The 2016 Build A Line Challenge is here and I am excited to be participating in this Master Class with a very fine group of talented artists. The Challenge runs from January 5 through April 19, 2016 and is sponsored by Brenda Sue Lansdowne, owner of http://www.bsueboutiques.com Brenda is also instructor of this Master Class. The goal is to define my jewelry style and create a cohesive line of jewelry consisting of 5 pieces. Blog Hop dates are January 29th, February 26th and April 1st, The Final Reveal.
A little bit about me, Irene (Renie) Hoffman. I am owner and designer of Heart’s Dezire Jewelry and started my jewelry business in 2015. I’ve been a Californian all my life and currently live in Murrieta, CA with my husband of 43 years. He is not only a great husband, father and grandfather, he is my biggest cheerleader and always supportive of any of my endeavors. I have two daughters and 3 grandsons with another grandson on the way, due in June/July of this year. Needless to say, they are my world.
I started making jewelry as a hobby in 2005 stringing gemstone bead necklaces for sterling silver cabachon pendants, or making earrings and bracelets for myself and my sisters (I had 6 at the time). I started beading with a tutorial from the internet and took a class here and there. One day I stumbled upon a bead shop in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and that is when it all changed for me, and that is where I met my two dearest friends Marcia Tuzzolino and Jann Tague. I had done beading, but didn’t know what beading was until I started taking classes at the shop. From then on I branched out taking classes in different medias and techniques. Unfortunately the shop closed and Marcia, Jann and I had nowhere to go so we started meeting for play dates at each others’ homes.
In late 2013 I received an invite from one of my buddies to join the B’sue Boutiques Creative Group. Well, a whole new style of jewelry making began for me and the rest is history. It’s amazing to me at what I am creating today. Thanks to bsueboutiques.com I now have access to many beautiful brass components and in various finishes. Brenda’s site is certainly a treasure trove for any jewelry maker. Here are a few pics of my early pieces when I started out with the group, my polymer clay cane assemblages and some of my recent faves.
Early B’sue Assemblages
Polymer Clay Assemblages
My Recent Faves
Here is a sneak peek of some of the components I plan to use in my line. I’m venturing toward a Classic Casual style. I have a good idea of what I want to create and hope to soon pinpoint what type of customer I want to attract. I will admit that I am struggling a bit with the process but I know that everything will fall into place.
And when I’m not in my studio creating I’m caring for this little munschkin, my grandson Jaxson Gage. He is four years old and also my assistant in the studio from time to time. He is one of the loves of my life.
Jaxson Gage Hoffman
I hope you continue on this journey with me to see my progress. Thank you everyone and please take a moment to Like and Comment on my blog. See ya at the next Blog Hop in February. My Co-Participants’ list is below. Please take a moment to view their blogs also.
2016 Blog Hop Participants
Brenda Sue Lansdowne Jewelry Making Outside the Box
http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com
Diana Buynak Butterfly Emporium Ceramic Studio
http://butterflyemporium.indiemade.com/blog
Irene Hoffman, Heart’s Dezire by Irene
http://www.heartsdezirebyirene.wordpress.com
Clare Wells Nemeth, Creative Magick
http://www.craftingmagick.blogspot.com
Marcia Tuzzolino, Aurora Designs
http://auroradesignsjewelryblog.me
Elizabeth Wilks, Wearable Art by Lizzie
http://wearableartbylizzie.blogspot.com
Jeanette Rose Belmont, One Canvas At A Time
http://www.onecanvasatatime.com
Lyn Joy Reeve, A Journey From Jewels To Jubilation
Belinda Reed-Ingle, Vogue Rocks
http://voguerocks.blogspot.com
Beth Trubman, The Journey of Jewelry
http://thejourneyofjewelry.blogspot.com
Carole Carlson, Bead Sophisticate
http://beadsophisticate.wordpress.com
Jann Tague, Clever Designs by Jann
http://janntague.wordpress.com
Shari Gardner, SLG Jewelry Designs
http://slgdesigns.wordpress.com
Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets
http://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com
Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks
Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs
http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com
Joan Donovan, Hailey’s Cottage
http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com
Sharon Palac, Sharon’s Jewelry Garden
http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
https://beebscloset.wordpress.com
Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry
https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com
https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com
Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs
https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com
Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels
http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php
http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com
Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design
Valerie Tilghman, ArtJewelsandGifts
http://www.artjewelzdimensions.blogspot.com
Chris Cravens, Vintage Cravens
http://christinecravens.blogspot.com
Leslie Carver, Adorn Divine Designs
http://www.adorndivinedesigns.blogspot.com
http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com
Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures
http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/
Can’t wait to see what you create Irene! Those white pearl necklaces above are just spectacular!
