The Lady of the House

Ask anyone who their favorite Egyptian goddess is, and most people would probably say Isis or Hathor. These dieties known for motherhood, healing, love, and protection long outlasted their original culture and continue to be an important part of spirituality and feminity to this day. This is an impressive achievement when you consider that they were competing with hundreds of other gods and goddesses. Throughout 4000 years of Ancient Egyptian culture, many religions, cults, and legends were incorporated into the pantheon and worshipped in the home, alongside the same dieties that we can still see depicted on the walls of ancient tombs. The names and identities of many Egyptian goddesses have been lost to time, but the daughters of Ra, and the children of Nut and Geb continue to thrive in their own way.


My favorite goddess is Nephthys - sister of Isis and wife of Set. Her name means "Lady of the Mansion" and she was the Ancient Egyptian goddess of death. Not to be confused with Anubis, the god of embalming, or other death gods with morbid and shadowy backstories, Nephthys was as much a goddess of healing and protection as her sister. In Ancient Egypt, life, death, and rebirth were all linked; Nephthys represented the realm were all things living and dead are one. This concept can be very comforting, especially when one feels disconnected from their peers or the world around them. We are all made from the same atoms, and Nephthys embodies that notion perfectly.

The Inspiration:

The realm of Nephthys was the place where the fertile waters and silt of the Nile met the harsh and inhospitable desert - a margin between abundant life and bleak death. She was the place were bodies become soil, and soil nourishes bodies in a neverending circle. When I picture Nephthys I always think of a goddess that is poised and regal, while also having a smoldering vitality. She is the combination of solemn death and the never ending resilience of life. She is birth, death, regeneration, and evolution all rolled into one.

In making a new tribute piece to Nephthys, I wanted to incorprate the earthy colors of biomass such as greens, browns, and black. This time I also wanted some rich blue to represent the water that connects all living things. For this project I started by combing through my stash to find pieces that had the right look to represent the lady of death, and tried to picture them together until a design took shape. I also wanted to be sure that the piece would turn out right on the first try, so I decided to go with my favorite fringe. This would allow me to pull lots of different accents together, and add some stripe patterns to keep things looking Egyptian.

The Beads:

For the base beadwork I chose transparent dark topaz and Montana blue sapphire seed beads in size 8/o. These were my earth and water elements, and they contrast each other with perfect sophistication. I also included some black and white seed beads for borders and stripes, though I hadn't yet decided what type of pattern I wanted to use.

For accents I had so many wonderful choices, but in the end I went with bone tubes, crackle finish wood, amber horn heishi beads, and sono wood tubes. These beads all had the color, texture, and light that I wanted in this piece. I was particlarly exited to use the green wood beads from Blueberry Cove, which so perfectly represented Nephthys' home on the Nile. I was in the mood for even more texture, so I later added batik bone beads in black, jet black druks, and some tiny natural coconut rounds to the mix.

The Beadwork:

Few things are easier than creating something from your favorite inspiration, and this project certainly fits that description. The pattern and the fringe just came together, and the work seemed to go by in a flash.

For the rope, I used black to border the brown sections, and white to border the slightly darker blue portions. To break up the rope a little, I added smaller blocks of brown between each of the striped sections. This is a little bit different from any of the patterns that I've used before, and not exactly traditional, but I love how it turned out. I repeated the pattern somewhat for the fringe, connecting it at the edge with brown, then finishing with a cascade of more Montanta blue sapphire. I really love working with this color in any type of bead, and it never disappoints.

Do you have a favorite figure from mythology? How do they inspire your work?

Mortira

Subscribe * Facebook * Google+
Send your beading questions to InspirationalBeading@gmail.com
Support Inspirational Beading for bonus tutorials and more! Powered by Patreon

Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading

Bead Color Ideas: Sunscreen Hues

There are so many different ways to find color inspiration in the seasons, and many of the ones we turn to again and again are natural. For summer this might be the colors of the beach, summer fruit, or even a purple-and-gray thunderstorm palette. Then again, traditional and nostalgic color palettes are pretty inspiring as well – like the red, blue, and white of a rocket pop. This summer, I wanted to explore some colors that would bring to mind some of the best things about getting out in the sun, and perhaps the scent of coconuts.

