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Showing posts with label crystals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crystals. Show all posts
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Shimmer River Earrings
Life with an infant has left no room for dangling earrings. So I adapted a pair of Shimmer River components into post earrings.
Thanks for visiting my blog! Please subscribe to my mailing list for updates on the latest and greatest Bead Origami news!
Thanks for visiting my blog! Please subscribe to my mailing list for updates on the latest and greatest Bead Origami news!
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Shimmer River Bracelets
A few months ago I made a new set of bracelets, the Shimmer River Bracelets.
The Shimmer River Bracelets feature a whole bunch of Swarovski's "shimmer" fallback crystals, along with either Toho's Demi Round seed beads or Miyuki's Spacer seed beads. These thin beads are available in two sizes and are half the width of traditional 8° and 11° Japanese seed beads.
I've noticed differences between Toho and Miyuki brands before. True to form, there are subtle size and color differences between Demi Round and Spacer beads too. But I was able to use them interchangeably in this design.
When I first set out to stitch this design, I wanted to show off the crystals without covering them up or overshadowing them with other beads. This design was actually my first attempt at this idea, but then I stitched another bracelet that used and exaggerated different beaded elements. Unfortunately, the crystals were lost in this second attempt, so I circles back to my original idea. Sometimes simplicity is better and less is more!
It works up so quickly that I stitched it in five different colorways!
The beading pattern for this bracelet is appropriate for advanced beginners. The pattern is 12 pages long and contains 37 photos and illustrations.
Kits are available in all five colorways pictured, and contain all the beads needed to stitch the finished bracelet (extra crystals and beads are included so you can make a bracelet longer than those shown here).
The Shimmer River Bracelets feature a whole bunch of Swarovski's "shimmer" fallback crystals, along with either Toho's Demi Round seed beads or Miyuki's Spacer seed beads. These thin beads are available in two sizes and are half the width of traditional 8° and 11° Japanese seed beads.
I've noticed differences between Toho and Miyuki brands before. True to form, there are subtle size and color differences between Demi Round and Spacer beads too. But I was able to use them interchangeably in this design.
When I first set out to stitch this design, I wanted to show off the crystals without covering them up or overshadowing them with other beads. This design was actually my first attempt at this idea, but then I stitched another bracelet that used and exaggerated different beaded elements. Unfortunately, the crystals were lost in this second attempt, so I circles back to my original idea. Sometimes simplicity is better and less is more!
It works up so quickly that I stitched it in five different colorways!
The beading pattern for this bracelet is appropriate for advanced beginners. The pattern is 12 pages long and contains 37 photos and illustrations.
Kits are available in all five colorways pictured, and contain all the beads needed to stitch the finished bracelet (extra crystals and beads are included so you can make a bracelet longer than those shown here).
Thanks for looking!
Thanks for visiting my blog! Please subscribe to my mailing list for updates on the latest and greatest Bead Origami news!
Thanks for visiting my blog! Please subscribe to my mailing list for updates on the latest and greatest Bead Origami news!
Friday, March 25, 2016
New Pattern and Kits: Comet Trails Set
I've finished my next beading pattern, the Comet Trails Lariat and Earrings Set!
I received a few packages of 2-hole crescent beads and 2-hole bar beads as part of Starman's Trendsetter program. After playing with them for a while I gravitated towards incorporating them into beaded beads, and I experimented with using them in geometric beaded bead embellishments. I couldn't decide whether to stick with bars or crescents for these embellishments, so I ended up using both for two different sets of spiky beaded beads. A lariat proved to be the ideal format to show off both versions.
Like the 2-hole triangles, the crescent beads have an "up" side and a down side that influences how they will orient themselves in the finished piece. I experimented with both orientations, but in this design the crescents preferred an outward orientation that gives the beaded bead a spiky look.
I have a confession... Until I wove this piece, I didn't think I'd get into Hubble Stitch. Developed by Melanie de Miguel, this lacy, open weave is a cousin of right-angle weave and is reminiscent of a three-bead picot. I'd seen several lovely examples of this stitch from not only Melanie but also from Cynthia and Marcia, and I'd even made a few basic samples using the stitch, but I didn't initially see how it could be incorporated into any of my designs.
