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2020: How my spiritual practice will impact my business

11/10/2020

3 Comments

 
As I'm sure I've mentioned before, 2020 has been.... well, it's been something. Interesting. Confounding. Confusing and frightening. But also enlightening. I've chosen to embrace learning the lessons this year has offered (and has yet to) and shift my focus from what's done to what's still to come.

I've already embraced a sort of minimalism in many aspects of my life, cutting the clutter from my space and mind. Shedding myself of "things" that have served no other purpose than to either create in me a sense of guilt or a false sense of security. And this has been an incredibly freeing part of my personal growth these last few months. 
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But, while I've always taken time to meditate, practice gratitude and journal on a daily basis, the true mess this year has made of things has further driven home the need for cleansing... of a different sort. Ironically, as you can see pictured, my sacred space is the only space in my home you could say lacks the minimalism I've otherwise wholly embraced. But each thing has great meaning and usefulness to me and my practice.

This is my creative and spiritual oasis. Some may assume my desk, where I create my jewelry and tutorials, would better serve this purpose. But, because jewelry is my business, I've learned it suits my productivity better when my work space remains practical and usable and easy to navigate. However, that's not to say I don't carry my spiritual inspiration, lessons and messages from my meditation cushion to the workbench. 
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And now, because my focus has shifted significantly towards my spiritual progress, you might be seeing this represented more in my work moving forward. 

Some may know that I've been pagan since adolescence, and have enjoyed sharing the symbolism of my practice through the Goddess pendants I've made and Tree of Life designs. 

But now you may (or may not... no judgments) be interested to know that, coming soon, I'll be introducing wands and more witchy-inspired goods to my shop! 
These new designs were all conceived here, in my sacred space, where I'm surrounded by the symbolism of my life-long practice, my Slavic roots and ancestors, and the peace of stepping away from the crazy of 2020, if only for a few minutes a day. 

I hope you'll enjoy the designs to come and maybe derive a little peace of your own. 

Brightest blessings,
​Nicole
3 Comments

2020: How minimalism will impact my business

9/15/2020

12 Comments

 
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So, if you've followed me for a hot minute, you may know I've dabbled in the idea of Low Buy/No Buy exercises (with varying degrees of success), and have embraced a certain idea of minimalism, if not a direct representation of it.

A caveat (because sometimes the clarification is important to avoid the impression I'm passing judgment on those who don't live the way I live): Minimalism is a journey, totally dependent on the person partaking of it, and there is no one way to understand or live a minimalist life. 
Let's get a little personal.

While I've always been a rather organized person, I've also always had a penchant for collecting things. First it was books. I'd amassed a library of 5000 books in my younger years and enjoyed them at times, for sure, but also became acutely aware, when I moved with my husband to Michigan, that they became more a burden than relief from burden. As a family of four, our space was limited and decisions were required to make the most use of our space and to feed our mental health and the health of our family, as a whole. Not only was a book-purchasing habit financially ill-advised at the time, but they drew me away from acknowledging and dealing with stress in a healthier manner. Obviously, this doesn't speak to everyone who has a library of books at their disposal, but is only a comment on my own experience with this addiction.

And I've found, over the years, that my answer to stress or guilt or grief was to feed my addiction to acquire. Yes, I donated my entire collection of books to the local library book sale and moved exclusively to borrowed, rented or electronic books. But when grief became a constant friend a few years later, I found myself acquiring things anew. This time it was tarot decks and purses and clothes and things I felt would somehow provide a fulfillment that I was otherwise missing because of the loss I'd recently experienced.

It took a long time, four years actually, to recognize the habits I'd formed and how they negatively impacted my mental and spiritual space, and to take steps to rectify the behaviors and partake in a little self love by, well, not partaking, as the case may be. 
2020 Has Been A Real BITCH. 
Let's be honest. 

But it's also been a positive journey towards understanding where happiness resides, and how to remove the noise in my life to see it there... that happiness... waiting. And it hasn't been easy. In fact, I'd say it's been the most difficult process of my life, re-evaluating what I hold worth in, and why that worth wasn't directed, from the very beginning, at myself, my family and the earth. 