The first palette was so easy to create. Nothing says sunscreen like aquatic blues and yellows. For this Kids’ Sunblock trio I used canary yellow, transparent capri blue, and opaque turquoise blue. It’s fruity and vibrant, and definitely has a beach feel to it. I would love to see this palette in something with lots of exotic, playful fringe.

Next I went in the opposite direction and concocted a trio for lovely coconut scented Suntan Oil. I started with opaque terracotta, though I would have loved to use some transparent rootbeer as well. Next I added smooth orange luster and lustered pearl cream. This palette has so much warmth. I think it would look great in a spiral design, particularly a double spiral rope with lots of chunky accent beads.

Finally, I combined both of these palettes for a final trio inspired by everyday Sport Sunscreen. This time I went with the transparent rootbeer and opaque patriot blue, finishing with a dark Ceylon cream. This palette is more shea butter than coconut, and would be perfect for a geometric cuff or perhaps a colorblocked rope.

What colors and scents make up your favorite summer inspirations?

Mortira

Subscribe * Facebook * Google+
Send your beading questions to InspirationalBeading@gmail.com
Support Inspirational Beading for bonus tutorials and more! Powered by Patreon

Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading

Collar a Week: Golden Soup

I’m two projects in to the new Collar a Week challenge and I’ve already encountered my first snag. I was able to finish and photograph this week’s necklace in plenty of time, but now here we are on the last day of the week, and I’m much too tired to edit photos and put the piece up in my shop. I’ll have to save all of the technical work for a less full day, but I can share the design with you!

I had a lot of extra things added to my plate this week, so when it came to choosing colors and patterns for this collar I had to go with something quick and carefree. I snagged the custom gold and brown seed bead mix that I made for the bead soup demo a while back and added some black and white Rizos for the trim. The soup allowed me to have a little variety without actually having to plan or choose a pattern, and the Rizos helped to add a little more of an Egyptian flair, which is always welcome.

Collar number three won’t begin for another day or two, but I definitely want to play with patterns a bit next week. I was pondering adding in some peanut seed beads somehow, but I’ll save those until I’ve made some more progress with drops.

Mortira

Subscribe * Facebook * Google+
Send your beading questions to InspirationalBeading@gmail.com
Support Inspirational Beading for bonus tutorials and more!

Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading

Wardrobe Inspiration: Strawberry Soda

Mixing up the Pantone Spring 2016 picks again, I came across another gorgeous trio using Snorkel Blue, Peach Echo, and Iced Coffee. I love the contrast of the blue and pink, and either color would pair off so well with the earthy neutral. Once I had decided on this trio, I couldn’t wait to start looking for jewelry and garments to work with. The colors are fresh and exciting without looking too organic or floral. This is the kind of combination that would be right at home in an ice cream parlor – the perfect place to hang out when spring arrives.

Strawberry Soda by mortira featuring beaded jewelry

I couldn’t resist going with another multistrand necklace for this collage. The cascade of intense blue beads is totally captivating. Rather than contrast it with chunky accessories like in Spring Crunch, I went with very beady earrings and a wrap bracelet. The cut-out sandals and fringed bag join in with the tiny-scale theme as well.

I love how grown-up and vivacious the pink looks in this trio, while the dark blue just sings. So far this is definitely my favorite color combination of the season. The jewelry designs are also very do-able, and I was able to find lots of great projects to recreate this look.

Two multistrand bracelet projects from Beadaholique could easily be adapted to make a gorgeous cascade necklace. The Ahava Bracelet tutorial includes a lovely palette in Snorkel Blue, while the Square Root Bracelet has the cascade look that works so well in our inspiration necklace.

Mini scale maille earrings are the perfect way to recreate our Iced Coffee dangles, and this tutorial by Karen Karon on Jewelry Making Daily is great for beginners. These would look gorgeous in just about any color.