However, I noticed that the triangle shape formed by three-up Hubble looked like the seed bead embellishment in these beaded beads, so I set out to replicate that embellishment in a rope using Hubble stitch. The result is an extended variation, and by the definitions shown in Let's Hubble, it's an offset, four-up, tubular Hubble rope with periodic horizontal spaced out 2-hole beads. I like how this rope is light and lacy, but most of all how well it complements the beaded beads.
A pair of the smaller beaded beads make quick and easy matching earrings.
Starman is continuously developing new colors and finishes for their beads, and it's quite fun to explore different colorways with this design.
The beading pattern for the Comet Trails Set includes complete written instructions on how to weave each component of the lariat, how to attach the components together, and how to weave the matching earrings. The pattern also includes a few images of the prototype pieces of beadwork that led to this design. Like the lariat, this pattern is on the long side; it's in the PDF format and clocks in at 30 pages and 117 full-color illustrations and photographs. I classify this pattern as intermediate, and it's most appropriate for beaders who have previous experience with beaded beads and who would like to learn a new way of creating them with 2-hole beads. Knowledge of Hubble Stitch is a plus but it isn't required to follow this pattern.
Kits for this design are available in three different colorways and make the completed lariat measuring up to 34" long, along with a pair of matching earrings. Each kit contains all the beads and findings needed to complete the project.
Thanks for looking!
Beaded Beads with 2-Hole Crescents
I received a few packages of 2-hole crescent beads and 2-hole bar beads as part of Starman's Trendsetter program. After playing with them for a while I gravitated towards incorporating them into beaded beads, and I experimented with using them in geometric beaded bead embellishments. I couldn't decide whether to stick with bars or crescents for these embellishments, so I ended up using both for two different sets of spiky beaded beads. A lariat proved to be the ideal format to show off both versions.
Like the 2-hole triangles, the crescent beads have an "up" side and a down side that influences how they will orient themselves in the finished piece. I experimented with both orientations, but in this design the crescents preferred an outward orientation that gives the beaded bead a spiky look.
A Long Hubble Stitch Rope
I have a confession... Until I wove this piece, I didn't think I'd get into Hubble Stitch. Developed by Melanie de Miguel, this lacy, open weave is a cousin of right-angle weave and is reminiscent of a three-bead picot. I'd seen several lovely examples of this stitch from not only Melanie but also from Cynthia and Marcia, and I'd even made a few basic samples using the stitch, but I didn't initially see how it could be incorporated into any of my designs.
However, I noticed that the triangle shape formed by three-up Hubble looked like the seed bead embellishment in these beaded beads, so I set out to replicate that embellishment in a rope using Hubble stitch. The result is an extended variation, and by the definitions shown in Let's Hubble, it's an offset, four-up, tubular Hubble rope with periodic horizontal spaced out 2-hole beads. I like how this rope is light and lacy, but most of all how well it complements the beaded beads.
Matching Earrings
A pair of the smaller beaded beads make quick and easy matching earrings.
Three Colorways
Starman is continuously developing new colors and finishes for their beads, and it's quite fun to explore different colorways with this design.
The beading pattern for the Comet Trails Set includes complete written instructions on how to weave each component of the lariat, how to attach the components together, and how to weave the matching earrings. The pattern also includes a few images of the prototype pieces of beadwork that led to this design. Like the lariat, this pattern is on the long side; it's in the PDF format and clocks in at 30 pages and 117 full-color illustrations and photographs. I classify this pattern as intermediate, and it's most appropriate for beaders who have previous experience with beaded beads and who would like to learn a new way of creating them with 2-hole beads. Knowledge of Hubble Stitch is a plus but it isn't required to follow this pattern.
Kits for this design are available in three different colorways and make the completed lariat measuring up to 34" long, along with a pair of matching earrings. Each kit contains all the beads and findings needed to complete the project.
Thanks for looking!
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
New Pattern and Kits: Opulent Deltahedra Set
I wrote up a beading pattern for the Opulent Deltahedra Set!
You may have recognized this project from a 2015 issue of Beadwork Magazine; the Opulent Octahedron Necklace was one of my six Designer of the Year projects for 2015. These beaded beads use the geometry of the octahedron and a variation of triangle weave to make these sparkly, self-supporting beaded beads.
Five beaded beads pair with shiny crystal pearls and additional crystals for an elegant necklace:
While I'm quite partial to the geometry of the octahedron (especially for beaded beads!), the great thing about triangle weave is that you can use it to create an infinite number of geometric objects made up of equilateral triangles. One of these objects is the icosahedron, which is made up of 20 triangles instead of eight. The Opulent Icosahedron makes a substantial beaded bead that's the perfect size for a pendant.
