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Color Inspiration - Lapis Luxury

by Nancy Chase
Southern Bell Telephone, an iconic Art Deco Building in downtown Cincinnati was designed with the style and grandeur of a new age in communication. Built in 1931, it was the first telephone exchange in Ohio. It held the world's longest switchboard, employing 88 switchboard operators.This photograph of metal, with a lapis lazuli accent, is a close-up of one facade in a series of friezes along the building's exterior. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
The discovery of King Tut's tomb in the 1920s sparked "Egyptomania," inspiring design motifs like the pyramid shown in the photo.

King Tut's jewelry included colorful gemstones such as lapis lazuli.

This floral screen combines marble, brass, nickel, and bronze, accented with cogs and wheels that reflect the industrial machine age of the 1930s.

The contrast of colors and sharp lines made Egyptian art a perfect fit for the Art Deco period, which emphasized geometric shapes and symmetry.
Nancy Chase's Color Inspiration - Lapis Luxury - , Beading, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Beads, color inspiration lapis luxury
Nancy Chase's Color Inspiration - Lapis Luxury - , Beading, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Beads, color palette
I drew inspiration from the lapis-colored stone at the center of the frieze, accenting it with brass and nickel metals.

Handmade Tibetan beads from Nepal echo the fine craftsmanship of the Deco era.

Wire coils connect the symmetrical brass heishi beads and lapis roundels.

The pendant at the center showcases the bold design typical of Art Deco.

Sometimes, simply walking around town and observing interesting buildings can spark unexpected inspiration!
Nancy Chase's Color Inspiration - Lapis Luxury - , Beading, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Beads, Handmade Tibetan beads from Nepal

Materials

18 Gauge Square Silver Plated Gold Copper Craft Wire - 12 ft
H17-P18SQ-12FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.00
  • Gold Club Price: $9.00
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Soft Flex Beading Wire--Medium--.019
BDC-419.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.50
  • Gold Club Price: $11.63
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18 Gauge Round Silver Plated Gold Copper Craft Wire - 12 ft
H17-P18-12FT
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.92
  • Gold Club Price: $5.19
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Sterling Silver S Hook Clasp 16x11mm - Pack of 1
K3-144
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.04
  • Gold Club Price: $2.28
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Tools

C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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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
18 Piece Mini Punch Set With Auto Center Punch
G7-14
  • G7-14
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $22.95
  • Gold Club Price: $17.21
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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
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  • Category: Beading
  • Technique(s): Coiling, Beading

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