The Peach Echo teardrop and bugle earrings would be super easy to recreate. For variation, I found a gorgeous tutorial for extra large teardrop earrings with a wirework frame by Rena Klingenberg at Jewelry Making Journal.

There are oodles of tutorials out there for making leather wrap bracelets with crystal cup chain instead of individual beads. I like the Leather Wrapped Cup Chain video by The Potomac Bead Company. To get the same look with another take on the traditional method, try the Sonoran Sunset Bracelet project from Artbeads.com.

What’s your favorite combination for salmon pink?

Mortira

Subscribe * Facebook * Google+
Send your beading questions to InspirationalBeading@gmail.com
Support Inspirational Beading for bonus tutorials and more!

Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading and Friends

Bead Color Ideas: Earthy Hanks

For our first trio of bead palettes of the year, I thought it would be fun to change things up yet again. This time around, I started with two seed bead colors, then added an accent bead to coordinate. For the sake of exploring possibilities, I chose the first hank of seed beads – mint green AB – because I have yet to find a project for it. Then I added some transparent medium topaz to make a fresh, earthy palette.

The first accent bead was an easy choice. I still have lots of two-tone ivory and black moon coins for embroidery projects, and they work so well with the topaz. The darker side of the coins also plays nicely with the green. The whole palette has a sort of fairy door feel to it that would be great in a statement necklace or embellished cuff.

I finished the next trio with a strand of polka-dot Java glass. I’ve been dying to use these beads for many months now, but the right inspiration has yet to come along. I hope that the more I experiment with them, the closer I’ll get to the perfect design idea. I like the way that the green and topaz mellows the colors of the polka dots, but I think it washes out the gray too much, which should really pop in whatever design they decorate.

The final accent was a little tougher. First I tried some red bone tubes, but the color looked to garish with the softer seed bead shades. Right next to them I had some ivory bone tubes with a hint of dark purple – an excellent pairing for either brown or green. Like the previous palette, there are elements here that I like, but it doesn’t have the wow factor that I was looking for. I do think this trio would look great in a fringe design with some additional accent colors.

What are you favorite earthy colors for beadwork?

Mortira

Subscribe * Facebook * Google+
Send your beading questions to InspirationalBeading@gmail.com
Support Inspirational Beading for bonus tutorials and more!

Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading

Geek Jewels: Aurra Sing

Back when The Phantom Menace was in theatres, I went to see the movie more times than I care to admit now. After about my third viewing, I was basically going to catch the 2 second glimpse of Aurra Sing – a then-anonymous background character watching the pod race. Lots of fans were just as intrigued, and after much demand, she was given a complete background and started showing up in comics, novels, cartoons and, of course, Star Wars merchandise.

For my second Geekspiration project, I wanted to see if I could design a piece of jewelry that would go with the bounty hunter’s signature outfit. As I started to work on an overall design and palette, I realized that it would be the perfect way to use my stash of center-drilled coconut chips. A cuff bracelet seemed like the way to go. A chunky design would have that tough, gauntlet-like look ideal for a space-travelling fighter.

I started with a base of transparent rootbeer with a bold blue stripe. I revived the Earth Mother Cuff design from Ancient Worlds Modern Beads, which has a built-in fringe and works up really fast. Over the blue stripe, I layered some of the coconut chips with purple O-beads and a hint of orange.

Although the cuff itself turned out pretty good, I’m not quite sure that I captured the look that I wanted. I wouldn’t call this one a total success, but I had a great time putting it all together.

Do you have a favorite Star Wars character? What kind of accessory would you design for them?

Mortira

Subscribe * Facebook * Google+
Send your beading questions to InspirationalBeading@gmail.com
Support Inspirational Beading for bonus tutorials and more!

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading

Work in Progress: Strange Cuff

My bead tray looks a little crowded this week as I juggle one ongoing project and get ready to put the finishing touches on my next geek-inspired piece. The swatch of culled-bead RAW is coming along very nicely, although I’m a little worried about the curve that it seems to be developing. It probably won’t matter much, considering what I plan to create with it once all of the rows are complete, but still. It’s hard to shake the desire for a perfectly proportioned piece of beadwork.