Additionally, a single triangle unit pairs with pear-shaped crystals for an easy, elegant pair of matching earrings.
The 3D shapes that can be made up only of equilateral triangles are called the deltahedra. While there are an infinite number of deltahedra (some of which feature quite cool star-shaped points), there are only eight that are strictly convex. I beaded all eight of them using the same technique that I used to make the Opulent Octahedron and Icosahedron. They make a collection of interesting structures that offer intriguing possibilities for further jewelry designs.
Kits for this design are available in three different colorways and in two different configurations; the Opulent Octahedron necklace kit makes one necklace with five Opulent Octahedron beaded beads, and the Opulent Icosahedron and Earrings kit makes one Opulent Icosahedron beaded bead that can easily make a pendant, and one pair of matching earrings. Each kit contains all the beads and findings needed to complete the project.
Beaded Beads with Triangle Weave
You may have recognized this project from a 2015 issue of Beadwork Magazine; the Opulent Octahedron Necklace was one of my six Designer of the Year projects for 2015. These beaded beads use the geometry of the octahedron and a variation of triangle weave to make these sparkly, self-supporting beaded beads.
Five beaded beads pair with shiny crystal pearls and additional crystals for an elegant necklace:
Matching Pendant and Earrings
While I'm quite partial to the geometry of the octahedron (especially for beaded beads!), the great thing about triangle weave is that you can use it to create an infinite number of geometric objects made up of equilateral triangles. One of these objects is the icosahedron, which is made up of 20 triangles instead of eight. The Opulent Icosahedron makes a substantial beaded bead that's the perfect size for a pendant.
Additionally, a single triangle unit pairs with pear-shaped crystals for an easy, elegant pair of matching earrings.
Several Variations
The 3D shapes that can be made up only of equilateral triangles are called the deltahedra. While there are an infinite number of deltahedra (some of which feature quite cool star-shaped points), there are only eight that are strictly convex. I beaded all eight of them using the same technique that I used to make the Opulent Octahedron and Icosahedron. They make a collection of interesting structures that offer intriguing possibilities for further jewelry designs.
The beading pattern for this design includes complete written instructions on how to weave the Opulent Octahedron, the Opulent Icosahedron, and the matching Opulent Earrings. Additionally, I included several pages of variations showing photos and descriptions of all eight convex Opulent Deltahedra. The pattern is in the PDF format and clocks in at 26 pages and 89 full-color illustrations and photographs. I classify this pattern as intermediate and it's most appropriate for beaders who have already tried triangle weave and who would like to learn several possible ways to create 3D beaded beads with this stitch.
Kits for this design are available in three different colorways and in two different configurations; the Opulent Octahedron necklace kit makes one necklace with five Opulent Octahedron beaded beads, and the Opulent Icosahedron and Earrings kit makes one Opulent Icosahedron beaded bead that can easily make a pendant, and one pair of matching earrings. Each kit contains all the beads and findings needed to complete the project.
Thanks for looking!
Friday, October 16, 2015
New Beading Video: Geometric Beaded Beads, From Cubes to Dodecahedrons
A few months ago I had the opportunity to film a series of videos based on four different areas in beading. The videos are now available at the Interweave Store both as instant high definition video downloads as well as in the DVD format. This is the second in a series of four blog posts on those video projects; check out the previous post on working with 2-hole beads here.
Together with the team over at Interweave/F+W, we organized these videos with each level of beader in mind. Beginners can watch me weave each step of the project one stitch at a time, I share several variations for experienced beaders, and throughout the course of each video I include many tips and tricks that are useful for beaders of all levels. If you're new to my Bead Origami style then these videos are a great introduction to my approach to beadweaving, but if you're already familiar with my work then you'll want to check them out too as I cover a new project in each one.
The second of these videos focuses on a topic near and dear to my heart; geometric beaded beads.
When I was putting together this video, I asked myself: "if I could teach a beginning beader the fundamentals of geometric beaded beads, what would I cover?" I started outlining this video on how to weave the five Platonic Solids, and I still give a brief lesson on what makes these particular forms so interesting, but after thinking about it and receiving some insightful feedback I decided to focus the beading portion of the video on cubes and dodecahedrons and an important variation on each form.