Yes, the earth. Because, with minimalism, also came an understanding of our impact on the earth. But don't worry, this wont be a lecture on going green and carbon footprints, I promise.
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I've reduced my wardrobe, purses, tarot decks, personal items, kitchen items, only to those things I truly value, that I use or take time to appreciate daily. If it had time to collect dust, that's time I'd forgotten what worth I'd assigned to that thing in the first place. And I'm aware now, more than before, the impact that unconscious spending and acquiring has on my life and the wider world. Last year, I had more than 200 Amazon packages delivered to my home, 200 boxes and bubble wrap and packaging in landfills, 200 trips to my door. And how many of those 200 items did I truly find value in? I actually went through my 2019 Amazon orders and only 19 are items I still have or would purchase again. Wow. Talk about an eye-opening exercise! 

So I've become conscious of the waste I leave behind, and the distraction from the people and things important to me. And, as a business owner, I don't want to contribute to waste and clutter and things without value. Sure, I make baubles and sell baubles and love that people wear my baubles and enjoy them. I love that people value what I offer and that I can offer something worthy of that at all. But I want to do so consciously. Purposefully. Meaningfully. 

Because of that, you may notice some changes to how I run my business and offer my products. It's been a journey in itself, finding solutions to product packaging, for instance, that are entirely eco-friendly, while still embracing a minimalist home. If you run a business, you'll know what I mean.... it can over-run your living space! So I was on the hunt for packaging I could buy in bulk (thus reducing the amount of deliveries and carbon emissions) but would fit in the space allotted to it, and was 100% recyclable. 
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Did you know that even though a mailing label or sticker may be marked as "recyclable" that often the papers it comes adhered to isn't. That not all tissue paper can be recycled, and not all ink can be recycled?

Well, I finally found all the things to safely and securely package my items, while remaining 100% eco-friendly. 
When you receive a package from me, the entire box, from the packaging tape to the label can be tossed directly in your recycle bin. Easy peasy. No mess. No guilt. And an entire year's worth of supplies fits snugly in my office nook. No more overtaking cabinets or closets in every room of the house. 

But it's not just packaging. While this may not be everyone's favorite change, I am no longer accepting any custom requests for anything not currently in my available materials inventory. I am only ordering jewelry-making supplies once a year, again to reduce carbon emissions and packaging waste. If I do not have a 24" chain to substitute with the 20" chain offered, for instance, I will not be buying chain specifically to accommodate that request. While I don't typically take custom requests regardless, if I should take one and it requires materials I don't have on hand, the request will (sadly) be denied. I want to push myself (and encourage any artist out there to do the same) to use what I have before investing in more. More, in my case, is simply a distraction from creation. I call it "decision overwhelm", when I see too many things and fail to actually start a project because I can't decide what to use. It's the same reason I reduced my entire wardrobe to essentials. I no longer have to spend time deciding what to wear and can just put on what's available and get on with doing things.

And, I'm sure, during the months to come, the need for more change will make itself apparent, and I hope you'll bear with me while I continue to transition to a sustainable, minimalist and ultimately happier way of life. It continues to be a struggle, but I'm daily working towards buying consciously from people and brands I believe in, for things I truly value, and to offer those things to others in return. 

Stay creative, folks (and I assure you that you can do so with less)!
Nicole
12 Comments

June "Finish it!" Design Challenge: Winners

7/24/2020

3 Comments

 
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Well, here we are at the end of another "Finish It!" Design Challenge, and the journey was well worth the wait (though I hope we don't have to wait so long for the next one). The entries were absolutely fantastic, and each of them deserves attention and praise, for their ingenuity and originality. I do tend to prefer these wire-only challenges, as they (hopefully) inspire others to design for designing sake, and not for an embellishment to a stone or focal. And you all always instill in me a true sense of appreciation for the beauty and versatility of wire.
If you haven't perused the Gallery of Entries yet, click here to view all the beautiful work!
Now on to the winners! But first, I'll say a big thank you to everyone for participating. You fill me with a sense of creativity and reignite my passion for design, each and every time I see one of these pieces, and I hope you participants all had fun giving it a go. 
GROUP FAVORITE
​Hannah Gilman

