I wanted to share with you 3 ways how I incorporated some of the elements I blogged about last week into my jewelry.
1. I saw a lot of chains in the 2011 jewelry trends and I really liked the look so I included chains where ever I could in my jewelry. I achieved 2 results this way. The first, with multiple strands of chain and beads, I was able to get a chunky look without having to get large with my chains. Secondly, by adding 2 or 3 strands allowed me to mix colors of metals which is really hot this season.
2. I noticed big focal beads are prominent so I made my glass lampwork beads larger than usual, especially on my bracelets. This again, gave a more chunky look to my bracelets.
3. The third way to express this season’s trends are with the chosen colors.
My interpretations of this season’s trends…
- With this first bracelet I chose a little darker version of honeysuckle pink for a more romantic look. I used antiqued brass findings that are in the style of the Victorian era. It comes from the steampunk influence were brass is the metal of choice. Notice the dragonfly? I’ll talk about that later.
2. I created a fresh, tropical look with this bracelet focusing on the peapod (seafoam) color, leaves, butterflies and the clasp looks like a wave. I could easily see someone wearing this walking down the beach.
3. In my third bracelet I really went all out for my version of chunky. I used the chain as one strand, square beads in another strand and even included flipping, spiky beads… plus a big focal bead.
Which brings me to my next trend for 2011 jewelry… It’s all about Flora & Fauna. YAY! Everything from the flowers growing in your garden to the bugs crawling or flying around as you garden. That includes bees, dragonflies, butterflies, and some creatures you probably won’t see in my jewelry like snakes. This is a renewal relationship with Mother Nature & caring for her creatures. That includes the feline variety which makes animal prints a “must have” in your inventory of jewelry motifs!
With colors like Blue Curacao, Peapod & Regetta, ocean life (which is also part of Mother Nature) has got to be part of this trend. Hot this season are sea creatures of all kinds like starfish, jellyfish, octopus, seashells and fish. Sounds right down my alley!
This trend’s colors are turquoise, coral (coral rose, now is that a coincidence?), green and blues. Gold and silver is hot here with precious stones, plastic (Mother Nature won’t be happy about this) and felts (I thinking ribbons & materials too).
4. My last bracelet focuses on flowers, roses to be exact. Roses blooming in my garden & captured in glass are perfect for this trend. I’ve also included antiqued brass chain, filigree findings reflecting the Victorian influence and geometric designs into this bracelet.
This sums up the Second trend and gives me new inspiration to continue creating my jewelry.
I think I have stayed true to myself as an artist, created really cool glass lampwork beads and played with fun elements that I normally would not have experimented with in these new bracelets. I’m finding it’s really helpful to have trends because it keeps me stretching my creativity and exploring new possibilities. I’ve even considered learning more jewelry making techniques so I can take my jewelry in new directions. For example, in the past I only used silver and gold components but I really love the new metals!
I’ll do another show and tell next week about what I’m creating. I hope my sharing is helpful to you.
My inspiration for this blog came from Become Gorgeous
I would love to know what trends you have included into your jewelry? What’s your favorite so far?
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This was very interesting! I have done some poylmer beads in honeysuckle pink. I did not know about the flora and fauna. Great to know, thanks!
This was very interesting! I have done some poylmer beads in honeysuckle pink. I did not know about the flora and fauna. Great to know, thanks!
Glad to hear you enjoyed the info. I absolutely love honeysuckle pink and plan on using it a lot in my jewelry this season! When I get some time I want to go to the fabric store and pick up all the trendy colors so I can better visualize color combinations for my jewelry.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the info. I absolutely love honeysuckle pink and plan on using it a lot in my jewelry this season! When I get some time I want to go to the fabric store and pick up all the trendy colors so I can better visualize color combinations for my jewelry.