There are several different ways to make beaded beads using these basic geometric forms, and many different beaders have explored these forms over the centuries (Valerie Hector's research in The Art of Beadwork indicates that Chinese beaders have been making these beaded beads since at least the 15th century). I cover both the basic cube and the dodecahedron using the single-needle, cubic right-angle weave (CRAW) approach with sparkly bicone crystals, and I explain each stitch to fully show each step of the process.
In the next part of the video I show how to weave a cube beaded bead with corner-cover beads. In this variation, we weave the structure using both bicone crystals and seed beads to give us seed beads at each corner. The advantage of adding these beads is that they protect the threads that can show at the corners, and they give us points where we can further embellish the beaded bead.
A pair of these beaded beads makes a quick, delicate pair of earrings.
The section on dodecahedron beaded beads with corner-cover beads is the most challenging part of the video, but I think it's one of the most useful techniques to master. Adding this form to your stitch repertoire will give you a strong foundation to tackle more advanced embellished beaded beads.
For a neat pendant using just this one thread path, I created three beaded beads in different sizes using a simple bead substitution...
...And then I wove them one by one, enclosing the smallest inside the medium inside the largest structure for a dodecahedron, inside of a dodecahedron, inside of a dodecahedron. It's three dodecahedrons in one!
A collection of cube and dodecahedron beaded beads pair with round crystal pearls for a very sparkly necklace.
Experienced beaders will want to check out the sections on bead type variations, and the summary of several advanced designs that use these beaded beads as a base.
This video is available both as a High Definition Video Download and in the DVD format, and includes a supplementary PDF pattern with step-by-step written instructions and a complete materials list for the beaded beads, necklace, and earrings shown here.
Thanks for looking!
Together with the team over at Interweave/F+W, we organized these videos with each level of beader in mind. Beginners can watch me weave each step of the project one stitch at a time, I share several variations for experienced beaders, and throughout the course of each video I include many tips and tricks that are useful for beaders of all levels. If you're new to my Bead Origami style then these videos are a great introduction to my approach to beadweaving, but if you're already familiar with my work then you'll want to check them out too as I cover a new project in each one.
The second of these videos focuses on a topic near and dear to my heart; geometric beaded beads.
When I was putting together this video, I asked myself: "if I could teach a beginning beader the fundamentals of geometric beaded beads, what would I cover?" I started outlining this video on how to weave the five Platonic Solids, and I still give a brief lesson on what makes these particular forms so interesting, but after thinking about it and receiving some insightful feedback I decided to focus the beading portion of the video on cubes and dodecahedrons and an important variation on each form.
There are several different ways to make beaded beads using these basic geometric forms, and many different beaders have explored these forms over the centuries (Valerie Hector's research in The Art of Beadwork indicates that Chinese beaders have been making these beaded beads since at least the 15th century). I cover both the basic cube and the dodecahedron using the single-needle, cubic right-angle weave (CRAW) approach with sparkly bicone crystals, and I explain each stitch to fully show each step of the process.
In the next part of the video I show how to weave a cube beaded bead with corner-cover beads. In this variation, we weave the structure using both bicone crystals and seed beads to give us seed beads at each corner. The advantage of adding these beads is that they protect the threads that can show at the corners, and they give us points where we can further embellish the beaded bead.
A pair of these beaded beads makes a quick, delicate pair of earrings.
The section on dodecahedron beaded beads with corner-cover beads is the most challenging part of the video, but I think it's one of the most useful techniques to master. Adding this form to your stitch repertoire will give you a strong foundation to tackle more advanced embellished beaded beads.
For a neat pendant using just this one thread path, I created three beaded beads in different sizes using a simple bead substitution...
...And then I wove them one by one, enclosing the smallest inside the medium inside the largest structure for a dodecahedron, inside of a dodecahedron, inside of a dodecahedron. It's three dodecahedrons in one!
A collection of cube and dodecahedron beaded beads pair with round crystal pearls for a very sparkly necklace.
Experienced beaders will want to check out the sections on bead type variations, and the summary of several advanced designs that use these beaded beads as a base.
This video is available both as a High Definition Video Download and in the DVD format, and includes a supplementary PDF pattern with step-by-step written instructions and a complete materials list for the beaded beads, necklace, and earrings shown here.
Thanks for looking!