Hannah knocked it out of the park with her project, resoundingly voted as your Group Favorite. I love that she took the steps and built upon it an entire vase of natural elements, with leaves and petals and flowers peeking through. I think I see something new every single time I've viewed this image and admired the creativity, and definitely plan to revisit it often for inspiration. Hannah has a true understanding of flow and attention to detail. Well done! 
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JUDGED FAVORITE
Caroline Louise

Now the pre-selected panel of judges also appreciated Hannah's beautiful workmanship, but we unanimously adored Caroline's 3-D creation. I almost found it impossible to believe it started from the same set of instructions I provided, and spent a (seriously ridiculous) amount of time dissecting this work. Still, I'm dumbstruck by the structural beauty of this work. This piece is a well-deserved win! 
Both winners deserve a round of applause for their work, as does everyone who participated in the challenge. I'm always so humbled by the entries received, the participant's excitement and encouraging words to one another. You all represent a true sense of community, and I'm just happy to be a part of it. 

These winners have received their $25 cash prizes and have been emailed regarding the other winnings. I hope you'll head on over to the Pinterest gallery, if you haven't already, and show your appreciation for these two amazing designers, as well as all those who took the time to enter with their original creations. 

Thank you and happy weaving,
​Nicole
3 Comments

June 2020 "Finish it!" Design Challenge, Gallery of Entries

7/16/2020

11 Comments

 
Yup, you've gone and done it again and created some absolutely fantastic entries for this (long awaited) design challenge. Not that I ever expect any of you to disappoint, but you've certainly exceeded expectations! Some had similar ideas to my own, as regards the flow and shape, but each were absolutely unique in the finished vision, which is why I love these contests so much! I'm always amazed by the effort, intensity and dedication to ones craft displayed by each of these entrants, and am filled with inspiration as a result. 
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Now VOTING BEGINS and it's time for the normal contest jargon....
View the GALLERY OF ENTRIES here (please view from desktop or laptop as the link is proving finicky from phones and tablets)

​I often hear a lot of folks say that tutorials somehow negate the creative force, that following the instructions of another lacks a sense of originality. And this design challenge proves exactly why that's nonsense! Instruction is not law, it's not immutable. You are allowed to work with the flow of a lesson, or row down your own river. It's a jumping-off point, but not canon. I love to see how others change designs, allow mistakes to happen, cut wires too short accidentally and have to improvise. Those moments always spoke to me on a personal level, and offered me the opportunity to own the process, which is exactly what these entrants have done. They OWNED it! 

(Please note: I received 69 emails and responded to each. I checked my spam folder daily to make sure I didn't miss a single entry. If you attempted to enter and do not see your entry in the gallery, please send me an email ASAP. I will add your entry to the gallery as quickly as I'm able.)


The gallery of entries will be available for VOTING, however, through July 22nd, 2020. Voting is open only to those who participated in the contest. To vote:

  • Please only ONE vote per participant. If the same person comments with their vote on multiple entries, all comments will be dismissed, and the vote invalidated. Please, only vote once.
  • Please use the word "VOTED" in the comments of the entry to cast your vote. 
  • If, for any reason, you cannot place your vote yourself, contact nicole@nicolehannajewelry.com (or through the contact page here on this website) with your choice and I will vote on your behalf.
  • Please only vote if you are a participant in this contest. 

A note to non-participating viewers and commentators…. please reserve the term “VOTED” for participants only, to avoid confusion during the judging process, but do feel free to comment as a show of appreciation for the beautiful work submitted. These entries are worthy of the recognition they receive and then some.

On July 23rd, votes will be tallied and the “Group Favorite” (most voted by participants) will win my completed version of this project, any ten tutorials of their choice and a $25 cash prize via PayPal. In the case of a tie, I will place the deciding vote.

Also, a “Judged Favorite”, chosen by a panel of four jewelry artists and three “consumers” (who are not participating in the contest), will also receive any ten tutorials of their choice and a $25 cash prize via PayPal.

