Does Color Matter?

Every year during New York Fashion Week, color experts from Pantone determine the hottest color trends for the up and coming fall jewelry season. And for the very first time, the range of tones identified for fall 2015, have a bona fide gender-neutral appeal. September will usher in a plethora of natural, bold, earthy hues that can be worn across men's and women's fashions. Some of the shades already being integrated into fall jewelry collections include:  sage, oak, cashmere, marsala, cadmium and amethyst, among others.

So I ask the question, "Does color matter?" In a word, yes! Color, as I wrote in a previous post, is integral to the human experience. It informs many of the choices we make daily. Our clothes and the jewelry we wear to embellish them make our bodies appear interesting and sexually attractive. Without proper color combining, jewelry especially would lack in vitality and be tremendously uninspiring. Color selection affects our minds and behaviors so it will, of necessity, make our lives more or less meaningful.

Attention to color trends was not my priority as a young adult. But with age (and what some would call fashion-sense maturity), color consideration has became increasingly important.
Recently, I made an unexpected visit to a satellite salon of a reputable national hair company. While I was receiving a brow wax, I was persuaded to stay for a much needed hair makeover.

The anticipated outcome was a return to my blonde roots but the gal mistakenly treated my hair a dark chocolate brown. Then (with my approval), she tried to lift the brown and ended up turning my hair a shockingly brilliant orange!

Three more attempts were made at blonde toning, but 9.5 hours later, I drove home in the dark with coppery orange/red hair.

Now let me say unequivocally, color consideration became paramount the next morning! What clothes do I wear? Are my purple-soled Nike's off limits? Is my salmon tank top too dull, or too bright? Should I change the blue bead in my necklace to white pearl?  So many questions!

You may ask, "Does she really dislike red hair?" Absolutely not! I have friends who enjoy some of the most gorgeous red hair ever to be seen.

The crux of the problem, as I realize it, is getting used to viewing my head in the mirror with something other than flaxen blonde strands. And because I wasn't emotionally prepared for the sudden change to orange/red hair, I had no point of reference for color coordinating clothes.

So, what's next on the agenda? I have a hair dresser lined up to help return my hair to its original blonde. (I admit, my ego received a serious blow at the hands of the supposed professional.) But until or unless she can effect change, does color still matter?

Not so much! Time has passed. I'm wearing what I please, and I just happen to have one of the most gorgeous dogs on the planet who also happens to have coppery red hair... WE LOOK ALIKE! Yes, Mango and I share the same gorgeous hair color! What more could a dog-loving person ask for?

So, here's to sweet Mango and our matching coppery red hair!

I will be posting a photo of Mango and I together soon!

Does Color Matter?

As someone who crafts salable art jewelry, I am often referred to, and by others, as "artist". The dictionary describes an artist as a person who practices or provides one of the various creative arts. I have never had an issue being called artist, but then, I've never given the matter much thought either.

I was watching a documentary one recent evening when I became interested in comments made by the accomplished Japanese sculptor, Etsuro Sotoo. He referred to stone, the medium of his craft for the last 37 years, as his master. His stone carvings, he said, are brought to life by the stone itself. He refers to stone as his machine, his heart, his teacher.
Rather than create art, Sotoo said he copies art. He copies nature. And he takes no credit for sculpture design because the design for everything already exists. The design for every thing exists in nature. And nature is perfect!

Immersed in thought later, I realized how profound Etsuro Sotoo's comments were. Nature is teacher. Everything we do has been taught us by nature. And, yes, nature is perfect! The dictionary describes nature as the phenomenon wherein features and other products are brought forth by the earth, as opposed to humans. These earthly creations include plants, animals, landscapes. etc.

Nature teaches me about love, about love of art. Nature teaches me about creation, about love for all creation. Whenever I feel happy, I will often take a photo of my surroundings, a photo of a beautiful flower, a gorgeous landscape, a photo of my dogs, my family or friends. Why do I take photos when I am happy? Because all of those amazing beings and creatures are a reflection of nature. They are nature. And nature is perfect.

Today, I put the finishing touches on a beautiful bracelet. I called it Morning Glory Bracelet because I wanted the jewelry to reflect the beauty that is the natural, sun-loving Morning Glory flower. It is perfect.

As a child, and later as a young adult, I was never fond of antiques. They often held a musty smell and were not of pristine condition (a requirement, I guess, for a young, uncultured mind)!

We had a marvelous antique establishment in my home town prior to college (I didn't think so at the time). And anytime I would tour the store with visiting relatives, I literally couldn't wait to get back outdoors to breathe fresh air.

In middle age, however, I have come to appreciate the artistic value of historic collectibles.

I recently acquired two Vintage Beaded Purses from the estate of my husband's family. The age of these reticule's (as they were once called) is at least turn of the century.

Despite the understated appearance of the vintage purses, there is something in viewing that stirs my heart. Perhaps it is the experience of satisfaction the creators might have enjoyed with the fulfillment of ambition. My sentiments, no doubt, are comparable in achievement.

