Daily Blogs : inspiration

The BEST Stringing Ideas PLUS 2 Free Projects!

Erin Carey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:15:00 GMT

30 Necklace Tips and More in The Best of Stringing Magazine
Have you done something really interesting in your jewelry-making lately? Perhaps you found a unique way to attach a pendant or discovered a new trick for incorporating a clasp? I've been in a bit of a creative rut recently, to tell you the truth. You too?

Now we can be inspired by 183 great ideas in The Best of Stringing, a just-released special collector's edition filled with favorite Stringing designs. Not only are the magazine's many projects exciting, but so is the feature, Fun with Focals. Together co-author Michelle Mach and I highlight 30 stand-out necklaces–all hand-picked from past issues of Stringing magazine–that demonstrate cool ideas and innovations for designing with focal elements.

Under the Artful Influence
My work has already been influenced by some of these necklaces. For instance, in the photo below you can see how I interpreted Silvija and Taya Koschnick's necklace from The Best of Stringing, by reflecting their way of laying chain on top of beads in my Golden Blush necklace.

Fun with Focals
Artist Heather Powers was also influenced by our Fun with Focals article. Powers, who has designs featured in The Best of Stringing, is the creative mind (and hands) behind HumbleBeads.com, purveyor of polymer clay beads and finished jewelry, and the interactive blog, artbeadscene.com. In these photos you can see how Powers was inspired by Teri Bienvenue’s idea for a horizontal focal piece to create her own distinct design!

Free Projects!
I leave you with two brand new, never-before-seen stringing projects. Click each picture to download the instructions for that project. I hope they both inspire you to create your own fun focal pieces. Long live creativity! --Danielle

What have you designed that was inspired by one of our Fun with Focals projects? Share your ideas here!

Metal beads and why we love them!

Erin Carey — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Add metal beads to your jewelry and wow, magic! The alchemy of metal transforms our designs in more ways than one. Because we value metal itself, using metal beads in our jewelry lets us ask a higher price! Metal gives a higher perceived and literal value to our work.

Metal beads also say a lot about who we are, our style. For fun, I collected some cool metal beads and totally made up what I think are the traits these beads might bring to a finished piece of jewelry—and what type of personality you may be to use them! (Approximate sizes are noted, for scale.) Go on, test your... metal!

Zen		The swirls in this silver saucer look like patterns in a Zen sand garden. Add beads like this to jewelry for an Asian fusion flavor. If you find this bead appealing, you tend to be calm and in control. You probably have a lucky bamboo plant in your home and will eat sushi, if it’s cooked. (20mm dia.)

Squiggle		Tactile, modern, and a cartoon in antiqued brass, this squiggle bead gives a wink of whimsy to designs. You love having people smile when they see your jewelry! You probably like squiggly food, too, like licorice lacing, spaghetti, and funnel cakes. (18mm dia.)

Spirals		These silver beads are far out! Use them to bring a 60’s style, mod look to your work, bold galactic spheres from beyond. Bet you watched “the Jetsons” as a kid, and enjoy spacey, new-age music. (15mm dia.)

Paisley pyramid		World traveler—albeit from your laptop—you’d use these beads to lend an exotic detail to your work. The decorative surface designs and shape of this Hill Tribe silver bead evoke treasures of the silk road trade. You like patterns and prints, and your jewelry reflects your love of intimate detail. Bet you wear… paisley socks! (12mm dia.)

Daggers		Shaped of hammered brass, these large, hollow daggers look very tribal. Even a single dagger as a focal bead would make a statement of strength and power in a design. If you’re drawn to dagger beads you are probably something of a warrior, a leader, and always want to be the driver when you go places with friends. (35mm long)

