Where were you in 1992? I believe I was starting a trend!

What were you doing in 1992? Where you creating or doing anything creative?

I recently had a friend find a jewelry box of mine that was in his storage for years. And it is pieces of work I did back in 1992-2001. I was so excited to see what was inside the jewelry box, as I could not even remember what I was doing in 2001. It is inspiring to see that I am still being creative and doing what I love, however I am not nearly as successful as I once was. I am still creating and being productive today with as much gusto as before... not bad for an old man.

The pieces of jewelry in the box were pieces from my line called "Hippie Chick" it was my very first attempt at creating pieces of jewelry for a lower end market.
I wanted to create with steel wire, crystals and hematite only, thinking this would keep my costs down but also loving the juxtaposition and understanding what that meant for the first time.
I wanted to concentrate my efforts on a line of jewelry that was fun, fresh funky and young, and I was sure I could come up with affordable and innovative pieces of affordable, fashionable jewelry that was geared toward the younger crowd.

 I saw the amazing numbers of how many tweens there were supporting the pop idols of the 90's and spending tens of millions and thought I'd like some of that money. Because I remember as a kid wanting something and saving every penny until I could buy it. Teens are loyal when they like something they are gonna get it, even if they have to save up to get it. And I wanted some of that loyalty and Hippie Chick was going
to be my "fortune" or "my ship coming in" Oh well!

 It is amazing what thoughts came to my mind when I opened the jewelry box and viewed the pieces inside. I had not seen them since I created them, I had no idea what had happen to them like so many other designs. But when I saw these pieces, instantly I remembered everything about their conception and creation. These were my very first shot at creating with all steel wire and wrapping my own beads and creating every component of the piece. I was looking for something new, something lower end and affordable. and that is when my line Hippie Chick was born.

It took a back seat for about 8 years as I became really into learning more metal techniques and applications, and soldering was a big obsticle for me to get over, but I did eventually and mastered it as well. But it is an expensive trade to work with metals there are so many components you simply can not do with out, and I found that rather restricting.I took about two years to learn the process of fabricating my own Fimo stones,I took several online master courses, as i was trying to broaden my creative horizons. Eventually I cam back to my Hippie Chick line and attcked it full force.

I remember I was so excited about returning to my new line, and creating with new techniques... that I invited my best friend over to view the first two pieces and was already working on the third one which was pink and purple wire. Which was my first homage piece...and it was for Pink! =)

I was listening to Pinks album Misunderstood loving the song "Family Portrait" and started creating this piece for her. I had plans to give it to her at her concert, but never made it. I guess I was so full of myself back then that I thought she'd actually give a damn. Well actually back then I had a primarily celebrity clientele and my jewelry was already featured in a Janet Jackson video and the movie "clueless" so I thought Pink was or would have been right in line with everyone else. And back then I was Victor Allen Designs, you could see my wire signature piece a VA made out of wire on one of the pic's.            

This is what my wire work looks like today! I am still working with wire, and just found 7 more necklace of early Hippie Chick ... Off to list then now! Please say hello and comment if you'd like.