MEGAN AUMAN

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i believe

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…that two necklaces are  better than one.

…that sometimes you need to just sit down and make a lot of stuff.

…that gold + steel = AMAZING.

New earrings and necklaces launching this summer!

keep it simple. and repeat, repeat, repeat.

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Lately, I’ve found myself gravitating towards minimalism.

While on a recent field trip to the Museum of Modern Art in New York with my students, I found myself inexplicably drawn to the paintings of Barnett Newman.

Even though I never thought of myself as a fan of minimalism, I couldn’t get enough of the large color-field paintings with the “zipper” stripe running through them.

I’ve been working on some new pieces, in anticipation of an upcoming exhibition at the University of Wisconsin Osh-Kosh, and for a new collection for the summer trade shows.

I had originally thought I would create these ruffled welded steel pieces inspired by tree lichen and lace. But after some initial sketches, I realized my heart wasn’t in it.

Instead, I decided to play with the simple, minimal leaf form that has become my signature.

The other day, my friend Karen shared some images of this amazing wall installation from Erica Tonav’s boutique in Marin, California. Karen ended her post with the following thought:

“keep it simple. and repeat, repeat, and repeat.”

And as soon as I read it, I knew it was my new mantra.

inspiration board

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There are two things that I’ve been thinking about lately – the design for my August gift fair booth, and creating a new collection of jewelry. I put together this board with some of the images that are influencing me during this process.

sunshine, bare feet and paper models

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So, I know I’ve been neglecting this blog a little bit while focusing on Crafting an MBA, but I’m trying to get back on track. Not only do I love sharing these little bits of my life with my readers, I also like being able to look back and see how my life has evolved. So, I promise, more regular posting, even if it’s mainly pictures.
Today was gorgeous! It certainly feels like spring is around the corner – after my run I took off my shoes to enjoy the sunshine in my bare feet. The nice weather also gave me a chance to work in the studio without freezing. I’m experimenting with some new ideas. Here are the first paper models:

one snap or two?

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When I first designed the cozy/cuff SNAP, I added a pair of snaps at the top and bottom of the band. (Like the picture below.) After some feedback from friends, I decided to try one snap in the center (like the picture above.) I’ve been making both versions, and I took both versions to the gift fair, where the reaction was about fifty/fifty.
I thought about continuing to make both, but its making keeping inventory on hand difficult. Now I have to keep twice as many styles in stock!
So, I thought I’d ask my wonderful blog readers – which do you like better, one snap or two?

"packaging"

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So I guess I wished everyone happy holidays a little early, because I still haven’t started my Christmas vacation yet.
I’ve been working on some new “packaging” for the cozy/cuffs. While they’ve been selling really well online, I’m having a little trouble with them in retail venues. Online, I can totally communicate all the product uses with a few good photos, but in person they are hard to understand.
Ok, that’s not entirely true – if you see one being worn or used on a coffee cup, they make perfect sense. Its just in a retail display, they are a little tricky. And with the gift fair right around the corner, I really need to resolve that.
So I’m trying to work on a tag that clearly displays the dual function of the cozy/cuff, without bogging it down with excess packaging. And since I took some new product shots that I’m totally loving, I’m working on incorporating those into the “packaging.”

the last minute

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Seriously, when did I become so last minute?  I’m leaving for the gift fair tonight, and I’ve still got a million things to do!
No time for proper blogging, so I thought I’d share a peak of little project I’m working on for my booth.  Wish me luck!

colors

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As is always the case it seems, I’m back from our annual week camping at the lake and am suddenly panicking that New York Gift is less than a week away!  How does it always sneak up on me?  I’ll be spending the next few days scrambling around – choosing colors for my booth, updating line sheets, getting together promo materials, and all the other miscellaneous pre-show tasks!
And thanks so much for your comments on my last post – lots of great things to think about!

how much? (and what colors?)

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Last week I picked up a big batch of the new ornaments in white from my powder coater.  I’m planning on doing a whole wall of them for my booth at NY Gift.
I’ve got an idea of where I want to go with the pricing, but I though I’d throw it out to you?  How much would you be willing to pay for one of these (retail)?  (Each is 3″ in diameter from laser cut and powder coated steel.)  What would you be willing to pay for a set of 3?  Or a set of 6? 
And while you’re suggesting, how about colors?  What other colors would you like to see them in (besides white)?
Thanks!