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Two years ago while teaching at the Toronto Bead Society Bennet explained the phrase “matchy-matchy” to me: “If a woman is wearing a turquoise dress, turquoise hat, turquoise earrings, turquoise necklace and everything is the same shade of turquoise, it’s very… matchy-matchy.” She frowned. (You have to frown or scowl when using the phrase.) Urban Dictionary explains it as “Often used in fashion blogs. Used to describe an outfit that is too co-ordinated and consists of too many of the same types of colours, patterns, fabrics, accessories, designer pieces, thematic elements, etc.” The term is a distinctly negative.
Today’s question(s): What are your thoughts about a set of jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelets) that closely? As a jewelry designer, how much do you want your earrings to match your necklace and bracelet? As a jewelry wearer, how much do you want your earrings to match your necklace and bracelet? If you steer away from matchy-matchy, how much do you vary the design of each piece?
Thanks, Co-authors, for helping me write “The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design.”
Today’s question is:
What unusual JEWELRY DESIGN requests have you received?
Thanks, Co-authors, for helping me write “The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design.”
So I can give you what you need in the pages of The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design, I’d like to hear your experiences in designing custom jewelry.
I will ask 1 question at a time (per newsletter or Facebook post).
Today’s question is: What are the most typical requests you receive when asked to design jewelry for others?
Please keep your answers brief. You can respond to me on Facebook (my preference): http://www.facebook.com/margiedeebpage
or eMail your answers to: design@margiedeeb.com
Check this out beaders: Lark is giving away 6 signed Beadweaving Master Class books, including books by
Diane Fitzgerald, Marcia DeCoster,Laura McCabe, Sherry Serafini, Maggie Meister, and Rachel Nelson-Smith:
http://bit.ly/qWhrQh
Their post also includes links to lots of free project PDFs from the books and interviews with some of the authors.
I’m working on my 5th book and I want you to be my co-author, so that The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design gives you exactly what you want and need.
The Plan
From now through June 2012 I’ll be asking you questions, seeking your advice and feedback, and requesting examples from you. I’ll be chronicling our progress. If you respond, you, your words, or your jewelry may be in the pages of the book (with your permission). You will be acknowledged for your contribution.
I’ll do this through this my Facebook Artist Page: http://www.facebook.com/margiedeebpage
If you want to be a part of this adventure, please subscribe so you won’t miss any of my requests.
About The Book
The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design is not a technique, construction, or project book. Rather, it will teach both seasoned professionals and beginners how to design, or improve their design. It will demonstrate design concepts and principles and show you how to apply them. It will explain the aesthetics of function, form, and wearability. Ultimately, it will inspire you to create, grow, and creatively express more of yourself.
OK, Here’s Where You Come In
The First Question: What problems do you face when designing jewelry?
To get your mind working, here are more leading questions:
Are you challenged by shape or composition?
Does color baffle you?
Is making focal points within a piece difficult?
Do you know how to lead the viewer’s eyes around and within a piece?
Do you have trouble making a piece look unified?
Do you have problems with your work looking boring or lifeless?
Not sure where to begin when trying to design?
Stumped as to how to take your design skills from solid to spectacular?
Please keep your answers brief. You can respond at http://www.facebook.com/margiedeebpage, or Email your answers to: design@margiedeeb.com
Thank you! I’m so excited about our journey together!
It happens to many bead artists, especially seed bead weavers. They feel insecure choosing colors for a new project. They begin to doubt themselves and their color instincts. And then, like grasping for an aspirin, they head straight for the dark metallic iris beads they think will cure every color ailment. They cross their fingers for good luck, hoping those dark metallic iris beads will pinch hit for a strong, memorable palette.
They will not.
Time and again the cover of our beloved bead magazines display the featured project in dark metallic iris beads; sometimes several variations at a time. The side-by-side weaving of 3 kinds of dark metallic iris beads looks less like a well-planned color scheme and more like a dark, reflective mass of indistinguishable tones reminiscent of the skin of that wet reptilian creature that burst from the astronaut’s chest in the movie “Alien.” If I want to discern the design, I have to squint to visually separate it from the confusing, murky color palette. It’s difficult to comprehend exceptional design when it’s palette is boring, or worse, mediocre. And the dark, metallic iris palette is exactly that: mediocre.
I’ve seen many a good piece of beaded jewelry (and many a good artist) hiding behind the dark metallic iris palette. Sure the beads themselves tempt us with their shiny colors (as do most beads), but they don’t make the most appealing palettes. They are at best, OK. And who wants to settle for “OK”?
6 Escape Tips
1. Become aware of the trap itself. If you’ve read this article, you’ve handled this.
2. If you have the slightest hesitation about choosing colors (who doesn’t?) grab a color wheel! Pick ONE color, then spin the wheel and read the different combos it shows you. Use one of them.
3. Borrow palette ideas from everything that appeals to you: fabric, clothing, linen catalogues, etc.
4. Educate yourself. The archives of my monthly “Margie’s Muse” column will provide you with more valuable color training than you have time for. FREE! Or read my color books (available on my website). Or take my online color classes.
5. Consciously look at color combinations that excite you. Take the time to determine what makes them work. Chances are the variations of light and dark are a major reason (a feature the dark, metallic iris palette lacks).
6. Take risks! Shut your eyes and grab handfuls of beads, tubes, or hanks. Commit to making a color palette using 3 of them.
If you must create jewelry in the dark metallic iris palette, don’t do so out of self-doubt, insecurity, or ignorance. Do it because it speaks to your soul and makes your spirit sing. Or because your customer will pay you for it.
Life is too short and too delicious for boring beadwork and mediocre palettes.
Color for Bead Artists 