Every contestant should receive the finished version of this tutorial as a thank you for his or her participation. This tutorial will be sent as a reply to all the participants, within the next day or two. Please check your spam folder or contact me at nicole@nicolehannajewelry.com if you do not receive your copy of the tutorial by the end of the weekend.

Thank you all so much!

Happy weaving!
Nicole
11 Comments

June 2020 "Finish it!" Design Challenge

6/9/2020

8 Comments

 
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Unrelated Gratuitous Cat Photo
Well, it's been a hot minute, hasn't it? Almost a full year since the last design challenge and I'd say I'm definitely ready to be inspired, amazed and enthralled by the talent you all eternally possess. While life has seen fit to distract me from posting this challenge, I'm here to say at last it arrives!

The usual contest jargon is as follows:
Enter between June 10-July 15. Open world wide.

The purpose of the "Finish It!" challenge is to encourage the participants to extend themselves, their talents and creativity beyond the limitations of a single set of instructions and create pieces uniquely their own. Tutorials have been an integral part of my personal evolution as a jewelry artist, from such talents as Eni Oken, Iza Malzcyk, IMNIUM and Lonely Soldier. And my progression from the steps and instructions provided to me by others has been a worthwhile journey towards my own creative self-discovery. Tutorials need never represent a "cookie cutter" aesthetic, nor the only design possibility, but rather a gateway to limitless possibilities, and the entries received for these contests have proven, time and again, the truth of that statement.

Here’s the gist: At the bottom of this post is a link to a tutorial or, more accurately, the beginning of a tutorial, and ending abruptly less than halfway through the instruction. Your job is to create a piece beginning with the steps, as explained in the file, but ending with your own imagination!
Contest Rules:

  • No beads or stones may be used at all. This is a wire-only challenge.
  • To assure fairness, only the size of wire gauge may be changed. All lengths listed must be utilized (with the exception of tails too small to use). Wire color or type (copper, bronze, silver, etc) are up to each contestant.
  • Tools not listed may not be used at all during the construction of your piece. However, the pliers may be substituted for any other single pair of pliers. If a hammer, for example, isn't listed in the "Materials & Tools" list provided with the instruction, it may not be used during the construction of your piece. *Finishing tools and processes, such as for polishing and oxidizing, may be used as they do not directly influence the size and shape of the finished design.
  • ​All weaves detailed in the beginning of this lesson must be utilized in the piece. However, other weaves may be added once the required steps are completed.
  • When a piece is completed to his or her satisfaction, the contestant is asked to submit a single photo of a single finished piece via email, to nicole@nicolehannajewelry.com. Please title this email “Contest Entry”. No compilation photos. One single clear photo is requested. The completed project may be photographed on a chain, if desired, and on any display. Please save the image file as "Your Name Here" and send as an attachment (not embedded in the email). Following these submission guidelines assures your entry is not missed! The deadline for this submission is July 15, 2020, 11:59 pm (US Eastern). Note: Photoscape and Picasa are both free programs suitable for image resizing and photo editing, as needed.
  • On July 16th, an album will be created on Pinterest containing the submitted entries, then put to vote before all participants. Note: By submitting an entry to the “Finish it!” Design Challenge, you are granting Nicole Hanna permission to display your image online for the purposes of promoting or running this contest.
  • The participants will vote for “Group Favorite”, by commenting on their favorite entry (only one comment, on only one entry), with all votes submitted between July 16th and Midnight July 21st. If you do not have a Pinterest account, or (for any reason) cannot comment on the entries to cast your vote, please submit your vote to nicole@nicolehannajewelry.com and I will comment on your behalf. More on this in a later post.
  • Votes will be tallied and winners announced July 22nd.​
While this is mostly intended to reward you with a sense of accomplishment, the “Group Favorite” will win my completed version of this project and any ten tutorials of their choice, plus $25 via PayPal (be sure to be PayPal ready!)

A “Judged Favorite”, chosen by a panel of four jewelry artists and three “consumers” (none of which will be participating in the contest), will also receive any ten tutorials of their choice plus $25 via PayPal.
​
Every contestant will receive the finished version of this tutorial simply for participating. This tutorial will arrive as a reply to your submission email, after the contest is closed to new entries, so check your spam folder if you do not receive it by July 22nd. Also, be sure your email host will accept incoming attachments. I've had many emails rejected because the mail box was full, or security settings did not allow attachments.