Rosebud		Being floral makes this bead feminine, but its oxidized surface and hand-crafted look make it a hip tribute to modern woman. It designs well with many other bead materials like stone, shell, or wood. Like it? You are probably eclectic and artsy, and have bowls of beach stones around your house. (8mm.)
Old metal		These old-looking metal components could have been unearthed at an archeological site, a remnant of an antique piece of jewelry or some unknown mechanical device. If you'd use them in your designs, I bet you like gears and watch parts, too. You probably are a fan of the Indiana Jones movies (except the second one), appreciate the imagination of Jules Verne, and might have secretly switched your brother's toy train for your Barbie one Christmas. (From 10mm to 20mm dia.)
Modern barrel		You are all about the shine, the elegance, the glamor of metal. These contemporary barrel beads are very luxe, and would totally enrich a design with semiprecious stones. If these are the beads for you, your home is probably a showcase, with modern furniture, glass tabletops, and you have a box of tools with your name on it at your manicurist. (15mm.)
Verdigris dangles		Nothing new and shiny for you! You want the character of the ages. These brass dangles have a luscious green patina you adore. Jewelry becomes a museum piece with metal beads like these. You might have once taken a belly-dancing class, and are fond of samosas and dolmades. (5mm.)
Copper saucers		This is one of my personal favorite metal beads. The antiqued surface is a contradiction to the retro saucer shape, and as a metal, copper has a rich yet earthy paradox to it. This bead could look either industrial or tribal. Copper beads design well with wood, resin, stone, and fiber beads. You may be inspired to design with these large (30mm) saucers if you like ethnic arts, but also watch sci movies... like me!
"Bluish" by Jane Dickerson		Find over 70 designs that use all sorts of metal beads in the 2009 edition of Creative Jewelry, like this "Bluish" necklace by editor Jane Dickerson. Then, share which metal beads are totally “you” here and on the Beading Daily forums!

The Best of Stringing celebrates top designs from Stringing magazine!

Erin Carey — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:30:00 GMT

Here’s a little snippet of beady publishing history that you might find interesting...
In 2002 Interweave’s founder, Linda Ligon, and I sat in a hotel lobby in New York to discuss starting a new magazine that solely concerned stringing beads. It was a completely revolutionary idea at the time and, quite frankly, I thought it was a bit nuts; beadweavers like me often viewed stringing as our community’s wallflower cousin. She said she wanted a magazine that stretched people’s creativity, helping them explore new materials to expand their vision of what stringing could be. Her general edict was, “Make it beautiful, make it colorful, and I don’t want to see page after page of ‘bumps on a string.’ What I want is page after page of gorgeous pieces that you might find at a museum shop or gallery. No ‘safe’ jewelry in this one.”

When I got back to the office in Colorado, I broke it to the Beadwork magazine team (then Jamie Hogsett and Dustin Wedekind) that we were starting up a new magazine. It would include 100 pieces, have jaw-dropping work, and there could be absolutely no 'bumps on a string.' I think Jamie and Dustin thought the idea was a little crazy, too; we were all pretty beadweaving-centric at that time. In our discussion that day I sketched out some little drawings to explain what I think Linda was talking about. Miraculously, I found those sketches in a file cabinet in the basement this morning; and can share those first bright glimmers of Stringing with you now. Sometimes it pays to be a packrat!

We set off as a team to break out of our little design boxes and to bust up our notions of what stringing beads on a cord could be. The exercise produced 100 really nice pieces for our first special issue, and I know it gave us all a rich appreciation for the technique. Now, after 5 years, dozens of issues, and hundreds of gorgeous pieces later, I see Linda's idea for Stringing magazine was right on. I guess that's why she's the boss.

Danielle Fox, Stringing magazine's current editor, recently sent me a copy of The Best of Stringing, a fantastic issue with 183 projects--21 of which are brand new. She attached this note that made me tear up a little. This magazine, as well as the technique in general, has certainly "grow'd up" in the last several years, certainly past my little sketches. It's been due, in large part, to how bravely our community of designers, teachers, vendors, and publishers have embraced and experimented with this technique. We've gone far beyond 'bumps on a string', that's for sure.

Danielle had her own warm and fuzzy moment seeing this magazine come together: "I've been on the Stringing staff since its second issue. I'll tell you, it's been so much fun to watch and help the magazine grow. I'm really excited about The Best of Stringing because it brings together all of our favorite projects in a single edition. The hardest part was narrowing down our selections. What I think we came up with is a great mix of evergreen projects, the kind that inspire you again and again."

So I guess the challenge going forward, for all of us who love to string beads, is to continue to play and experiment, pushing the technique to unexplored creative highs. How will you contribute? What new stringing techniques or materials have you been using to make your work new and unique? What trends do you see around the bend? Why not share your ideas and thoughts below or on the Beading Daily forums?

Discover your jewelry-making style with a Beads, Baubles & Jewels video!

Leslie — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:28:00 GMT

My Style, Your Style!

We beaders love a challenge! The challenge of learning new stitches and twists on a technique. The challenge of that “blank page” moment when you spread out your beads and wonder what you’ll make. But the challenge we love most is seeing what happens when two or more beaders go to their respective beading corners with identical materials and create individual, personal pieces of beadwork.