Friday, May 29, 2015
Garden Jewel Necklace in Beadwork Magazine
My third Designer of the Year project for Beadwork Magazine is now available in the June/July 2015 issue.
The Garden Jewel Necklace features a great big Swarovski crystal bezeled with a collection of Miyuki Tila beads, drop beads, and round Japanese seed beads. A beaded spiral rope matches the focal pendant, and several beaded beads reminiscent of the Dewdrop beaded bead design string onto the rope for added texture.
The beaded beads will just fit over the spiral rope, yet they will stay in place once strung, so they can be positioned at different points on the rope for several different looks. In this purple and green version they sit close to the pendant:
And in this silvery purple version they are distributed more evenly throughout the rope:
A limited number of kits for this project are available on my website at beadorigami.com. The pattern for this design is available in the June/July 2015 issue of Beadwork Magazine. Please note that I'll soon be traveling to the 2015 Bead & Button Show, and the last day to order kits for shipment before the show is June 1. Any kits ordered after June 1 will ship on June 9.
Thanks for looking!
The Garden Jewel Necklace features a great big Swarovski crystal bezeled with a collection of Miyuki Tila beads, drop beads, and round Japanese seed beads. A beaded spiral rope matches the focal pendant, and several beaded beads reminiscent of the Dewdrop beaded bead design string onto the rope for added texture.
The beaded beads will just fit over the spiral rope, yet they will stay in place once strung, so they can be positioned at different points on the rope for several different looks. In this purple and green version they sit close to the pendant:
And in this silvery purple version they are distributed more evenly throughout the rope:
A limited number of kits for this project are available on my website at beadorigami.com. The pattern for this design is available in the June/July 2015 issue of Beadwork Magazine. Please note that I'll soon be traveling to the 2015 Bead & Button Show, and the last day to order kits for shipment before the show is June 1. Any kits ordered after June 1 will ship on June 9.
Thanks for looking!
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Bitten by the Silver Bug
I've been bitten by the silver bug...
It started with a pear-shaped Swarovski silver patina crystal that had been sitting around my studio for the past several months. I incorporated it into a Prism Blossoms Pendant, and complemented it with silver half Tila, bugle, triangle, and seed beads.
I used a crystal clear rivoli for the center to keep the emphasis on the silver beads and the flowers. To keep the focus on the silver portions of this piece, I also used a relatively simple complementary color palette of oranges and blues for the Dragon Scale bead flowers.
For my next silver piece, I turned to the Annular O Necklace. This colorway features silver patina rivoli crystals, but these shiny crystals are paired with more muted pewter seed beads. A touch of purple adds color to the necklace.
Finally, I collected a bunch of Tila, half Tila, bugle, and seed beads as well as crystal AB crystals for a Half Tila Technocluster beaded bead. I left the half Tilas clear in an attempt to blend them in with the crystals, and I think I was successful on this point, however the resulting beaded bead does not show the sharp lines that some of the other colorways of this design.
I also experimented with reflective surfaces for this photo, but it didn't quite turn out the way that I would have liked. So the photography of this piece remains a work-in-progress.
Beading patterns for all three of these designs are available at beadorigami.com, and kits for these colorways and more are available as well.
Which do you prefer? Silver, gold, bronze, or another color entirely? Drop me a line in the comments :)
Thanks for looking!
It started with a pear-shaped Swarovski silver patina crystal that had been sitting around my studio for the past several months. I incorporated it into a Prism Blossoms Pendant, and complemented it with silver half Tila, bugle, triangle, and seed beads.
I used a crystal clear rivoli for the center to keep the emphasis on the silver beads and the flowers. To keep the focus on the silver portions of this piece, I also used a relatively simple complementary color palette of oranges and blues for the Dragon Scale bead flowers.
For my next silver piece, I turned to the Annular O Necklace. This colorway features silver patina rivoli crystals, but these shiny crystals are paired with more muted pewter seed beads. A touch of purple adds color to the necklace.
Finally, I collected a bunch of Tila, half Tila, bugle, and seed beads as well as crystal AB crystals for a Half Tila Technocluster beaded bead. I left the half Tilas clear in an attempt to blend them in with the crystals, and I think I was successful on this point, however the resulting beaded bead does not show the sharp lines that some of the other colorways of this design.
I also experimented with reflective surfaces for this photo, but it didn't quite turn out the way that I would have liked. So the photography of this piece remains a work-in-progress.
