Dishfunctional Designs: 2016 style forecast

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

My Style Forecast for 2016: Part Two: More Elephants

AAhh! These elephants are SO cool! I got so excited when I found these jewelry components, and I can't wait to make some new jewelry with them. They would look great on a brass chain, black cord, or even on some lengths of different colored silk ribbon...hmmm...already the wheels are turning. And I think they definitely would look fabulous with some stone beads. I can't wait to get started on them, but I have so much else I have to do! It seems there is never enough time to sit and actually fabricate many of the ideas that are in my head. That's why its so important to keep a notebook or jewelry artist's sketchbook as a place where you can jot down ideas and make quick sketches of designs when they pop into your head. More on that in another post, let's get back to those elephants.

They're everywhere! Yes, they've been hot early into and throughout 2015, but they are still going strong and I am confident you will be seeing lots more brightly colored & patterned tribal elephants all through 2016.

Be prepared to see more elephants in home decor, clothing, and crafts -and of course, jewelry. I think I'll turn my elephant necklace into a DIY tutorial to share on my blog with all of you...stay tuned!

Have a great New Year!
Love,
Laura

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Sunday, December 27, 2015

My Style Forecast For 2016: Part One: Karma's In Full Swing

I just got these amazing new jewelry components and I can't wait to start working with them! They are going to make some really cool necklaces...I might mix some chain with some hemp by intertwining hemp cord within some metal chain by weaving or braiding it with necklace chain. The hemp softens the design and makes it look earthy and organic, while the chain makes the design more structurally durable as well as gives it more value.

My take? Karma, Yoga, and Eastern Philosophy inspired motifs are hot for 2016!

Keeping with the theme of combining natural materials with metal, I might also add some thin strips of suede cord to the chain. One thing is for sure, I won't know exactly what the finished necklaces are going to look like until they are finished.

That's one of the most fun things about designing - the experimentation. You can think of an idea, sketch it out on paper or in a notebook, or have a pretty good idea of what you want your finished project to look like before you even sit down to create, but it doesn't always work that way. For me...I will usually study my focal component, and then going with whatever vibe I get from it (meaning the mood and feelings I get from it, and then whatever subsequent colors, hues, materials or types of stones I get an inclination to include due to the mood & feel of the main component), I will first chose my supporting components and materials around that, and then sit down to work and just let it go in whatever direction it goes from there. Sometimes things will come together quickly, other times it takes a little bit longer, but it's always a fun process.

As for my style forecast for 2016, be prepared to see plenty of Karma-themed trends coming back again (no pun intended), as well as a steady stream of straight up Bohemian and BoHo Chic style in clothing, home decor, jewelry, and crafts. Earthy colors and materials remain strong and pair with rich jewel toned accents and are softened with occasional sheer materials, laces, crochets, and macrames. I'm also hoping to see lots more greens and oranges in the year ahead! Be sure to visit again soon for more style forecasts for 2016!