Should I etch these?
Here's the deal. I tend to operate in something of a vacuum. I make beads because I enjoy the process of making them. I like color theory, I like trying out new glass, new designs, interesting shapes, etc... I'm very interested in the science of glass, but I don't really keep in mind that somebody is going to have to make something with all of the beads I produce.
Lately, I've really trimmed down my designs to make them more user-friendly. The beads are more streamlined and, I think, usable. But I'm not really sure.
I have questions.
So, I thought I'd put up some of my recent experiments here and try to get some feedback from jewelry designers. I want honest (but useful) critiques. I need this. It'll be good for me.
All you have to do to enter the Give Away is leave a comment with some feedback about these - or any other of my beads that you've seen. On Friday, I'll scientifically (name drawn from Tupperware container) choose a winner and that winner can then select whichever one they like from these four sets.
Pretty easy, huh?
Are these too plain? Etched or shiny?
Would you ever use something like this?
Do these look like bacon?OK, that question is irrelevant. I was going for a petrified wood look, but I'm pretty confident that I achieved bacon.
Yummmmm, bacon!
20 comments:
And I do like bacon! That would have been perfect for the Dr Suess challenge I had in March...with some green eggs, that is!
I don't think that I would use the wavy links, but that doesn't mean someone wouldn't. I do like the one focal set that looks like a sandy beach (before the massive environmental disaster :-( I am not sure what etching does to the beads, makes them frosty I suppose. I like options though, so it might be cool to offer them both ways and see what gets more hits. Enjoy the day!
Erin
WOW! a giveaway! yippee!
Ok,
I would so totally use any of these, well maybe not the bacon rings. But i like the blue set a lot, they have an oceany feel to them.
Love the first two sets too!!
Overall opinion- yes VERY USEABLE!
You are so funny! Bacon is the LAST thing I would have thought of!! These are beautiful and yes I would use these:) I do tend to prefer etched glass these days, but stay true to yourself. If you are creating something and there is a stage where you love it, then stop there!
Thanks!
I love etched. I like the soft, organic feel to them and I like the way it gives them a beachy look, too.
I'd use either of the first two sets whether they were etched or not (the second set is gorgeous - definitely not too plain), but I'm not sure I'd know what to do with the rings in the last two sets.
I know. They're really cool and very fun to make, but I'm not sure about application of them. I was thinking either as some sort of connectors or accents or maybe dangling independently in an organic sort of way.
See, this is why feedback is good. Thanks so much. :)
I would etch the first two sets of beads. I love matte glass beads. I would definitely use the blue and the bacon beads. They would look great as links!
Hi
so my comments are as follows
the top green ones I would etch,as they are thin the lines (cord) are too strong or me, but feel if etched would be better, as they are transparent.
next cream and clear - adore just as they are, would use them in a flash.
the blue and brown thins ones I'd be very wary that they would be strong enough for almost anything except hanging. love the blue ones, not sure at all about the brown - sorry.
Are the rings strong?
Lovely ideas, thanks for the chance to be included
Sue
(somethingxtraspecial)
Thanks so much for the input.
I think the rings are strong enough to act as links - particularly the brown ones. They're fairly thick but lightweight. The blue ones are more delicate and I may beef those up before they get a 'test drive'.
I like the idea of them, though, and they make a beautiful, tinkling wind chime sound when they touch each other.
What a great way to get some feedback! Here are my answers:
1. Yes, etch the green ones! I love the organic shape of them, and I think etching them would make them look like faux sea glass (which I'm a big fan of).
2. No, don't etch them - they are beautiful just the way they are.
3. I have never seen anything quite like those links before, and they are fabulous! I would only be concerned with their strength and durability in a necklace or bracelet. My main question: If I make a piece with it, and a buyer dropped it or was careless, would it shatter?
4. I first thought you were trying to replicate geode slices, and I wasn't thinking bacon till you mentioned it, but now that you said it, yep, they kind of do. But I like bacon!
But seriously, they remind me more of carnelians than anything else.
See, I knew it was bacon! :)
As for breaking, I can't say they won't. I did bounce them (not these exact ones) off the concrete floor in my studio and the mexican tile in my kitchen, repeatedly dropping them from about waist high and they didn't crack. But that doesn't mean they won't.
I think these are interesting and unique and they deserve a little extra care. Once they're incorporated into someone's jewelry design, they become part of a little piece of art. I think most buyers would recognize that and would show proper respect. :)
Oh these are all stunning. I have to say I am a huge fan of etching so yep I think you should etch the green ones. I love the look and feel of etched beads - the etching adds that extra "zing" to the beads. I love the other set too but I reckon I'd leave these as they are as I love the transparency of the clear glass in those ones.
Karyn
Australia
I can think of ways to use any/all of these pieces in my designs. If I win and get to make one of said designs, you would be the first to know :) I like the bead sets as they are, LOVE the colors in the blue links, and while the bacon rings do indeed look yummy, I think as jewelry they would probably end up more like agate or other rich colored stone.
Oh my gosh!! You are killing me!! Bacon?? ok, maybe a little but if you had not said anything, I don't know if that would have crossed my mind! I like the funky links are they pretty solid? will they hold up if linked one after the other? If they do I would use them :) The first two sets? Etch!! I think the green would look amazing as faux sea glass! The second set, I love but I think it will look better etched because it will make the clear opaque. If I was to win, would you really make me choose? darn it, that could be hard!!
You are funny! I think you achieved the petrified wood look, but when you put bacon in my mind... well.
I seriously love them all but I adore glass and your creations are wonderful. Truly!
I also wanted to stop over and thank you for your lovely comment on our son's graduation... it meant a lot to me :) You are the Best!!
xo
Let me see
The 1st lot I would certainly leave as is, but then I find I am more successful when creating with less fussy beads.
2nd lot I love because of the colours but for reasons above I would probably have them in my stash for like forever because I would struggle to use them in a design but that is just me.
3rd and 4th sets are so totally what I would love to get my hands on, I love the irregularity of them and would love to use them in all manner of jewellery pieces: earrings, necklaces as links, and bracelets, the possibilities are endless.
I didn't think of bacon till you said it but so totally see it, not that it puts me off their design in the slightest.
Soooo, bacon it is. Well, if anybody wants a breakfast-themed bracelet, I make some adorable pancake and egg beads. ;)
Maybe not...?
Pancake and egg beads sound cute! You make great sculpturual beads, like the little guy in your Etsy shop.
I do love etched beads, and think that the first 2 sets would look great etched. I just love that silvered ivory set and think it would look even better etched, with that sea glass effect. And I love the links - they would look great in a long necklace. Thanks for the great give away!
Beautiful beads & links... love the bacon. Like others have said, Egg beads would we perfect! :)
I love the purple & sand-colored beads. They are most delicious looking! Thanks for hosting such a dandy giveaway~
{Hugs!}
Dawn
http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com
Hi,
I just found your Etsy shop through another Etsyian. Love your beads!
As for the items listed, I am all about etching for summer: I just had some custom shells made and etched. I've also purchased other etched sets for Southwest/organic pieces.
So, etch the green ones!
I like the tablets as it - they seem to have enough interest to me.
I love your rings/links! Very cool and unique. I think those would look awesome etched too. Would love to see that.
As for the "bacon," I wouldn't have thought that if you hadn't said it. :)
Nice work!
Elizabeth
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