David Bowie Blog Hop

by Staci Louise Smith

The David Bowie blog hop is tomorrow!  Come here in the morning, and you can add you link to your blog post, and hop along to see everyone's pieces and read about their inspiration.

I will be honest, my piece is still only sketches, but it will be done for tomorrow!  

Here are links to other posts on the blog hop for more information and details.

(please note the date has changed for the hop from the original date.  it is tomorrow, 4/14/16)

http://www.lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2016/02/stardust-david-bowie-blog-hop.html

http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2016/02/stardust-david-bowie-tribute-blog-hop.html

As for me, I think I have decided to use pictures of David as inspiration, since his photo shoots and fashion were every bit as much a part of his art as his music.  

Having a love of wild fashion and a deep respect for anyone willing to break the molds of society, I am deeply moved by all the wonderful stages of his life long transformation and growth.

Anyhow, we do hope you will join us!  Make your piece, write a blog about it and the inspiration and link up here tomorrow morning.

We do ask that if you add your blog, that you check back through the day and take time to read everyone else's blog as well (and leave a comment, cause everyone likes to see who is reading their blog!).  We really hope to create a sense of community between artists as we honor this rock / creative legend.

'Till tomorrow!

Trends in Jewelry

by Staci L. Smith

 

There are often trends in jewelry.  I think as a designer its good to at least know what they are, and see if its something you are interested in applying to your work at all. 

 

For example, I have always worked very short when it comes to necklaces, but noticed that long necklaces, and chain seemed to be "in" this year.  So I made some longer, adjustable pieces- careful to keep my style while doing so.  I loved it.   It felt good to branch out, and they were a hit!

 

Another trend I have noticed is owls.  They are everywhere.  They are on handbags, and on iphones, on pillow cases and school bags.  I often have people ask me for animal jewelry, and its just not something I really do.  However, I have seen lots of really cute owls out there.  Still, its not me, and so, I have not purchased a single owl art bead.  Well, that changed when I saw this one.

 

 

 

 

A raku, organic, crazy little owl by   Lisa Peters Art. 

 

I couldn't hold out any longer. I knew this one was calling me. I can't wait to get it and create something trendy- with my spin on it. 

 

Here are some other super cute, cool and fun owl beads and jewelry.

 

 

Summer Studio Ceramic Owl

 

 

 

 

Ceramic Owls by Slate Studio Supply

 

 

 

 

 

Ceramic Owl Pendant from Marla's Mud

 

 

Copper Owl Pendant by Kristi Bowman Design

 

 

 

 



Here is a great necklace by Lulu Bug Jewelry handmade in fine silver

 

Hooty Wrap Bracelet by Lorelei Eurto Jewelry

 

 

 

So, do you dive right into trends, or just observe from afar until something strikes you?  Or, do you ignore them all together and only pursue that voice inside?

 

 (and don't forget, our Love Chain is still on the go, and Friday it goes to a new home!  So enter for the chance to win your turn with it- click the "follow the love tour" button on the right side of the screen.)

 

Fall Fashion Forecast:: Useless Hype or Inspiration?

by Patty Lakinsmith

Do you pay attention to the seasonal fashion trends when you create, or are your pieces inspired wholly from within?  I have to admit, I have visited the Pantone site before out of curiosity mostly, but I have to admit that I've never been much of a fashion type.  Occasionally I will set out to create jewelry made to specifically coordinate with the colors in certain clothing I own, but that's the exception, not the rule for me.  I will definitely admit to being inspired to try different color combinations that I see echoed in prints that women are wearing.


Here's what they've been saying about this fall (since February, I might add):

“Designers take a painterly approach to fall 2011 by artfully combining bright colors with staple neutrals, reminiscent of how an artist would construct a stunning work of art.”

Pantone's "Sensible and Spirited" color palette for Fall, 2011.

Honeysuckle, Pantone's Color of the Year.

 Cool.  I think I might have accidentally bought a blouse recently in this color, although the tag inside actually describes the color as "Dark Retro Rose".  Here it is:

It's close, but maybe not the Color of the Year.  All I know is that I love it, it coordinates beautifully with the brown linen suit I wore it with, it really brings out a nice summer glow in my skin when I wear it, and  it allowed me to get the hell out of the store.  But you know, now that I think of it, I bought a blouse last year that's pretty much this same color. How on earth did they know?  Yes, I'm cynical.

Do any handmade jewelry artists really use this stuff, or is it just a lot of hype?  I guess if you're in the market to create jewelry that coordinates with what's on the fashion racks it might be helpful to pay attention to these forecasts.  But not all artists are even able to work some of these colors into the type of things they make, depending on the materials they use.  


All I know is that I found this delicious strand of fossilized coral at the gem show, and had to sit down and make some beads to complement them.  There's a lot of variety in each of the beads, which suggests many possibilities.  Now I'm thinking add some other gemstones to the mix that bring out the rose (salmon?) a little more, some antiqued brass, and I might have a nice piece.

Do you take your creative cues from fashion trends?  How many times do you find yourself wearing the "Color of the Year"?