Marlene Blessing and I are no exception and love beading challenges, too. In our new season of presenting on B eads, Baubles & Jewels on Public Television, we had loads of fun doing a “My Style, Your Style” segment that we approached just like a challenge. We started with identical materials, key charms in three metal finishes––pewter, sterling silver, and shibuichi, and an option to use a toggle that looked like a keyhole. The charms were designed by Greg Ogden and Cynthia Thornton at Green Girl Studios. Our mission was to use the same materials in our jewelry designs, knowing we had personal styles, then share the process we each went through to reach our final designs. So, read the scoop on our different style stories, and watch the video from the show!

How did we each approach our jewelry design plans?

Marlene: I wanted the grouping of keys to be front and center, clanking together like keys on a key ring. At first, I thought I would create a strung necklace for these charms, adding a great Green Girl heart toggle clasp (with a “key” for the bar, of course). Even though I was short on time, I changed my course. Seed bead weaving was the way to go. I wanted to mix the fabric-like texture of beadweaving with the hardness of metal. That’s where some anxiety crept in. I’m a slow stitcher. (And I don’t have Leslie’s great facility with seed beads.)

Leslie: Keys are such powerful symbols besides being cool shapes. The style of these specific keys made me think of medieval times, and the metal finishes reminded me of Renaissance Faire jewelry and armory. So, I chose to design a heraldic banner brooch. I knew I’d be using seed beads even though, like Marlene said, there wasn’t much time. I may be faster than the average beader, but I’m not that fast! So, I worked in my fastest stitch, peyote, and used larger sized cylinder beads, size 10º, which helped me finish even faster.

What else inspired us besides the key charms?

Marlene: I followed a tip from Jean Campbell about not reinventing the wheel (or the jewelry) and decided to recycle design elements from something I already made—then add new twists. I chose to do a tubular herringbone single strand with stripes like those in my Maggie’s Weave project in the August/September 2009 issue of Beadwork. I also wanted to use a design idea from a strung project I made for the Fall 2009 issue of Stringing.

Leslie: Since this piece had a story, the keyhole toggle of course had to be an actual keyhole in the beadwork. I used it as a design element with a paradoxical function. A keyhole to what? Did one of the keys open it? What does a lock in a banner open to? It may be bit of Alice in Wonderland—that’s the mystery and fantasy of keyholes. It instantly invites the question, what’s on the other side?

What gave each of our jewelry designs a Marlene or Leslie look?

Marlene: Probably my subtle asymmetry in the design. I think I'm a bit of a tease. I want my pieces to look very balanced, almost symmetrical. In this piece, I made sure the stripes were arranged asymmetrically, and the detail with the jump rings and hammered links was only on one side of the necklace. My style!

Leslie: And I'm just the opposite! I admire anyone who makes asymmetrical work, like Marlene does. It’s not easy. So I’m totally about symmetry. The only math I was good at was geometry, and I’ve always been inspired by geometric forms. My designs are very architectural, especially my seed bead work. Plus, speaking of not reinventing, I’d already engineered the type of piece I made for this challenge, having made other medallion, banner style pieces. Also, the colors of the keys were right up my alley: though I do use bright colors, I am more drawn to metallic and matte surfaces. My style!

How to find your style

As you see, Marlene and I developed personal styles only after we’d worked to grow a jewelry-making vocabulary. We’d already explored different techniques and materials, so we had many choices we could use. Beads, Baubles & Jewels is all about helping you build your own buffet, so you can develop your personal style, too. The teachers and designers on Beads, Baubles & Jewels are experts who show you what’s new in materials and tools; how to work techniques in wire, beadweaving, metals and more; and how to simply play as a designer. Find your style—or styles! So check out the sneak peek at My Style, Your Style, and be sure to pre-order the latest season of Beads, Baubles & Jewels for even more ideas and inspiration!

Did our key challenge open some doors to your own ideas? Share them with us!

New Beading Daily editor!

Leslie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:01:00 GMT

Hi! I'm so happy to be your new Beading Daily editor!

First and foremost I want to thank Michelle Mach, the founding Beading Daily editor, who has moved on. Michelle helped create an astounding online bead and jewelry community for all of us. We’ll miss her easy writing style and creativity from the past two years. Big cheers for Michelle! The good news is that she told me she'd be delighted to contribute from time to time. Share your wishes for Michelle on the forums!

