Home / Jewelry Making Articles / Color Inspiration - Chihuly Colors

Color Inspiration - Chihuly Colors

by Nancy Chase
On a visit to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio, I had the great experience of bridging the soul between art and nature.
The glassworks of Dale Chihuly form the largest permanent collection of his work in a botanical garden.

Walking through the garden, bright, whimsical glass shapes appear alongside the foliage.

An overhead ceiling display features various shapes and sizes, with colors like jewels that reminded me of crystals.
Nancy Chase's Color Inspiration - Chihuly Colors - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, dale chihuly glass
Nancy Chase's Color Inspiration - Chihuly Colors - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, color palette
Two blue glass drops center this wire-and-bead double-strand necklace.

I used 22-gauge gunmetal-shade wire to anchor the various colors together.

Inspiration comes from the light, the translucency of glass, and how it sparkles and reflects.

An airy chain of crystal beads sits naturally on the neck, inviting springtime renewal.
Nancy Chase's Color Inspiration - Chihuly Colors - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, Double Drop Necklace

Materials

8mm Peridot 5328 Bi-Cone Swarovski Crystal Beads - Pack of 6
A13-60C
  • Lesson Quantity: 6.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.57
  • Gold Club Price: $2.68
Out of Stock
4mm Sapphire 5000 Round Swarovski Crystal Bead - Pack of 12
A13-112
  • Lesson Quantity: 6.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.98
Out of Stock
6mm Topaz 5000 Round Swarovski Crystal Beads - Pack of 10
A13-84A
  • Lesson Quantity: 6.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
Out of Stock
8mm Topaz 5000 Round Swarovski Crystal Beads - Pack of 6
A13-186
  • Lesson Quantity: 4.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
Out of Stock
20 Gauge Round Vintage Bronze Enameled Craft Wire - 30 ft
H5-N20-30FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.80
  • Gold Club Price: $5.10
Add to Bag
22 Gauge Round Vintage Bronze Enameled Craft Wire - 45 ft
H5-N22-45FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.20
  • Gold Club Price: $4.65
Add to Bag
Sterling Silver S Hook Clasp 17mm - Pack of 1
K3-145
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.48
  • Gold Club Price: $2.61
Add to Bag
Beads - Wide variety of sizes, shapes and material
Shop Now
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

4.5 Inch Round Nose Pliers
G2-12
  • G2-12
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.98
Add to Bag
5 1/4 Inch Brass Lined Flat Nose Plier - Pack of 1
G2-78
  • G2-78
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.57
  • Gold Club Price: $10.93
Add to Bag
Flat Nose Nylon Flat Jaw With Spring
PLR-831.00
  • PLR-831.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.80
  • Gold Club Price: $10.35
Add to Bag
Xuron Flush Cutter - Pack of 1
G2-504
  • G2-504
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
Add to Bag
20 X 15 Inch Padded Work Mat
MAT-620.00
  • MAT-620.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
Out of Stock
Optional Tools
WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Design
  • Technique(s): Design

Reviews

Login to post a Review
Login to be the first to review this Article!