Saturday, April 11, 2009

On Writing Tutorials and the Tale of Four Rings


It is not the most intuitive process to decide if a project makes a good tutorial. People can give you compliments and request these things, but the projects aren't always things that can be taught successfully! At least, not in that form. But I do try to at least to put in the work necessary to determine if I am able to do it!
I've been wrestling with a couple of ring designs for tutorials. One of the issues is whether two projects can be combined without needless repetition, or without making the tutorials humongous!
These are the two rings in question:
The first one has a relatively simple band, with an ornate setting for the undrilled stone. The issue with this is not showing others how to do it, it is making the process adaptable to other stone shapes and sizes. Do people really want to be left to their own devices when adapting things like this? I've kind of built a reputation for outlining possible pitfalls and how to get around them - I'd like to continue that!

The second ring has the same setting (and the same issues there!) but a much more ornate and somewhat complex band. The issue on this is the stability of the band for extended wear. This work has a natural tendency to flex, and in wire, that could be disastrous, so I have to develop a repeatable method for stabilizing the band.

Pretty much, that means making the rings about 5-6 times apiece and writing everything down! I'm working on it.....


Then, comes the 'problem' of the variations that arise during the course of this development! Whoa!! Did I hear you say "We should all have such 'problems'!!???!!" Yes, I'm whining! Loudly! But now, I think that the first variation is actually a great ring for a tutorial! I'm gonna work on this too, but I'll let you see the progression from the first ring of this type to the latest - Here is the Tale of Four Rings:

Click on any photo for a larger view :^))

This is the Terrapin Twist with 2.5mm garnet in the band. I loved it from the first,but there is a teensy little issue: the top doesn't mirror on both sides, and looks slightly off-kilter.


So I tried it in 3-3.5mm faceted amethysts all around (mmmmmm, purple!) and attempted to fix the symmetry in front. You know - kill two birds with one stone.... With stones this size, it isn't as comfortable to wear if they are all around the band, and the fix I applied looks kluged.



Back to the drawing board!















Here is the next version: Keep the flanking stones, make the band more plain for wearability, and figure out the symmetry on the top. I think this works!!!!! But let's see if the center motif is easily repeatable and while I'm at it, pare down the band even more. You know me - can't get enough of a good thing!



















The answer????? You tell me......



I hope this gives you some insight - it did for me!!!! Remember: Details allow your creative spark to ignite, and make your heart glow!!!!!

With Gratitude, Perri

11 comments:

pippijewelry on April 11, 2009 at 8:00 PM said...

Hi Perri,

I, for one, found this extremely helpful! I have had people asking me to write tutorials for several of my designs, but as I have never written one, I didn't even know where to start. Intuitively, I did many of the things you talked about: making several to see if it would be teachable, refined designs as I made them, and usually making several variations before I was done. It was reaffirming to me, as I work through the process of my first tutorial! (I'm finally taking the plunge!)

Your work always amazes and inspires me, and your closing statement resonates deeply with me, as well.

Thank you so much for your presence in the world! :D

~Pippi

Lou's addictions on April 12, 2009 at 1:17 AM said...

I love love love the last ring. The effort you put into your tutorials really shows.

I cant wait to see what you come up with for the rings.

BobbiWired on April 12, 2009 at 4:39 AM said...

I am soo in love with all these!! - Can't hardly wait for the tutorial!!
I relinquish my crown of Ring Empress to the Master :))....
Bobbi

Anonymous said...

Perri:

These rings are fantastic...thanks for sharing.

Jeanne

Kathleen Krucoff on April 13, 2009 at 7:30 AM said...

Hi Perri,

Wow, these are amazing. I love them all, but the purples are my favorites.

It is so interesting how ideas sprout from what you are currently working on.

Absolutely lovely work. Anxious to hear how the tutorials work out.

Kathleen

Corra on April 14, 2009 at 7:25 AM said...

I love them all and I wouldn't mind you put them all into tutorials - I will buy them all! And I hear you with the issue getting mirrored both sides... that's exactly what I'd spend hours to it too!

Many hugs!
Corra

Shuku on April 15, 2009 at 1:07 PM said...

Dear Perri, I fell in love with your periwinkle beadcap, purchased the tutorial and have been in love with your work ever since. I'm still working on the tutorial! (last time I tried the wires snapped on me and I was a bit too discouraged to go back to it, but I mean to.) You make the loveliest things and the attention to detail is absolutely amazing. Only wish I could be half as detail-oriented/patient...

Lynn S. on April 20, 2009 at 7:47 AM said...

I LOVE YOUR BLOG and your work! Beautiful! I would LOVE to be able to do this type of thing also! Am sending this to my daughter also! GREAT job! Thanks so much for sharing your talent!

Unknown on April 24, 2009 at 12:30 PM said...

This is so amazing Perri. I just downloaded one of your tutorials from etsy.com and I was so impressed with it that I decided to look some more and this is what I found. I am the antithesis of a detail-oriented person, but this is so interesting that it may bore some new pathways into my brain (that is a good thing).

Judith

ShonaMac on May 5, 2009 at 6:57 PM said...

just stunning perri, I always love your works of art and look forward the the tutorials. I have also given you a lemonade award, im sure its not the first all last but I feel you deserve it, for all that you do and share with us. Thankyou

Shona

Labradorith on May 10, 2009 at 5:31 PM said...

All your works are so wonderful, that I can't say which is better, I love all your rings and your tiny things, they are really amazing, Thank you for everything Perri!

Rita

Post a Comment

 

Shaktipaj Designs Copyright © 2008 Black Brown Pop Template by Ipiet's Blogger Template