Magazine scene

I’m thrilled to take up where Michelle left off as the new Beading Daily editor, and lots of you already know me. Perhaps you recognize my face from my photo in Step by Step Beads, for whom I’ve been the editor in chief for almost five years.

You may have taken one of my Bead Fest classes. Maybe you've seen my designs published in Beadwork, Step by Step Beads, Creative Jewelry, Easy Wire, or in a few Interweave books. I even did some technical illustrations for Beadwork.

A short history of an editor

Since getting my BFA in illustration from UArts in Philly, I’ve done a lot of things, and Interweave allows me to finally bring everything together! I was a copywriter and product designer for The Franklin Mint, wrote script cards for QVC, had art features published in Niche, American Style and The Surface Design Journal. I had my own business making wearable art, fabric sculptures and jewelry, selling at the American Craft Council shows and the Buyers Markets of American Crafts. I made my own blog web site and also sell on Etsy. I’ve even been a movie and TV extra. But mostly I love to bead!

Leslie's bead health tip for today:
Wear lots of jewelry as weight-bearing exercise!

Doodlebeads

Maybe because my dad was in the computer biz since they filled rooms, I’ve always loved the tech world. I was on the internet the second it was invented! I started making videos for my daughter’s school assemblies, then my personal blog, then as an Interweave editor. Next came video tutorials for Beading Daily. Called Doodlebeads because I draw out the thread paths as a teaching aid, these tutorials for beginner bead stitchers are already on Beading Daily in the How To section.

Beads, Baubles & Jewels

I love making jewelry, but mostly I love inspiring other people to make jewelry. I have experience in almost every medium and technique but my passion is seed beads. I was asked to teach Doodlebeads on Beads, Baubles & Jewels, the PBS TV show which Interweave sponsors. I just completed taping 12 episodes for the TV show, but a new Doodlebeads DVD with all 12 basic stitches will be in the Interweave store by the end of October of this year!

Beading Daily is yours, mine and ours!

Old friends or new, share what inspires you, what you want to learn, and what your most (or least) favorite posts are. One of the best things about beadingdaily.com is that we are so connected, you with me, me to you, you with each other. We have post comments to share, lively forums, galleries, contests, lessons, videos, Bead Fest bead show events-- so many ways to have a bead-in going all the time. So it’s your turn to tell me about yourselves. Beading Daily is ours! There is an amazing wealth of experience and humor being shared on Beading Daily, being tweeted and blogged and facebooked. So find a forum and let everyone know your wish list for Beading Daily. Who are you and what do you want? More videos? More projects? Which medium? Fewer, bigger, easier, more challenging? Bring it on! Please share your comments. It takes a village, right? Together, we’re making Beading Daily the best jewelry-making neighborhood around!

Happy beading!

3 Ways to Mix and Match Bead Designs

Michelle M. — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:22:00 GMT

I admit I was a little hurt when a recent survey revealed only about 25% of Beadwork readers follow our instructions bead by bead. Here at Beadwork our editors and illustrator spend countless hours to make our instructions accurate and easy to follow. However, it’s been about six years since the last time I followed project instructions—even then I used my favorite colors and finishes instead of those prescribed. So this means I’m with the 64% of you who “use the magazine designs as inspiration and adapt the instructions to fit my needs.”...(read more)

Create on Cue: 4 Tips to Reduce Beading Stress

Michelle M. — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:51:00 GMT

If you look at my current resume, there isn’t a section called Rewards. No presidential citations or even an “Employee of the Month” award. I’d put them on there if I had any… Well, I guess in the sexist 70s the high school band voted me “Best Legs”, but I’m not sure that would add to my credentials. And, quite frankly, the “best” part of my hail-damaged legs anymore is that they get me from Point A to Point B!...(read more)

Fun Ideas for Using Felt Beads

Michelle M. — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:27:00 GMT

A month ago I asked the staff at Interweave to choose a felt bead and make something with it. Anything! They could add any materials they liked, use any techniques, and make any kind of finished object. ...(read more)

Vintage Jewelry Inspiration: Design Sketches and Ideas

Michelle M. — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:48:00 GMT

In the fall issue of Stringing, the editors (Melinda Barta, Danielle Fox, and Elizabeth Murray) all went shopping at flea markets, antique stores, and thrift stores and with some advice from jewelry designer Mysti Gulsrud, they each created a design using modern components and antique finds. ...(read more)

Fall Jewelry Trends, Plus New Gallery of Reader Designs

Michelle M. — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:42:00 GMT

Fall Jewelry Trends

When I say "fall jewelry", what comes to mind? Leaves? Rich colors? Certain metals? Lately I've been reaching for my copper and brass beads and findings--somehow those metals feel more earthy and fall-like. Even when I do choose silver, I gravitate towards the antiqued look as with the Autumn Breeze Earrings that I made for my mom a few years ago.

