While recently cramming to prep for an art show, I was getting flooded with “what-if-I-do-this?” ideas. You know the kind. The ones that have you feeling like you are such a good roll. I love those! I was sketching ideas and making beads left and right. It was wonderful.
Unforuntately, they ain’t all winners. One of my favorite design ideas combined lots of large hollow glass beads covered in polka dots with varying lengths of some very tiny brass chain. It was beautiful in theory, and when I made it… see:
It reminded me of an antique chandelier with it’s drapey qualities. But give it a few minutes and this is what it turned into:
I never give up though… I knew it could work. I had to figure out a what to keep that chain from tangling up. I decided to mix up the chain with a chunkier version in brass, added a few more hollows, and some coils of wire too. It worked like a charm!
Overall the design changed completely. And I think that happens a lot, at least it does for me.
What do you do when designs goes wrong?
Kerry Bogert is blogging and creating glass beads from her home studio in Western NY. You can see more of her work at www.kabsconcepts.com and catch up with her daily at her blog www.kabsconcepts.blogspot.com.
Dita says:
I have heard that many new discoveries and inventions started out as mistakes. Your design looks wonderful to me. I think this is an extra gift that the muse gives us. It’s up to us to be flexible and be amused.
I enjoyed reading your blog too. Best wishes- Dita
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Erin Prais-Hintz says:
Your designs go wrong?! Well, then there is hope for the rest of us. I walk away. I remember to be flexible and not rigid in trying to stick to my original design. And I don’t force it. When I return there is always a freshness to it. And I am not afraid to scrap it all and junk it for parts. I love the process it takes to figure it out just right. Thanks for sharing. I think it looks like a success now! Enjoy the day! Erin
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Lori Anderson says:
I always hate it when I make a necklace that hangs beautifully, but packages terribly. What to do, what to do. Carry it home for the customer and teach them how to put it away?
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Dee says:
I think we all have these moments. The test is getting through them, whatever technique works for you and not giving up. Although I had a pendant a while back that whipped me good…now a paper weight! Congratulations on finishing the race..great job!
December 13th, 2009 at 8:35 pm