Really Red Bead Color Ideas

Just before my creative spark got doused and I had to take a little bead break, I put together some new seed bead and accent trios. I wanted to play a bit with some of the red seed beads in my stash that have for some reason completely stalled. I picked up several different red hanks awhile back because I felt that my selection was lacking. For some reason, now that I have them, I never seem to need them. So I paired up two hanks of red and went looking for accents that would work well with an all-red palette. Since its Valentine’s Day, it seems like the perfect time to finally unveil these trios!

I went with a high contrast combination right away, and paired the transparent cherry and ruby AB seed beads with lovely satin blue bugles. I love the way the light shines through all three of the beads. The cherry and blue go really well together, making just the right amount of room for the moodier ruby to fit in as a backdrop without clashing. I think this palette would be great in something long and fringy.

I wanted to keep the momentum going with more light and a nice transparent pop of color, so I tried out yellow white-hearts next. I was hoping to get a sort of fiery look by combining the reds with yellow, and it worked out pretty well. I think the ruby would look even better in this trio with the addition of some black to smooth everything out. This palette would make a great collar or perhaps a chunky bracelet.

Finally, I went with a nice easy neutral. I have to admit that the reds did have me thinking of Valentines, but instead of adding a stark white, I went with natural bone. I love the way the reds make the bone beads look creamy and elegant. Likewise, the natural color of the bone spacers keeps the reds looking organic and blend-able. I’d love to use this trio for a cuff bracelet or a statement pendant.

What are you favorite ways to use red in beadwork?

Mortira

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