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Thank you Mocki. Vintage Haskell pearl strands.
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Great blog Irene. Your Grandson is adorable!
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Thank you Chris. Jaxson is one of my pleasures in life. Grandchildren are amazing.
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Wonderful blog! I enjoyed my vicarious visit to your world, Irene. You will nail “Casual Classic!” I look forward to seeing your completed line for I love your work! Cheers, my friend!
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Thank you so much Susan. I will put my all into this process and complete as successful line as possible Looking forward to this journey.
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Your live for your family is so heartwarmimg. What a treat to get to know you and to see your work laid out in the photo collages. I look forward to seeing your new line!
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Thank you so much for sharing a glimpse into your life, Renie. I had no idea you, Marcia and Jann were so close – how fun to have play dates in real life AND in the Creative Group!!! 🙂 I love your theme and am looking forward to seeing your line come to life.
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Loved your blog, I really enjoyed being able to see into your day to day activities, and feel so privileged to have met you last year. Your jewelry is so beautiful, and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us next month. Can’t wait to see your new line. I’m still struggling on what I’m doing but hope to focus more this next month. So until then………….. 🙂
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Thanks so much Belinda. Yes it is a little bit of a struggle but we’ll get there. Its definitely going to be an adventure for the both of us.
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Such a charming insight into your world, Irene. The smiles on your family’s faces say it all… there is a lot of love and joy in your world. Your jewelry pieces are infused with your warmth and joy-filled heart. I look forward to seeing your new line!
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Hi Irene! I’m so glad we’re doing this hop, or I never would’ve gotten to see so much of your work at once. You have a *magical* touch, and I really mean that. From your simplest things, to your polymer clay pieces, your design eye is wonderful. I can see how much you’ve evolved, but honestly, I think you started out ahead of the curve!
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I have always admired your lovely jewelry! Looking forward to seeing what you create for your “Casual Classics” line! Ingrid
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Thanks so much Ingrid. Your comm nt means a lot.
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Fantastic BLOG .. It looks GREAT Renie .. Looking forward on our adventure and seeing your beautiful Hearts ..
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Thank you dear friend. This is definitely going to be an adventure. Looking forward to what our lines reveal.
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Dearest Irene, this is a wonderful post and so much more insight into your life as well as your creativity. You three are my California girls, and I don’t know what I would do without your counsel and creativity. Thank you for joining us for the class this year. How blessed you are to have all those grandchildren. They are your true jewels!
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Thank you Brenda. What a sweet thing to say. Yes they definitely are my true jewels. I am thrilled to be a part of this class and cant wait to see how I pull this line together. 😊
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Renie, your blog post is fabulous! Love seeing the family photos, and, of course, your spectacular creations. So happy to be on this journey with you, my friend! I’m so excited to see what you create for your Classic Casual line!
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Thank you so much my friend. I’m excited about sharing this journey with you and what I will bring to the table.
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What an awesome story and beautiful family. I love your previous work in your photos and anticipate your new line will be just as awesome.
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What a wonderful story and journey with your beading pals Marcia and Jann. You have a beautiful family qnsd congrats on the newest member on the way, how exciting. I have always been a huge fan of your gorgeous creations and look forward to your new glorious Lind. Love you bunches always!
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Such a warm, inviting blog. Looking forward to seeing your line Irene. Love your work
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Thank you so much Sue. Looking forward to creating my line.
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Hi Irene! Your blog is so bright and welcoming. I love all your family and friends photos! Your work is always beautiful; you have great attention to detail and a wonderful eye for color, balance and design! I can’t wait to see what you make next!
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Thank you Renee for your kind comment. I’m really excited about this challenge and creating a line.
