Sunday, September 30, 2012

Beads v. Books

The Next Empress
I said it before, I really like the Empress Bead.  This is a new color palette.

The inspiration comes from this string of Jasper.
Inspiration

These are really large, measuring 40mm x 28 mm. 

Here are the beads comprising the color palette.
Gold and Cinnamon color palette
 I will need to choose between the pieces of jasper.  Should I go with a piece that is mostly golds with only hints of cinnamon?
Jasper mostly in golds
Or should I go with a piece that has plenty of cinnamon?
Jasper with cinnamon
I don't even quite know what I am making.  Usually I have a plan, or structure worked out in advance.  This time the plan is rather sparse, a necklace with a jasper focal and empress beads, and, and, and??? that is where the plan stopped.

Now as to the title of this post.  Right now I have a series of books calling my name. Like the structure of my necklace, it is not at all clear what will win out.

12 comments:

  1. That jasper is really lovely! My design instinct would be choose a focal bead that is mostly gold and use the cinnamon tones for accents in the neckstrap. (You could also bring in the cinnamon in an accent bead above or below the focal jasper.) Whatever you decide, it's going to be striking!

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    1. I am going to be using the cinnamon seed beads as a bezel. I have some chain, either antique brass or gunmetal which I am going to use instead of a beaded neckstrap. I am just not sure how it is all going to fit together.

      Having said all that, I think the mostly gold focal would be lovely and would really make the cinnamon pop.

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  2. Okay, I'm going to vote in the other direction, and say to use the mostly cinnamon jasper piece, since you'll have so much honey gold in the empresses...so I guess that means you can't go wrong either way, right?

    And is the series "Game of Thrones"? I thought I'd take a break after Book 3 but as soon as I finished it I had to get Book 4 immediately. My son is also reading them, and every time he calls, at least part of the conversation is taken up with "can you believe what happened...?"

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    1. I love the pieces with the cinnamon, they would bring it all together.

      I am reading the 13th part of the Liaden Universe books. I am much more an addict of books than I am of beads. If it is a choice between food and books, books win because I can always eat beans. Never had to make the choice between food and beads; but I won't kid myself I like beans.

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  3. Hi Kathy Jo,
    I had to go get a paper towel to wipe the drool off of my key board before I could comment. The Empress beaded beads and those Jasper stones are so so yummy I can not wait to see it all put together in a necklace I just know it is going to be utterly stunning! I agree with Bobbie use the stones with the most cinnamon, then in the bezel I would use gold 15's with the cinnamon 11's
    that way the cinnamon will not be over powering.
    Therese

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    1. I love all these different visions, they are all worthy and fascinating. That is why we all create. Thank you for your input Therese.

      Thank you also for compliments on the components. I have been saying for years that I have enough beads, but then along comes something like these jasper stones and I just HAVE to own them. These are from Cherry Tree Beads. If you ever get a chance to go to an Intergalactic Bead Show in the South or North East they should be there. They are based out of Asheville NC and have great beads, findings, and best of all prices.

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  4. LOVE those stones! Jasper is one of my favorites as it has so many patterns. I do like the cinnamon as the accent which should really bring out the richness of the honey color in the stone. Can't wait to see what you do!

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  5. I am loving all this input. I can't wait to see how it turns out also.

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  6. Cinnamon or honey? Honey or cinnamon? Which to choose as both are so tasty. I am drawn toward the Jasper that has more cinnamon in it, maybe because the pattern in the Jasper isn't as bold as it is in the honey colored jasper. The more subtle pattern would not distract attention away from your beautiful Empress bead as much and I know how you like a piece of jewelry to draw the eye around to each element of it.
    btw - I adore the colors and beads you're using in your latest Empress, she is going to be rich and earthy and totally beautiful.

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    1. Thank you. I love these colors, they are just perfect for this time of year. I did choose the one with more of the cinnamon color.

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  7. Fabulous colors :)
    Greetings,
    -Eva Maria

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    1. Thank you. I usually spend to much time choosing colors, the stone did it for me this time.

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