Thursday, April 23, 2015

Color Inspiration X

This week my color inspiration comes from this copper, ivory, and green Tudor-style gown. Fall is my favorite season, but the color palette feels earthy. So, in honor of Earth Day yesterday, I would like to tackle the color combination here. 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 great variety. 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 Celestial Crystal ivory glass teardrop pearls and Swarovski crystal cream pearl beads to replicate the pearl shapes in the jewels that take center stage on this gown.


I chose both Swarovski Crystal Passions faceted tangerine rondelle and round beads to represent the amber colored jewels that appear in the shape of ovals and circles. Of course, these will also capture the copper and orange highlights in the gown itself. 


I chose these Swarovski Crystal Passions crystal clear bicone beads to act as spacers between the tangerine beads.  


Last, but not least, I added these Delica opaque jade green seed beads to reproduce the deep green of the sleeves. I try to choose a seed bead color that will "frame" the other colors because typically that is how they are used in beading patterns.

Celebrate the Earth in this warm and natural color palette. You can't go wrong with copper/amber and ivory. Please post any pieces that you make using this combination.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Earrings using Freshwater Pearls

I have added some new earrings to my shop (see link above). 


Elegant drop earrings created using Sand Freshwater Pearl, Antiqued Basket Element, and Clear Fire Polished Bead


Fun and whimsical earrings created using White Freshwater Pearl, Antiqued Flower Element, and Swarovski Clear Crystal.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Color Inspiration IX

This gown was worn during the Romanov era by the Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna (Sister of Nicholas II, Russia) in 1894. The striking richness of this dress is accentuated by the blue velvet, white silk and gold thread. 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 great variety. 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 white pearl Swarovski crystal beads to provide the essential, beautiful white bodice and skirt of the dress.


I chose these dark Indigo blue Swarovski bicone crystal beads to capture the Royal Blue train of this dress. 


I chose these metallic pale gold fire-polished glass beads to represent the gold embroidery color throughout the dress. 


I chose these silver-lined gold Delica seed beads to further highlight the delicate embroidery, but also the emphasize the extravagance of 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 blue, white, and gold are powerful colors individually, but together they really make a statement. Announce your arrival through your jewelry created with this combination. Please post any pieces that you make using this combination.