Design Tip

Design Tip Achives:
Wedding Cake Beads, Rainbow of Colors, Focal Beads, Leaf Beads Part 1, Leaf Beads Part 2, Earth Tones, Beaded Tree Ornaments

Consider Many Options For Your Heart Designs
By Bethany W. Keiper

"If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give." -- George E. MacDonald

Few symbols are as recognizable or as long-lived as the popular shape of the heart. It is synonymous with intense feelings, ranging from lasting love to devastating heartbreak. As you plan ahead for Valentine's Day projects, did you ever stop to wonder where this stylized design originated?

Most sources agree that the heart symbol was popularized by the Victorian era. The people of that era loved the romantic heart shape but they didn't invent it. Some sources point to the Catholic church as the origin, and cite visions of saints and stained glass windows.

One of the most ancient and interesting explanations points to a much earlier time, a time when the Egyptians considered the heart shape as "ab" and believed it played a role in one of an Egyptian woman's seven souls going directly from the ab into her actual heart and into the womb, where it became her child.

A still earlier explanation is that in an ancient North African area called Cyrene, the seed pods of the now-extinct giant fennel plant were in the stylized heart shape we know today. The plant was so prized that an engraving of the heart-shaped pod appeared on the city's coins.

Now that you know the history of this romantic shape, consider how to best incorporate heart-shaped beads into your designs. If going for the usual Valentine colors is not your style, try getting a mix of heart beads, and explore designs outside the traditional color schemes for pieces that will be desirable year-round.

Cool blue hearts and matching accent beads give projects a fresh look, and will work great for spring and summer, as well as Valentine's Day.

Combine pretty white hearts with a deeper color such as dark purple or burgundy for a pretty contrast.

Black and white designs are great for a sophisticated look. Try combining red-hot candy-colored glass hearts with cool black and white and pewter hug and kiss beads for a smooth, casual look.

Peachy beads swirled with white and black are an alternative to the traditional pink, and when teamed with silver accents and white and black hearts, they create a design just begging to be worn with that perfect little black dress.

Of course, there is nothing at all wrong with the traditional Valentine's colors of red, pink and white. It is kind of one of those if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it sort of things. Nothing looks quite as romantic as juicy red hearts combined with flowers and gold. Red hearts in your designs bring to mind wine, roses, rubies, and deep romantic thoughts.

If you prefer pink, you are not alone. Pink provides a less lush and more delicate sentiment.

Pink and white bring to mind dawn and sunset at the beach, seashells, champagne, and tiny kitten toes.

Opaque pink glass hearts and tube-shaped wedding cake beads look great with gold. The delicate gold trailings on the beads are subtle mirror of the gold accent beads.

Whichever color you choose for your heart designs, remember the details. A heart-shaped or delicate floral clasp or toggle gives Valentine's Day jewelry a beautiful finish. Since most people do spend a bit of time working to hook a clasp or toggle one-handed, it is important to make sure to remember this detail to finish your items.

Next month we'll explore the role and meanings of color in romantic designs.

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