I looked through several fine jewelry and fashion magazines and all agreed that "drama" was a key trend in jewelry this fall. Of course, not everyone agreed what that meant! Here are a few ideas:

cuff bracelets
statement necklaces with multistrands, pendants, or large gemstones
bold earrings like chandeliers
large rings

Other fall trends mentioned were vintage looks, purple, asymmetry, mixed metals, "green" (recycled materials), and roses/flowers. What trends do you see for fall? Do you ever consider trends in your designs? Share your thoughts on the website.

Fall Reader Gallery

I loved the submissions for the reader gallery! Here are a few of my favorites:

View the Fall Reader Gallery to see all the designs. You'll also find designer names, websites, and larger photos. We're trying out some new gallery software--be sure to let me know what you think!

Inspired by the Beadwork Challenge

Lucky reader Holly Kline was selected to complete the Beadwork challenge in the new issue. Holly says, "I get a lot of inspiration from nature, the Impressionists, William Morris, the Celts, Renaissance art, and the mystical, magical aspects of the world, with the occasional foray into goth-punk beauty." Pictured is one of Holly's pieces. Her current favorite technique is bead embroidery. "I just can't seem to get enough!" See a photo of Holly's striking paua shell, crystal, and seed bead challenge project necklace in the October/November 2008 Beadwork on sale now.

It's Your Turn! If you're one of the many beaders inspired by beads, sign up for a chance to participate in an upcoming Beadwork magazine challenge. One U.S. or Canadian reader will be chosen at random will receive a challenge kit and have his or her design featured in the magazine. Sign up by November 12, 2008.

Call for Next Reader Gallery

Do you have a holiday or winter-inspired design to share? What about a favorite gift idea? If you would like to participate in this reader gallery, please send me a link to your blog/website or one JPG image of your best design by October 24, 2008. Only one design per person please! Use the email address: bdsubmissions@interweave.com and In the subject line of your email, write: Holiday Reader Gallery. Be sure to title your design and tell me a little bit about it in your email!

Michelle Mach shares beading news, contests, reader galleries, and other beady stuff every Monday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Michelle, please post them on the website.

Top 3 Places to Find Beading Inspiration

Michelle M. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:45:00 GMT

Inspiration is truly everywhere. Last night I opened a bag of new Halloween-themed M&Ms and was struck by the colors--lime green, orange, lavender, black. The first thought that popped into my head was not eating them, but draping them on my wrist to see how they would look as a bracelet! (I didn't do it--really--but I was ridiculously tempted!)...(read more)

Artists Inspiring Other Artists: 3 Examples

Michelle M. — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:36:00 GMT

In my editor’s letter in the Summer issue of Stringing, I mention how a comment from Beth Garbo, owner of Mystic, Connecticut’s You’ve GOT to be Beading, struck a chord with me: "Our customers love Stringing magazine—it’s awesome to see them inspired by other artists." It made me realize that the magazine really is about artists inspiring other artists. And that realization made me think about how I’ve been inspired to make projects because of something I saw in Stringing or other publications and how other people have been inspired by my work. ...(read more)

Coiled Wire Necklace with Lampwork Pendant

Michelle M. — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:08:00 GMT

A Solution for Long Lampwork Bead

Several months ago I bought a beautiful purple and green lampwork focal bead. I assumed I would hang it vertically in whatever design I came up with. (That's right, I'm one of those people who buys beads without a definite project in mind!) When I saw Kitty Durmaj's Southwest Desert necklace, I had an "ah-ha" moment. Why not hang the bead horizontally instead? Just that simple change from vertical to horizontal has opened up a number of design possibilities that I never would have considered before.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes it makes sense to follow project instructions exactly down to the last bead. If a bride-to-be requests a traditional knotted pearl necklace, then you really shouldn't start throwing in hot pink and brick red seed bead fringe unless you want this to be your last design for her (and all her friends)! Other times, it makes sense to change an existing design. Maybe your budget requires a less expensive version or maybe you are trying to match the colors in a special outfit. Whatever the reason, here are some ideas for customizing the Southwest Desert necklace:

The "Let's Use Up My Bead Stash" version: Reverse the necklace's proportions--lengthen the beaded links and shorten the coiled links. You may be able to double the number of beads in the necklace.
The "OMG I've Never Worked with Wire" version: Use less expensive copper or colored wire as you practice your wireworking skills.
The "Short Attention--What?" version: Create just the lampwork pendant and slide it on some chain.

