I have been a professional crafter for a very long time. As the title of this post would indicate, throughout my crafting career, all of my pieces seem to have a common attitude or style, whether I am painting, sewing, gluing, or making jewelry. This year, I have had the honor of participating in a very special class, which we call the “BALC”
As part of our “homework” for the BALC, we were tasked with describing our style. For me, that was the easy part. Let me show you some examples of the jewelry I have made since I first became interested in expanding my creative exploits.
As you can see, I love layers (assemblage) of old and new materials and often choose things that are nostalgic to me-they seem to resonate with my customers, too. It is always a privilege when customers return year after year to see what is new in my booth at craft shows-it is SO GOOD to see friends shopping together and when they are pointing and laughing at my creations, I joke with them that they are having WAY too much fun. Something about what I do connects with something that they are seeing and it is reflected in their gaiety.
Among our other tasks, my classmates and I were asked to choose a theme. I am by no means a cowgirl; however since Cody, Wyoming relies on retention of a wild west image which attracts tourists from all over the world, I chose “Cowgirl Chic” as my theme. I have ordered boots and hats and pistols and saddles (plated brass since the real ones are awfully heavy to hang from your ears) plus a few surprises to be thrown into the mix. It is time for me to…
You can expect to see lots of western stampings, chic colors and vintage additions to my new line of jewelry. I invite you along on my journey and it is my dearest wish that you too may feel connected and well entertained.
Below is a clickable link list of my BALC 2016 classmates’ blogs. Please join me in visiting each of them, leaving a comment or two along the way and enjoy the adventure with us.
VintageMuseByBarb 
This will be a fun line. You can do lots with this style. Best Wishes, waiting to see more
LikeLike
Love, love, LOVE it!!! I am a huge fan of Western wear and cannot wait to see your new line unfold. It has been a pleasure getting to know you through our class 🙂
LikeLike
Barbara, you are so going to ‘rock this line!’ I can’t wait to see it and it is perfect for your corner of the universe. What a wonderful blog, too. Very, very nice! I enjoyed my visit to your world and so look forward to the next one!
LikeLike
What cute earrings you have! Looking forward to seeing more of your work Cowgirl by location.
LikeLike
Cowgirl and Chic….its a great way to pay homage to your area! Customers will be able to buy something beautiful when visiting 🙂 Awesome to have an instant customer base!
LikeLike
Let’s get our cowgirl hats on and start the designing .. I’m also doing a cowgirl lineand calling in Country Chic .. we are going to have such an adventure together ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great theme! Can’t wait to see what you create
LikeLike
I loved your story Barbara, you have accomplished so much, I know you are going to be successful in this part of your journey too. That is a wonderful theme for your area you live in. Your earrings are very nice as well as your other pieces. Looking forward to class with you. I am not much of a talker but will chime in once in a while. ;D
LikeLike
Cowgirl Chic! You will being smiling while you create. Thanks for the great blog, and I enjoyed reading about the glorious countryside you live in. Thanks for the ride Barb!
LikeLike
Great line idea. Can’t wait to see it unfold
LikeLike
Barbara, can’t wait to see what you create with your new line. It will be totally successful, especially in your neck of the woods. Love the theme, and love everything you have made so far on the creative group. Best of luck!
LikeLike
Great theme choice Barbara. Look forward to seeing your jewelry creations.
LikeLike
Fun line! Can’t wait to see more. 🙂
LikeLike
Barbara, looking forward to seeing your line of Cowgirl Chic creations. Nice blog post.
LikeLike
Hey Barbara! Thank you again so much for joining us for the class, staying involved and present, and for following through with a very fine blog post. With all of your background in craft and the fact that your B and B offers a unique selling opportunity, I feel certain that you will find your way. As is often said, “It’s a process….” As I contemplate returning to making a line of jewelry again, I realize daily that I, too, must revisit the process. It’s different every time! Enjoy the journey with all of us as we make our way through “The Process” XOXO B’sue
LikeLike
Great blog post! You always make me smile! LOL! And your line is going to do great!
LikeLike
Your blog is beautiful, and your theme looks like you will have a lot of fun with it.
LikeLike
I used to live out west and still love cowboy boots!
LikeLike
Hi Barbara, I am so happy to be sharing this class with you and getting to know you better. Your theme has a lot of possibilities, so I can’t wait to see your finished pieces. I’m certain they’ll be adorable.
LikeLike
I definitely get a vintage cowgirl vibe from the pieces you are showing so far. Cant’t wait to see where you take it!
LikeLike
Wonderful post, Barbara, and your theme is a great one! Although there’s not many cowboys up here in Minnesota, there are a lot of farms and horses. 😉 Your line will be great … happy to be in the BALC with you this year!
LikeLike
Great blog! Love the line. I also started in tole painting 20 some odd years ago. Loved it but don’t really do it anymore. But I still have a lot of my books that I can’t seem to part with….maybe someday I will get back to it. Love all your jewelry and the cute craft items at the top of the page. Looking forward to seeing your line.
LikeLike
How much fun Cowgirl Chic! The earrings are lovely. What perfect idea for where you live. Can’t wait to see how you develop this theme.
LikeLike
Yeeha! This looks like fun. It’s not a topic I’m too familiar with, so I look forward to my “cowgirl education.” 🙂
LikeLike
Cowgirl up! Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
LikeLike
Cowgirl Chic sounds like a lot of fun! Go BIG or GO HOME! This Cali girl approves!
LikeLike
What a fun theme for your line and right on for the area you live in. It is so cool that you have so much art background and you have already made son wonderful creations. I can’t wait to see more!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing with us Barbara!
You live in such a wonderful place, I love the photos you have on your blog – they are super inspiring! I would love to live there!
I think if you do direct sales, it makes sense to appeal to the tourist aspect of the area you live in – that is just smart business.
I think you picked a fantastic theme! This one could be fun to play with!
I look forward to seeing your completed line.
LikeLike
I enjoyed your blog very much and imagined how nice it would be to visit your business. My husband and I like to go to Amish Country for a few days just to get away. I think it is funny because we live in an area where Amish live actually. Your jewelry sounds like something I would purchase for myself. I like your design ideas for your new line. They would sell around here, where I live in PA. Looking forward to visiting you again soon and checking up on how you are doing.
LikeLike
I could see the professionalism and creativity on your past works. I love the color and style blend, you really are awesome! Looking forward on your next jewelry line.
LikeLike
Great theme. You have some lovely pieces. I loved your comments about customers. I also enjoy interacting with craft fair customers.
LikeLike
I think you have a great theme. In fact, I almost chose it. Have fun putting it all together and trust yourself. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
LikeLike
Great post, Barbara. 🙂 I love getting to see your design style in such close proximity. It’s quite clear you have a particular focus and grace which comes out in all of your pieces. Good luck with “stretching your limits”. I know what that’s like, and it’s never comfortable, but almost always good thing. Best wishes!
LikeLike