by LeAnn Weih
It started with these two bracelts that I made for myself. Then I made another for my daughter. Peter remarked, "you know, men wear jewelry too." I should not have been terribly surprised by this revelation. A couple of years ago my 7 year old nephew went into a bit of a pout when I made his sister a necklace. We ended up selecting a bronze dragonfly and a simple leather cord for him. Or there were the men who would come by my table at art market and look at metal pieces and then be disappointed that I didn't have cords that were a good length for men.
So this started me thinking maybe I should make Peter a bracelet or two. So I challenged myself to use the basic design of these two bracelets to come up with the masculine counter parts. Bronze components seemed an obvious choice but most of the pieces I make are decidedly on the feminine side.
So I made up some new styles of components that were a bit more rustic and had a somewhat heavier feel to them. I used much heavier leather than in my bracelets. All of the beads I have are more feminine than I was looking for in men's jewelry. So instead I made up coils of heavy 16 gauge bronze wire and used them in place of beads.
Your turn!
Do you make men's jewelry?
What do you look for in the design of men's jewelry?
9 comments:
My hubby complains all the time that I don't have anything copper for him. Each time I make a batch of new stuff I'll bring it in to show off. He'll put on the necklaces and ask if he looks "manly". He's a nut. The nicest part of your style is that the leather can very masculine. I keep thinking the men's line for my shop. Perhaps this post will inspire me to stop thinking and do. I know it'll make my husband happy.
peter's bracelets are gorgeous - is that a bad word for men? - ... are so handsome! really, they are awesome - don't be surprised if he gets requests from the university... that om is just luscious...
Nice work, D'Arsie! When I first started making jewelry I got a request for custom "related" bracelets (not identical) for a couple of guys. I just used earthy colors and tried to keep the beads small, and they turned out pretty well. Will my guy wear anything like that? Nope. But it's a great idea.
I love those! I have made men's necklaces, but just for my sons. I made one a long time ago for Bill, but I can say that I really made it since he designed what he wanted. Using leather is a great idea! I just recently took a hair pin (I think it was pewter) that my brother gave me many years ago. I never could figure out how to wear it since it just had two long prongs and would flop around in my hair. He has since passed and I came across it amongst my jewlery. I then got the idea to turn it into a pendant for my son since he has been going through a difficult time. I thought it might help him get some spiritual connection since my son struggles with that. He was also very close to my brother. CJ has worn it every day and I think it is working :o)
MaryAnn
I design for my hubby~ he's my biggest man fan. I used to make some mens stuff, but it NEVER sold. Of course, when I took it out of the selection at my shows, I had men ask why I don't have mens jewelry. I got the feeling they only wanted it as an options, and were not actually willing to buy it.
I love the bracelets.
I am struggling with a design for a man right now. I am never quite sure of what to do other than put it on a leather cord. I am using a technique I did once before with rubber tubing and eye pins. I am hoping that will work for this one without being too girly or fussy yet a little more than just a strand.
Thanks for the reminder that I need to crank this one out!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
These are solid & creative and way masculine~~ I really don't make jewelry for men, but your post made me think of the possibility and the differences. Inspiring!
What timing for your post,someone told me the other day to make some jewelry for men.I think Peter's wrist adornments are "very manly" and look great.
I don't keep any in my line, but I do make it upon request. I have a special order pendng right now for a friend at church.
I'd honestly never thought about it until a guy... a big burly Harley-wearing, did I say burly?, guy came into my booth at a show once. His girlfriend was shopping, and he spied me making a necklace. He asked if I could make him something.. of course. He picked out the pieces he wanted and I put it on a heavy black leather cord. He wore it out of the booth!!! The following year, he found me at the same show and was still wearing it!! I changed out the leather for him, and he had me make him a new one with brown leather. Pretty cool!!! I got lots of jokes from neighboring artists that I should post a sign stating I created custom Harley Rider jewelry!! :) I'm LOVING these bracelets!!!!! Steve would never wear one, but I bet I could sell men's pieces at some of my shows!!
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