Wear It Twice: Turquoise Queen

When you’re an artist, it’s sometimes difficult to get good feedback. You ask your friends and relatives what they think of your latest creation, and they undoubtedly say “It’s great!” or “It’s amazing!”. And while this isn’t necessarily untrue, it’s not quite as detailed a critique as you were hoping for.

The same goes for blogs. If you ask someone you know to check out your blog, chances are they’ll ask you “What’s a blog?”. And even if you can get them there, they’ll most likely say what friends always do. “I like it.” That’s it. So when you get a thumbs up from a place you’d never expect, it’s an exciting thing.

This week I was thrilled to be featured as one of the Style Blogs of the Week on the Be In Style blog at Pocketchange.Become.com. The entire website is an encyclopedia of trends, and features great posts on everything from fashion and beauty to babies and green-living. There’s plenty of information and eye-candy, and they welcome content from guests writers who know their stuff.

Inspirational Beading was featured with some really fun fashion blogs, including a new favorite of mine, And Now I Want It. When I was browsing through posts, I was totally charmed by the author’s use of Polyvore fashion collages. I remember using the tool ages ago and having lots of fun with it. So I immediately logged in and started playing with cut-outs. Polyvore is like a combination of paper dolls and scrap booking, but without the mess.

As I was playing, I thought of a fun new blogging idea: Take a fabulous necklace, then add basics and accessories in a simple color palette to create two very different outfits. It’s like those fashion mag articles that show you how to make 20 outfits from six pieces of clothing. Only way more fun!

The first ever Wear It Twice collage began with a really pretty multi-strand turquoise necklace. Whenever I see turquoise all alone, I think of Ancient Egypt, so I used kohl black, carnelian red and gold as the remainder of my palette.

Turquoise Queen by Mortira featuring RJ Graziano jewelry

For the outfit on the left, I started with a fashion essential - the LBD. The black bandage dress that I found was totally irresistible, and would present a fun dress-up challenge. The retro bubble skirt, paired with the strands of beads, creates a sort of circa 1984 Madonna look. So I finished it with a pair of embellished black ankle boots and golden bobby pins to match. The red clutch adds an extra splash of color and sass.

The second ensemble is much more casual. I started with a black tunic with cropped bell sleeves. This time, instead of gold, I went with cream and added stone-colored bootcut jeans, with a cream and black cloche hat to match. Cute red Oxford flats complete the look.

Both outfits make a great base for a beautiful, blue necklace. And the best part is, you can get these looks, or something like them, on Etsy!

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Polyvore.com

Poster Sketch: Columns of Color

Have you ever found something so fun to do that you get totally hung up on it? Like when you learn a new stitch or beading technique, and suddenly have ideas for 50 different color variations? It’s always a thrill to dive into something new, especially when you really enjoy it.

Lately, I’ve been totally obsessed with making striped treasuries for the Oh Canada Team. I started with one, and suddenly my mind is filled with four-color palettes that must be curated! Perhaps some of these colorful columns will give you a little inspiration for you next color adventure. How about a stripey spiral rope, or a color-block cuff?

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Etsy.com

Inspired Beader: Ocean Pearl Jewellery

No two beaders are created equal. In fact, we may be one of the most diverse groups of people around. We come from all manner of locations and backgrounds. We all have our favorite techniques and materials. The things that make us similar to each other, set us apart from the rest of the world.

I always admire a beader who uses a wide variety of techniques. Because I gave up on stringing and wirework before I had even had a chance to try it, I’m usually a bit envious of artists that do it well. Then there’s crochet, fiber arts, mixed media…the list goes on and on.

One of my favorite variety beaders is Leigh-Anne of Ocean Pearl Jewellery. A fellow Canadian, this designer doesn’t seem to shy away from any methods. Her shop is always filled with unique and beautiful pieces, with a flair for color and technique.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first become interested in beading?

Leigh-Anne: A friend of mine started copying some necklaces that she had bought from major retailers (for a lot of money I might add!) and she invited me to join her. I caught the 'bead bug' in a big way and have taken it from there. It has grown now to making dozens of different designs, an Etsy shop, craft shows, Facebook, Twitter...who knows where it will take me?

