Trends in costume jewellery and beads can be a difficult one to call and despite many hours, even days, researching what is currently in vogue (as well as what is not in vogue!) a minor error even in something as obvious as a colour shade can prove to be a costly mistake. Taking that a step further and trying to forecast what will be the next big trend is an even more complex problem…
What I have tried to do here is outline a few basic concepts which I look at when I am deciding what bead stock to order for the next few months. I have also let you into a few secrets as well…
Colour Trends
Winter 2009/10: Throughout the early part of 2010 I have seen huge demand for acid greens, purples/lilac, burnt orange and teal. The interesting thing to note here is that not any old green would do – the more acid and vibrant the green the better!
Spring 2010: As spring gets under-way I am starting to see a shift to royal blue, black, white, and red. A strong nautical theme here with anchors everywhere as well as pearl laden designs.
Now, let me tell you into a secret of mine… If you make jewellery to sell it is imperative that you have a few items made using black and white. Black and white is classic and really does span all age ranges. I always try and stock black and white beads at all times of the year because I don’t think a week goes by when someone doesn’t ask for this combination… It is great for everyday, for weddings, for funerals, in fact there isn’t really a time when a black and white design can’t be worn.
Summer 2010: As summer approaches I forecast pinks, oranges and light green with a return to purples and lilac. A summer feel yet with a twist of retro patterns and an underlying sense of the 60′s and 70′s in a faded way.
Autumn and Winter 2010: Autumn and Winter should be easier to call as I am pretty sure a simple palette of greys, white and blacks, and warm browns (honey) will fit the bill. So for those taking my advice above you should already have a few pieces of jewellery ready for this season. One thing to watch here will be the increased use of gold or bronze-coloured findings as the overall result will be one of richness, especially when browns are used in a design. The use of silver-coloured findings may be too stark a contrast to the warmness required.
Bead Trends
2010 has continued to see a need for large, chunky beaded designs. One of the downfalls of such designs can be the overall weight of a finished piece. There has therefore been an increase in the number of designers using large acrylic and resin beads and hollow pierced or wire metal beads. I forecast that this will continue but I also believe that this trend will reach further and the use of many other media will develop. Beads made from wood, paper, fimo clay, felt, etc. will all be popular especially during the Summer and Autumn. A feast of multi-media jewellery designs should be available.
As Winter approaches and the party season begins a need for more sophisticated and delicate jewellery is usually the order of the day. Crystals and glass beads will take more of a front-seat ride during this time.
The above information is provided as a guide only and we strongly recommend that jewellery designers and crafters follow high street trends closely to help them with colour matching and styles.
Mark Vardy is the proprietor of Silvar Design, a well known jewellery making supplies business in the United Kingdom as well as being an avid beader and jewellery maker. He has been making jewellery for
Monday, October 25th, 2010 at
7:39 am
Halloween is approaching. Itâs the time of the year eagerly awaited by all. So, better get ready and make the decision about what your costume is going to be this Halloween! Letâs make this yearâs Halloween party a happening event by selecting 2009 relevant Halloween costumes. Â
Ladies First:
How about becoming the wonder woman or the bat girl and saving the world? Or you can choose to be a female clown, the queen of the hearts or a fancy butterfly! Whatever you choose this year, donât forget to wear your charming smile along with!
Now for the Men:
Fancy becoming the President of America this time? Dressing up as US president Obama might make you the most eye-catching Halloween. You can choose to pay your tributes to your hot-favorite king of music Michael Jackson or become one of the characters from Transformers. You might enjoy being a Star trek crew member or how about John Connor from Terminator? The conventional Halloween costumes like the superhero or the blood thirsty ghoul arenât a bad idea either.
For little boys and girls:
Ever thought of visiting Hogwarts on a broomstick? Enter into the world of one of the best fantasy worlds of this decade. The boys can wear Harry Potterâs, Ronâs or may be Malfoyâs costumes and the girls can choose from costumes of Hermione, Ginny Weasley or may be Luna Lovegood. Carry a broomstick in your left hand and a wand in your right hand to begin the magical journey. If Harry Potter world isnât your kind, how can you forget Hannah Montana, the coolest girl of 16? Â
You can also dress like the animated characters you watched this year — like Happy Feet, Kungfu Panda or the Ice age mammoth. Girls can dress up like the little mermaid or the fairy princess and enter into an altogether new world.Â
Last but never the least; boost up your chances of stealing the show by choosing only good quality Halloween costumes!Â
Halloween is a special occasion for all. Letâs make it even more special and memorable this year by just choosing something different. Happy Halloween!
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www.costumes4less.com is a leading online retailer of Halloween Costumes & Accessories, Drama and Theme Party Costumes, Boys Costumes, Shoes and Party & Wedding Supplies. Their mission is to offer you the most pleasant online shopping experience by providing the widest selection of products, at best possible prices via our easy-to-use, full featured and secure web site.
Tuesday, October 12th, 2010 at
6:52 am
Choosing the right bridal jewelry is no mean task. Itâs not just the wedding that the bride has to dress up for; there are so many other occasions such as pre-wedding parties, bridal shower, wedding rehearsal, and more. She has to come up with matching jewelry to go with every occasion.
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