How to Get Creative and Stay Creative - A SilverSilk and Deb Floros Collaboration

I’m guilty of it…that thing we all do as artists, designers, and jewelry makers. You know exactly what I’m talking about…I’m a huge sucker for finding the most exquisite and radiant beads that catch my eye and make me feel like I am hopelessly in love. It’s like a meteor hits me and I’m absorbed into these strands of beads that are radiating pure beauty, beauty like I’ve never seen. I’ll stare at them, adore all the rich colors, get starry-eyed at the sparkles, all I want to do is touch and feel its texture. I find myself dreaming of my next design. I’m imagining all the possibilities and the different ways I can use them. Can I wire wrap it? Oh... maybe I can string them… ahh no I will bead around them….I feel inspired, invigorated, and ready to create. I sit down to make a necklace…then nothing….

My ideas start to escape my brain. Things that I saw so clearly that I could almost touch them suddenly turn into blank space. Suddenly, I don’t know which colors look good. I don’t know what to pair with which beads. I want to use all the supplies that I’ve collected but all of a sudden I can’t think of anything. After this happens, I just end up stashing them for good and they stay in my stash for years.

We all fall in love with beads but how do we get creative and stay creative? I recently had a conversation with a noted jewelry designer, Deb Floros, about her approach to designing exquisite jewelry and how she keeps her creativity alive and her business thriving. She summed it up into ten wonderful mantras that every jewelry designer must live by to combat the dreadful stashing blues.

1: Support Artisans

Although there are lots of alluring mass-produced and big-box store beads and materials, to gain maximum OOAK-status, “going artisan” is where it’s at. There are so many talented artists out there that make beads and jewelry components. Purchasing ready-made pendants or beads from chain craft stores isn’t unheard of but it won’t give your design true originality. So, think about where and who you’re purchasing from, and don’t be afraid to ask what the story is behind the component that you’re purchasing…I bet the stories will surprise you and they will add a meaningful touch to your piece. Who knows? You might even be able to feel inspired by the story that comes with each component. Remember, you’re always just a few web-searches away from those perfect pieces that you need to finish your amazing design.

Mantra Challenge:
Go shopping!! Really hard for us crafters to do right? Here’s a list of a few of my favorite stores from artisans that make their own beads and components:

Green Girl Studio: http://www.greengirlstudios.com/
Allegory Gallery: https://www.allegorygallery.com/
Anne Gardanne: https://www.etsy.com/shop/gardannebeads/
Lisa Peters Art: https://www.lisapetersart.com
Maku Studio: https://www.makustudio.com
Saki Silver: https://sakisilver.com

Pictured Example: Artisan-Amazing Bracelet
This bracelet features an enameled metal focal element by Anne Gardanne of Gardanne Handcrafted Enamel, and it’s combined with SilverSilk Capture Chain, SilverSilk double-strand end caps, and a small textured metal toggle clasp.

2: Layers, Stacks and Multiples

The more, the merrier, they say. You can create instant layers with a single, multi-strand piece, make pieces meant for pairing, mixing and matching, or wearing together. You can create instant layers with a single piece or make pieces meant for pairing, mixing and matching, and wearing together. You may consider starting with simpler pieces that are easy to put together.

Mantra Challenge:
Find a color of SilverSilk and make a two-strand necklace. In my example design, I use red Capture Chain to simply hang a crystal pendant from and it became the first layer of my necklace. To keep in the same color scheme, I used more red capture chain and decided to attach several metal connector beads together for a longer, show-stopping pendant. They layer so well together because they are in the same color family and include complimentary decorative beads. Something to note here is the size of each necklace matters. Carefully measure each necklace drape with the pendant so that each strand is intentionally staggered. This will ensure that the strands are not on top of each other. Having it close enough but not exactly the same could make it look like a mistake, rather than intentional.

Pictured Example: Double-Dreamy Necklace
This necklace is made with two strands of SilverSilk Pearlesque Chain and attached with SilverSilk double-strand end caps. A glass drop is suspended from the inner strand and a trio of ornate, hollow metal connectors and a matching glass drop make the pendant of the outer strand.

3: Texture is Your Friend

Mixing textures and finishes creates interest, and makes your designs more desirable. If you’re in the market for selling your jewelry, a great way to put a stamp of originality to your pieces is to try and come up with unconventional combinations of materials, and ultimately making your design memorable and timeless. Mixing textures can really set you apart from other makers and elevate your design to the next level. Also, instead of spending hours searching for the right materials to try and “match” every element is too hard. Keep it simple, bring textures together and see how they look. Take this Mantra Challenge if you’re struggling to match different textures.

