When I ask our beading community what they use as inspiration for their jewelry pieces, like in this post about Winter 2011 color trends, I inevitably receive responses referring to nature.  Everywhere you look outdoors there are naturally made color palettes; hues that compliment each other more perfectly than any design even the most creative human artist could come up with. 

 

It's easy to take for granted the scenery around you because we're exposed to it so often.  I used photos of landscapes and plantlife taken by others for my inspiration today, but I think I may even begin a small career in amateur photography.  Just walking down the street this morning, I saw inspiration in the colors everywhere- from trees, to birds, to buildings.

 

Below is a photo of a peaceful sunset over the shores of a calm beach.  It inspired a mix of Bronzite, Picture Jasper, Chinese Crystal and Miyuki Seed Beads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Jasper Coin Pendant, 30mm

Bronzite Round Bead Strand, 8mm

Angelic Crystal Rondelle Bead Strand, Lt. Amethyst AB, 4x6mm

Chinese Crystal Rondelle Strand, Wheat AB, 6x8mm

Chinese Crystal Long Rondelle Bead Strand, White Linen, 3x5mm

Miyuki 6-13f, Matte S/L DK Smoky Amethyst

Miyuki 6-3215, Magic Golden Peach Lined Crystal

Miyuki 6-131f, Matte Crystal

 

A photo of a deep blue flower inspired a mix of Swarovski Crystal, Onyx, Blue Lapis, Chinese Crystal and Miyuki Seed Beads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swarovski Crystal, 8mm Round, Faceted, Fuchsia

Swarovski Crystal, 4mm Round, Purple Velvet

Onyx Round Strand, 8mm

Chinese Crystal 38mm Beaded Bead, Opaque Plum

Miyuki Seed Bead Mix, Blueberry Pie, 8/0

Chinese Crystal Rondelle Bead Strand, Opaque Periwinkle, 9x12mm

Chinese Crystal Long Rondelle Bead Strand, Deep Aqua, 6x8mm

Swarovski Crystal, 6mm Xilion Bicone, Dark Indigo

Blue Lapis Round Bead Strand, 6mm

 

Finally, an autumn scene of pretty evergreen trees surrounding a serene lake inspired a mix of Turquoise, Glass Pearls, Swarovski Crystal, Antique Copper and Miyuki Seed Beads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn Turquoise Rondelle Bead Strand, 8mm

Burnt Orange Turquoise 4mm Round Bead Strand

Burnt Orange Turquoise 10mm Round Bead Strand

Chocolate Turquoise Howlite 8mm Round Beads Strand

Red Turquoise 6mm Round Bead Strand

Glass Pearl 10mm Bead Strand, Evergreen

Swarovski Crystal, 6mm Bicone, Sun

Swarovski Crystal, 6mm Xilion Bicone, Topaz

Swarovski Crystal, 6mm Xilion Bicone, Olivine

Swarovski Crystal, 8mm Round, Faceted, Siam

Miyuki Seed Bead Mix, Autumn, 8/0

Antique Copper Wired 30mm Ball