Friday's Inspiration

Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes!

 

 

When you create something, you want to make sure it is constructed well and your technique is solid.

  

But an important factor you don't want to overlook is adding the unexpected.  What sets this palm tree photo apart from the hundreds of palm tree photos?  The fact that it looks like it belongs in a Dr. Seuss story!

  

Experiment with color, shape and design...walk outside your box and see how different the perspective is from over there! 

Friday's Inspiration

While color is an important part of each design, texture is often an unsung hero. 

 

 

 

The vivid color of the sunset is what first captures your attention in this picture, but it is the beach that keeps it.  You would expect small grains of sand, but here the beach is created with vibrant stones.  And you can imagine how the gentle waves would feel running past your feet...

 

 Golden Elegance

 

Texture was an important part of designing this bracelet.  The wave-like pattern was created by increasing/decreasing the size of the beads.  But the real impact was created by using various finishes and colors throughout the pattern. 

 

A fun way to train your eye is to go window shopping.  Take notice of what gets your attention...is is the color?  The shape?  The texture?  You can do this for jewelry, clothing, flowers...anything you shop for. 

  

Once you can recognize what you are drawn to in other's designs, you will be able to better create your own. 

 

Friday's Inspiration

I found this picture on Facebook the other day and it has become one of my favorites. 

 

  

The repetition of the waves, the spiral of the branches and the cloud and the rays of sunlight all draw me in each time. 

 

I think it's hard to create with just neutrals and pastels, but this picture certainly has given me the inspiration to try something new!



Friday's Inspiration

When you look at this photo, what do you notice first?  

 

 

There's a lot to like about this picture.  The composition, the contrasts, the depth...
 
I was captured by the contrast of the purple rhododendrons in the center of the picture.  Once I started looking more closely, I was fascinated by the small break in the clouds that let just a hint of the blue sky through.  And then I started to focus on the pattern I saw in the fence...You get the idea.
 
Designing jewelry is a lot like photography.  You have to have something in each piece that catches a person's attention.  It could be a special pendant, the shape of the wire connectors or even the color palette.  
 
No one sees all the details at once.  And that's part of the beauty and mystery of art.  All it takes is something to catch your eye and then you start to see everything else the artist did to create the whole piece. 
 

  

As much as I like this necklace, it just doesn't work.  I think that the main reason is that it is busy everywhere you look...your eyes just don't get a rest.  If the pendant had a solid center, it would create a focal point because it contrasts with the pattern in the rest of the necklace.   

 

So I'm going to rework the pendant with a piece of white sea glass I collected last summer and we'll see what happens. 

 

And it's back to the drawing board for that shell...finding a way to keep the design in the shell the focus is my project for April.  And maybe May as well...