Jewelry Design Student Postcard: Debbie Bruce
Nova Bronstein Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 9:00AM It is said that it is always hard to be the first--- not so, if you ask Debbie Bruce, the first graduate of Sheffield's Jewelry Design Course!!! If Mrs. Bruce is setting a precedent then it seems that Sheffield's Jewelry Design Program is off to a good start!
Debbie chose the plains of the Serengeti in Africa with its abundant wild life and palette of lush greens, golds and baked earth for the story to ground her graduating collection. Her color scheme also perfectly launches us into fall!! So timely, her collection takes the landscape and translated it into visual motifs-- swirls of forged brass-- and a lush mix of baubles in Golden Jade, Green Aventurine, Phoenix Jasper, Smokey Quartz, mocha and cream colored fresh water pearls and a mix of Swarovski crystals. Taking these materials and elements Debbie mixed and wove them into a myriad of stunning and wearable jewelry silhouettes.
See her story board below!
Final Story Board by Debbie Bruce
Debbie started off being primarily self-taught, occasionally picking up a beginner's beaded jewelry book, but mostly designing by trial and error. As she began to perfect her jewelry techniques her hobby and passion grew. She mentioned that, besides taking the Sheffield Jewelry Design Course, she has taken a couple courses at bead shows to learn some very specific techniques.
How did she get started? Debbie has always had a passion for jewelry. "When I would buy a new outfit, I would immediately head right over to the jewelry counter to find just the right pieces to complement it. As Oprah would say, I had an "Aha!" moment when contemplating in an attempt to find a hobby. Jewelry had always been a vital part of who I am, and it made perfect sense for me to make my own jewelry. I didn't know if I would be any good at it, I just knew that I had to try."
Debbie was thrilled to share her experience. When asked about how she discovered her talent in jewelry making, she replied, " I initially started making jewelry just for myself over ten years ago. As my techniques became more refined people would compliment me on my designs. This is when I knew I had found my niche."
"I love it when I'm out in public and a stranger compliments me on my jewelry, and they are astounded when they learn that I made it."
When asked about her first sale or first break through with her work, Debbie confessed that she already had some experience under her belt. She has been selling her jewelry designs on consignment in a local art gallery for several years. But, often doesn't get to meet her customers face to face. This changed when she started participating in an annual craft show in her hometown. "Once a customer in my booth said she often purchases my jewelry from the art gallery, and she was so excited to finally meet the artist behind the name."
"I think I was more excited than she was, since she made me finally realize that I'm not just a jewelry designer, I'm an artist."
In terms of materials, Debbie enjoys working with wire since it is so easily shaped and gives the jewelry, "wonderful movement". Citing that she, "loves the natural beauty of semi-precious stones". For her working process, she says that inspiration comes from many places. "Sometimes just a single bead will 'speak to me' and will be the idea behind the design."
Regarding the Sheffield Jewelry Design Course, Debbie commented that, "having been a jewelry designer for over ten years, at first I was skeptical that I would learn very much from this course. However, the course made me realize that I was stuck in a rut and the projects helped me to branch out more. I also deeply appreciated the constructive criticism I received. Customers don't often tell you what they don't like about something you've designed, so it was helpful to get some beneficial feedback for a change."
Thank you, Debbie! We are so very proud to call you one of our own!!!
Some of Debbie's collection can also be found on her Etsy shop. Click here to check them out!
Interested in making some of your own smashing jewelry? As a jewelry design instructor at the Sheffield School in New York, I encourage you to take the matter of making into your own hands! Check out the newly launched Jewelry Design Course offered at the Sheffield School. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any other school in the world.
- Request a free Sheffield School catalog describing our distance education courses.
- Subscribe to the Sheffield Designer newsletter.
Reader Comments (61)
Hap M.
www.hvacplus.com
Keep up the great work.
Why do you want it and what exactly are your goals?
Easy and direct. Thanks
Keep the fire burning!!!!
I have already received my catalogue for the course but was skeptical about the program. However, I am a believer now and will immediately enroll in the course.
I hope to see your masterpiece in the next post :)
Currently, I've been dabbling in making jewelry and taken two beginner classes.
But I'm seeking to get more experience under my belt, because I have much to offer to the world.
Your work is very inspiring.
Can you provide additional feedback about your experience at Sheffield?
This would be most helpful.
Thank you
Tammy
https://www.facebook.com/LillyRoseJewelry