So a very interesting thing happened to me during this hop. I started off thinking that I'd make one pearl bracelet, and decided that it wasn't reflective of my style. But the really interesting thing is, I didn't realize that I had a style until recently.
I think one of the most difficult things for me as a designer has been trying to figure out what materials, patterns and colors really reflect a distinct look for me. I like so many styles, and I'm game to try just about any new design or technique that crosses my path. But as a designer, I have come to realize that I do need to settle on what exactly shouts out ... "oh yes, that really does look like her." 
Sometimes identifying what isn't what you want is just as important as identifying what is perfectly you. I was lucky enough to experience exactly that at Bead Fest. I didn't know it at the time, but realized later that I'd had a moment in time that was very defining. I was wearing a bracelet at Bead Fest that I'd made just before the show. I actually don't wear much jewelry, so the fact that I had on a bracelet is serendipitous. I figured that I was at Bead Fest and I might as well show a few pieces off.
I had designed a pearl and onyx multi-layered bracelet (above right). It has soft grey pearls and matte onyx rondelles. But the interesting thing is that while I was out one night, a fellow blogger said to me "that bracelet just doesn't look like your style." And I thought 'huh, I have a style?"
I think sometimes it is so much easier for someone else to notice these things way before you do yourself. Even if it is about me. I'm just too close to it I guess.
All of this got me thinking. And I am so glad that someone was honest enough to say that to me. Because the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there were definite styles, patterns and techniques that I gravitate toward.
So when I started to think about what comes easily to me, those patterns and materials that just flow when I start to create. The ones that I don't even have to give a second thought to ... that's when it hit me. I realized that I at least know what comprises my style. And pearls are definitely in the repertoire. But still I was struggling to put a name to it. Here's the fun part. I asked a friend, Christine of One Kiss Creation - you'll see her listed below, if she'd help. It took her about 2 seconds and she said it's "ethnic boho" ... OMG, that's it! Thank you Christine! I am making a promise to myself to embrace and stick to my style once and for all, now that I know what it is!
Antiquity Travelers <------ You Are Here
Okay - well, style or no style - I LOVE that bracelet!! It will go perfectly with my "Queen Mary" necklace I did for this hop! And I love the leather one,too,...and BOTH pair of earrings - wowsers! I know what you mean about finding your 'style' and liking so many different things - I'm the same in that aspect. But, something that 'changed' me and resonated with me was a quote from Marc Jacobs where he said "Be open. If you dress to suit your mood - as you should - you don't need a signature look." And I just adapted/changed that to "If you design to suite your mood - as you should - you don't need a signature style". But I do see a need to at least try to define what style you mostly create and I think Christine nailed it for you!! Thanks for participating in the hop, I'm so glad you did - and I'm glad you like pearls too - they're so cool!! (I'm such a dork, aren't I?!!) LOL! :-)
ReplyDeleteEthnic boho is correct!
ReplyDeleteI am trying to pick a favorite from all this gorgeousness...I think I will go with the last pair of earrings!
Well... hmmm.....I love the bracelet that "isn't your style" and I kinda disagree - I think it fits in perfectly with what I've seen of your work. I too think I am all over the place with my style but I think that sometimes our style changes - I know that mine has since I first started making jewelry. I love your work and these designs are no exception but my fav, fav, fav is the suede/pearl earrings. May have to borrow that as a little inspiration for myself. Great blog post!
ReplyDeleteI would say ethnic boho fits the pieces you made for this challenge very well and I love that last pair earrings you made. So cool! I also like what you did with your leather strap bracelets!
ReplyDeleteI too have had other's recognize my style before I did. It's an ever evolving process. Great post!
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pearl creations! I agree with what Shel said cause she said it best. I also agree with Christine that your main style is Ethnic Boho. I love the Onyx and gray Pearl bracelet.
Therese
The question of style is interesting. It's great to define, embrace and then refine your style. However, then it might also be possible to get trapped in your style. So long as it flows and feels right go with it. I love the motion of your pieces. The fringe earrings and the leather bracelet seem so alive!