The new cuff I’m working on is also a little unusual. The combination of Czech and Japanese seed beads is giving it a nice wave. This design is a bit of a variation on the Earth Mother Cuff from Ancient Worlds Modern Beads. It will probably use up all of my garnet Picasso fringe beads, and a good portion of the coconut chips that I’ve been wanting to use for ages.

What are you making right now?

Mortira

Subscribe * Facebook * Google+
Send your beading questions to InspirationalBeading@gmail.com
Support Inspirational Beading for bonus tutorials and more!

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading

Bead Wish List: Winter Wonders

Although fall is going to last for several more weeks, it certainly feels like winter with the combination of dropping temperatures and an abundance of red and green in every store window. As soon as the heat goes on, thoughts of egg nog and holly berries are sure to follow. This puts me in the mood for woodland themed designs, warm scents like pine and amber, and of course a nice blanket of white snow.

This month I did a little window shopping with natural winter themes in mind. I was picturing a pine bough on snow with a few little winter birds flitting about. These are some of my favorite finds:

1. Winter Birds Lampwork Focal by Laila Strazdina
2. Forest Green Glass Pearls from Smiley Boy
3. Vintaj Copper Pinecone Charm from FusionBeads.com

4. Forest Mix Glass Druks from Artbeads.com
5. Miiyuki Ceylon Pearl Bugles from FireMountainGems.com
6. Swirled Wood Rondelles from HappyMangoBeads.com

7. Bird Decoupage Beads from Artbeads.com
8. Betel Nut Beads from Beadaholique.com
9. Chartreuse Glass Bird Coins from LimaBeads.com

10. Banyan Bay Tucscon Wood Pendant from LimaBeads.com
11. Winter Holly Lampwork Beads by Serena Smith
12. Silvered Ivory Lampwork Beads by Spawn Of Flame

I can practically smell the pine trees and fresh snow! What are you favorite elements in a woodland theme?

Mortira

Subscribe * Facebook * Google+

Support Inspirational Beading for bonus tutorials and more!
Send your beading questions to InspirationalBeading@gmail.com

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading and Friends

Bead Color Ideas: Autumn Pearls

Pearls are one of the world’s first beads, and it’s no wonder that they’re still among our favorite things to include in jewelry. Nothing quite beats the shine and shimmer of pearls, and the gorgeous array of shapes and colors available in the freshwater variety is an instant recipe for inspiration.

With all of the fall foliage brightening up my days, I thought it would be fun to explore the possibilities for color combinations including a gorgeous strand of fiery brown semi-round pearls. These ones are a delicate 3-4 mm, which is perfect for beadweaving. They’re just the right size for embellishing all kinds of stitches and projects, from rings to ropes to cuffs.

I started with an easy contrast of blues. When in doubt, brown and blue always make a pleasing combination, especially when the blues are amazing. My first pick was a gorgeous black-lined blue which has a great glow. To keep things cool and match the finish of the pearls, I finished the trio with some AB dragonfly seed beads. I think this palette would work really well with a woodland fantasy theme.

Next I went in a totally different direction and chose pinks and reds to highlight the warmth of the pearls. The intensity of the transparent ruby seed beads really plays well with the brown pearls, making it look more burgundy, while the pink adds a touch of shimmer and sweetness. This palette almost looks like the ingredients for a drunken dessert – very yummy.

Last but not least, I chose two contrasting seed beads that are both autumn inspired and refreshing. Together the Autumn Tucson gold and minty blue are a great pair. With the addition of the pearls, they’re ready to make an eye-catching bracelet, or perhaps some earrings. This one brings to mind a cool breeze on a bright day – the kind that swirls the leaves around and reminds you why fall is so fantastic.

