7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

AnnT@31 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:24:12 GMT

Leslie- Great tips! I was wondering may I share your tips on my Newsletter? I will add your name -for the inspiration if ok? Thanks- Bonita Bead Boutique, Maumee, OH www.bonitabeadboutique.com

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

Sophie@22 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:59:26 GMT

I just made a great chandelier necklace for summer out of coconut shell rings. I did a chainmail effect with some great 10x10 jump rings. it looks fabulous against a low-v neck tank top. i totally recommend it! the coconut from Stones and Findings are so perfect for that project! Check them out if you have time! http://www.stonesandfindings.com/stones/types/coconut-shell/all/ !!

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

JanG@25 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:36:46 GMT

Leslie, thanks for chiming in and asking for opinions. Seems to me a lot depends on the kind of jewelry in the photo. A detailed beadwoven piece would demand great detail, not a model. The only time I really want some idea of the look on a person or display model is when an artist combines several charms and dangles to form a pendant. Even an inset of that part of a necklace on a display form would help.

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

Gyspy Mary — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:46:05 GMT

I love the ideas from all of you, Thanks for sharing, maryb

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

Seamar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:49:21 GMT

Photos without display models is my vote, too; they show the jewelry in such great detail without a distracting background. I'd rather see an entire piece and focus on how it's made instead of how it drapes. As for favorite colors, I like the warm sparkle of Crystal Copper and gold chain against summer-tanned skin - either alone or mixed with the shimmer of pearls and/or sea blues and greens. Since this is the season for white clothes I also like beautiful sunrise pinks and corals.

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

Bern61 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:08:30 GMT

Thanks for the tips for designing summer jewelry. They are very timely. I could not agree more with Mairk!

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

raggydaggydo — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:06:58 GMT

I think putting them on a display is the best idea as I agree that the model used could be off-putting. I also like being able to see the entire necklace which isn't possible when it's being worn or on a display. For the BeadStar contest I found the items that were on simple white backgrounds with no other distractions were the easiest to view and most appealing for judging purposes.

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

Leslie Rogalski — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:35:53 GMT

Hi! The point is well taken about how pieces can look very different when worn. Would it help to show pieces on a jewelry display form that simulates a neckline? We show the photos as we do to make them easy to see how to make them--that's why everything is styled and spread out. And, using models can be tricky--will a certain age or type of model be off-putting to anyone? I'd like to hearmore about this! Thanks for your comments. Leslie, editor in chief, Step by Step Beads, Creative Jewelry and Bead Star

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

mustangsally8950 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:49:52 GMT

I love to use pearls in my summer pieces. They are light and airy and they make me think about my favorite place, the beach!

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

GlendaM@13 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:03:11 GMT

Vivid aqua with anything but especially reds of all tones evoke summer times with beautiful bright skies and a sense of summer fun. I love beadweaving and have been experimenting with ways of making more open spaces (triangles and squares) in a summer bracelet that is alive with aqua and red stripes - its looking fantastic.

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

JanG@25 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:22:37 GMT

I agree with MairK 100%. It's like seeing a dress that looks horrible on the rack but looks great on you. When you spread out the wire wraps to a chain or pendant in a photo, for instance, all you see are loops without getting a sense of the real look of the piece. Re: summer colors -- my faves are coral, peach, citrus, blue, green -- generally anything but baby pink, which I won't wear any season of the year. (It clashes with my hair and complexion.) Summer jewelry -- I agree that anything against the skin can get sticky, especially fiber strands and the flat stones you mentioned. For some reason, heavy necklaces just seem to weigh a ton more, even in the "right" colors!

re: 7 Tips for Designing Summer Jewelry

MairK — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:05:15 GMT

I don't understand why jewelry, particularly necklaces, are not photographed on a person - that really is the only way to get an idea what it will look like when completed. You can't get a real hint of how something will look photographed against a backdrop.