A Flicker of Inspiration: Fireworks

Math is a universal language, even in a metaphorical sense. It might not be true everywhere, but in many places there is an undeniable equation:

Warm Weather + Celebrating = Fireworks.

In honor of the 4th of July, I thought it would be fun to look at some of the amazing shapes and colors of fireworks displays. Though it might be tricky to literally recreate the look of fireworks with beads, they do provide some interesting combinations to ponder.

Fireworks

1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, 11, 12

My personal favorites are the big, yellowy-white dandelion shaped bursts, that slowly melt into a chrysanthemum shape. I love the champagne color of the sparks, and the graceful way they fall and dissipate. Even the most awkward shaped fireworks look stunning against the backdrop of a night sky, and when captured in photographs, the bursts are breathtaking in a whole new way.

Here’s to a fantastic summer!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading

Bead Color Triads: Aurora Borealis

Before we take a look at some fun winter-inspired color palettes, I’d like to share a quote from Margie Deeb’s recent interview with Lark Crafts.

I see so much extraordinary beadwork that does not focus enough on design, but instead emphasizes process and technique. It smacks of “Look how many beads I can use!” or “Look how intricately I can bead!” rather than being an integrated, exquisitely designed piece of jewelry, beautiful in form and function.

Whether a piece takes one hour or 30 hours to make, or whether it employs one stitch or 50 techniques, isn’t the point. The overall design of the jewelry is what’s most important: the shape, the silhouette, the wearability, the drape, the visual impact.

Coming from an expert like Margie Deeb, these words are music to any beader who has ever questioned their own skills. Being a talented beader or jewelry maker isn’t about having the most elaborate designs. However you choose to create, with whatever techniques, materials and skill, the true test is how much pleasure one of your designs can bring to its wearer.

So with that in mind, let’s imagine some wearable designs with simple bead palettes! This month I thought it would be fun to capture the Northern Lights with beads. The phenomenon is a welcome treat in the winter months - the vibrant display becomes easier to see near the solstice, and with short days and darker nights, the effect is even more beautiful.

Although the colors seen during an aurora borealis display can include a rainbow of shades like red, purple, and yellow, it is the bright electric greens and blues that we usually think of most.
Set against the inky black winter sky, the effect is truly breathtaking.

The first palette is called Moon Goddess. I started with a lime green tagua slice pendant, which has that great electric hue. It contrasts beautifully with blue fire polish, set against a background of jet black 11/o seed beads.

Keeping with the astral phenomenon theme, Sky Lights is like a trio of UFOs caught amongst swirling storm clouds. The jet black Swarovski rivolis really stand out against sapphire Miyuki triangles and jonquil lined aqua 15/o seed beads.

Finally, we have Blue Eclipse. I couldn’t make aurora borealis palettes without at least some flash, so I paired up black vitrail daggers and green vitrail Czech glass leaves. These look great against the moody blue shade of abalone lined crystal TOHO seed beads.

The night sky is such a wonderful source of inspiration. The Northern Lights, the harvest moon, and constellations all have great qualities that can translate into beaded designs. What’s your favorite?

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading

Subscribe to Inspirational Beading

Lights and Tinsel

The Inspiration:

Now that December is almost here, it's time that all beaders turned to their gift projects and Christmas decorations. I try to make something for many of my friends and family, and most of my beading time is spent designing pieces that will make great gifts. I prefer to give jewelry that is wearable year-round, but sometimes it's nice to have a beautiful and festive Christmas accessory or two.

Last year I designed a multi-strand bracelet with leaf fringe and different sizes of beads in natural colors. The effect was nice, but I wanted to try something new this year. Since it's the holiday season, I decided to create a Christmas tree bracelet, complete with white and blue lights.

The Beads:

I wanted continuity with the beads, so I chose to use lined varieties for the foliage as well as the lights, rather than a combination of matte and clear. The palette for my bracelet includes: copper lined green, foil lined blue mix, foil lined clear, and foil lined brown mix. Black will also be used as the base for the 'lights'. Overall, I think that the feel of a crisp and classic Christmas tree can be seen.

The Beadwork:

Without any ado, here is the completed bracelet. It can be worn flat or twisted, and the ten strands of thick leaf fringe certainly evoke a feeling of pine needles and flashing lights. Because so many embellishments were added this time around, I've had to adjust the length from my previous design. The finished bracelet measures a tiny 6 1/2 inches, and is a nice snug fit. It would work just as well as a slinky 8 inch bangle as well, with the strands free to move about and sparkle.

The clasps are attached to small panels of even-count peyote stitch, which is the most complex part of the design. Although manipulating the strands of beads between clasps can be akward at times - especially when the thread is at it's maximum length - the bracelet is very easy to make. It's a great beginner friendly project that I would recommend for any new beader. And the results are beautiful, too!


Your Turn:

Complete instructions for this project are available on Variety Beading: Christmas Projects. Try out a new Christmas design, or create on of your own, and post your Christmas beading story on the Beading Challenge Forum.