I’ve Made Some Design Decisions
Posted by Matt on November 19 at 04:44 pm
Our First Christmas
First, I’d like to thank everyone who commented on last week’s “Matt Needs Help Beading” post. They were all great ideas and useful hints, but I couldn’t decide on just one of the Fresh Picks that were suggested. Therefore, I created a new Fresh Pick based on the stones, colors and textures that I liked from your Picks.
Since CAS was nice enough to create a Fresh Pick for the occasion, I decided “Merry Christmas Newlyweds” would be a good place to start. As you can see, I chose a similar color scheme and even some of the same stones. You’ll find Plum and Orchid Freshwater Pearls as well as Smoky Quartz in both of the Picks.
The Bead Board
A few of you suggested the use of Vintaj Natural Brass in the piece. I’ve always liked the Vintaj pieces and use them frequently in my other Picks. I decided on the Pineapple Round Bead and the Filigree Ball. Using the antique brass allows me to incorporate more of Deidra’s favorite color (brown) while adding a new dimension with the metal.
Working with Ali
Today, Ali took me through the stock room so that we could pull a few strands for the final design. I had an idea of what I wanted to do before we started, but ended up with a completely different lineup. Originally, I wanted to use Champagne CZ and Freshwater Pearls with brown gemstones and purple accents. But after we started pulling strands, we added chrysocolla, berry pink pearls and garnet to help make the plum and wild orchid freshwater pearls ‘POP!’ Next Ali showed me how to use a bead board, which was pretty helpful.
I’d like to know what you think about the colors, textures and stones that I’ve decided on. If you click on “The Bead Board” image above, you can see what the finished necklace might look like. If you think one stone might look better than one that I’m currently using, I’d be happy to hear about it. Let me know what you think!
Thanks again-
Matt
On Nov 19, 2008 at 5:02 pm #
Ali says:Matt and I spent about 45 minutes in the stockroom today picking out beads. He made some great choices!
On Nov 19, 2008 at 5:05 pm #
CAS says:Matt – I think it’s going to be beautiful. I really like the shimmer you added by using the pyrite and bronzite, they add a nice richness when paired with the Vintaj. It’s a really nice mix of colors, and thank you for using my pick as inspiration. I’m very flattered.
On Nov 19, 2008 at 7:51 pm #
beadaholchick says:I know if I worked @ L.B I would never get any work done!! Nice choices, Matt. Does Deidra have a guess for the Bead Jar??
On Nov 19, 2008 at 9:27 pm #
Riki L says:Ooooh! I got really jealous when I saw you guys picking out all of those gorgeous beads today! I bet she’s going to love it, Matt! I like the pearls and the CZ with the Vintaj a lot.
On Nov 19, 2008 at 9:51 pm #
Tab says:Holy crap dude, that necklace is looking amazing! :O Seriously, I’m not just trying to be nice, I really love what you are doing. I think it is really awesome that you don’t seem to be putting the beads in some kind of repetitive sequence, it makes it very unique and eye catching. Your lady is going to be thrilled! And if she’s not, well, then I’ll gladly take the necklace, hahaha.
On Nov 20, 2008 at 2:10 am #
J Yee smart chick says:Matt,
Congrats on taking the creative plunge into designing something for Dierdra! You already are picking some fabulous combinations of colors, stones and textures, I know you’ll come up with some great pieces to give to Dierdra.
Your color scheme of purples, plums, lilac, smoky quartz, chrysocholla and Vintaj brass rocks!
Joyce
On Nov 20, 2008 at 1:58 pm #
Karey says:Matt,
Love it, love it love it!
On Nov 20, 2008 at 5:38 pm #
POF Chick Nina says:Excellent Choice of Gems! I think we have a budding Jewelry Designer here. Dierdra Will be thrilled with a piece designed just for her by her new husband.
On Nov 20, 2008 at 5:53 pm #
Leslie W Mtn Chick says:Great start!!! Isn’t it fun?
This summer I went to a lot of outdoor shows in the mountains of NC and what really caught my eye in jewelry were the very long single strand necklaces that came down close to the navel, but could also be wrapped around the neck twice or three times to create a double or triple strand necklace with a clasp included. Also, to unify the very different colors and shapes of beads which they used, seed beads were added between the larger beads in singles or multiples. Sorry, I don’t have a photo and I am not an artist!!
On Nov 21, 2008 at 9:21 am #
Leslie W Mtn Chick says:Matt, how about vintaj melon beads 3mm or trade spacer beads?????
On Nov 21, 2008 at 10:47 am #
Matt says:@Leslie W – I definitely like the smaller Vintaj beads. Actually, I’m beginning to think that the Vintaj Filigree balls are just a little bit too big. Overall, I think the piece is a little too ‘heavy’ for Dee, so I’d like to lighten it up a bit.
I’ll be posting sometime next week with a couple variations of the design with similar beads.
Thanks everyone for the help!