Do you have a favorite shade of freshwater pearls? How do you like to use them?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Work in Progress: A Hint of Cobalt

This week I’m wrapping up a couple of pendant projects, including a new multistrand piece featuring a ceramic focal from the Blueberry Cove Beads Autumn collection. I love the earthy finish on the beads, and I wanted to dress it up with some similar hues and a splash of color. I couldn’t resist pairing up Autumn Tucson gold with cobalt blue. I think a little brown iris for the third strand will work nicely, and then I’m in the mood for a new herringbone fringe piece.

The shell pendant project turned out pretty well, though the glass daggers don't have quite the same impact as the baroque pearls I used in previous variations.

We haven’t yet finished our new embroidery pendant. Most of my beading gets done late at night, and I’m sorry to say that I keep forgetting to ask for the final two color choices on this one. I’m looking forward to an actual two-day weekend coming up, so hopefully I’ll be able to get some daytime beading in a finally finish this one.

What are you making right now?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Wear it Twice: Mother of Pearl

It’s been far too long since we’ve had a look at ways to style a great statement necklace. There’s something incredibly inspiring about experimenting with fashion looks for great jewelry, especially when working with a beautiful palette. For this collage, I wanted to create a little farewell to summer with pretty aqua and sandy browns.

Last Day at the Beach by mortira featuring sea home decor

A mother of pearl bib turned out to be the perfect necklace for this palette, with its subtle blue and soft shimmer. First I paired it with a great dress in aqua blue, followed by a gorgeous taupe blouse and sea foam jeans. A set of gold and turquoise bangles blends perfectly with both outfits for a breezy day at the beach.

These jewelry tutorials use similar materials and textures as the pieces featured in the collage:

Beachy Keen Bracelets Tutorial - FusionBeads.com





Moroccan Princess Necklace Project - Beadaholique.com





Tubular Square Stitch Bracelet Project - TheHeartBeading.com





Boho Blue Necklace Tutorial - Artbeads.com





Boho Button Necklace Project - DishfunctionalDesigns.blogspot.com

What’s your favorite palette for aqua blue?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading and Friends
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Work in Progress: Ocean Collar

Progress is being made on projects this week - the new baroque pearl medallion is complete, and the collar I had planned is underway. I am happy to report that this time around it only took me two tries to get a pattern that I liked, although the first one turned out so wrong that I almost gave up. A slight reworking of the palette and some compromises in the pattern that I wanted brought out the best in the beads that I had picked, and it looks like everything is going to turn out great.

I still have to string the new medallion, but I’ve made a habit of saving up a handful to string all at once so that I can save time cutting cord and lacquering knots. I ended up asking my little helper for some color advice on this one, which prompted a request to make some new medallions with his unique input. I definitely think they’re be some knew embroidery designs on the horizon.

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Bead Color Ideas: Tortoiseshell

Lovely imitation tortoiseshell has long been one of my favorite Czech glass finishes. The combination of transparent topaz glass and dramatic black flecks is gorgeous in any shape or size. And if you believe that animal prints are neutrals – which I do! – then they go with just about anything.

Awhile back I used up my entire stash of tortoiseshell druks, and I’d been missing them dearly when I came across a strand of tortoiseshell coins on sale. Naturally I snapped them up and added them to my growing stash of glass coins and tabs. I’d really like to put them to good use, but first I need a fantastic palette.

My first approach was to go with something earthy, to match the lovely brownish hue of the tortoiseshell. Emerald green and black do the job perfectly, giving the beads a forest-like feel, or perhaps something serpentine. This palette would look lovely in a simple woven necklace or a collar.

Next I wanted something a little more regal, so I paired rainbow ruby with medium transparent topaz. The topaz beads are just a little lighter than the tortoiseshell, helping to highlight the black accents, and the red definitely adds an elegant tone. For this palette, I would almost certainly go with an elaborate cuff bracelet.

Finally, I turned to the remaining primary color and created a palette of lovely aquatic blues. Mysterious dark blue lined aqua and pretty Ceylon light green really bring out the amber hues of the coins. This palette is by far my favorite – possibly because I’m rather fond of the blue lined aqua – and would look gorgeous with something fringe-y.

