2016 Build A Line Master Class Challenge, Part 1

BALC 2016 Image

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.

PM Family Collage 1-2016

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.

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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.

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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

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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

Mary Reckmeyer, Afrayed Not

http://www.afrayedknot.net

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

http://lnreeve00.blogspot.com

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

Susan Bolton, Fern’s Place

http://www.fernsplace.org

Chris Kemp, Noodle Pie Bracelets

http://noodlepiebracelets.com

Barbara Kelley, Angels’ Keep

http://angelskeepbandbdotcom.wordpress.com

Susan Bowerman, Woodside Wireworks

http://woodsidewireworks.com/

Pamela Anger, Novegatti Designs

http://novegattidesigns.blogspot.com

Joan Donovan, Hailey’s Cottage

http://haileyscottage.com/

Alison Huie, Ally’s Baubles

http://www.allysbaubles.blogspot.com

Sharon Palac, Sharon’s Jewelry Garden

http://www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

Erica Olmos, Beeb’s Closet

https://beebscloset.wordpress.com

Erin Whitacre, Shattered Time Jewelry

https://shatteredtimejewelry.wordpress.com

Fran Sitton, Sitton Up Front

https://sittonupfront.wordpress.com

Ginger Hammond, Lynn Leigh Designs

https://lynnleighdesigns.wordpress.com

Paula Gaskill, Lovely LaylaBug Jewels

http://www.lovelylaylabugjewels.com/Blog.php

Mary Deis, The Rose Sword

http://theroseswordmdeis.blogspot.com

Renee Webb Allen, Small Stuff Design

http://smallstuffdesign.com

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

Donna Parry, JewelryDonna

http://jewelrydonna.typepad.com

Gina-Marie Hammer, Tangles, Twists and Treasures

http://tanglestwistsandtreasures.com/blog/

Kelly Wymer, Winged Wisdom Enchantments

https://wingedwisdomenchantments.wordpress.com/

68 thoughts on “2016 Build A Line Master Class Challenge, Part 1”

  4. 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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  5. Belinda says:

    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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  14. trendyjewelrydesignsbykristyle says:

    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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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  20. Janet Calardo says:

    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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  21. beetique says:

    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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  22. Renee Allen says:

    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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  24. 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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  25. fernsplace says:

    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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  26. Elisabeth Wilks says:

    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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  30. Shari Lynn Gardner says:

    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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  31. 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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  41. Beth Trubman says:

    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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