Sunday, June 20, 2010

Labor of Love: Custom Jewelry

There's something about making custom pieces that both humbles and terrifies me. I mean, what could be more flattering than someone asking you to make their vision come to fruition? They must have liked the style of my jewelry designs, right? And I can only assume that they must have confidence in my metalsmithing techniques—my ability to fabricate what they are dreaming of, right?

So why, then, do I have this whispering voice of doubt in the back of my head that says, "Oh my, somebody has entrusted me with making their vision come to fruition?" Why am I not able to breathe easy until I get word that the piece was received and is absolutely adored?

I don't know why. I guess I worry that the finished piece won't live up to their expectations, and how my reputation as a jeweler is on the line. But I'm going to let you in on a secret: even through all that, I love doing custom work. I love the departure from my usual designs, I love working with the client, making design decisions, and turning ideas into realities. I love knowing that the recipient is going to wear a piece that has personal meaning, one that was made deliberately, with care, with the sentiment behind the piece in mind.

This spring, I had the opportunity to fabricate a few ideas into wearable pieces.

Emily, from Mousy Brown's House, asked me to make the necklace she had been dreaming up. She had a long list of elements she wanted to include, and was creative enough to be able to translate all her wishes into a design. It had to reflect her personality, and remind her of the good things in life. She had a clear vision of what she wanted polished, and which parts she wanted roughed up. And it had to have a little silver mouse. The photo above is the set of charms that hung from the silver ring, making the focal point of the pendant. That mouse? I didn't get a good picture of it but you can view a few good shots of it over at her blog, where she wrote about it.

The length was another unique element of the design. She wanted it to be long, so she could "wear it with pride above her clothes, or tuck in and enjoy secretly." Well, long she got, and I think she is on to something here. That length makes quite a statement.

I also had the pleasure of creating an anniversary piece for a couple. The husband came to me with a request for a piece that would symbolize the fact that he and his wife had now been together for more than half their lives. He, too, had a clear vision—a simple "clock" with 55% of it in polished silver, the rest oxidized black. The contrast of this uncomplicated design is striking, and represents much meaning for this husband and wife.

When it comes to custom work, I've learned to focus on these things: listening, asking, and reading between the lines. I include the client in as much, or as little, of the design process as they want, and I stay in touch and provide updates. Given all of this, you'd think I'd be a little more confident about how the pieces will be received. Well I'm not, but I'm starting to realize that all that fussing is exactly what makes custom pieces such a unique experience—a labor of love.

16 comments:

  1. I get the same feeling too when making custom pieces, i guess that is really normal! We just have to embrace our fear and practise courage!Your pieces are gorgeous and you always make such lovely items! I really adore your creations lots ~ they always make me smile! Have a lovely merry happy week and love to yoU!

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  2. I love it! I went over and saw the mouse too, so wonderful Amy! YOu are so talented!

    lisa

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  3. i feel exactly the same way about custom work. Humbled, terrified and totally thrilled to be doing something a little different with someone else's ideas for inspiration...i find it pushes me to do things I wouldn't have done on my own. these pieces are fantastic. I think the long chain is the next big thing which I of course will attribute to you dolly.

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  4. you really nailed it with your description of custom work amy. at it's best custom pieces become a wonderful collaboration don't they, but they can also be so very scary.
    I love both of these pieces in your post so much.

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  5. None of that fear was obvious to me - you made me feel all secure and safe! I love the results and love even more that you consider it a collaboration, how honoured that makes me feel! Thank you for including me in your labour of love, it makes my necklace even more cherished (if thats possible)- heres to the next project! xxx

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  6. beautiful creating amy!
    this is exactly the way a project needs to be done, great job all around! xo

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  7. Nice post and description of your work for your custom jewelry pieces. They are truly unique.

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  8. This is so funny to read since I have been meaning to get in touch with you about a quote for a custom piece.

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  9. Dearest Amy, i came by to let you know how much i enjoyed your story and interview over at lovely's Dana's blog!! It's amazingly inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing! Love to you!

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  10. Gorgeous. I love your work, Amy.
    Nicola

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  11. I loved reading your process for creating custom pieces. It must be really challenging to use someone else's idea for the basis of your design...although maybe it is a matter tapping into some greater connective force...cool to think about really. Your work is amazing.

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  12. Love! love! love! the concept behind the anniversary piece. Brilliant! I too love doing custom work, so much so that's what I solely offer. I enjoy supporting a clients vision into fruition - it's so amazing to enter the creative process with another, the concepting, the decision making, the refining until - just right. Perfection. I paint or pastel could feel they'd feel excited + honored each time an artist uses them on their canvas - just as I am when a client asks me to create a custom piece for them (logo, website, drawing - it's all the same!)

    Love the way you think and your style of rough + shiny = genius!

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  13. Great post Amy. I feel exactly the same way, custom work is thrilling and challenging, but scares me the whole way through it.

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  14. wow, these look like beautiful labors of love! i can see how they really mean something to the people you are creating them for. i don't know how they couldn't help but love them.

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  15. Custom orders terrify and excite me, too! You are not alone in your feelings.

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  16. I love these custom pieces. The length definitely makes a statement. I never wear anything that long, but this has me thinking that I should!

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