What’s your favorite Czech glass finish?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Work in Progress: Bone Lariat

I’m a little behind in this week’s update, having lost an entire day of work due to illness. Although I’ve been scrambling to catch up the last couple of days, I have managed to keep projects moving forward. Right now I’m getting down to a new chevron lariat, and it’s coming along rather nicely.

I decided it was finally time to try out my new bone tube beads. I had already played with color palettes a bit, so choosing the colors was easy. I threw in some gold pearls at the last minute as well, which should look great in the tassels. Finding a pattern took a little more work. At first I was just going to use black beads in the corners of the chevrons, but I didn’t like how it looked and had to start over. Instead, I’m using a new pattern with alternating rows in the center of the chain. The possibilities for adapting this stitch are still pretty exciting.

I also managed to dismantle a few of my purged pieces, and got some pretty pendants to re-use. As an added bonus, I was able to keep the beadwork from that particular necklace intact, so I've got a new piece to wear and some extra components at the same time. The new medallion with emerald Toho triangles is still on deck, waiting for me to be a little less distracted so I can finish it.

The dragonfly dagger collar I was working on a few weeks ago turned out really nice. The AB finish on most of the beads work so well together, and really enhance the Picasso finish of the daggers. I still have a few of them left, and I’m looking forward to using them again.

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Work in Progress: Dragonfly Collar

This week I’m jumping right into a new collar using my caramel Picasso daggers. I knew right away that I wanted to pair them with some gorgeous dragonfly blue seed beads, so making a palette was easy. I also added some white-lined black diamond seed beads to my stash recently, and they seemed like the perfect way to top off the palette.

Rather than complicate things with a lot of layers and varying accent beads, I stuck with just two rows of color and rootbeer AB 8/o’s between each net. I was thinking of using some yellow white-hearts between daggers on the outer edge, but thought better of it at the last minute.

This collar should whip-up pretty quickly, and I’ve already got a follow-up project in mind using some very old beads from my stash and possibly a new Czech button. I've also got a little toggle clasp on deck for an upcoming tutorial.

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Autumn Color Inspiration

Another bead giveaway has come to a close. Thank you so much to everyone who entered to win the fall treasures bead mix!

This month I asked about your favorite fall colors. Our winner, Estra, chose the combination of brown, orange and yellow. These colors definitely bring to mind the beautiful colors of autumn foliage, fall harvests, and cozy sweaters.

What do these colors say to you?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Friends
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Bead Giveaway: Fall Treasures

Although I’m taking a little time this month to explore non-traditional color possibilities for fall palettes, it’s always nice to revisit the classics. The warm colors of the fall table, field, or forest are a welcome comfort when the weather turns cold.

For this month’s bead giveaway, I’ve selected a wonderful trove of fall-worthy vintage acrylic beads. The first bundle includes beads that are about 6 to 14 mm, in a variety of shapes like ovals, tubes, rounds and rondelles. The palette is a gorgeous mixture of brown, amber, peach and terracotta. The second batch features smaller accents from about 2 - 12 mm, with lots of faceted rounds. Colors include a wide variety of browns, plus bone, gold, topaz and burgundy.

How to Enter

For a chance to win all of the beads shown, leave a comment here on Inspirational Beading and let us know what you favorite fall color is. One lucky winner will be drawn on Monday, October 20th.

Important: Comments must be posted directly at InspirationalBeading.Blogspot.com to qualify, but no log-in is required. Please make sure to leave a contact method in your comment if you do not have a profile with a public email address. For security, you can type your email like so: username AT yourmail DOT com. Incomplete or duplicate entries will not be included in the draw.

Good luck, and happy beading!

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Fall Jewelry Colors Part One

Although the colors that we associate with the seasons are very much ingrained, there can be subtle differences in our ideal palettes, influenced by anything from our childhood experiences to the region in which we live. So although we often think of oranges and yellows as traditional fall colors, it’s certainly not unusual to incorporate greens, purples, and even blues.

