Jewelry Making Design Tips

by Judy Ellis

Having a hard time coming up with original, creative ideas? Here are some good tips for expanding your mind and creativity.

Instructions

Observe Nature

Having a hard time coming up with original, creative ideas? Observe nature. Nature has been a source for jewelry design for thousands of years-Egyptian, Medieval, and Baroque, Art Nouveau and more! Inspiration for shape, color, line, and texture can inevitably transpire for your next jewelry piece when studying nature. You could find a color scheme from a breathtaking sunset, or perhaps a shape outline from the thorns of your rosebush. Trees, birds, animals, insects, the ocean, mountains, the stars, moon, and sun! The possibilities are endless. Jewelry design is truly an art form-think of it as such.

Nouveau Flourite
Created by Rhonda Chase: "While in Italy I was deeply inspired by magnificent art nouveau buildings from the early 1900's. There were many botanical patterns, which led me to design this art nouveau flower pendant. Nouveau Flourite is a play on words, combining the art style and the gemstone, and sounding like "nouveau fleur" which means "new flower" in French"

Judy Ellis's Jewelry Making Design Tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, Nouveau Flourite

Don't be afraid to experiment

You don't have to follow any rule! Just because a certain pattern says to do something a certain way, doesn't mean you have to! Play around, have fun! You just might surprise yourself with what you come up with. There are no limits in design and jewelry making. Experiment with new tools , new beads , and new ideas. Do not be afraid of failure. Do not become your worst critic. Imagine, take pleasure in your creativity, and try to reach beyond your perceived potential.

Judy Ellis's Jewelry Making Design Tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, Venetian Glass Beads

Judy Ellis's Jewelry Making Design Tips - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, Gemstone Beads

Study History

Study history??? What does that have to do with jewelry design? A lot. Fashion has proven old trends to be stylish. Furthermore, many well-known jewelry designers take inspiration from historical jewelry pieces. It may also be beneficial to study historic and religious symbols, such as the Celtic knot, the Egyptian Cartouche and Ankh, the Christian cross, the Irish Claddagh, the Star of David, the European torc, the Hamsa or Hamesh hand, Chinese dragons and phoenixes, and much more! Also as you study the history of jewelry, you will find how the trends and fashion reflected a country's social, cultural, economical, and political standing.

Fine example of ancient Egyptian use of lapis. (J. Bodsworth)