Pendants for Fall

This Fall’s trend back to the pendant necklaces of the ‘70’s  swings both ways…long and short. I set out last week to design a trio in assorted lengths to go with my personal go-to Fall colors – darkest blues and browns.

My shortest pendant necklace, at 18” pairs this season’s trendy olive with richly hued brass. I’m so happy this often-neglected metal is making a comeback, too!

Kyanite, pearls, a sapphire teardrop and some of my favorite Afghan and Thai silver finds from last February’s trip to the Tucson Bead Show combine in this 30” slip-on necklace. Oh, but this looks so good with dark-washed jeans!

At 46”, my final lariat can be worn long or short, with its pendant dangles of African opal, Swarovski crystal, labradorite and pink dotted quartz. And it’s in my favorite color combination from Pantone’s Fall Color Report.

Are pendants making a comeback in your Fall wardrobe?

Fresh Starts

I love Fall.  Partly because my birthday is in October.  But mostly because of the cool, foggy mornings, the feel of warm fabrics, and the promise of new beginnings and fresh starts.

Energized and ready for action following a long summer hiatus from blogging and from my bead table, I spent September transitioning to a new season –refocusing, reorganizing and re-evaluating my approach to design.

Yesterday brought the first official day of Fall. I spied what to me is the very essence of the season - a trio of pie pumpkins on the shelf at my neighborhood Publix. And I received an acceptance letter into my first juried Art Show. So much to be excited about!

Here’s a look at one of the new designs I’ve been working on in September - long, sleek lariats to go with the changing necklines of Fall.

 

Sapphire rondelles and metal seed beads in platinum and pewter
 bring together Pantone's Royal Blue and Aluminum for Fall.
Contemporary sterling leaf shapes are from Nina Designs.

I also love the look of Sangria and Aluminum, another Pantone Fall color trend.
In this lariat I've used garnet and rose quartz rondelles with a natural ruby focal.

Like pumpkins and changing leaves,
labradorite and garnet set against brass seed beads just say Fall to me.

What are you excited about this Fall?