This year, the Pantone fall color line up for women’s fashion is definitely unconventional. There isn’t a trace of orange at all, and there is an abundance of red and magenta apparent in colors like Aurora, Sangria, Mauve Mist and color of the year, Radiant Orchid. Even the Royal Blue hides a tiny hint of pink. Compare it to the fall palette for 2010, which includes nearly a full rainbow of colors, and this mix looks a little jarring at first. But is it really so strange?

In a new seasonal collage series this month, I’m taking on the challenge of mixing Pantone picks into trios that look more traditional than the entire palette at a glance. When mixed in the right proportions, any colors can be made to create a certain look or mood, and I hope to do just that - making fall fashions work with all these pinks and purples. Each collage will feature a fabulous statement necklace as always, and a few choice accessories to help inspire great fall designs.

I decided to go with an easy color first, and started my experiment with Misted Yellow, which does look like autumn all on it’s own. After eliminating a few more obvious colors, and ensuring I had enough left over to make two more trios, I finished the palette with Radiant Orchid and Cognac. Then I set out to make purple look at home in October!

Octoberberry by mortira featuring watercolour paintings

Finding the right hues wasn’t an easy task. Misted Yellow was particularly tough to match without accidentally going too pastel or beige. Cognac’s soft and chocolaty look was difficult to uncover under mounds of rich leathers and orangey browns. Finally I had some pieces that I was happy with, including a gorgeous statement necklace with metallic purple chain that almost perfectly matches Radiant Orchid. The hints of yellow sealed the deal. Though it doesn’t match in the least, I still couldn’t resist includin a bright yellow bangle, with a dark amethyst druzy in the center.

To create some of these jewelry styles, check out these tutorials and inspiration projects!

1. DIY Woven Chain Collar Necklace by Honestly WTF

2. Mustard Flower Earrings Project by Beadaholique

3. Bracelet Thread Bracelet Tutorial by Operation Overhaul



4. Sweet Blackberry Collar Necklace Project by Fusion Beads

5. Purple Charisma Necklace Tutorial by Artbeads.com

6. Faux Amethyst Druzy Ring Project by Beadaholique

The purples don't quite match the radiance of this year's leading color, but you get the idea!

And for an extra dose of inspiration, these are my favorite Polyvore sets featuring some of today’s picks:

Cairo by rellenj featuring a black white dress

Venice by rellenj featuring purple home decor

What do you think of the new Pantone line up? Which colors say ‘fall’ the most?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Friends
Pantone and Bibhu Mohapatra
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Work in Progress: Earthy Cuff

So much for getting things back on track – this week I’m still a bit cramped for time. Normally, I would pick up my handy bead tray and take it to my photography area for a nice crisp photo of the week’s project. Today I didn’t have quite have the energy. With school back in session this week, I’m not quite used to the early morning rush. Today I’m sharing a rare glimpse of my actual workspace, paint stains and all.

Right now I’m putting together a secret something using a few new favorites: Czech dragonfly coins, Miyuki drops, and some 8/o Dyna-Mites. I had almost forgotten how truly lovely it can be to weave flat beadwork with just large seed beads, and I’m having a great time with this project.

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+

Work in Progress: Dragonfly Bracelet

This week I’m experimenting with some different treatments for lovely 22 mm Czech dragonfly coins. I’ve got a selection of beads that I want to use, including Rullas and Miyuki drops. Luckily, I just happened to have some in nearly identical colors.

I haven’t decided yet whether I’m going to use both my green and blue coins, or stick to just green. I’m definitely kicking myself for not purchasing more of the blue! With the right back up colors, both coins could look great in an alternating pattern, or with just one as a focal. Maybe asymmetrical. I’m going to have to play a bit and see what happens.

I’ve also got a bunch of Java glass laid out in my workspace, drying after their water baths. I’ve got two more secret bracelet experiments coming up, which will revive and old favorite design. Eventually, I’ll also get around to stringing the last three embroidery pendants we made, so I can show you how they turned out.

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+