Saturday, June 22, 2013

You Are... Focus on Life week 25

Well, in my mind I changed this from 'you are' to 'I am' So that's what I'm going with!
One thing I am this week is late! I've been forgetful about blogging lately.
This week, I am a bead researcher. I have a lot of ideas about making focal beads- what looks good and what doesn't. But the question is- am I right or wrong? So- I'm asking y'all, among others, for a bead assessment. Here are four beads- all very similar in color, but different in shape and other design details. So the question is- do you have a favorite? One (or more) you don't like? can you explain why??
When I make beads there are always a lot of different thoughts and ideas knocking around my brain- about what I want to do with that bead, what I want to do next, and what others might find interesting about how this all works. One burning question I keep coming back to is what makes a good focal bead!!??!!
Let me know what you think! To see more of what we are, check out Sally's Blog!


16 comments:

Shel said...

Oh - tough to choose one. I like them all but the top right w/the little bumps on it is drawing my attention today - not sure why though. Wish I could tell you what makes a great focal bead. I guess that's kinda like what makes a good meal - everyone has different tastes and opinions and so everyone might have a different feeling/answer to your question - but a good question it is.

Unknown said...

I oggle lamwork beads, mainly because I could never do what you gals do. Would burn the house down for sure. As far as my opinion, as Shel said, it's hard because I can envision something for each one of them. If I had to choose just one for a focal, think I would choose the bottom left.

AntiquityTravelers said...

Agree with Shel - very tough to choose! All are beautiful and I simply LOVE them. I think each would likely end up in a different pattern if they crossed my bead table. they all have their own personality! but I would would use all 4 in a heartbeat!

Annette said...

I absolutely love the colors and shapes of all of them. If I had to choose just one, I would choose the first one. But then I love the last one too. I'm drawn to the swirls!

Paula, Chief Bead Officer said...

They are all lovely but I do have a favorite - the one on the lower left. It reminds me of the ocean and I like that it is not symmetrical. Beautiful beads!

glassbead, isinglass design said...

It's fun to get everyone's views. I like three of these pretty well, and one of them less. But my own views are skewed a lot by how they're made. I can get attached to some odd looking beads just because I'm excited about one of the techniques.

Empty nester at last said...

I too like them all, but the upper left one is drawing me. But then how could you know which to make when there are soooo many of us wonderfully different people around?

Islandgirl said...

I like the two on the left.. bottom one is probably my favorite but I'd buy the top one over the bottom one even though I like the bottom one better... Now you can figure that out! Maybe my brain is drawn to the symetry in the top left one? Colours in all of them are lovely!

Beti Horvath said...

Well maybe this is why i leave bead-making to others. Can't decide, I love them all. Thank you for putting such thought into your work!

brokenteepee said...

I love the colors in all of them but the top row, right pulls my eyes. I think it's the bumps and their colors. It would make a great focal with gemstones leading to it.

CraftyHope said...

I think a good focal bead is very subjective. Each person is going to have their own tastes. If you want to know my opinion I'll give it, but please know that my tastes don't always meld with everyone else's.
I like the two on the right the best. I can't pin down why. Well, that's not completely true I like the symmetry of on the one on the top and the swirl in the bottom one. As far as what I don't like. . .the bottom left is my least favorite. There's just something about the busyness of the shape without being something recognizable that turns me off. I hope I helped some and didn't hurt your feelings. Best of luck at figuring it out . . .I say go with your gut and what YOU like. You'll probably enjoy the process more that way.

Mary K. McGraw said...

I like them all.

glassbead, isinglass design said...

I suppose I should have explained that I'm not trying to pin down a style that I'm going to make or not make. I'm just trying to pick some brains about things. So far, nothing definite has come out. Well, except that everyone likes different things! But I already knew that. Oh and my least favorite is one lots of folks like.

Diana Taylor said...

Well I like them all - but if I have to pick a favourite it has to be the top right with the nobbly bits - I love it and would definitely wear it! I love the freshness and clarity of the design, and probably my least favourite is the bottom left swirly one (but it's still lovely!) - possibly too much going on with all the colours and the swirly shapes as well. I think good design is managing to mix colour and shape together cleanly, without detracting from either. I'd say you've succeeded with flying colours as they are all very beautiful. I hope you find clarity in what you were pondering!

Ema Kilroy said...

You are asking the creative bunch to chose just one? Impossible. I think we can all see the possibilities in all of them. The question is truly personal and based on the desires of the jewelry designer. They all great potential in a jewelry design.

Becky Pancake said...

My favorite is the top left. Next would be the top right because of the color. My least favorite is the bottom left. They are all beautiful.