Note: Please access this file via a laptop or desktop computer. Some mobile devices are uncooperative with PDF downloads, and I may not be able to address requests for manual email delivery of this file in a timely manner (thus using up your submission time).
finish_it_design_challenge.pdf
File Size: 1671 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

8 Comments

My 2019 Depth year journey?

5/3/2020

3 Comments

 
Some of you may recall, I had big plans for 2019, which included (among other unfulfilled things... foreshadowing... ahem) a depth year journey. 

What is a depth year? It's basically a conscious decision to purchase with intent and to find joy in current possessions, hobbies and passions, without adding to the noise, so to speak.

I had rather specific guidelines and goals set aside for myself, in regards to this journey, which included shopping restrictions, but also hobbies I wanted to further invest myself in, such as reading, sketching and poetry, as well as maintaining a consistent daily spiritual practice.

​So how did it go? 
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Let me preface this by saying that, while I've been disappointed in my lack of progress with outlined goals, I've since come to a point of acceptance and self-love that allows me to acknowledge it's okay to experience your day, week or year within the parameters of your energy and needs. This means that, no, I didn't meet my goals. Not a single one. But that's okay. 

I spent too much money. I bought too many planners and too many clothes and too many purses. More of any one thing than I am likely to use. Not only did I spend money, but I realized too late what a superfluous purchase it was, then later re-sold it or gave away many of the things I had acquired. I recognize the waste I caused and in which I indulged, and I'm working steadily to make better choices as the weeks unfold. 

However, it's been a struggle. 

Last fall, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. This illness persisted for longer than anticipated and, even when my tests came back negative and I was clear of the illness, I was feeling lethargic, unmotivated and uninspired. This has continued through today. In February, however, an answer arrived in a diagnosed of  ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, most likely triggered by the viral pneumonia (in theory), and was told to expect my physical and emotional stressors to continue indefinitely.

So how does this relate to my depth year and 2019 goals? 

It has led me to understand that it's okay. That it's acceptable and encouraged to make allowances which encourage self-care. Sometimes this means goals and plans must be sacrificed so my energy may be utilized in ways that many take for granted... taking a shower, folding a load of laundry, grocery shopping or an afternoon with the in-laws. But it has also taught me that there's no excuse for indulging in unhealthy behaviors and habits that are not feeding my wellness, but adding to its demise. 

What does this mean moving forward? 

It means I'm taking things slow. I'm keeping myself accountable for using my resources responsibly, which include my energy and my finances. It means lessons may be released late, videos may be postponed, personal art projects may remain in a perpetual state of "almost complete", and how I interact with others is altered to protect my mental health. 

And I hope those of you out there who also experience chronic illness are recognizing your needs and finding healthy ways to address them, without guilt, without regret and without self-admonishment. You deserve to care for yourself first, before you can care for the needs of others. 

Stay safe everyone and stay creative!
​
3 Comments

Updates, Tutorial membership and online workshop!

8/5/2019

8 Comments

 
Well, it's been quite the roller-coaster ride these last couple months, and definitely a hot minute since I've last left a post here in my blog. 

Since I've been quite entranced by participating in the live chats in my Facebook group, all those tricky topics I like to cover in posts are preemptively discussed during chats, so I often find myself, believe it or not, with little to write about. But I'm hoping to change that in the coming weeks! Lots have happened, there's tons to share, and I have a feeling the writer's bug will hit me square in the face once more. 

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But first, I'd like to give a huge shout-out to all you wonderful folks who visited with me on my Facebook business page a couple weeks ago and shared in my 15k Likes Facebook giveaway, which was 12 hours of phenomenal fun. You've not only made the experience fantastic, but also the journey getting there and I'm not being modest when I say I couldn't have done it without your support. 

Also, there's a boat load of stuff coming up that I have to share! First, later this month (August 16th) retired tutorials will be visiting my storefront once again, for two weeks. There will be a coupon code released all over social media (and I'll be sure to post it in the shopfront as well) good towards the purchase of these retired lessons. So if you've had hopes for the return of a particular design, keep an eye out because they're coming back! 

