Nature? But they're all at it

As a jewellery designer amongst thousands I think we're all looking for some way to stand out. Marketing people are constantly urging us to tell our story and list our USPs (unique selling points).

Being fairly modest by nature and rather down to earth I struggle sometimes to see what is so brilliantly unique about my brand (still not comfortable with that word...)

I take a lot of my inspiration from nature - but looking around it seems like that is definitely nothing unique. So how do you stand out? Should I choose something more clever like rubber soles for inspiration or dirty linen?

There are many fantastically talented jewellers out there that take their inspiration from nature - and I think that is simply because nature is one of the most profound elements of many people's lives. Nature is a constant source of wonder, delight and peace. And fortunately it strikes a cord with a lot of jewellery buyers as well so it is a match made in heaven. :oD
I will stay by my inspiration as walking in woodland is one of my most favourite things in the world. I guess paired with my other inspirations - stories and myths - and my style of execution something unique comes out of the mix after all.

The Frog King - Loved drawing that expression on her face :o)

After so many art teachers having berated me for not finding my style - I am finally learning to just express what I myself like and let the style grow out of that - why didn't they tell me it could be that easy?

Inspiration from Nature

Excuse me. That's my lunch you're eating.

I love taking photographs. This one I was lucky to get from my window if you can believe it. I set up my camera on a tripod hoping to catch the woodpecker I had seen visit nearly everyday. She is normally so skittish that once she's there it's no good trying to fetch the camera. 50 clicks later and I had this. If only the squirrel had been completely in the shot :o)

Quite often there is inspiration there for jewellery too, you just have to look:

Check out the string of pearls attached to this chestnut, and the spiky texture, next to soft inner fur, next to the ultra shine of the nut itself. Mot to mentin the colours of course. These are my favourite colours to work with.

Acorns. Symbols of life, shinyness against rough texture. Beautiful bronze and perfect size for a pendant.
My next electroform batch will include these liitle beauties. I have a stash of acorns waiting their turn, so stay tuned to see how they turn out.
In the mean time, you could also have a look at my delvings so far - star anise, flyers, pine cones and poppy pods.
http://folksy.com/shops/Nanfan?shop_section=preserved_nature