I'm usually no good at all at being subtle (I'm an Aries - I can't help it). I do think I might have managed it in my last few pieces, though.
This is the same watch as in my banner. It looks very neutral but if you look closer, it has lots of soft color. The cord is the softest shade of oyster and the beads are gray and black diamond with finishes ranging from matte to iris. I love how the big square knot in the center of the diamond should be all wrong with the rest of the intricate fussy, elements but somehow works.
I also made a couple of pairs of earrings to match - might as well while you have the beads out, you know:
See all the color in there? Blues and minty green and purple?
I may have achieved some subtlety with these, but they're not boring. Neutral with a twist. Elegant, but not stuffy. I like it.
they are all beautiful. I love the softness and hint of color :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work. Definitely subtle :-).
ReplyDeleteI love the beads. You can use so many different colors with them.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful and subtle...I love this set
ReplyDeleteI agree - I think you did a fabulous job on the colors here. I love the earrings. Although I would put them on earwires with no bead or spring - I think they distract from your lovely earring. I suggest a simple handmade earwire with one of those beads from the center - it will make them look 100% custom (which they would be!)
ReplyDeleteHmmm... interesting thought on making the earwires. I haven't tried that yet... what gauge of wire does one use to make earwires?
DeleteI also use 20g half hard sterling. Here's a link to a great tutorial to make both at once: http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2012/03/07/wire-jewelry-tip-of-the-year-make-perfect-ear-wires-sets-in-minutes.aspx
DeleteI sometimes add a bead above the loop and give the wire a bend to keep it in place. You can see an example in this post on my blog:
http://lisayangjewelry.blogspot.com/2012/06/blooming-brights-earrings.html
Love your work!
Lisa
http://www.lisayangjewelry.com
Thank you so much - the ear wires look do-able (but sometimes things LOOK deceptively simple - my mind can grasp what my hands cannot LOL). Those earrings are so cool!!!
DeleteI use 20 gauge half-hard sterling silver round wire ( I get mine at Rio Grande, but it pays to compare prices and shipping). I round the end that goes through the ear with a wire end rounder (cup burr)to make them comfortable to insert, and make up 20 or 30 pairs at a time so I always have some on hand.
ReplyDeleteThis color combination is lovely; what is the bead color that you've used?
Then do you tumble them to harden (I don't have a tumbler)?
DeleteThe colors are Black Diamond TR and Gray TR MA (both Toho)
Tumbling is great for doing large quantities, but I usually just tap the bends with a rubber mallet or even a metal one if I want to flatten them a little.
DeleteIncredible work...stunning design.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I've seen your work - talk about stunning design!
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