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Wonderful post, Irene … and your grandkids are so cute! (My new grandson is a Jaxon too. 😉 ) You’ve got a great theme, and I can’t wait to see what you do with it. So nice to be in the BALC with you!
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Thanks for sharing the pics of your lovely family with us! I loved seeing the way your work has evolved since you first started out – it’s great encouragement for me as a newbie jewelry designer. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
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It is wonderful to have creative friends! Beautiful pictures, and a great blog!
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Loved your blog! It was great to see your designs of the past! Your polymer pieces have always been my favorites. Can’t wait to see what you create for 2016. Nice to see the family and friends pics too. Hope to see you in May my friend!
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Thanks Janet and hope to see you in May as well sweet lady. We’ll have a blast.
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Great post Renie. I’m sure you will come up with something awesome. You always do! I’m jealous that you have 4 grandsons. 🙂
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Thanks Debbie. Soon to have 4 grandsons and they are amazing.
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Great post, Irene! Can’t wait to see your casual line and love the “ingredients” you’re using. You’ll cook up some smashing pieces! x
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Great post! Love your “ingredients” and you’ll cook up a smashing casual line! x
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Thanks for sharing with us Irene!
I love getting to see a behind the scenes look at your life and your work! You have made many beautiful works of art, and I look forward to seeing what you create next!
I know it is always good to have a few cheerleaders on your side as a creative artist, you definitely have an awesome support team and I believe having that will help you go even farther 😀
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Your work is so beautiful. It touches my heart so I know you will do great things with your new line. I am anxious for its debut!
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Irene I love your polymer clay assemblage! It makes me want to pull out my polymer clay and create beautiful flowers like yours. I am looking forward to seeing what you develop for your line.
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Loved you blog!! You have such wonderful designs already….looking forward to your next venture!
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Enjoyed your blog, Irene! The story is great and so glad you’re enjoying your grand kids! :*
– Catherine S.
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Thanks ao much Catherine.
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Very nice assortment of items you have there. Looking forward to seeing what you do with them.
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Hi Irene, It has been a pleasure being in this class with you. I can’t wait to see your finished pieces. I’m certain they will be beautiful.
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Hi Irene. I am an admirer of your jewelry. As a fellow beadweaver, I love what you do with the book chain. Your theme will appeal to a broad range of customers. Looking forward to seeing your pieces.
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Wonderful blog. Always love to see your beautiful clay pieces. I think your theme will be great!
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Very excited to see what you make with all of those beautiful hearts!
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Thanks so much Allison.
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Looking to seeing what you’re doing. Should be great!
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Thank you Paula.
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Your new line has all my favorites-I know it’s gonna be SPECTACULAR!
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Thank you so much. I cant get enough of those hearts. Hope they turn out how I envision them. 💗💗
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I am a proud owner of “Renie” original!! I love your blog and the jewelry your create. It is as sunny and vibrant as you are! The “love of your life” is adorable.
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Thanks so much Fran. You know how it goes with the loves of our life. Just special. 💗😘
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Absolutely lovely, love your blog your colors and your love for your family shows in your work. I am looking forward to seeing some of your finished products.
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Thank you so much. I’m glad it shows. 😊
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Beautiful work as always! Always inspiring Irene! xoxo
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Thanks so much Beanz. Means a lot 💗💗
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I love the skill and beauty you show in your designs Irene. Can’t wait to see what you’re going to do in this go-round. I’m sure it will be lovely.
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Thanks so much Teresa.
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Such beautiful stuff, so much to love here! Hang in there, I’m sure whatever comes of it will be great. 🙂
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Thank you so much Leslie.
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What a beautiful family you have Irene, thank you for sharing them! And your jewelry is luscious. I’m looking forward to the next blog hop to see everyone’s progress.
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Thanks Beth. Yes I’m looking forward to everyones progress also.
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Cool components, looking forward to seeing your line.
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I am so looking forward to seeing what you create with al those hearts..your work is always beautiful.
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Thanks so much Kelly. I love working with hearts. Always one of my faves.
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You do such a lovely job! Your clay work is amazing! And your workshop elf is quite adorable. 😉 I can’t wait to see how your line comes together.
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I absolutely love what you done with the hearts.. beautiful line! It was a pleasure being in class with you 🙂
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