Strange Beadfellows

This post is inspired by Her recent newsletter focuses on unusual combinations in jewelry design and I remember making quite a few of those. In fact, the majority of my jewelry involves unusual combinations like polymer clay and wire, or polymer clay and semi-precious gemstones, or polymer clay with pearls or glass beads. I think the only exception is copper. I usually pair it with semi-precious gemstones or earthy beads because it really doesn’t look great with everything. I made a pair of earrings a while ago combining shells and swarovski crystals that I love and get a lot of compliments on. I don’t have a photo but I might try to take one and add it later. The shells themselves were unusual.

Fashion has always been about breaking the rules. I’ve had a few friends over the years who had a knack for combining things you’d never think to put together and always look great. This makes me wonder if edgy combinations come from actual designers or if they swipe them from people on the street.

I remember a time growing up when the strange color combination of yellow and purple became popular. My aunt loved it so much that everything in her house was yellow and purple! And the members of the Red Hat Society always look amazing in their defiant red and purple hats and outfits.

It’s been said that in order to break the rules you first have to know what they are, but I think the bottom line in handcrafted jewelry is the end result. You’ll know if a piece looks beautifully unique or if it looks like ca-ca, so do the “rules” really matter?

A few years ago, I made a piece that I thought was fabulous. While it got some attention on my table at a craft fair, it wasn’t selling.  At the end of the fair one of the vendors came up to me and said that she just had to have it – and I knew that the piece definitely suited her. So, sometimes when we create something a little funky it’s because it’s meant for that one special person.

Have you created any strange beadfellows? Please discuss, and feel free to post photos as well.

Here are some examples of unique combinations from Tammy Powley, although I don’t think they’re all that strange……

• Bamboo and Crystal Earrings
• Vintage Ribbon and Flower Bead Necklace
• Crochet Flowers, Pearls and Crystal
• Fiber, Bead and Copper Metal Earrings

Be creative and be blessed,

Parthena

What If You Had An Income That Allowed You All The Time In The World To Create?

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