January 26, 2006

Now I’m down to the final component: How does it look?

The first thing I want to say is that if you have quality findings, and your piece feels good when you put it on, chances are it’s going to look good too.

But there are always exceptions. Case in point, I have some GORGEOUS rutilated quartz (gold threads in a milky quartz stone) in a flat hex shape. They are chunky and funky, and I loved them at first sight. Paired them with some round, equally chunky and beautiful orange garnet and round vermeil beads. Should have been a perfect match…but it just doesn’t work. It doesn’t look right when it’s all put together. I used great quality findings, it lays nicely on the neck, but the look is just not there.

On the flip side, there are some arty pieces that are impressive, but would anyone really wear it? Is it too much a “piece of art” that it would probably overpower any outfit or person wearing it? If your goal with your piece is to sell it…think about your potential audience. I’ve had “arty” pieces that just needed (and found ) the right buyer, but others that have just sat and sat because while they are interesting and obviously intricate pieces of work, they just aren’t wearable for the general public.

And color is all important. Mish-mash color combinations sometimes work out well (I saw someone the other day who had on a simple beaded necklace with nothing but “assorted beads”…she made it work, but not everyone can carry that off!) but keep in mind your basic color theory for most pieces. Trends are good to know…general trends are pastels for spring, browns, greens, oranges for fall…but read good trade information to keep abreast of the “real” trends for coming seasons.

Generally, if you like something, you’ll find someone else who will like it as well. So design away…always keeping in the back of your mind the quality of your foundation pieces and the wearability of your work.

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