Category — Designs

I'm Smitten with Terri Caprio's charming pendant. Isn't it lovely. SIGH…..

and a labor of artistry.

I met Terri while teaching at a beading occasion last weekend at Zeffers Farm Studios. Jewelry finishing techniques was the topic of choice and after a quick assessment of students needs and desires we floated from beader to beader assisting in ways to help them with current projects or begin new ones. Back to playing the role of shop owner.

Terri wanted to work with this pendant she made from porcelain clay. Which btw, progresses through multiple steps of painting, glazing and firing. She also created the frame from fine silver clay applying more processes for a beautiful finished centerpiece.

After some deliberation she chose to hang the pendant from gunmetal chain which brought out the detail in the fine silver and added contrast to the painting. After some instruction on adding beads to chain, a necklace was born. All attendees were impressed. And rightly so.

A Final Note.

Many thanks to Trish for the invite to her studio. I enjoyed meeting new artisans at Zeffers Farm Studios last weekend. Many creative, talented people walk through those doors. 

Take care,

Cynthia

ohiobeads.com

P.S. If you're a local (Cincinnati/ Dayton area) then check out this link and learn more about creating with art clays, fused glass, jewelry making and creative exploration.

Popularity: 33% [?]

Photography class assignment: Shoot images that are shiny and reflective.

As a art design major in school I had to take photography classes as part of my core curriculum and I enjoyed it immensely. Currently, the photography bug has bitten again and decided taking a photography class would acquaint me with a new camera and force me to try some other creative processes. (Internet work can be a bit lonely )

Exploring other creative mediums enhances productivity in your current pursuits. It's a good thing!

I will start to dedicate a few posts here and there highlighting such pursuits. Hope you won't mind.. 

More later,

Cynthia,

ohiobeads.com

Popularity: 20% [?]

A very talented customer named Chris D. sent us pictures of her jewelry design highlighting her artistic use of bronze art clay. The textural characteristic of her trinkets, especially these disc earrings, is so unique. She gave us permission to showcase her pieces here on our blog and we're delighted she likes using our antique brass chains to mix and match with her Bronze Clay charms, beads and pendants. 

I really like the organic feel of this piece and her craftmanship is top notch. Looking at others creativity is inspiring and in this case makes me want to give this medium a try.

Thanks a bunch Chris!!

Like what you see and your in the Cincy or Dayton Ohio area and need to know more about metal art clay?

Then stay tuned as I bring more info your way about local artist Trish Jeffers-Zeh from Zeffers Farm Studio!!

Until next time,

Cynthia

Popularity: 72% [?]

A Lesson in Color Theory…

In my shop days this bracelet was an instant copycat bracelet. What's not to like..bright colors to celebrate the arrival of a new season. Plus, what I discovered through my time helping customers with color choices was this combo always… always… finished at the top the class.

Some Color Theory

When considering color, most of us have been exposed to basic terms like primary, secondary, complimentary, monochromatic, and probably references to warm and cool colors.

The above bracelet color scheme is based on the use of analogous and monochromatic color.

Analogous colors are simply 3 neighbors on the color wheel. Using 3 neighboring colors on the color wheel makes it easy to create a pleasing color combo because of similar undertones. In this case blue-green, green, and  green-yellow.

Monochromatic describes 1 color in various values and intensities. Think about variations of lightness and saturation. Using monochromatic colors is very clean and easy on the eye. One of my favorite schemes, that never fails me.

Using this silver chain as the base helps create a simple, clean, and fresh design just perfect for Spring. 

Popularity: 55% [?]