Beading patterns for all three of these designs are available at beadorigami.com, and kits for these colorways and more are available as well.
Which do you prefer? Silver, gold, bronze, or another color entirely? Drop me a line in the comments :)
Thanks for looking!
Monday, April 27, 2015
Chrysanthemum Blossoms Necklace in Beadwork Magazine
My second Designer of the Year project for Beadwork Magazine is in the April/May 2015 issue!
The Chrysanthemum Blossoms Necklace features Swarovski rivoli crystals, Miyuki half Tila beads, two different colors of CzechMates two-hole triangles, and a collection of Japanese seed beads all stitched into five beaded blossom-like components. The components are joined together and finished with a matching custom beaded rope for a blooming necklace.
This project even makes an appearance on the magazine cover too:
Another colorway for this project features bronze and gold beads for a very regal look.
A limited number of kits for this project are available on my website at beadorigami.com. The pattern for this design is available in the April/May 2015 issue of Beadwork Magazine.
Thanks for looking!
The Chrysanthemum Blossoms Necklace features Swarovski rivoli crystals, Miyuki half Tila beads, two different colors of CzechMates two-hole triangles, and a collection of Japanese seed beads all stitched into five beaded blossom-like components. The components are joined together and finished with a matching custom beaded rope for a blooming necklace.
This project even makes an appearance on the magazine cover too:
Another colorway for this project features bronze and gold beads for a very regal look.
A limited number of kits for this project are available on my website at beadorigami.com. The pattern for this design is available in the April/May 2015 issue of Beadwork Magazine.
Thanks for looking!
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
2015 Bead and Button Show Classes
I'm pleased to announce that I'll be teaching four classes at the 2015 Bead & Button Show. Each class that I'm offering this year is three hours long and features a different beading technique.
Next is the Brain Chemistry Earrings, offered on Friday, June 5 from 8:30 - 11:30 AM. In this class students will learn how to create an accurate, 3D beaded representation of the GABA molecule, and how to incorporate two of these molecules into a pair of earrings. This class is a nice introduction to the world of beaded molecules, and give off tons of sparkle for a fun, fancy way to show off beaded chemistry.
Next is the Sakura Bouquet Necklace (also sponsored by Starman Beads), offered on Saturday, June 6 from 9 AM - noon. This piece features four different varieties of the cherry blossom flower, all incorporated into a cascading necklace. The individual beaded charms can be used in a variety of other types and arrangements of jewelry, as I've discussed on this blog before.
This past Christmas I wove several of these charms as earrings and gave them out as gifts!
Finally, the Rose Blossom Pendant (also sponsored by Starman beads) will be offered on Friday, June 5 from 5 - 8 PM. This turbine-like pendant features two different sizes of rose petal bead surrounding a Swarovski rivoli crystal. This design uses a twist on the right angle weave (RAW) technique and works up quickly, so you will want to make more than one.
The 2015 Bead & Button Show will take place in Milwaukee, WI from May 27-June 8, and class registration opens today at noon (CST). It's the biggest bead show in the US and it's a whole lot of fun each year. I'd love to see you there!
Cosmic Stardust Pendant
First up is the Comic Stardust Pendant (generously sponsored by Starman Beads!) which is offered on Wednesday, June 3 from 4 - 7 PM. This intricate, lacy geometric beaded pendant is completely self-supporting and features a variety of crystals, Japanese seed beads, and two-hole beads such as SuperDuos or two-hole triangles. The size and geometry of this pendant can be adjusted to create smaller beaded beads or fancy ornaments!
Brain Chemistry Earrings
Next is the Brain Chemistry Earrings, offered on Friday, June 5 from 8:30 - 11:30 AM. In this class students will learn how to create an accurate, 3D beaded representation of the GABA molecule, and how to incorporate two of these molecules into a pair of earrings. This class is a nice introduction to the world of beaded molecules, and give off tons of sparkle for a fun, fancy way to show off beaded chemistry.
Sakura Bouquet Necklace
Next is the Sakura Bouquet Necklace (also sponsored by Starman Beads), offered on Saturday, June 6 from 9 AM - noon. This piece features four different varieties of the cherry blossom flower, all incorporated into a cascading necklace. The individual beaded charms can be used in a variety of other types and arrangements of jewelry, as I've discussed on this blog before.
This past Christmas I wove several of these charms as earrings and gave them out as gifts!
