July 25, 2012

Subtlety

 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.

13 comments:

  1. they are all beautiful. I love the softness and hint of color :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful work. Definitely subtle :-).

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the beads. You can use so many different colors with them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very beautiful and subtle...I love this set

    ReplyDelete
  5. I 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!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm... interesting thought on making the earwires. I haven't tried that yet... what gauge of wire does one use to make earwires?

      Delete
    2. I 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

      I 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

      Delete
    3. 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!!!

      Delete
  6. I 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.

    This color combination is lovely; what is the bead color that you've used?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Then do you tumble them to harden (I don't have a tumbler)?

      The colors are Black Diamond TR and Gray TR MA (both Toho)

      Delete
    2. 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.

      Delete
  7. Incredible work...stunning design.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I've seen your work - talk about stunning design!

      Delete

I'd love to hear from you!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...