Inspirational Beading: Where do you look for inspiration?

Leigh-Anne: Quite simply, everywhere! I was once inspired to make a brand new earring design from a soapdish in my bathroom! Mostly though, I look through books, magazines and catalogues to get ideas and new patterns. In terms of color inspiration, I turn to nature. Colors found in the ocean are my all-time favorites but I have created some pieces inspired by the sun, Planet Earth, fruit...you name it!

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique?

Leigh-Anne: I very much enjoy making the wire crochet necklaces because they are so striking. Each one ends up looking so different and beautiful depending on the types and sizes of beads you use. Honestly though, I enjoy making every single piece. Believe it or not, it is relaxing for me...a diversion from the everyday stresses of life.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite style of bead?

Leigh-Anne: Right now, my favorite beads are drop beads...they create so much texture especially when used with seed beads. Of course, my favorite could change at any moment, as I am constantly trying new things and new techniques to challenge myself.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Leigh-Anne: I just hope to get people to think outside of the retail storefront for their jewelry needs. I also hope people will consider handmade jewelry instead of the mass produced products from other countries. I would love more people to discover all the fabulous things on the craft websites like Etsy, Zibbet and Artfire.

You can see all of Leigh-Anne’s latest designs in her Etsy shop, Ocean Pearl Jewellery. To learn more about her inspirations, and get the latest news, follow Ocean Pearl Jewellery on Twitter and Facebook.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Ocean Pearl Jewellery

Green Starfish for the Gulf

Photo Credit:
Greenpeace USA

Even though we live in a time when news spreads quickly and never really disappears, it often seems like a story is here today, then gone tomorrow. This is a bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario, because although websites, radio stations and news programs might push a topic to the back burner, we can still continue to discuss the matter and do investigations of our own.

Unfortunately, in the case of the Gulf Coast oil disaster, the news just keeps on coming. Tuesday will mark the 3rd month ‘anniversary’ of the Deepwater Horizon explosion that lead to the continuous oil gusher. Although billions of dollars have been spent to stop the flow of toxic petroleum into the ocean, the situation continues to get worse instead of better.

Last month, I shared an image from If It Was My Home, showing what the oil slick would look like if it were on my doorstep. Here is what it would look like today:

Despite the hard work of many organizations to clean up the sludge, the pollution is making it’s way inland. Tarballs have been discovered in the waterways of Southeastern Texas and the greater New Orleans area. Sea birds and other marine animals continue to attempt feeding and nesting in the oil damaged areas, having no instinct to pack up and leave a lost cause.

And, as we continue to watch in horror and wonder what the results of the catastrophe will be in five, or ten, or twenty years, we continue to do what we can to help. The Help the Gulf Coast Etsy collective is still going strong, and has raised nearly $8000 for Oxfam America and the National Wildlife Federation.

Deep Green Sea Ring

If you haven’t stopped by the shop recently, head on over to Help the Gulf Coast and see some of the new handmade donations. All net proceeds are donated equally between charities helping animals and families affected by the BP oil spill. This week, I sent along my latest ring, Deep Green Sea.

Just in case you need a little extra motivation, stop by Deep Sea News for the latest updates and informative links.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and The Sage's Cupboard

A Flicker of Inspiration: Beautiful Butterflies

I really love using Flickr. Not only is it filled to the brim with amazing photographs and art, but there are so many fun things that you can do with it. Today, I thought I would create a mosaic with a few of my favorites, and share it with you. Perhaps these lovely colors and shapes will inspire your next great project!

Credits:

1. Male Golden Birdwing butterfly Bangkok, 2. Colorful Butterfly, 3. Blue butterfly,
4. Butterfly, 5. Another beautiful butterfly !, 6. Irridescent Glass Wing Butterfly,
7. ~ Butterfly ~ " What Wingspan " ? ~, 8. Monarch Butterfly, 9. Butterfly at Tucson Botanical Gardens

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Big Huge Labs