Do you want to design for yourself? Materials
Materials: Building a palette
I usually like to build my working palette and choose my materials after I’ve decided upon focal point, theme, and color, but it can be fun to try it the other way around. Some designers like to use this method most of the time, sorting through their beads and treasures, and letting the raw materials “tell” them what to choose. I’ve personally never had the stones speak to me. My more practical method to building a palette works well for me, whether it is my first step or somewhere further down the designing road. I’ll share it with you in case you want to give it a try.
I usually take my focal piece (or the first item to catch my fancy if I haven’t chosen a focal piece yet) and place it on a white towel. After gathering up all the possible beads, stones, buttons, and other treasures that might look good, I “audition” them by laying out small piles of each candidate near the focal pieces. Keeping my theme in mind as well - if I’ve already picked one - I look at how the colors, sizes, shapes, and textures interact. There is no right or wrong answer to this part of the process, but it often takes a lot of time. Do not let yourself be rushed! If any beads seem too prominent, you may want to remove them, or at least place them judiciously in the mix. keep in mind also whether your idea calls for a variety of shapes and textures or for a more uniform selection. Each choice you make will narrow down future choices, so sometimes you might have to start all over again if it isn’t going the way you want.
Sometimes you will find that you just don’t have everything you need to proceed with beading. Don’t look at this as a problem! Instead, this is the perfect justification for buying more beads!
Next Monday: Structure!
Tags: design, designing, tutorials, Wearable ArtRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Beading, Designing, Tutorials & Techniques, Wearable Art
2 opinions for Do you want to design for yourself? Materials
KathyMary
May 26, 2008 at 10:19 am
I find I do a little of both… I have some center pieces I have never quite found the right way to arrange, etc. I pick them up every so often just rub my fingers on them - look around for just the right beads and then put them away again. I am absolutely terrible with the collage style that is so popular today - you know what I mean, a lot of things thrown together - somehow, all parts pulling itself together. I tend towards symmetry and Pattern. Sometimes I make something - and then realize what I really wanted and pull it apart and try all over again! Your palette idea works just fine.
Cyndi L
May 26, 2008 at 11:02 am
The road to creativity sure isn’t one straight path, is it? I’ve made and remade until I’ve wanted to cry sometimes, but it’s so rewarding when it finally all comes together :-) Wait till you see the tutorial for tomorrow…it’s all about that collage style!
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