Second, September 1, 2019 marks the release of the second annual Tutorial Membership! The membership will only be available for purchase during the month of September, and you can read all about it by clicking the link highlighted above, or check the page beneath the "Learn to Wire Wrap" tab. If you have any questions regarding this massive tutorial discount program, don't hesitate to leave them below in the comments. Also, feel free to email me any time at nicole@nicolehannajewelry.com and I'll do my best to address any questions or concerns you may have. 

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And last, but certainly not least, October will bring to you an online workshop for my multi-stone pendant techniques! This workshop will include a two-stone PDF tutorial, a 1.5 hour three-stone video tutorial and a full-length, no cuts, video tutorial for a four stone design! The videos are designed for you to follow the process, no necessarily the exact design, so exact tools and materials are not listed, as wires are cut experimentally. 
You'll get to see how I create the bezels, attach stones together, layer with accent weaves, handle wire shortages or overages and deal with frustrations that might arise from unplanned designs. This workshop will appear as a purchase option in my storefront in October, and will grant you access to a link including the PDF and videos, for immediate access and download. The workshop will be priced at $99 and will be available for purchase through the month of October only! And don't forget... if you purchase the membership in September, you'll have your member's coupon code to use towards the purchase of the workshop! My email will also always be open to any questions or for trouble-shooting during your creative process while creating your multi-stone projects. 

But wait, there's more! Since the coming months are jammed packed with goodies, there likely will not be another Finish It! Design Challenge scheduled this year. Instead, during my Facebook group live chats, I'll be starting a project during the chat and choosing a name from the comments to receive the unfinished piece. This individual will then be tasked with completing the design using their own creative voice and vision! The first of these Finish It! Giveaways was a great success and I enjoyed seeing the completed project (which will be shared in the Facebook group).

I've laid a lot at your feet, so I'm going to head off, binge watch horror movies on Netflix and do some video editing! Have a fabulous day, everyone, and stay creative!

Nicole

8 Comments

April 2019 "Finish It!" Design Challenge WINNERS

5/24/2019

6 Comments

 
Okay, so here's the thing. It was pointed out to me, after the contest had closed, the gallery of entries posted, and the finished tutorial sent to all participants (by the way.... if you haven't received it or don't see it in your spam folder, give me a shout out), that I failed to use the 14 gauge round wire in my own piece!

Yes, that 14 gauge round wire that drove so many of you crazy was accidentally left in the list of materials used, as I'd originally intended to use it for a coiled bail but opted for the jump ring instead. So.... I'll be doing my own "Finish It!" challenge, including the 14 gauge round wire, just so I can understand the pain of my fellow participants. lol. 
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Anyway, that means I'm even MORE impressed with the entries, because the participants took the steps I provided (which didn't include that pesky 14 gauge wire) and had to incorporate that nonsense piece of wire in there somewhere! And boy did I open every single email submission I received and say to myself "Why didn't I think of that?" Because every single entry was outstanding. 

By the way, if you haven't already seen the Gallery of Entries, check out the gorgeous work by clicking the link highlighted above! You wont be disappointed. 
Now for the winners! We had both a "group favorite", voted for by the participants of the challenge (and only the participants, to help avoid a popularity contest), and a "judged favorite" chosen by a panel of seven individuals, myself included., who were non-participants in the challenge. So let's begin! 
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GROUP FAVORITE
Dalila Caria

​With an overwhelming number of the votes, this was not a surprising win. Creating a mask, utilizing such symmetry, and working that darn 14 gauge wire into the framing at the bottom is truly masterful work and looks stunning. I mean, I'd wear it all day every day and not even as a pendant, but as an actual mask! To mirror those swirls is a feat in and of itself and I'm immensely impressed with this craftsmanship
JUDGED FAVORITE
Lori Kalafos


I mean, seriously? I admit to being partial to owls anyway, but this incorporates so many different types of weaves that I'm really impressed. Even added in a coiled coil and hid that 14 gauge round wire like a boss! The little spikes beneath the eyes add so much dimension to the design and are such a nice compliment to the curves above the eyes, that it all flows together so beautifully. 

