So again....where to begin??
The best place to start is the focal piece of the item. An obvious choice is a beautiful stone, a larger bead or a pendant but it can also be a cluster of smaller beads & charms, an interesting layer of chain or just the cording you choose. Think of your design in this way....do I want the piece completely covered with beads, or having the string/cord showing? If completely beaded, then do I want a pattern, a random look or a focal bead? Do I want it symettrical or off-centre? If cording is part of the design, do I want chain, thick cord like leather or thinner like a knotting silk or linen. Each of these options gives you a different look.
Once you have the design idea, display what you have so far on a bead design bead, and keep working on the other aspects of the piece. Play with the elements to find the perfect combination. Experiment with mixing different shapes & sizes, varied patterns (odd numbers work well) and colour combining for visual interest. Lay them out, change it up, and keep adapting it until it is to your liking.
Be adaptable and open to different possibilities! The beauty (and sometimes) frustration about the world of beads is that the supply of goods is not always consistent. Colours vary as do shapes, cuts and stone availability. Although you may have drawn out or seen a beautiful design, it doesn't mean that you can always find exactly what you envision or what was shown in a magazine. Enjoy the substitutions, it will make it more of your own creation!
The best place to start is the focal piece of the item. An obvious choice is a beautiful stone, a larger bead or a pendant but it can also be a cluster of smaller beads & charms, an interesting layer of chain or just the cording you choose. Think of your design in this way....do I want the piece completely covered with beads, or having the string/cord showing? If completely beaded, then do I want a pattern, a random look or a focal bead? Do I want it symettrical or off-centre? If cording is part of the design, do I want chain, thick cord like leather or thinner like a knotting silk or linen. Each of these options gives you a different look.
Once you have the design idea, display what you have so far on a bead design bead, and keep working on the other aspects of the piece. Play with the elements to find the perfect combination. Experiment with mixing different shapes & sizes, varied patterns (odd numbers work well) and colour combining for visual interest. Lay them out, change it up, and keep adapting it until it is to your liking.
Be adaptable and open to different possibilities! The beauty (and sometimes) frustration about the world of beads is that the supply of goods is not always consistent. Colours vary as do shapes, cuts and stone availability. Although you may have drawn out or seen a beautiful design, it doesn't mean that you can always find exactly what you envision or what was shown in a magazine. Enjoy the substitutions, it will make it more of your own creation!
Throughout this process, it is sometimes helpful to have a
bit of an idea of the techniques that will be needed to assemble your beautiful piece
of jewellery, to know what is in the realm of possibilities. If you are unsure of how to create the look you want, ask a friend or relative, google it or check in with your local bead store, like us!
Sometimes all we need is an opinion, some help on a technique or another creative set of eyes! Have fun!
Sometimes all we need is an opinion, some help on a technique or another creative set of eyes! Have fun!
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