Even if you're not into necklaces or wireworking, you can still find inspiration in this project:

If you are always making earrings or wrapped dangles, look at the section of this project on making your own eye pins. This is a very useful skill since you'll be able to make eye pins the exact size you need for future projects!
Use the turquoise and amber color combination as inspiration for a piece using stringing or beadweaving techniques.

Free Project: Southwest Desert by Kitty Durmaj

This Beading Daily exclusive project features coiled wire links, turquoise and amber beads, and a lampworked pendant.

Reader Poll: Do you sketch your jewelry designs? Last day to respond to this poll! I'll share the results in a future newsletter. And I'm looking for the next poll topic! What do you want to know about other beaders? Share your suggestions on the website.

Free eBook
Making Wire Jewelry: 6 Free Wire Designs from Beading Daily

Create 6 stunning wire jewelry projects (2 wire necklaces, a wire bracelet, 2 pairs of wire earrings, and a wire ring) with this free eBook that contains step by step wire jewelry instructions for each project. Jewelry designs range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate and use a variety of wire work techniques, including spirals, coiling, wirewrapping, hammering, and twisting wire. Download Making Wire Jewelry: 6 Free Wire Designs from Beading Daily

Michelle Mach shares free beading projects and tips every Friday on Beading Daily. If you have questions or comments for Michelle (including suggestions for future free projects), please post them here on the website. Thanks!

Music to Bead By

Editor — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Silence is (not) golden

Silence is not really golden--at least for beaders. Seventy-four percent of nearly 1,000 beaders who voted in the latest poll bead while listening to music! Rock was the first choice (27%), followed by classical music (24%). Pop music came in third (17%).

Some reasons Beading Daily members like beading to music:

Makes a solitary activity feel less lonely
Helps pace your work
Drowns out the "inner critic"
Inspires you

Designs Inspired by Music

For some beaders, music played a major role in their creative process:

"I love all kinds of music. In fact, when I first started making jewelry, I put my pieces into categories by music type—Ballroom/Classical was for my more high end elegant pieces, Dancehall was for my more Western/Southwest pieces, Pop was for my Trendy pieces, Rock was the Edgy stuff, and my all time favorite is Jazz for my mixed media eclectic pieces."

"Beading and music have a lot in common for me. Just looking at or feeling different beads can spark and idea for a new project. Music does that for me too. It also depends what kind of mood I'm in to determine what kind of beading I wand to do and what music I feel like listening to. They just go together, like ice cream and chocolate sauce!"

	"Mystified" by Melanie Brooks Lukacs, inspired by the song "Mystified Heavy" by Sam Roberts. Melanie writes, "It is a song rich with imagery of the old sea, and sirens, and reminds me of pirates and such dangerous oceanic things. There are so many great lines in the song, and I wanted to incorporate them in a necklace, and use the colors that paint the song's imagery in my head." More
	"The End" by The Lone Beader, inspired by the song "The End" by The Doors. There is a line in the song "Meet me in the back of the blue bus". My blue bus is all about drugs and rock'n'roll, and the freedoms in the 1960's. It also represents the 'vehicle' on which Jim Morrison abruptly ended his life. More
	"Shout Sister" by Moyra Riley. Moyra was inspired by her Georgette choir. Moyra writes, "For many of the members, this has given them their first opportunity to experience the joy of singing with a group." The choir's signature song is "When I Sing."

Your Favorite Musicians

Favorite musicians were all over the map—Clay Aiken, Mozart, Garth Brooks, Hannah Montana, Placido Domingo, Pedro Aznar . . . In case you're looking to try something new, here is a short list of the performers that were mentioned repeatedly:

• Aerosmith
• Andrea Bocelli
• Beatles
• Bruce Springsteen
• Celine Dion
• Chris Daughtry
• Dave Matthews Band

• Ella Fitzgerald
• Elton John
• Enya
• Handel
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Led Zepplin
• Loreena McKennitt

• Luther Vandross
• Madonna
• Miles Davis
• Prince
• Rod Stewart
• Sade
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

And in Other News . . .

