Thursday, September 18, 2014

Unexpected Findings Book Blog Tour...

Earlier this week, I wrote about Michelle Mach hosting a blog tour to celebrate and promote her new book, "Unexpected Findings: 50+ Clever Jewelry Designs Featuring Everyday Components".  The tour offers further insight into the making of this book and shares projects made by Michelle and the contributors featured in the new publication.  PLUS there are fun prizes up for grabs!

CLICK HERE to find out more about the blog hop and how you can win those prizes, including a Grand Prize of a $50 Etsy Gift Card!

When I was asked to participate in this book, I was really honored and jumped at the opportunity.  I love the concept!  It definitely holds a special place in my heart.  When I was first started out, I had studied fine arts, but had no formal training in jewelry-making.  In the early days, I didn't always know what certain components were for and used them how I thought they should be.  Sometimes my results matched up with their intended purposes... sometimes not.  I also didn't have a huge budget then and often times had to make due with what was on-hand to achieve the look I wanted.  Some of those early experimentations and substitutions were more successful than others, but the process instilled in me a curiosity and a desire to think outside of the box.

Even now, after my collection of tools and beads has grown exponentially, I still turn things around, flip them over, and play.  The goal is to look at things differently and see beyond what is "supposed to be".  I think there's a sense of adventure when you're exploring what could be in your designs and examining the potential of a component.  It's off the beaten path and can result in new discoveries.

For the book, I created two pieces:

"Searching for Simplicity" by Andrew Thornton

"Queen of Thorns" by Andrew Thornton

It was really fun coming up with these designs.  I got to play around and try new things out and look at common components in different ways.  I'd elaborate on the designs and the special techniques incorporated in them, BUT I don't want to spoil all of the surprises and encourage you to check the book out!

Here is the list of participants in the Unexpected Findings Book Blog Tour:

Monday, September 15th
Michelle Mach

Tuesday, September 16th
Lorelei Eurto
Erin Siegel

Wednesday, September 17th
Cindy Wimmer
Erin Prais-Hintz

Thursday, September 18th
Andrew Thornton

Friday, September 19th
Denise Yezbak Moore
Molly Schaller

To be entered to win one of the prizes, all you have to do is comment!  You can comment on all eight participating blogs for a total of eight chances at winning!  Michelle will randomly select a winner from the comment sections.  For more information about the book, the blog hop, and the prizes CLICK HERE.

I definitely recommend this book, and not just because I'm in it.  It's packed with all kinds of useful information and innovative ideas of how to rethink everyday findings and give them new life.  If you're interested in finding out more about the book and ordering it online, CLICK HERE.  For a limited time, you can save 10% off!  Use coupon code, "THORNTON10" to receive 10% off your purchase OR use coupon code "AT5OFF2)" to save $5 off of a purchase of $20 or more.

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

It really does look like a fun book. I can't wait to get a copy so I can see all of these fantastic designs up close. (melissa_trudinger at yahoo dot com)

Alice said...

Congratulations on your contribution to this book. It looks like a great book.
Your pieces are fantastic.

Alison Adorns said...

Great Job Andrew! Love the designs and the fun use of bails and cones! Congrats!

Tara Leitermann said...

These are very striking designs. I love the color choices, and the balanced look of the finished pieces. Congratulations! Thanks for hosting this giveaway :)

Susan Marling said...

I am really getting anxious to see this book. I always love your jewelry - it is out of the box and that is what I like about it.

Unknown said...

Love the idea of using findings in different ways. Congratulations

Jennifer said...

Love both of these pieces!

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studio said...

Delighted at your contributions. I love the thought of diving into a bead stash and pulling together items that may have been lingering a while, and seeing how they connect and work together... :)

Cynthia said...

Very nice work!! Congrats on being in this cool new book - sure to be a classic.

Becky Pancake said...

I like your designs Andrew.This looks to be a great book and I will be adding it to my library.

Shai Williams said...

Beautiful designs! I especially like Queen of Thorns necklace.

Michelle Mach said...

Thanks for contributing to the book, Andrew! I'm especially fascinated by your Queen of Thorns necklace. That would be great to wear on days when I feel slightly dangerous. :)

Unknown said...

Very unique! I really like the Queen of Thorns :)

sarahocreations@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Congratulations to everyone involved in the creation of this wonderful and inspiring book. 'Such a great idea to have included so many talented artists. I look forward to seeing the book and adding it to my collection.

Deb Fortin said...

now i really have to get the book , if only to find out what findings all the contributors used and see if I can identify the original purposes.
Love the queen of thorns necklace . edgy, moody and sexy to boot.

Ann Schroeder said...

I am very excited about this book. I know I am not an "outside the box" thinker, and this will definitely help me. I love your description of it as turning things over and playing.

Kristina said...

Are those bead cones on the second design? Not gonna lie, I didn't even think to use them that way. I always imagined they would look like ice cream cones, but here they look cool. Unless they aren't bead cones... XP
(kmp133@yahoo.com)

Unknown said...

I can't wait to see what you made in the book! Thanks for the chance to win. mitzie@needfulluxuries.com

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

I love your designs and I'm sure the book will be a lot of inspiration to me as well :)

Alice Howe said...

I continue to be amazed at the talent from all the contributors. You all just blew me away. Thanks for sharing your talents.

Unknown said...

More amazing designs using findings. The Queen of Thorns is bamg on trend. Thank you.

Debra Beach said...

Beautiful designs! This book is a wonderful collection of awesome designs, and inspiration! Thanks so much for the giveaway. Debra - djdesign@triad.rr.com

Maplegirl said...

Congratulations on the invitation to include your designs in this creative book. I love the concept. Andrea

Brenna K said...

Love the deep rich pallette. Can't wait to get my hands on this book!

The ATELIER Handmade said...

What an exciting book. Great Job Andrew! Wonderful contributions

Erin Siegel said...

Andrew, it's such an honor to be included on a book project with you. I absolutely LOVE your "Queen of Thorns" necklace. You used those cones to perfection. I was so thrilled to see this edgy, punk-chic design in Michelle's book!You rocked it!!!

Bijoux Gems Joy said...

This book looks more and more fun! Can't wait to get one.

Congrats on being one of the contributors.

Roxanne Mendoza said...

Congrats!...This book looks like a must have!

Unknown said...

Nice designs Andrew... esp like the Queen of Thorns. Looking forward to all the innovative ideas I am sure are in the book . Congrats!
cevans.designs@yahoo.com

ACBeads said...

The Queen of Thorns Necklace is a trendy piece of jewellery with the cones used as spikes.
acbeads AT gmail DOT com

Treasures by Louise said...

Great designs: I look forward to seeing the book to find out what you used, thinking outside the box.
Louise: want2bead at yahoo dot com.

CMS Designs said...

I loved your comment about turning things around, flipping them over, and playing. Adventure is always a good thing. Love your pieces and looking forward to seeing this book.