The Shape of Things

A surreal week has provided an opportunity to immerse myself in the studio, much more than usual. A creative activity takes your mind in a different direction for a few hours, and it is so necessary to escape, even for a short moment, as we weather this storm. 

The extra time at my bench has allowed me to develop and play with a new fabrication technique. I am discovering endless possibilities for interesting shape shifting designs and combinations. So many, that I need to decide what to focus on and what to set aside for the future.

While I’ve had failures during this phase, some cool successes were achieved too. Failure is helpful because we learn why something isn’t working, and rather than giving up, it challenges us to figure out a solution. What a profound sense of accomplishment when that happens.

The next exciting step is turning these little sculptures into jewelry. I will share them with you soon, hoping they bring you joy. 

As we forge ahead, my thoughts continue to be with everyone who depends on their small business to pay the bills. I know this too shall pass, and praying that it ends quickly. 

For now, this is the shape of things and we must make the best of it, for when it’s over our strength will propel us forward. 

Stay well my friends.

Jackie

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Forever Experimenting

Trying new fabrication techniques is one of the most gratifying ways of experimentation. This particular technique has my mind racing with possibilities! I can’t wait to share my completed jewelry designs! For now, here are just a couple forms and shapes in progress.

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Rewind Reflect Reimagine

Recently, I had a moment of clarity about my jewelry business and social media presence. It was in a static state and needed a makeover. Realizing this, I decided to take a step back, reflect, regroup and reimagine this multi-faceted venture. A daunting and challenging project. 

My first action was to withdraw from Instagram. It was clear I needed to master this channel, but I knew I couldn’t focus on this task if I was still engaged. I began thinking about the endless images I scrolled through every day. I had to wonder, what causes me stop, look and like an image or post? What possesses me to follow one person or business and not the next? Why would someone stop, like and comment on an image of mine or follow me?  What makes a person want to view my profile and click to my website? And with all the algorithm changes, how do I even get visibility? So many questions to ponder, and I needed expert advice to help answer them. 

With all the offers of free webinars promising to give you hints and tips to generate more likes and followers, I elected to take a few to see what I might learn, and boy I learned a lot! The presenters filled each session with great information and practical ideas to enhance your presence, with the goal of attracting more views, followers, and ultimately sales. I also dove into the feeds of people and businesses I admire, searching for a common thread or that “something” I was lacking in my images and commentary.

The “aha” moment came when I realized my posts had no personality, style, or context. They lacked interest and excitement and I was not present in any of my images. Who was I, other than another person making jewelry? Coming to that conclusion gave me such great relief! I look forward to incorporating what I’ve learned and moving in a new creative direction.

You can follow me @jackiejordanstudio to witness the transformation!

Cheers to a new adventure!

Jackie 

Discovering My Signature Style and More

It has been just over one year since I launched Jackie Jordan Studio, and although I have been creating jewelry on and off for over 17 years, I have been spending the last 12 months, fabricating, experimenting and searching for my signature style. This process took me in many directions, some more successful than others, but all with the intent of creating memorable and wearable pieces of jewelry. 

Did I love everything I made? Actually, yes! However, I knew there was something missing, something that energized and excited me and truly represented my design aesthetic. I needed to stop trying to design for everyone and instead design for me and women just like me, or as I would come to learn, my dream client. It was a moment of clarity that stopped my in my tracks.

I was paralyzed by how to move forward and make this happen. And then the stars aligned when I stumbled upon the Flourish and Thrive Academy jewelry boot camp. Not only did these sessions confirm what I was feeling, they also challenged me, taught me so many amazing lessons and provided me with a roadmap to get me where I wanted to go. I also encountered a community of artists who were so willing to share their experiences and expertise and provide support, encouragement and advice. I am now ready to tackle the next steps. 

Sterling and Steel Collection, Pendulum Series

So, back to my signature style. My newest collection, Sterling and Steel, is what I have been working towards these past months.  It represents my love of architecture, graphic design, simple geometric and organic lines, minimalism and movement. These designs are for women who love the same things I do, who do not want to conform to fads and trends, but instead want to adorn themselves with art jewelry that never goes out of style. This jewelry is for women who want to make a statement without "making a statement". 

I am so excited about this direction and all the design possibilities it holds. My mind is moving at warp speed, but my hands can only make so much. I guess that's a good thing as it will keep me busy for months and years to come. 

Forever creating,

Jackie 

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Hello, World!

Jackie Jordan Studio One-Year Anniversary!

In the blink of an eye, Jackie Jordan Studio has reached its milestone one-year anniversary, and that age-old saying, “time flies when you’re having fun”, has never felt more real than it does at this moment.  

As I began this journey, my first inclination was to let this website and business percolate for one full year and either call it quits or forge ahead. Well, I’ve never been a quitter, so I’m not sure why I even expressed that thought, but here I am, twelve months later, excited to continue this creative quest.

I had no grand expectations or written in stone goals for building this business in year one. Instead, my focus was to create without constraints, embrace the creative process and discover my design aesthetic. I also continued to learn while sharing my passion and work with anyone interested in handcrafted, contemporary jewelry. If I achieved one thing, it is taking a dream, making it a reality and enjoying each and every moment along the way.

I certainly have my family and friends to thank for their support both with encouraging words and acquiring jewelry I hope they truly love.

Happy New Year and Cheers to a whirlwind 2017!

Jackie

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It's Been Seven Months Since My Last Blog Post.....What?

To say I have been lax in writing this blog would be a colossal understatement. I had great enthusiasm and the best intentions as I started this venture, but coming up with interesting things to share is just a bit stressful for someone who does not particularly enjoy writing in the first place. I must admit, I was a tad over ambitious when I committed to post something each and every week. What was I thinking? 

So here I am, seven months later, trying to figure out what my plans for this blog are in the coming year. Can I commit to one post a month? Maybe one every other month? Certainly not every week since we know how that worked out. 

As I drift through the last remaining days of 2017 I will, at the very least, compile a  minimum of 6 ideas for future posts. I hope this will give me the incentive to publish something on a regular and more frequent schedule. 

Until then, Merry Christmas and heartfelt wishes for a safe and peaceful Holiday Season and New Year. 

Jackie

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