​Both of these participants deserve all the recognition they receive, because the work speaks for itself and demands notice and some real appreciation. These artists have a command of design that I'm, quite frankly, super jealous of right now and super inspired by. 
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Both winners will receive 10 tutorials of their choice and a $25 cash prize (payable via PayPal), and Dalila will receive my finished pendant (sans that 14 gauge round wire!). But honestly, guys, let's be straight.... the struggle to judge this was real, and I imagine that sentiment is shared by all the participants who cast their vote. Because every entry was a wonderful peek inside the character of its creator, and inspires in me the motivation and creative drive to get some work done! Thank you so much to everyone who participated, and I hope you will all check out the entries linked above and share some love with the contestants. 

See you in the next challenge! Stay creative!

​Nicole
6 Comments

April 2019 "Finish It!" Design Challenge GALLERY OF ENTRIES

5/16/2019

5 Comments

 
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Whooo boy! You guys never cease to amaze me and thrill me with your entries in the design challenges, and this challenge was no exception. Fifty-four outstanding entries traveled through my inbox and into this challenge and were coming to play hard ball! 

If you were curious about the completed design (which the entrants worked from), you can check it out to the left, but honestly..... mine pales in comparison to the work received during this challenge. I am absolutely blown away and totally, utterly inspired by the beautiful and creative pieces. 
View the GALLERY OF ENTRIES here (please view from desktop or laptop as the link is proving finicky from phones and tablets)
I often hear a lot of folks say that tutorials somehow negate the creative force, that following the instructions of another lacks a sense of originality. And this design challenge proves exactly why that's nonsense! Instruction is not law, it's not immutable. You are allowed to work with the flow of a lesson, or row down your own river. It's a jumping-off point, but not canon. I love to see how others change designs, allow mistakes to happen, cut wires too short accidentally and have to improvise. Those moments always spoke to me on a personal level, and offered me the opportunity to own the process, which is exactly what these entrants have done. They OWNED it! 

(Please note: I received 54 emails and responded to each. I checked my spam folder daily to make sure I didn't miss a single entry. If you attempted to enter and do not see your entry in the gallery, please send me an email ASAP. I will add your entry to the gallery as quickly as I'm able.)


The gallery of entries will be available for VOTING, however, through May 23th, 2019. Voting is open only to those who participated in the contest. To vote:


  • Please only ONE vote per participant. If the same person comments with their vote on multiple entries, all comments will be dismissed, and the vote invalidated. Please, only vote once.
  • Please use the word "VOTED" in the comments of the entry to cast your vote. 
  • If, for any reason, you cannot place your vote yourself, contact nicole@nicolehannajewelry.com (or through the contact page here on this website) with your choice and I will vote on your behalf.

A note to non-participating viewers and commentators…. please reserve the term “VOTED” for participants only, to avoid confusion during the judging process, but do feel free to comment as a show of appreciation for the beautiful work submitted. These entries are worthy of the recognition they receive and then some.

On May 24th, votes will be tallied and the “Group Favorite” (most voted by participants) will win my completed version of this project, any ten tutorials of their choice and a $25 cash prize via PayPal. In the case of a tie, I will place the deciding vote.

Also, a “Judged Favorite”, chosen by a panel of four jewelry artists and three “consumers” (who are not participating in the contest), will also receive any ten tutorials of their choice and a $25 cash prize via PayPal.

Every contestant should receive the finished version of this tutorial as a thank you for his or her participation. This tutorial will be sent as a reply to all the participants, within the next day or two. Please check your spam folder or contact me at nicole@nicolehannajewelry.com if you do not receive your copy of the tutorial by the end of the weekend.

Thank you all so much!

Happy weaving!
Nicole
5 Comments

April 2019 "Finish It!" Design Challenge

4/14/2019

20 Comments

 
Picture
Shew. It sure does feel like it's been a hot minute since I've had a "Finish It!" Design Challenge, and it's about time! I'd originally planned this for February, then things happened and it was pushed to March, then more things happened, because isn't that always the way? But it's finally here and I'm super stoked, because these contests, and having the privilege to receive the entries in my email every day, are truly an inspiring experience that I hope many of you choose to participate in. And, because wire will be my love above all things "jewelry making", this is a wire-only challenge! No stones or beads allowed at all! Now keep on reading for more details on how the challenge works!
Enter between April 15-May 15. Open world wide.