In my visual pursuit of online classic memorabilia, I developed a healthy enthusiasm for vintage chain maille purses. So much so, in fact, I decided to create two impressions of my own:  the Victorian Gate Mesh Chatelaine Purse and the Silver Mesh Chain Maille Coin Purse.

Victorian Gate Mesh Chatelaine Purse

Silver Mesh Chain Maille Coin Purse

The stainless steel jump rings used in the purses were tumbled and polished prior to assembly. Stainless steel is strong, dependable and satiny smooth to the touch. It is a great medium for vintage-inspired purses.

I hope to add future chain maille purse styles to my repertoire in the near future.

Here's to dreamy dreams and beaded/chain maille visions!

Color is integral to the human experience. It informs many of the choices we make daily, both directly and indirectly. So much of what is important in our lives involves the expression of color. But our experiences are highly personal because each of us interprets color a bit differently. The colorblind among us, for instance, have difficulty differentiating between reds and greens.

How do we perceive color?  An abbreviated answer is this:  objects absorb and reflect light. Special receptors in our eyes transmit those various lightwaves to our brains where they are interpreted as color sensations.

Because of social conditioning, we humans have developed our own internalized criteria for determining what the appropriate use for given colors are in every facet of our lives (i.e. girls wear pink, boys wear blue). We do this, it is thought, to satisfy our psyches emotionally. Color, therefore, affects our minds and it affects our behavior.

Our ability to perceive color puts the world of fashion at our fingertips. Our clothes and the jewelry we wear to embellish them make our bodies appear interesting and sexually attractive. Thus, color considerations require immense respect during the design phase because without proper color combining, jewelry especially would lack in vitality and be tremendously uninspiring.

If color associations matter then, how are protocols established for color use in the world of fashion? Most industry professionals are informed by the color wheel; it's a circular tool that shows the colors of the rainbow in relationship to each other (our eyes are tuned in to the rainbow spectrum of light). The color wheel allows artists the freedom to make neutral and mutually beneficial selections to enhance their designs.

For example, let's say the main color in a particular sketch is determined to be red. Subsequent corresponding colors might need to be appointed to either complement and/or contrast the dominant red color.

Using the wheel below, find the color red. To it's right, you will notice shades of orange; to its left, shades of purple. Opposite red on the wheel are various hues of aqua. A couturier might settle for both orange and purple (among other colors) to complement the red in her design. She might also choose aqua (among other colors) for contrast.

So, each of the selections from the color wheel will necessarily have close physical associations to the salient color in the design.

Many of us admittedly feign ignorance to the science of color and its effects on life (myself included), unless by necessity, we are obliged to partake in its interest and wealth of intrigue. Color is fun. The depth and breath of its scope is limitless which makes it a fascinating topic on many levels.

So, what is the color of life? Well... life is whatever color we want to consign to it. Our expressions of color are nuanced by how we live our lives. And conversely, our lives are nuanced by expressions of color. How we interpret and experience those colors is what helps to give our lives and our world increased meaning!

Here's wishing you dreamy dreams and colorful visions!

Yesterday, I received a message saying I wasn't giving credit where credit is due -- this, in regard to the design sources for the beaded jewelry photos I've been posting on Facebook. In point of fact, I have tried to give design credit for all of my beaded jewelry items on both Etsy and on my personal webpages. Perhaps the commenter overlooked this. But the post left me thinking about a particular quote: "Good art is like music. It should be enjoyed and not dissected."

At some point in their lives, artists receive inspiration for their craft from the experts that came before them. Experts who unwittingly paved the way for starstruck wannabe's like myself who aspire to achieve a high caliber of artistic expression.

Here's a bit of history:  Three years ago, I was enrolled at Companion Animal Sciences Institute in Canada. My course of study:  Canine Behavior Science and Technology. The program was all consuming - enjoyable, but leaving me wanting for a creative outlet as a much needed diversion. I began schooling myself in the art of chain mail and worked diligently at creating jewelry I could enjoy forever. When the piles of bracelets and necklaces became more than I could possibly wear in a lifetime, I decided to sell them on Etsy.

Then the unimaginable happened on November 17, 2012. My 26 year old son, Bobby, was tragically killed in a car accident near my home in Round Rock, Texas. Needless to say, my life as I knew it changed forever. Creating jewelry evolved from an enjoyable past-time to a necessary obsession. Making things with my hands helped ease the sorrow of my loss. Bobby became the source of inspiration for my need to create.

With the help of Round Rock Honda and Penske Automotive Group, the Bobby Bove Memorial Scholarship Fund was established. My subsequent desire to honor Bobby's memory and help endow his annual scholarship began to drive my motivation for creating jewelry. It was that or quit Etsy -- a thought I entertained momentarily.

In 2013 I discovered Jill Wiseman online. Her unique variations on traditional bead-weaving themes and her flair for color combining were awe-inspiring. I knew then it was time to add a new technique to my repertoire.

