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Tips for Finding Jewelry Design Inspiration

Find Your Muse

By , About.com Guide

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Ruby Zoisite and Amethyst Go Green Necklace

Ruby Zoisite and Amethyst Go Green Necklace

Tammy Powley
Every designer will have a dry spell now and then. Here are some tips to wake up your muse.

  • A special outfit that you need a jewelry set for is one approach to take. What colors would accent the outfit? What length of necklace would be most appropriate?
  • The occasion you need the jewelry for should also be considered. Is it a special evening out where shoulder-duster earrings would be appropriate? Or, are you going to a picnic and need a more practical jewelry design?
  • Think of yourself as a painter where the beads and wire are you paint and your body is your canvas.
  • Visit a local fabric store to hunt out unusual color combinations.
  • Let fashion be your guide. Pick up a few fashion magazines and see what designs you can alter and make your own.
  • Take a vacation from your jewelry work. You don't necessarily have to go anywhere, but take a few days off from making jewelry. Maybe your muse just needs a break from creating for a while.
  • Let the muse find you. Take a nice long walk and clear your head. Then head into your jewelry studio or work area and see if she's around.
  • Let your jewelry components "speak" to you. Set out a handful of beads, wire, metal, whatever, and see what they have to say.
  • Listen to the child within. Often, I will just sit at my jewelry desk and play like a little kid. I'll put a little of this and that in front of me, beads, shells, wire, whatever I've got around, and play with them until something happens, until the muse comes to me and speaks in my ear.
  • Pick up a jewelry book and relax while you browse through the pages. Maybe even make a trip to your local library for historical costume books to see some designs from history.
  • Watch a movie that has great jewelry like Gladiator or an old musical from the 30s or 40s.
  • Design something special for someone. Think of that person. What colors look good on her? What sort of personality does she have?

    This list is really endless because everyone has his or her own way to find design inspiration, but if you're looking for ideas, these may be fun to try.

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