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.