Fall is filled with color, and I love how nature inspires my jewelry designs during this season. About a month ago I went through my entire staff and turned everything that was copper, brass, earthy brown hues, reds, and magenta onto my workspace all with the end goal of making fall necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. What was left was an overwhelming array of color, inspiration, and elements that I’ve been slowly putting into cohesive jewelry designs since. I want to share four of my favorite fall necklace designs, both new and old, perfect for the fall season but also ideal […]
Fall Jewelry Trends 2017: Pantone Color Palette
I’m not afraid to admit that sometimes during the workday I find myself taking a quick break from my marketing work to look at beautiful beads. With fall in full swing, I’ve been especially interested in the fall jewelry trends 2017 holds. I have to say that of everything I’ve seen so far this season, I’m particularly inspired by the Pantone 2017 fall color palette for this season. When I saw the full palette selection I was so excited for the jewelry design possibilities. Instead of just focusing on the stereotypical colors of the fall, I particularly appreciated the way […]
Fall Jewelry: How the Season Inspires my Jewelry
Friday, September 22, 2017, marked the first official day of fall. But for the last two weeks, I’ve been feeling that fall chill in the air in Colorado. I’m no longer afraid to say it aloud: Fall is here and I can start showing off my fall jewelry. My dad told me once that he thought fall is more colorful than spring is. He said that spring brings greens, but falls bring much more color. I have to say that he was on to something. No matter where I turn my head, I see a striking color surrounding me. Reds, […]
Balanced and Beautiful Handmade Jewelry
As a jewelry designer, I always strive to make beautiful handmade jewelry. That being said, sometimes I can look at a design I’m working on and know that it’s just not perfect yet. That may be why I have projects that wait weeks, months, or even years before they’re created; something isn’t quite right and I’m waiting for the right inspiration to help me with the overall design. The same thing goes when I’m trying to reproduce any of my already made jewelry designs. While my jewelry designs are one-of-a-kind, sometimes I like the finished design enough to try and […]
College Spirit Football Jewelry
Inspiration can hit at the most random moments and sometimes in the most organic situations. This is exactly what happened with my football jewelry necklace design. In 2015 one of my best friends was married the day after the University of Colorado vs. Colorado State University football game. If I’m going to be perfectly honest, for those who attend either school this game is a rivalry where both sides do a considerable amount of trash talking. Because the game was the same day as the rehearsal as the game, and because I was one of the few in the wedding […]
Handmade Bracelet Designs: 4 Tips for Jewelry Designers
I put a lot of emphasis on creating beautiful necklace designs, but as I was working my way through my inventory I realized that I have a lot of pretty bracelet designs I’ve made over the years. Sometimes when I’m waiting for my jewelry making inspiration to hit I can set the materials aside and quickly create a beautiful bracelet instead. Instead of always focusing on one template or rule, I’ve found that my handmade bracelet designs allow me to be more creative and flexible. Here are 4 different “rules” I tend to live by when I design bracelets. Multi strands: […]
Blue for You Jewelry
Sometimes when I get into my studio a particular color speaks to me. This has been the case over the last month.My favorite colors remain to this day to be blue and black. They often make their way into my jewelry designs paired with silver, my favorite metal. I recently re-found some stunningly blue Swarovski crystals. When I was in the studio several components that have been waiting on my bench for the right inspiration fit perfectly with these beautiful crystals. Instead of fighting it, sometimes I trust my eye and hope that the right person will appreciate the color […]
The Bracelet Beer Built: Handmade Jewelry Ideas For Mistakes
I learned my metalsmithing techniques when I was in high school. When I was signing up for electives my mother noticed jewelry making and stated that I’d definitely enjoy this class since I already made jewelry. She wasn’t wrong; I was very skilled with stringing beads and basic wire working techniques (think creating loops). But what we didn’t know at the time was that this would be nothing like what I knew. Over the four years I was in jewelry I learned so many different skills related to the craft. But one of the most valuable lessons my high school […]
Different Inspirations: Jewelry Pendant Project
different inspiration. Jewelry making is so influenced by what I see in the world around me. Whether it’s what someone is wearing or what I see in the stores I often find myself wanting to replicate what I’ve seen when I sit down at my bench. Often in my jewelry designs, I try to do more. I add beads, a pendant, leather, and silver into a design that is beautiful and complex. Sometimes I need to remind myself that less is more when I design jewelry. I have so many different components in my studio that it’s impossible to see […]
Resin Photo Jewelry for Mother’s Day and Beyond
I love making resin photo jewelry because it is always so meaningful to both the person I work with and the person who receives the final jewelry design. If you are anything like me, finding something special for your mother is hard to do. Over the years it gets difficult to find something that is meaningful. This year, why not make a photo collage bracelet for your mom. I love working with resin because it gives me the ability to create something completely unique. Because the medium starts as a liquid, it means that you can incorporate any mixed media […]