Design Tip Achives:
 Wedding Cake Beads, Rainbow of Colors, Focal Beads

 

 

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A Bead For All Seasons
By Bethany W. Keiper


"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days." -- George Burns

Leaves are traditionally given the most attention in the fall, when their varying shades of green are transformed into breathtaking jewel tones. In the same way, leaf beads are traditionally thought of as components for autumn accessories. But leaf beads are a beautiful addition to jewelry for any season of the year. Since summer currently holds us in its fiery grip, we can start with leaf designs for this season.

Adding headpins and accent beads to curved leaves in cool, summery shades will result in dangling leaf earrings - the perfect complement to a summer dress.
Combining leaves with bumpy beads provides a cooling effect, like sparkling raindrops after a summer shower. Many summer outfits, including sundresses, feature low necklines - the perfect setting for showing off a beautiful necklace.
Don't forget the "hotter" shades of summer - red, hot pink, yellow, and orange. These look great against tanned skin. Mixing these colors together in a design can create a dramatic result.

To accent bare legs, combine leaf beads with small white shell or sparkling Czech firepolished AB finish beads. Since the shells of gastropods are coiled in the form of a logarithmic spiral, they look beautiful with a horizontally-drilled leaf bead on either side, in a rosebud and sepals effect. Consider giving anklets threads that can withstand water, so they can be worn poolside or on the beach.

As summer's heat fades and the blessedly cool days of autumn arrive, a stroll down a tree-lined avenue can be all the inspiration you need for dozens of beautiful designs. Autumn is the time to combine some of your favorite Earth-mother shades or explore the brilliant jewel tones of burgundy, amethyst, orange, gold, and mulberry found on every bough. A luster finish on these leaf beads adds opulence to any design.

If you enjoy an earthy, natural look, keep carved natural stone beads in mind. Tiger's eye, carnelian, amethyst, jade, and picture jasper are all lovely choices. And don't forget to pick up a few extra, smaller leaf beads to use as dangles from the clasps of your designs.

A single beautiful leaf paired with matching accent beads and gold makes a marvelous zipper pull for a cardigan. The green and brown pull pictured is tucked away in my purse, and it makes trips with me to clothing stores as I search for the perfect sweater to match it.

Get in the mood for Halloween by combining black, curved luster leaves with orange druks. Or, create an all-black ensemble of these black leaves and jet Czech firepolished AB finish beads or jet bicones.

 

Next month, we'll explore ideas with leaf beads for winter and spring designs.

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