Monday, March 30, 2015

Color Inspiration VIII

Between 1897 and 1919, Claude Monet painted about 250 versions of Water Lilies. The image below is one of my favorites. The focus of these paintings was a garden at Monet's home in Giverny, France. This particular painting of Water Lilies was composed in 1906 and is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Using this masterpiece for inspiration, I have provided color coordinating beads that can be found at Fire Mountain Gems (links are provided). 




Yellow
I chose these "silver-lined lemon" Delica Seed Beads to represent the yellow in this painting. However, if you look at the swatch closely, you can see that there is green undertones. The silver lining in the seed bead alters the yellow just right to capture the vibrant, yet muted yellow.



Red
I chose these "Siam" Swarovski crystal, Crystal Passions beads to represent the red in this painting. There is a maroon tint to the red with hints of pink. 





Green
I have two choices for the green portion of this painting. First is this Czech pressed glass "emerald green" bead cap. It would be a creative and beautiful element to any piece of jewelry. Second is this Czech fire-polished glass "emerald green AB" bead. With the AB finish, the green shows of hues of yellow, as seen in the paining. 




Blue
I chose a Swarovski crystal "lapis" pearl to represent the blue in this painting. The lapis has subtle hints of purple which is consistent with various sections of the water in Water Lilies. 



Let your imagination go wild. These colors are gorgeous in any season and in any combination. I would love to see any creations using this "color inspiration." Leave me a comment below.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Color Inspiration VII

This dress has such a unique tapestry of color. It is a Tudor style dress from the 18th century worn by Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII's 2nd wife, played by Natalie Dormer) in "The Tudors." The dress is pictured below, along with coordinating bead ideas.



You can use any of your favorite beading suppliers. I find that Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has the best variety, so all of the beads I post can be found on that site. If you click the image, you will be linked to that item on the site in a new window.


I chose these maroon Swarovski crystal pearl beads to capture dark red embroidery in the bodice of this dress.



I chose these tangerine Swarovski bicone crystal beads to capture the dark orange embroidery in this dress. 


I chose these light topaz brown fire-polished beads to represent the lighter yellow background color in the bodice of the dress. 




I chose the color-lined chartreuse seed bead to represent the elegant trim on the dress. I chose the opaque olive seed bead to represent the green highlights in the dress. I try to choose a seed bead color that will "frame" the other three colors because typically that is how they are used in beading patterns.

This dress has such a powerful combination of colors. Although the palette captures Fall, the colors would be gorgeous any time of the year. 

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Color Inspiration VI

This is a rich, garnet and black Tudor style dress from the 18th century worn by Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII's 2nd wife, played by Natalie Dormer) in "The Tudors." The dress is pictured below, along with coordinating bead ideas.


You can use any of your favorite beading suppliers. I find that Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has the best variety, so all of the beads I post can be found on that site. If you click the image, you will be linked to that item on the site in a new window.


I chose these garnet red Swarovski bicone crystal beads to capture both the satin and velvet red in this the dress. 

I chose these opaque jet black fire-polished beads to represent the deep black trim and embroidery in the dress. 



I chose these matte light brown AB fire-polished beads to represent the lighter gold color in the embroidery on the dress. 

I chose this opaque metallic light bronze seed bead to represent both the embroidery and elegant trim on the dress. I try to choose a seed bead color that will "frame" the other three colors because typically that is how they are used in beading patterns.

The red and black (highlighted with gold) is very striking. You will be sure to stand out wearing jewelry incorporating this color combination!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Color Inspiration V

This is an elegant-looking classic Elizabethan dress from the 18th century that would have been worn at court. The dress is pictured below, along with coordinating bead ideas.



You can use any of your favorite beading suppliers. I find that Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has the best variety, so all of the beads I post can be found on that site. If you click the image, you will be linked to that item on the site in a new window.




I chose this white glass pearl to represent the swirl color that appears in the base fabric of the dress. 





I chose these smoke fire-polished beads to represent the base fabric in the dress. 



I chose these jet Swarovski bicone crystal beads to capture the black highlights in the sleeves and trim of the dress. 




I chose this opaque metallic light bronze seed bead to represent the embroidery in the dress. I try to choose a seed bead color that will "frame" the other three colors because typically that is how they are used in beading patterns. 

You can never go wrong with black and white. This color combination would go with absolutely any outfit. This will definitely be win-win!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Color Inspiration IV

Changing things up a bit for this post. In addition to 18th century dresses, I am inspired by the nature around us. How can you go wrong with naturally occurring gorgeous color patterns? 




You can use any of your favorite beading suppliers. I find that Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has the best variety, so all of the beads I post can be found on that site. If you click the image, you will be linked to that item on the site in a new window.





I chose this deep brown glass pearl to represent the branches. 



I chose these pink fire-polished beads to capture these brilliant flowers. 





I chose these smokey quartz Swarovski bicone beads to pick up the greys in the background. 




I chose this opaque luster blue denim seed bead to represent the blue highlights that pop out of the background. I try to choose a seed bead color that will "frame" the other three colors because typically that is how they are used in beading patterns. 

Use nature whenever you can to inspire color combinations. Get creative! 

Seymour Earrings

"Color Inspiration II," guided the the color choices for these Seymour earrings. I used a pattern designed by Deborah Roberti at Around The Beading Table.