All Things Considered, It Comes Down to Shape

I was looking at Restoration Hardware's website the other day and noticed this photo for their vintage look French chairs.  Having grown up with this type of furniture, it caught my eye.  I have always enjoyed the rounded look and the curvy cabriole legs.

The simplicity of this shot is lovely.  It's a joy to see all of the pieces in the same fabric; giving one's eyes a chance to focus on the shapes.

I was wondering what it would be like for me to make a series of beads in the same neutral colors- at least 10 and see how it affects my view of the actual beads, whether the shapes matter more, the subject matter or what it would do?  Have you ever tried something similar?  I'd love to hear what you noticed about it.  Did you change anything you did in the future because of it?

And of course, I can't leave this post without asking you which chair is your favorite and why?  You know how interesting it is to hear everyone's opinions.  See you tomorrow.  Have a fun post planned.

Organizing is for Animals

Well I hate to stick my neck out like this over a giraffe purse organizer, but I think this looks rather handy for my "more is more" in my purse way of life.

I'm thinking I might need to get something like this to start out my annual New Year's Resolutions to be more organized. (note: I did say annual. Each year good intentions, but never ending the way I'd really like it.)

If you're like me and thinking your purse could use a little help, you can find this organizer and more fun fabric patterns here.

Traveling with Glass Rods

It seems like there are times when we need to carry our glass rods somewhere.  Whether it's to a class, a friend's house, or maybe even to demo.

I wanted to show you what I use.  I requested this to be made on Etsy.com.  I saw knitting needle organizers and thought that would make a great way to carry my rods, protect them and partially cushion them too.

So I contacted one of the shop owners and asked whether she could make me one.  She showed me which fabrics she had in stock.  We designed it so it has two pockets .  You might not be able to see the taller pocket in the back.  They are varying size so I can sort my glass.  (this photo was taken at the end of class, so no ROY G BIV for me right now)  I also asked her to make it taller than usual, so my rods could fit in as well as there's a fabric flap that flips over the top to hold them in.  I wanted it to be washable, and a solid color on the inside, so I could see the rods better too.

And finally, I wanted it long enough to carry a good amount of glass.  Nothing too short.  This one carried more than enough for my four day class that I just taught with lots of spare, "just in case" glass.

If I could change one thing, it would be cool to have a clear plastic front pocket in at least part of it.  I could then see if I have stashed very short rods.  

I also have one for my mandrels. I keep my spares in one of these roll ups too.  That fabric is washable, VERY sturdy and double sewn.  

Do you have a good way to carry your glass around?

The Importance of Background Colors

I'm using these three pieces of fabric to illustrate how much difference your bead's background color makes.

 Each one gives you a very different feeling, even with the exact same pattern on them.

Do you feel that to get stuck in a rut by using the same colors all the time? If so, what can you do to 

change things up a bit?  Besides being conscious of what you're doing, how about considering the time of year it is?  Different colors tend to be bought during different seasons.  And as I'm sure you know, we're headed into the red and pink season right now.

These three fabrics also help show which colors stand out more against each background.  We've always heard that complementary colors show up best against each other.  The green background, makes the red/coral colors really show up.  And the darker red background, makes the bright white rice really pop.  

I've been making sushi beads for years.  And after comparing these three fabrics, I know that at shows, I'll be displaying them against a green fabric.  These background colors really are important for a variety of reasons.  

When I'm debating colors for a pattern or combination, sometimes I'll make just a quick little donut bead with the colors together on it.  I don't bother annealing it, because I want to see it right away.  I just carefully lay it down (far enough away from me in case it breaks) on my work table.  When it's cool, I can see if my colors are what I want.  Sometimes I notice that there's a reaction that I don't want or the colors don't look as well together as I had planned.  This can be a great time saver in the long run for you.

Now get out there and mix it up a bit.  Let's see what you can do to make your colors stand out and be the superstars they're meant to be.