"Bohemian Inspired Jewelry" Book Project

I see designers use the word "Bohemian" or "Boho" a lot when talking about their jewelry.  So I was wondering, "Is my jewelry Bohemian?"  I thought I would get out my book called "Bohemian Inspired Jewelry" by authors Lorelei Eurto and Erin Siegel.  Right in the books introduction, Lorelei and Erin explain in depth what is Bohemian inspired jewelry.  They say, "It's an artistic, nature inspired, and playful combination of materials and textures."  They go on to say, "Key features of Bohemian style include vibrant colors, organic materials such as wood, stone or clay, and patterned or textured fibers such as leather, ribbon, or cord."

I started looking more through the book, and the authors do an excellent job of introducing the reader to all these things in the guide before all the 50 finished jewelry designs.  I contacted Lorelei for permission to use her design on page 48 called "Quietude" as the inspiration for my design.  She said yes, so I was excited to share this with you.  This is the picture from the book:

What drew me in to this necklace was the use of disc beads, the focal pendant and the bar on top of it. A while ago, I discovered wax linen and how much I like knotting vs. stringing wire and crimping, so it is my go to stringing material.  Lorelei teaches the reader how to knot through the discs so they lie flat instead of having to stack them on the stringing material.  I am a ceramic bead artist, so I made my own inspirational pendant, the bar component and a heart bead (there is a heart bead a few beads up on the left side).  I couldn't find a metal button, so I used a heart lobster claw clasp instead.

I chose an entirely different color scheme, but followed along with the book directions.  I think my new necklace in the cool blue and purple tones, is calming, so I put the word Dream on the pendant. I purchased the lampwork disc beads in a Facebook group and I don't recall the artist's name (sorry!).  I hope this inspires you to get out your copy of the book and do this with a design that inspires you!  If you don't have a copy, they can be purchased on Amazon or at http://interweavestore.com

Next month I will be taking another design out of the book and doing this again, but I would like to invite you to do it with me!  Page 114 "The Beach House", also designed by Lorelei Eurto, is our inspiration.  If you don't have the book, here is the necklace:

Isn't it pretty with the multiple strands of beads across the front and the toggle on the side?  I have been wanting to try peanut beads, so here is my opportunity!  I don't know the exact day I will be blogging again, but have it made in 30 days, and you can post in the comments your design.  Thanks and I hope you'll play a long!

Michelle McCarthy, Firefly Design Studio

Free Project - Gypsy Ways Necklace

Gypsy Ways

Erin Siegel

 This necklace is colorful and fun featuring a bohemian-inspired pendant by Heather Powers, ceramic beads by Elaine Ray and enameled charms by C-Koop. It's quick and easy to make. Perfect for all those free spirits on your gift list!

Materials

25 turquoise 6mm Greek ceramic heishi beads

6 red aventurine 4mm rounds

5 purple 6mm ceramic rounds

4 tangerine 10mm enameled metal tags

1 paisley 33x20mm polymer clay pendant

6 antique copper 3” balled headpins

4 antique copper 7mm jump rings

1 copper 15x17mm Greek ceramic saucer

24” of crimson Greek leather cord

6” of copper 22 gauge wire

Tools

Round nose pliers

Pair of chain nose pliers

Wire cutters

Scissors

Finished size: 18”

1: Use the copper wire to string the pendant; form a double wrapped loop bail. Set aside. Use 1 headpin to string 1 red aventurine; form a double-wrapped loop. Repeat 5 times. Set aside. Attach 1 jump ring to 1 enameled tag. Repeat 3 times. Set aside.

2: Fold 3” of the leather cord back onto itself. Use the folded end to form an overhand knot, creating a ¾” loop to fit over the Greek saucer bead. Tighten knot and trim tail.

3: Use the leather cord to string 1 red aventurine dangle, 1 ceramic round, 1 enameled tag, and 5 Greek heishi beads. Repeat 4 times, except in the second set, string the pendant in place of an enameled tag. String the last dangle.

4: Use the leather to form an overhand knot 17” from the previous knot. String the Greek ceramic saucer; form an overhand knot. Tighten knot and trim ¼”.

Resources:

Paisley pendant: Humble Beads. Ceramic rounds: Elaine Ray (Ornamentea.com). Enameled metal tags: C-Koop Beads. Greek beads and leather: Mykonos Beads.

I would pair my necklace with a long gypsy skirt or a flowy cardigan, jeans and boots like this for a modern bohemian look!

Modern Gypsy by erinsjewelry featuring platform ankle booties


Erin Siegel is a jewelry designer, beading instructor and co-author of the jewelry book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry: 50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon and Cords. To find out more, visit her blog: Erin Siegel Jewelry. 

Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry Mash-Up

Today we are celebrating the release of Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry co-written by Art Bead Scene contributor Erin Siegel.  Erin paired up with Lorelei Eurto to bring a book that focuses on adding fibers to jewelry designs in a fashion-forward boho style.   

If you haven't had a chance to check out the book you need to add this one to your shelf.  It's packed with 50 inspiring designs, many featuring art beads - which is always a plus around here!

The book definitely has me pulling out different fibers to add to my jewelry designs.  There are plenty of new techniques in the book that I know I will use again and again.  I have a collection of waxed linen, silk and leather piled up on my bead table with my copy of Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry nearby for inspiration.  

I've particularly enjoyed working with the waxed linen and decided to do a mash-up of projects featured in the book.  I love the look of Erin's "In the Garden" necklace combining great focal with knotted beads and complimented with a silk ribbon.  But I wanted to use a focal with two holes and combined the use of linen in Erin's "Indigo Forest" project. I love how Erin used the linen in a contrasting color as a design element and pulled out a lovely sage green to use in my necklace.

 

So I combined the two techniques with a mix of stones, glass and resin beads with one of my new pendants.  I finished off my design with large brass rings and hand-dyed sari silk ribbon.  I love that with just a few changes you can create a completely new necklace.  The book offers so many jumping off points - interesting combinations of materials, new techniques and great color combinations.  You could spend all summer with this book as your inspiration and never run out of ideas to mash-up into your own creations!

You can find the Blue Bloom pendant at Humblebeads and a great source for waxed linen is White Clover Kiln.

 

Congratulations to Erin and Lorelei for creating a book that will have the bead world buzzing this summer!

You need to run over to Beading Daily today to check out the rest of the party that's happening this weekend, there are blogs to hop, inspiration to soak in and a contest too!