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I'm not even up on the words that one would use to describe their "style" but these fit you really well! I have no clue what my "style" is, I'm really glad you were able to find a name for yours, I think it probably really helps when designing!
ReplyDeleteYou've really made me a fan of leather and pearls, Cynthia! Really love the pink pearls dangling from the leather fringe in the earrings. It's been so much fun to see how everyone incorporates pears into their styles.
ReplyDeleteLynda
I am still trying to figure out my "style"--if I even have one, yet. I so appreciate your revelations about style--at the same time, I really love your designs--no matter what style they are, they are yours. And so beautifully done! I love all of them, but the earrings are my favorite--Thank you! Gina H
ReplyDeleteLovely pearl jewelry! And I tend to agree with your comments on style - I think it is much more easily perceived by the observer ...just don't let them box you in too much ;)
ReplyDeleteOh WOW...I love your designs...all of them! But I really love the Black and Grey one!
ReplyDeleteJust FABULOUS!
I love everything you create and that black bracelet would be my style! I see dog bones in the other bracelet and the earrings so animals are my style too! :)
ReplyDeleteThat matte onyx and pearl bracelet is most definitely your style...I see it in the smaller detail of how you finished it off. So you! And so gorgeous in its simplicity of color and multiple strands. The other bracelet is very tribal and really has so many great elements to it...the leather, stitching, dancing bones and dancing pearls~all so cool and funky! The leather and bone earrings are awesome~they look like they have great movement. But that tan suede and pearl pair....those are IT!!! I absolutely love that pair~style, sway, caramel and cream. I think I need to stop before I work myself into a frenzy! Knowing you, you will never be trapped by a title to your style and will fearlessly try others that excite you :-)
ReplyDeleteYour creations are amazing, Cynthia! Those pearl and black dangly earrings...wow :)
ReplyDeleteWell I like all of your different styles, but "ethnic boho" fits you nicely!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! As I was reading I was thinking that you do have a specific style but did not quite know what it is. Christine is right on!!! I am loving your use of leather lately. So great.
ReplyDeleteI like your style and I love the new treasures you are showing on your blog today ;o)
ReplyDeleteYou know I love everything you make... but this post made me think a bit deeper. I've been thinking around the same lines for a while (some say that's a sign of growth) and I love that you got your 'aha' moment, along with a good friend to help defining it :) I know first-hand (and you know I know) how valuable such a friendly 'intervention' is - and now that Christine put a name on it, I must admit that's exactly it! I thought "ethnic" as many time as I thought "boho" while admiring your work.
ReplyDeleteLovely all around :)
I think it's great that this Pearl Blog Hop also became an opportunity for self-reflection for you as a jewelry designer!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you find the leather pieces on the left to better reflect your style. They are quite wonderful--I enjoy all your work! I must admit though, I'm in awe of how the black bracelet flatters the wrist and I admire that lovely clasp and closure! It's very flattering!
Nice work and thanks for giving us something to think about too!
What a thought-provoking post. I think we've all wondered about our style and if it is important to have one. Like the others above, whatever your style, I sure like it! I've always been drawn to your designs and your talent. You've shown a real variety of pearl designs here - so hard to pick a favorite. I have to say though that I'm crazy about your leather tassel earrings - so original and definitely boho chic! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, great post! I love the fringe earrings and the bracelet is soooo unique. Great job. Thanks for Sharing!
ReplyDeleteI found everything your wrote about identifying your style so interesting. I'm the exact opposite in that I know my style - but I constantly try to push myself beyond and away from my style.
ReplyDeleteI love all of your pearl creations - especially the bracelets! Gorgeous!
Lisa
http://www.lisayangjewelry.com
I can see why it only took two seconds for our friend to come up with that! and I totally agree with her on the love of those leather & bone earrings. I like your style very much, beautiful creations, all.
ReplyDelete