Design Process

I'm often asked where do design ideas come from, or about the process of design.  If I examine the answer closely, more often then not it starts with play, which results in a component or a focal piece and then the rest of the design must grow to meet that original concept.

Oh every once in awhile I see an entire piece in my minds eye, or I work from a sketch of something seen in a movie or a store window or a costume jewelry book.  But for the most part I pick up a pile of beads, often a Swarovski elements fancy stone and I begin to bead.

I may change my mind along the way about colors or embellishments.  I might decide on an entirely different shape, but in the end I usually have a piece of beadwork waiting to become jewelry.

Such is the case for this lovely, large and bold piece.

And for the observant, yes I am just that messy, pushing wrong choices out of the way and generally making a mess on the tray.  For me I love the colorplay that happens on the tray.  The fucshia , green, gold and turquoise ab2x is a burst of color I find exciting.

But back to design.  First this was going to be a pendant, then a cuff, then a bead embroidered cuff, then.....For right now I think I will just continue to stare at it and mull over the options.  I'm leaning towards cuff, big and bold.

How does your design process work?  Do you start out with a vision or a pile of beads, or a little of both?