My office is my studio. I have a 4 x 6 photo of Bobby in front of my workspace. His beautiful smile brings love and warmth to my heart as I work. It also helps stem my pathological mania for creating jewelry just to ease a tormented mind.

I truly love making jewelry. But I take very little credit for any of it. I've learned that the gift to create does not define a person and, more importantly, the gift of success can be lost as quickly as it was received (just as people in our lives can inexplicably be taken from us). I'm thankful, though, for the outlet to create - most especially when the agony of losing Bobby was greatest. For that, I can't thank the bead-weaving and chain mail communities enough!

The Wild Sparkleberry Necklace and matching bracelet seen here in the photo is from Jill Wiseman's fabulous book, Beautiful Beaded Ropes. It's been a favorite on Facebook. I created the set in sapphire blue because it was Bobby's favorite color. I thought of him as I worked. I like to think he would love it!

Dear Readers:  It's never been about me or the jewelry. It's about the art. It's about Bobby.

Cellini Spiral Bracelet

Are you familiar with Cellini Spiral Bracelets? They're created with a tubular peyote stitch (bead-weaving vernacular) using a variety of bead shapes, sizes and colors the outcomes of which are absolutely fascinating.
Why is the jewelry called Cellini? Well, that's still a mystery to be realized but the weave is widely popular in the beading industry by both artists and consumers alike. I, for one, love, love, LOVE the Cellini spiral, thus, my efforts here at promoting this well sought-after fashion trend.

Most of the Cellini's I've seen on the internet have large, round seed beads as the leading spiral -- the focus of which inspires the remaining color palette. I wanted to try my hand at something different so I used freshwater pearls as the dominant beads to make a more impactful statement. I'm happy to say they worked! And, to date, I've not seen another virtual bracelet in its likeness. The lovely peacock blue/gray colors remind me of the sea and the spiral motif is reminiscent of sea creatures!

For application, the Cellini Spiral simply rolls over the hand. It's really that simple! The smooth beads and the bracelet design allow for the flexibility required to wheel the piece over protruding knuckles and onto the wrist where it can be adorned with other bangle bracelets if so desired.

The Cellini Spiral shown below measures approximately 0.71-inches wide (18 mm). It can be made thinner with the use of smaller beads. I hope to have samples showcasing the different sizes and color palettes in the very near future.

Whether you're running out to a dorm party clad in stringy blue jeans, or attending a formal retirement dinner for a co-worker, don't feel restrained by age or attire. It's all about the wrist! But don't take my word for it. Try a bracelet for yourself and fall in love! Then go tell the world about Cellini Spiral's!

Here's wishing you dreamy dreams and vivid visions!

My new obsession this year is Barefoot Sandals! Yes! Those dainty and floppy beaded things otherwise known as foot thongs! With each new dawn, I wait (or worry?) for inspiration on how to create an ornamental ribbon resembling a string of beads or a cross section of a bracelet or necklace. Do I have the right stones?  Do the colors coordinate? Will anybody like it? I have to say, there has been a meteoric rise in popularity and positive feedback from fans most of which come from women who love foot jewelry as much, if not more than I do (if that's possible)!

Here in Texas we grow fine green grass... as fine a grass as you will find anywhere in the world. And like all good green grass, it's wanting for the prettiest of bare feet. But... we also grow FIRE ANTS! Yes, Solenopsis! For those readers who are unfamiliar with these formidable critters, they're red, they bite, they STING and then they itch! FOREVER! So, wearing barefoot sandals outdoors in Texas (and in other parts of the Southern United States) is probably not something I would recommend unless you're at the shore.
I remember the passed-over beach parties my employers set up over the years to help improve interpersonal relationships between co-workers; the Friday night pool parties ignored for feeling shy, and a tad inadequate. And the long weekend boat excursions where beer was as plentiful as the worms used to bait the fishing hooks.
With age comes maturity (at least for most of us) and a softening of fears. We have a greater appreciation for all things beautiful, including jewelry.  I can slip on a pair of attractive foot thongs, for instance, and feel like I'm walking in paradise! I experience increased adrenaline, increased self-worth and confidence. Increased everything! It's quite remarkable really that beads strung together with an otherwise understated elegance can have suchst reached paradise. I experience increased adrenaline, increased self-confidence and self-worth. Increased everything! It's quite remarkable really that beads strung together with an otherwise understated elegance can have such a powerful effect on the psyche.

For me, wearing barefoot sandals is kind of like donning new underwear in the morning knowing I will be the only one that sees them. Does it make me feel fabulous? Of course it does! Brand new underwear always boosts morale.  And so do foot thongs when worn for our own enjoyment! They not only boost morale but they can foster team spirit as well. The new shapes and styles offer wild glam-rock vibes that can work an entire crowd.

Whether in the comfort and privacy of my own home or at an outdoor rock concert, it's all about the feet! But don't take my word for it. Try a pair for yourself and fall in love! Then go tell the world about Barefoot Sandals!
Here's wishing you dreamy dreams and vivid visions!