Bead Inspired: Polka Dot Delight

Inspirations have been a little bit light of late, as I’m hip deep in my top secret project. Although I’m missing the time here on Inspirational Beading, I promise the results will be totally worth it!

Today I took a little break to recharge my creative batteries, and what better way to do that than with some lovely beads? This soft and pretty collage was inspired by a set of absolutely gorgeous lampwork beads by Magdelana Ruiz of Mru Mru. I can’t resist a great spots-and-stripes motif in colorful glass!

Polka Dot Delight by mortira featuring Avalisa

What’s inspiring you this week?

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Bead Inspired: Bugs

You can’t have beautiful spring flowers without bugs. Any organic gardener will tell you that helpful insects are essential for a gorgeous, blooming flower bed. There are pest patrollers like lady bugs, soil tenders like worms, and of course the lovely pollinators - bees and butterflies.

With both flowers and bugs in mind, I set out to find some beautiful lampwork beads for spring. I didn’t have to look far to find some really pretty designs with vibrant spring colors and curvy shapes.

For the Bugs by mortira featuring kokin

This set features a gorgeous floral lampwork pendant by Susan Sheehan.
I love the cute black and yellow dot design, which reminds me of little bugs.

Spring Flowers by mortira featuring tom binns

Purple and butterflies always go together. This collage was inspired by
a lovely orange and purple flower bead by Glass Elephant.

Do you have a favorite insect? How does it inspire your beadwork?

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Bead Inspired: Spring Swirls

Thanks to the inspirations of soutache artist Amee K., I’ve been noticing soutache embroidery jewelry everywhere lately. The wonderful swirling, curving shapes of this unique beadwork are hard to resist. There’s just something so appealing about all of those beads snuggled into the fibers.

Swirl patterns, especially organic or freeform ones, are always in style. They bring to mind some of our favorite comforting things, like tropical waves, dandelion seeds on a breeze, or just doodling while on the phone with a good friend. When I came across a beautiful pink and blue lampwork bead by Michal Silberberg, I couldn’t resist adding it to a collage. Not only does it have wonderful layers of multicolored swirls, but marching dots of glass - one of my favorite lampwork embellishments.

Spring Swirl by mortira featuring surgical steel earrings

I added some more swirling, soft, and curvy elements, as well as a good dose of stripes. I was so eager to get started that I didn’t spend much time around the shop. There are some even more inspiring designs in amazing color combos. This is one of my favorites, which features a gorgeous contrast of black, lime, and orange:

Rainbow Lampwork Focal by Michal Silberberg

And, while I was at it, I decided to make use of a favorite bracelet clipping from my round up of Pantone inspired emerald goodies. I'm a sucker for chunky bangles when looking for collage ideas, especially transparent ones. Even though I’m anti-plastic in my designs, I can't help but love the look of chunky resin - probably because it reminds me so much of glass, but in delightful abundance.

Dorothy's Lunch Date by mortira featuring lime green handbags

Whenever I see crystal clear emerald green, I instantly think of the scene in Return to Oz, when Dorothy must rescue her friends who have been turned into emerald figurines. It’s a favorite collage and treasury theme of mine -there’s something so great about the combination of ruby red, emerald green, and a chicken.

What’s inspiring you today?

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Bead Inspirations: Fall Away

Today I was in a very creative mood, but even though I have a lot of fun designs planned, and some gorgeous new bead colors to play with, sitting down to bead seemed like a distant thing. Instead, I decided to recharge my batteries, and cleanse my creative palate with some virtual inspiration.

I started with a little lampwork window shopping, and found a handful of really gorgeous beads and focals. Although I had autumn colors and shapes in mind, a variety of beautiful colors jumped out and called my name. One thing that ties them all together is their abstract, swirly, whispy designs.

Watercolors by mortira featuring turquoise rings

This pretty pop of color features a lovely lampwork focal by Bindu Glass.

Coral and Turquoise Softly by mortira featuring an orange shawl

I loved the intense orange and blue combination of this bead duo from Maya-Honey.

Autumn Wind by mortira featuring nickel free earrings

The dandelion style motif of this lampwork set by Anne’s Glass Jewels was irresistible.

What bead styles and colors inspire your creative moods?

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More Lampwork Inspirations

The sun is out, the trees are lush with leaves, and bright color is everywhere. Must be summer! Here are some new lampwork bead and fashion ideas to get you thinking of long days and warm nights!

At the Cottage by mortira featuring a silk dress

Tea Time by mortira featuring patent leather shoes

Underwater Goddess by mortira featuring checkered heels

What's your favorite summer inspiration?

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Bead Inspirations and Art Collages

Do you ever find yourself getting hooked on things? Perhaps you get tickled by a new bead color or beading technique, and want to use them all the time. Or you find a special treat that you want to have every day. Recently, my favorite indulgence is collages. I’ve always been a fan of clipping and collecting on Polyvore, but adding lampwork beads to the mix has taken it to a whole new level. I hope you like it too, because I think I’ll be sharing them often in the future - at least until I find a new creative fixation.

Yesterday I found an absolutely stunning lampwork focal with daisy-colored flowers on a jet black background, by Sandy Pandy Beads. It was so beautiful, I just had to clip it. I love the way the flower pops against the background, and the absolute black adds a sophisticated, daring feel to the design. It’s the kind of bead that wants to go out on the town for a wild night.

Lunar Eclipse by mortira featuring butterfly stud earrings

You might remember some fun collages that I shared made by another Polyvore fan, which paint pictures using the unique shapes of clothing and catalogue shots. I was even more thrilled to find some amazing ‘paintings’ that use a variety of images in complex layers, by artist kiki. I love the unique shapes and colors of the more abstract pieces, and the clever combinations of images in others. Here are a few of my favorites:

Untitled #261 by kiki925 on polyvore.com

Untitled #258 by kiki925 on polyvore.com

Untitled #245 by kiki925 on polyvore.com

Untitled #248 by kiki925 on polyvore.com

What’s your favorite inspiration of late?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Sandy Pandy Beads and kiki925
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Lampwork Inspirations

Yesterday I had some fun making an Egyptian themed fashion collage, and then I played around a bit and made one for my One Zebra Necklace. I was having such a good time that I decided to keep going, and ended up creating some interesting looks based on handmade lampwork beads. I started with just four beads from some of my favorite artists, and added pieces that enhanced their colors and themes.

Bumblebee Dreams by Grace Lampwork Beads
became an enchanted garden:

Lavender Honey by mortira featuring diamond jewelry

Galia by Green Bird Studio
became a tropical beach getaway:

Passion Flower by mortira featuring judith leiber handbags

Juicy Red Flower Spacers from Lampwork by Amy
became a park in spring:

Bowl of Cherries by mortira featuring a zipper dress

Purple Nautilus by Shed Beads
became an underwater paradise:

Jellyfish by mortira featuring aquamarine jewelry

I really enjoyed playing with colors and textures, using beads as a starting point. What do you think?

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