Summer Color Inspiration and a "Mini-Challenge"

There is an informal "mini-challenge" at the end of this entry!  Be sure to read on!  

In my jewelry-making, what inspires my designs most is the beads.   And I'm drawn to the beads I choose first of all because of color.  Of course there are many factors (such as what the beads are made of, their quality, texture, shape, uniqueness, etc.), but my designs tend to begin with color.

Because of this, I am always looking around me for new color combinations.   Sometimes that may come from a textile, a piece of art, or nature--anything that gets me to looking at and thinking about colors in new shades and combinations.    

Most of you know, I also have a fondness for taking macro-shots of flowers.   Over the last few weeks, I've been lucky enough to receive a lovely bouquet and collect some fresh blooms from my own garden.  

#1:  dark pink, yellow, dark purple

And I tried something new this time.  Because I couldn't seem to find a place to take the the photos that highlighted the flowers without the background of my furniture and walls, I tried photographing them in the light tent I use for my jewelry.   I thought the results were rather unexpected, the images more crisp and vibrant!

#2:  lime green, yellow, pinkish-red

#3:   periwinkle, berry, yellow, green

#4:  raspberry/fuschia, carnation pink, bright yellow, sage green

I also took some in the front living room window, where I used to do all my jewelry photography.  There is lovely light there in the summer months and a sheer curtain which serves as a nice filter.

#5:  white, soft pink, cranberry, yellow

But I'm really sharing these today, not as examples of photography, but for their color inspiration.

#6:  bright yellow, raspberry, lime

Each piece of each bouquet offers some new opportunity to combine colors that would be beautiful in jewelry design!   In addition to color combinations, the photographs suggest colors which could dominate and others which could be used in smaller quantities to accent.  

For example, without the photo above, I don't think it would occur to me to create a bracelet with yellow beads and smaller accents of deep berry and lime green...or perhaps brass beads for that center!  But it strikes me now how eye-catching that would be!

#7:   fushia, violet

What about this deep purple and pink?   More to your liking? 

Totally Informal "Mini Challenge!"

• Which color combination do you like best?  Please leave a comment!  I'm hoping you'll find one that inspires you today!

• If you do make something based on any of these color combinations, I'd be thrilled to receive a photo of your work and the number of the photo on this blog post you used as inspiration!   I'm hoping we can show your jewelry in future blog post!  (To begin this process, please leave me a comment on this blog and a way to reach you.   I'll contact you with further instructions.)

• For this "mini-challenge" you may also submit a jewelry item you have already made that fits the color combinations.

• You are NOT required to use every color listed under the photo.  Please use at least 2-3.

• To sweeten the pie, anyone who submits a photo by  July 31st, will be eligible for a give-away drawing.   I promise you something colorful as a prize!  

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Have some fun and enjoy the weekend!  I hope you find yourselves color-inspired!

~Sharyl / Sharyl's Jewelry

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