshops. They find like-minded people in social networks and forums and message groups online, and share images and stories with them.
You will also find compatriots by attending bead and jewelry shows. Some are local. Some are geared to a national audience, like a convention.
There are national societies and guilds for jewelry and beading, which you can join. You can find these listed online.
You learn a lot from compatriots. Everyone does things just a little differently. Everyone’s interests take you places you never thought of before.
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Read more articles about FLUENCY IN DESIGN on the Jewelry Designer’s Hub.
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.
Warren Feld
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 »
