Mood Board: Pink Lime

Nothing fuels inspiration quite like a collage, whether it’s clipped and glued or a digital mood board. With so many different and varied things happening in my workspace right now, I’ve been craving some creative time that’s totally freeform and experimental. To shake things up a bit, I wanted to try a new approach to jewelry collage from the usual Wear It Twice segment. Rather than focus entirely on fashion, I wanted to gather ideas and designs in one place along with gorgeous beads.

Fruit Punch by mortira featuring glass vase fillers

To start this new experiment, I went in search of a great statement necklace. The one I found features a wonderful collection of pearls and charms, with a summery mix of flowers and tropical colors on a black backdrop. This piece has plenty of personality to go around.

Featured beads and components include:

Lucite flowers from Artbeads.com and LimaBeads.com
Black Java glass from HappyMangoBeads.com
Chinese knotting cord from Lytha Studios on Etsy
Magnesite flowers from AuntiesBeads.com
And Freshwater pearls from Beadaholique.com

This collage turned out pretty well for a first try, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the idea evolves! To top off the inspiration, I found some really fantastic jewelry tutorials featuring similar styles and beads.

Collect a gorgeous bunch of touchable pearls in your favorite colors with the Clustered Pearl Necklace tutorial from Dismount Creative.

Create some unique flower components with polymer clay using the Six Petal Flower Cane Tutorial from tooaquarius.

Mix fibers and beads in a cute Flower Ribbon Necklace Project from Panda Hall.

The Montery Pop bracelet tutorial from Artbeads.com combines kumihimo with long magatamas for tons of texture.

And for good measure, one more lovely Flower Cane Tutorial for polymer clay from Georgia P. Designs.

Where are you finding inspiration right now?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Inspired by Dads

With Father’s Day right around the corner, many beaders are taking on the challenge of designing jewelry for men - and what a challenge it can be. Although jewelry for guys becomes more and more popular all the time, when working with beads, it’s not always easy to come up with pieces that are truly masculine.

Some designs can be made more manly simply by changing up the colors. Rustic tones like black, brown, navy, and burgundy are a good place to start, although color isn’t always an important factor. When I was working in a very manly sporting goods store - cheap Fireline was a great perk! - I once spotted a young man wearing a hot pink bracelet, made from bead-like fishing lures called corkies.

Anchor Cuff Links
by Waxwing Jewelry

Texture and shape are things to consider when designing for men. Simple designs and natural materials work well, like a set of bone and glass beads on a leather cord. On the other hand, silver beads and jewelry blanks can be given a masculine look with the right approach.

To help inspire your Father’s Day projects, I found some fantastic designs, projects, beads, and artwork just for dads.

Monkey Business Bracelet
by Artbeads.com








Rustic Iron Bronco Pendant
from Happy Mango Beads




Piranha Agate Pendant
by Too Fancy Jewelry








Modern Forest Ring Project
by Beadaholique








Pewter Pebble Alphabet Beads
from Auntie's Beads




Fish Tail Braid Tutorial
by Lima Beads




Midnight Tagua Pendant
from Lima Beads




Maybe not...




Upcycled Leather Cuff
by Rainwheel








Forza Necklace Project
by Artbeads.com




Thai Buddhist Takrut Talisman
from Happy Mango Beads




Leather Wrap Bracelet
by Risky Beads

Have you tackled the men’s jewelry challenge? What materials or techniques do you like to use?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Inspired by Birds

Earlier this week I took a little inspiration from peacock feathers, and had a blast with the beautiful colors and patterns. Today I thought it would be fun to take things a little further, and find some inspiring birds for spring.

How helpless we are, like netted birds, when we are caught by desire! by sandrayara featuring evening bags

birds by shonagon featuring black jewelry

What’s your favorite bird? Has it ever inspired a fun beading design?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Inspired by Geodes

One of my favorite inspiration blogs, Glitter Guide, recently suggested using geodes to add sparkle around your home. Although they have been known to make great paperweights and end table decorations - not to mention jewelry components - I wondered if there were even more ways to incorporate these gorgeous crystal formations into decor. Perhaps there would even be something for someone who has sworn off rocks and gems!

I wasn't surprised by the number of stunning photographs that I found on Pinterest with a quick search for geodes, but I was delighted with the variety. Here are just a few of my favorites...

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Inspired by Rain

Today it is a very gray, cold and rainy day in my neighborhood. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to hide under a fuzzy blanket all day. There is a very good chance that I will spend a good portion of today drinking homemade mocha and watching X-Files on Netflix. Maybe, probably, I’ll do a little beading.

But just in case I want to be a little more productive, I’m going to take the Egyptian approach, and fight fire with fire. Or in this case, rain with rain. If rain also makes you feel about as gray as the sky, some blue drop beads or some dreamy Labrodorite might cheer you up!

Is It Raining? by moodycat featuring bootcut pants

Source: bourbonandpearls.tumblr.com via Lena on Pinterest

Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Jamie on Pinterest

What do you like to do on rainy days?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Inspired by Cthulhu

One of the most famous literary characters in fantasy and sci-fi is Cthulhu, a chimeric creature with features of an octopus, dragon and humanoid demon. Created by H. P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu has appeared on some level in many of the author’s works, and inspired many artists in every medium imaginable.



Cthulhu is a classic character of terror - huge, mysterious and omnipotent. Still, fans and followers are often putting a lighthearted spin on this character, with everything from plush toys to quirky kitchen ware. You’ve probably seen at least one Cthulhu inspired design somewhere, because they are just about everywhere.

Untitled by blini on Polyvore.com

Bride of Cthulhu by apokalipstick on Polyvore.com

An unpronounceable name is almost a prerequisite for any legendary sci-fi and fantasy character. The most common pronunciation for Cthulhu is kuh-THOOL-hoo.



1. Diablo Tentacle, 2. RUBY CTHULHU, 3. Day 83: Pensive Cthulhu,
4. Cthulhu, 5. Cthulhu, 6. Cthulhu

Are you a fan of Lovecraft’s creature? Who’s your favorite scary but fascinating character?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Inspired by Crayons

Colorful crayons aren’t just a tool for art, but a symbol of youth, and a reminder of how quickly time can pass. So it’s now wonder that even though we grow up and move on from classroom crafts, crayons and colored pencils still make their way into our art, and the color palettes that we choose.

Box of Crayons



Colorful Crayon Creations

Did you know that the 64 pack of Crayola crayons has been around since 1958? The first Crayola crayons were created in 1903, and sold in packs of eight. Since then, the company has been creating new innovations in art for children and adults, as well as evolving with the times. In 1962, Crayola renamed it’s “Flesh” crayon “Peach”, in recognition of different skin colors in a multicultural world - a concept that the fashion industry is still catching up with.

The wax crayon is a popular symbol in all types of mediums. They have appeared as Halloween costumes, novelty balloons, hair accessories, and even night lights. The basic crayon box palette of red, yellow, blue and green, with occasional highlights (orange, purple, black or white) is also popular in art of every kind.

Do you have a favorite crayon color?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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