Rose Blossom Pendant
Finally, the Rose Blossom Pendant (also sponsored by Starman beads) will be offered on Friday, June 5 from 5 - 8 PM. This turbine-like pendant features two different sizes of rose petal bead surrounding a Swarovski rivoli crystal. This design uses a twist on the right angle weave (RAW) technique and works up quickly, so you will want to make more than one.
The 2015 Bead & Button Show will take place in Milwaukee, WI from May 27-June 8, and class registration opens today at noon (CST). It's the biggest bead show in the US and it's a whole lot of fun each year. I'd love to see you there!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Color Play with Marsala: The Pantone 2015 Color of the Year
Marsala: Pantone's Color of the Year for 2015
I decided to try to make some beaded pendants using the color marsala, a brownish light red wine color that's also Pantone's Color of the Year for 2015. You can click over to Pantone's official site to see some of their examples of this color in action. I also colored a few of my beading illustrations using this hue:
(I should note that my illustrations tint marsala to the lighter side; the dark parts of these illustrations are closer to the official Pantone color).
First Color Experiment: Marsala Tints
I started with a monochromatic color palette made up of seed beads, Rizo beads, crystals, and freshwater pearls, that ironically enough had been sitting together on one of my bead trays since last August. Out of all the beads in my stash, a copper-lined seed bead that I found at Creative Castle most closely matched marsala, so I used this seed bead in each of the projects in these color experiments.
I decided to try to create the Tropical Dahlia Pendant with these beads, substituting drop-shaped freshwater pearls for the Czech drop beads called for in this pattern.
Unfortunately, these particular freshwater pearls are too thick at the base of the pearl, so they don't fit into this design when substituted one-to-one for the drop beads. I tried adjusting the seed bead count to compensate, but it still ended up too wonky.
So, for my next attempt, I found some reddish-brown iris Czech drop beads and also changed the color of the Rizo beads to a pink opal/sunset color, for a very monochromatic take on this design.
(Incidentally, while I was hunting for these drop beads, I learned that I have the same beads with the same color number from two different dye lots in my stash. In this case, the color difference is quite substantial!)
Second Color Experiment: Marsala with Purple
For my next experiment, I tried combining marsala with purple; I substituted shiny purple lentil beads for the outer ring of crystals, and I also used purple drop beads.
I like the look of this result, but in this particular pendant design I prefer a more even tint progression from the inner rivoli crystal to the outer edge of the pendant, so I tried again with a slightly different purple lentil bead for the outer edge, and one of those new patina rivoli crystals for the center.
I was drawn to this result color-wise, as I love purple and I like the tint progression in this beaded pendant. However the patina of the crystal competes with the complexity of the overall design, and this version has the least marsala out of all the experiments.
Still, I had to create a pair of matching Sakura earrings before continuing :)
Third Color Experiment: Marsala with Magic Wine
For my third experiment, I wanted to get back to the red wine flavor of marsala that Pantone shows off on their website, so I switched back to a mahogany rivoli crystal and added magic wine Rizo beads, cranberry drop beads, and a light magic green shade of lentil bead:
While it's on the darker side, I think this Tropical Dahlia pendant most closely matches the red wine richness that's most appealing about the marsala color.
Fourth Color Experiment: Marsala with Matte Sunset/Tan
For my final experiment, I switched to the Rivoli Kaleidoscope design, and used lighter, browner shades of lentils, crystals, and drop beads for this pendant.
The result is more monochromatic and, with the addition of the matte sunset drop beads, a little more on the Desert Sand side of the marsala spectrum. It's probably not the best representation of this color, but I think this palette could benefit from more light peach Duracoat/PF seed beads.
I also couldn't resist making another pair of matching Sakura earrings :)
Marsala Color Experiments: Results and Conclusions
My takeaway from these experiments? I think the marsala color has a lot of potential, particularly when paired with darker, richer wine-like reds. It also blends with purple, so it could be used as a secondary or tertiary color to warm up a purple-heavy color palette. At least in my hands, marsala is less effective in a monochromatic color palette, particularly with related colors of similar value.
I was also glad to learn a couple of design lessons from these experiments. Namely: freshwater pearls don't work very well in the Tropical Dahlia design, but lentil beads substitute for the outer crystals quite well.
What do you think of Pantone's choice of marsala for 2015? Love it? No? Drop me a line in the comments :)
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