From Idea to Item

I was cleaning up my studio recently and found all of these...


They were in separate places and I thought it would be interesting to show the progression together.

I wish I knew where my original sketches are...that would have been cool to see with this.

Now that I thing of it, I actually think they may be in a very early post on here.

Found it... http://creativepotentialblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/birth-of-custom-jewelry-design-giraffe.html

Anyway, this design for a client went like this....

* I did a series of quick, ink sketches inspired by my client wanting a giraffe logo.

* Then I passed my sketches on to my friend who is a designer that was going to create a website and "brand" for this client.

* She played with my sketches and sent a logo idea back to me.

* Then I created this card stock template from that design.

* I used the template to make a couple of charms in Metal Clay to show my client.

* Once it was approved, I sculpted the charm in clay to give to my pewter casting guy.

* He used my mold to create a cast and made multiple charms in lead-free pewter.

* Then I had the charms gold and silver plated.

* Once done I added the split rings and the charms were attached to either a key ring or stick pin.

* They were packaged with a custom designed display card and slipped into a protective sleeve.

So, there you have it...from start to finish!

The birth of a Custom Jewelry Design - Giraffe

"Giraffe" was really the only direction I had for this custom jewelry order.

I did know I wanted to design something simple and graphic. These were my initial idea sketches and below is the finished piece.

Not too far from my starting point which illustrates what I generally find...my first gut feelings are usually the right direction to go.

My client uses these charms as inspirational tokens both in silver and gold. They hang from a key ring or a stick pin and are mounted on a custom printed gift card.

Custom Silver Giraffe Charm

Giraffe silhouette Charm

Business coach and motivational speaker, Ilene Meckley uses the giraffe symbol to represent her business because giraffes have the biggest heart in the animal kingdom and she believes everyone should be "heart" at work not "hard" at work.

I custom designed and hand sculpted these charms which she sells as key rings and stick pins.
They are available in silver or gold and can be purchased on her website.

Please visit www.ilenemeckley.com to purchase these cute giraffes and for creative, practical ideas to share your business with others and overcome obstacles in your life.