What I am working on these days...

I have been uncharacteristically quiet in the beadmaking community and on my websites lately, so I thought I would write up a quick update. I am still alive, I promise!

These days I have been making progress (slowly but surely) on a new tutorial. Several people have asked over the last few months if I would put out tutorial on raised flowers. I did have a very simple set of instructions up on my website for awhile, but I knew those weren't in depth enough and didn't answer everyone's questions. So I pulled that down and reworded it - adding much more information and lots of action pictures. I am also expanding it a bit to add in some info on alternative designs and possibly some stuff on color.



It's about halfway done now, so I am hoping to speed it along to the finish line really soon.

It's been a tough few months for me lately, so that's why I have been working so slowly on this and why I have been so quiet. There's a good possibility I will be taking an extended break from making and selling beads, but we'll have to see how that turns out soon. For now, I am hoping to have this tutorial available for purchase on Coloraddiction within a week or two.

(((((hugs))))) to all! :)

Mood Swings and Color

My mood has been melancholy, lately, and it's no surprise that this effects what colors I choose when making beads. Have you ever noticed your mood and outlook having that kind of effect on your art or craft? I've seen this a lot lately.






I do know that seasonal changes and weather effect my moods and therefore effect my color choices more often than not. In spring, if the weather is nice and my outlook is cheerful, I tend to like using the pastels of the season - especially corals, lavenders, mint green and light pink.




But more than a seasonal change, my general life circumstances can really steer me toward a certain color or scheme. These days I have been drawn to black and grey - and not just because they are pretty and fashionable. Black is a comfort to me and grey is soft and welcoming - really mirroring my need for comfort and familiarity in these uncertain times.


When I am excited and happy, I find myself choosing brighter colors that reflect that frame of mind - vivid pinks, oranges and corals, along with bright purples and aquas.
















In times of abundance and security, I find myself drawn to shades of saturated greens and blues.









And of course, when I feel love and harmony, I stick with all shades of yummy pink.









Have you ever just stared at a variety of colors in say a stash of Swarovski crystals? That can improve any bad mood!

Is Grey the New Brown?

I'm not sure if it's all the rain we get this time of year, but grey has just been calling my name lately. For me, grey is a nice alternative to brown when you want to have beads that will go with cooler colors instead of warm. Grey adds a touch of understated class, and goes really well with silver.

This week I have been playing with adding touches of grey and black to my favorite lighter colors. The results are sets of beads that I kind of think of as business suit beads. I am of course calling them my Midnight Rain series, and they can be seen over on my website if you are so inclined.

In the 104 COE line of glass, there are a few shades of grey, and I look for the more neutral shades. Grey can look khaki green if you don't pick the right one, and that adds a little too much warmth to the color schemes, in my opinion. I went with Effetre Dark Grey for these, and used clear as my encasing to brighten everything up a bit. You don't want too much grey!

I think the contrast of black added a nice backdrop for these pretty colors, and it sets off the grey nicely. And who doesn't love pink and grey? Pink and grey were big in the 80's when I was a teenager, so the combo is kind of nostalgic to me.

I did wonder if these combos were a bit too dreary for the upcoming spring season, but decided, well, nah. Sometimes understated class can be a welcome change when brighter, paler colors are in season.

Why Pink?

These past years that I have spent learning to make beads and falling in love with the process, I somehow became known in my little corner of the beadmaking world as the queen of pink glass (and other pink names). I sometimes have felt almost like a "pink pusher" or drug dealer of sorts when it comes to pink glass - especially the odd lots.



So why is it that I became known that way, and why do I love pink so darn much? I mean, I don't wear a lot of pink. I don't have a lot of pink decor in my house (much to the relief of my husband). However, I absolutely cannot get enough pink glass, and I have a soft spot for any bead, yarn, paper, or craft of any kind that uses pink.


For me, it's not as much about pink as a solid color - it's the pink spectrum of colors, and pink paired with other colors that gets me excited. Show me something that is verigated pinks with maybe some coral, orange and cream thrown in and I just bliss out. Pair pink with deep brown or khaki green and I am in love.

It's not that I love pink with everything - there are some colors which I cannot pair pink with. I dislike pinks and blues used together, and this includes aquas and teals, too. And pink and purple? Only once in awhile can I accept something so incredibly girly. :)

I honestly don't know what the deal is with me and pink. I was never a lover of pink as a child or teenager - I liked jewel tones and vivid oranges, yellows and purples as a kid. My fair skin and reddish hair do not make a good base for pink clothing, so I didn't wear it all that often, unless it was with white in spring, as a print or something.

But pink beads? Oh, yeah. I'll wear those any day. Maybe the little girl in me is finally making herself known and wants to paint everything cheerful shades of rose and fuchsia. Who knows? I'm just glad I have a wonderful medium to use to express my love of all things pink.

Off Topic: Entrecard Top Droppers

Every month, Entrecarders like to show a little love to the people who have visited our blogs the most. Here are my top Entrecard droppers for the month of February. Thanks so much guys!
Also, you can add your entrecard Blog to my new EC Drop List! This list is more general than my webring - any blog with an EC widget can join it.

Top EC Droppers for February

Youniquely Chic
All Blogspot Templates
Dallas Marketing Services
ThemeLib
Outlandish Observations
my review
Dunia soer
John Wright Art
Unique You
Stroll Through Storyland