I also heard from a number of beaders who work while listening to audio books or the TV. Most fascinating--of the ones who did mention TV, almost all mentioned crime/law shows, particularly CSI and Law and Order. What's up with that? Maybe this says something about beader personalities--placing tiny beads in order gives us the same satisfaction that others get in solving crimes or bringing justice to a victim's family. We like order in the universe, even if our world is mostly composed of size 15 seed beads!

New Poll: Do You Sketch?

After sharing a jewelry sketch last Friday (Free Project: Chain Maille Necklace), I heard from several readers who also sketch their jewelry designs. Do you sketch? Take this quick poll by May 9--I'll share the results in a future Beading Daily.

Michelle Mach shares beading news, contests, reader galleries, and other beady stuff every Monday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Michelle, please post them on the website.

Inspired by Attire: Using Clothing to Inspire Jewelry Designs

Editor — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:00:00 GMT

Today's guest editor is Danielle Fox, editor of Stringing magazine and author of the new book, Simply Modern Jewelry. Danielle shares her tips for using clothing to inspire jewelry designs. Even if you are already perfectly accessorized, you might want to try this idea as a personal design challenge using a piece from someone else's closet or flipping through some fashion magazines or catalogs. Hmmm . . . Wonder what kind of jewelry a purple Hawaiian shirt, a pink 1980s prom dress, or pair of Doc Martens would inspire?--Michelle Mach, Beading Daily editor

Inspired by Attire

Danielle Fox

As the editor of Stringing magazine and an editor of Beadwork magazine, I’m often asked to “make this” or “make that.” Make a collage project (Beadwork feature). Make a project using these particular stones (Beadwork’s The Challenge column). Make a project with a nautical theme (Stringing project—assignment to self). While I pretty much enjoy making any kind of beaded project, these broad, basically limitless, assignments often leave me dumbstruck for hours—even days—after getting them. Yikes! Where do I begin?

That’s why I love to design jewelry to accessorize clothing. Clothes give you parameters to work within--like color, style, neckline, motifs. All these details help narrow down design possibilities, a must for an indecisive person like me! That said, you won’t be surprised to learn that being inspired by attire is a topic I discuss in my new book, Simply Modern Jewelry. The project shown here, Golden Everglades, is my example of how a favorite dress determined the length, style, and color of a now-favorite necklace.

Preview Free Project: Golden Everglades
One Week Only: March 28-April 4, 2008
The preview period has ended. You may now find instructions for this project in the book Simply Modern Jewelry by Danielle Fox.

Here’s the story: This green silk dress was purchased for no particular reason. I just liked it. I think the black-and-white polka-dot detailing sealed the deal. Or maybe it was the watercolor quality of the print. (I’ll spare you further insight into my shopping thought process--it is too dizzying!) Anyway, I knew right away that I wanted to make a necklace to wear with this dress--that I wanted to translate its beauty into another medium. A choker, maybe made of all black beads, might have looked nice with the V-neck, but I decided I wanted to create a long, chain-based necklace, something that filled the deep neckline and cascaded over it. I chose gold chain and findings because I thought they looked better than silver against the warm shades of green in the dress, and I used those shades of green to help pick out crystals--jet, emerald, apple green opaque, light azore champagne, and jonquil matte--the prettiest palette I think I’ve ever worked with. After a fair amount of wireworking, my necklace was complete and so was my outfit.

Perhaps you have a favorite dress, shirt, or jacket. I encourage you to use it to inspire an accessory. Just determine what attracted you so much to the clothing item (the mix of colors, the "flowiness," the pattern, etc.) and let that inform your jewelry design. If you need to go shopping to find a dress to practice this with, I give you my permission. Just don’t give your significant other my contact information, please!

Meet Danielle Fox

Danielle Fox will be signing copies of her book at Bead Expo Portland on Friday, March 28, 2008 from 1-2 p.m. and Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 2-3 p.m.

If you have comments or questions for Danielle, please post them on the website. Thanks!

Beading Daily editor Michelle Mach will be at Bead Expo Portland this weekend. Stop by the Interweave booth Saturday morning (March 29) and say hello! And even if you can't go to the show, be sure to check out the beading tips from the show's instructors.