The purpose of the "Finish It!" challenge is to encourage the participants to extend themselves, their talents and creativity beyond the limitations of a single set of instructions and create pieces uniquely their own. Tutorials have been an integral part of my personal evolution as a jewelry artist, from such talents as Eni Oken, Iza Malzcyk, IMNIUM and Lonely Soldier. And my progression from the steps and instructions provided to me by others has been a worthwhile journey towards my own creative self-discovery. Tutorials need never represent a "cookie cutter" aesthetic, nor the only design possibility, but rather a gateway to limitless possibilities, and the entries received for these contests have proven, time and again, the truth of that statement.

Here’s the gist: At the bottom of this post is a link to a tutorial or, more accurately, the beginning of a tutorial, and ending abruptly less than halfway through the instruction. Your job is to create a piece beginning with the steps, as explained in the file, but ending with your own imagination!

Contest Rules


  • No beads or stones may be used at all. This is a wire-only challenge.
  • To assure fairness, only the size of wire gauge may be changed. All lengths listed must be utilized (with the exception of tails too small to use).
  • Tools not listed may not be used at all during the construction of your piece. However, the pliers may be substituted for any other single pair of pliers. If a hammer, for example, isn't listed in the "Materials & Tools" list provided with the instruction, it may not be used during the construction of your piece.
  • Wire color or type (copper, bronze, silver, etc) are up to each contestant.
  • Finishing tools and processes, such as for polishing and oxidizing, may be used as they do not directly influence the size and shape of the finished design. 
  • When a piece is completed to his or her satisfaction, the contestant is asked to submit a single photo of a single finished piece via email, to nikki.hanna@gmail.com. Please title this email “Contest Entry”. No compilation photos. One single clear photo is requested. The completed project may be photographed on a chain, if desired, and on any display. Please save the image file as "Your Name Here" and send as an attachment (not embedded in the email). Following these submission guidelines assures your entry is not missed! The deadline for this submission is May 15, 2019, 11:59 pm (US Eastern). Note: Photoscape and Picasa are both free programs suitable for image resizing and photo editing, as needed.
  • On May 16th, an album will be created on Pinterest containing the submitted entries, then put to vote before all participants. Note: By submitting an entry to the “Finish it!” Design Challenge, you are granting Nicole Hanna permission to display your image online for the purposes of promoting or running this contest.
  • The participants will vote for “Group Favorite”, by commenting on their favorite entry (only one comment, on only one entry), with all votes submitted between May 16th and Midnight May 21st. If you do not have a Pinterest account, or (for any reason) cannot comment on the entries to cast your vote, please submit your vote to nikki.hanna@gmail.com and I will comment on your behalf. More on this in a later post.
  • Votes will be tallied and winners announced May 22nd.

While this is mostly intended to reward you with a sense of accomplishment, the “Group Favorite” will win my completed version of this project and any ten tutorials of their choice, plus $25 via PayPal (be sure to be PayPal ready!)

A “Judged Favorite”, chosen by a panel of four jewelry artists and three “consumers” (none of which will be participating in the contest), will also receive any ten tutorials of their choice plus $25 via PayPal.

Every contestant will receive the finished version of this tutorial simply for participating. This tutorial will arrive as a reply to your submission email, after the contest is closed to new entries, so check your spam folder if you do not receive it by May 22nd. Also, be sure your email host will accept incoming attachments. I've had many emails rejected because the mail box was full, or security settings did not allow attachments.

Note: Please access this file via a laptop or desktop computer. Some mobile devices are uncooperative with PDF downloads, and I may not be able to address requests for manual email delivery of this file in a timely manner (thus using up your submission time).

Good luck everyone and happy weaving!

Nicole
finish_it_design_challenge.pdf
File Size: 1197 kb
File Type: pdf
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