Chunky is in for summer

After looking at several catalogues recently, I've decided that chunky jewelry is the new in thing for summer. The necklace I just finished fits the bill perfectly for summer jewelry and the red color will even move into fall styles. 

I call this necklace Red Mesa since it reminds me of the red rock formations in the southwest.

What's your favorite color?

My favorite color is purple and blue and pink are close behind. Whenever I'm purchasing beads those colors seem to jump out at me and I find myself buying more of them than other colors. I don't look good in oranges, golds and some greens so I tend to avoid those colors both in my wardrobe and in my beads.

Lately I've been making a concerted effort to go outside my comfort zone and include styles and colors that aren't "me". These gorgeous fire agate beads were a gift from a friend so it seemed like a perfect time to make something orange and chunky.

Of course there are matching earrings.

What's your favorite color? Do you try to "think outside the box"?

Thinking of Spring

I don't know about you, but I'm sick of winter. The stores are bringing out their spring merchandise so it's time for some spring jewelry. The colors for this spring are golds and yellows, camel, lilac, soft pink, fuchsia, peach, a soft chartreuse green, aqua blue and silver. Here is a necklace that includes lots of these spring colors and will go with many spring outfits.

Stringing

The technique that looks the easiest is stringing. It is very deceptive however because while anyone can string beads on a wire, it takes a lot of practice to come up with a great piece. Color, texture, size, shape and luminescence all come into play and the balance of the piece is crucial. That doesn't mean it must be symmetrical, just balanced overall. Notice the way the neutral beads add texture and luminescence even though they are not symmetrical.