Mantra Challenge:
From your bead stash, pick two to three matte bead strands or pendants within the same color scheme and place them in a pile on your table. Now, pick some shiny, glossy components that fall in the same color scheme and set those in a pile next to the matte materials. Start by pairing them together to see how they look. What I hope you’ll discover is how well textures can complement each other and direct your design layout. In my example, I used a matte chain to contrast with the shiny earring findings. This texture combination makes the Hollow Mesh really stand out and gives the piece a unique look.

Pictured Example: Texture-Tastic Earrings
Matte vintage copper chain is encased by SilverSilk Hollow Mesh and both are attached to a shiny, modern hammered earring component.

4: Whimsy Works

We can all use a little whimsy every now and then. Even if you don’t typically “go for” that. This is great for the times when you are not feeling very inspired to create. It can help you liberate your creative spirit that may have been trapped in a box for a while. You may make something that either never sees the light of day, or you’ll be pleasantly surprised and find that it “speaks” to you or someone who loves your designs. Either way, it wouldn’t hurt one bit to try. So, try using and shaping heavier gauge craft wire into familiar shapes OR use beads in unconventional ways. You’ll find this exercise to be joyful and fun and that’s just one way to practice whimsy.

Mantra Challenge:
Find a photo of a motif, icon, object, or fruit and try to incorporate it with a combination of beads, wire, and SilverSilk. Your design may be a little flashy, or it may turn out to be simple and elegant but with a touch of humor. Whatever you come up with, take a moment and give yourself a pat on the back for taking this challenge head-on. My inspiration came from the beach. I chose to interpret a palm tree by flattening, twisting, and attaching pieces of SilverSilk mesh into a funky little green palm tree. I then used strands of Capture Chain to replicate the color striations of a warm and beachy sunset.

Pictured Example: Palm Trees at Sunset Bracelet
This piece includes SilverSilk triple-strand end caps to stack three SilverSilk Capture Chains in lovely sunset shades. The palm tree focal was created with and Hollow Mesh and tiny seed bead coconuts.

5: Be Brave

Always following the same recipe or format for making jewelry can take away the fun and creative flow of ideas. Jewelry making should be fun, liberating, and experimental. Learning new techniques and making something outside of the more “traditional” styles will keep you inspired and even lead to self-discovery. You may find yourself working with materials and styles you never dreamed of. The first step is to be brave and force yourself to view objects in a different light and challenge yourself to see what you can do with them in an unconventional and interesting way.

Mantra Challenge:
Pick a component from your bead stash. Pretend you are a scientist and carefully examine the object and out loud describe what you are looking at as though you are seeing it for the first time. Listing adjectives can help indicate a new use for it. For my example design, I choose to use memory wire backward and have it hug my neck from behind. Using rubber tubing and Hollow mesh really made this design come together and stringing size 11 seed beads between the spikes made everything lay correctly. This necklace is comfortable to wear yet unconventional in its design, making it a very special accessory.

Pictured Example: Choker Charmer
This choker piece is made with memory wire that is encased twice. Once by colored rubber tubing and the second with coordinating SilverSilk Hollow Mesh. Both ends are embellished with size 11 seed beads and some wonderful metal spike charms.

6: Make a Statement

You want your jewelry to be noticed…right? Big pieces that will start a conversation or beg for compliments are always “in.” Statement earrings can be worn by anyone, even if it causes you to step outside of your “normal” or preferred earring style.

Mantra Challenge:
Pick elements that you like, such as larger charms, long pieces of chain, connectors, and of course, SilverSilk. Begin laying the foundation for some earrings by putting the traditional “sections” (earring hook, focal area, and dangle beads) together and have it fit your preferred earring size. Now, take a moment and find a “section” where you can exaggerate an element. Consider adding wider components or add a bold element with extra flash and sparkle, or the dangle is longer than what most would “expect”. Try it on and ask yourself if you are making a statement. Proceed with caution when using elements that might make the earrings too heavy. If you can make your statement without a lot of extra strain on your lobes, you have a perfect combination.

Pictured Example: Super Statement Earrings
These earrings include gorgeous SilverSilk Capture Chain, SilverSilk Double End Caps, bright gold-tone connectors, and lotus flower charms.

7: Use Elements in Unexpected Ways

Many of us are afraid to take a big leap into another medium of crafting to combine with jewelry making. This fear can come from having to make investments in new equipment, finding reliable educational resources, and potential time commitments to learn something from scratch. The trick here is to start small and find crafts that are easily accessible. Decoupage, working with epoxy clay or even resin work doesn’t require a lot of space, money, or time commitment to learn. Combining these techniques with SilverSilk can really take your jewelry making to another level for that stamp of originality.

Mantra Challenge:
Even if you are too afraid to try it yet, please go and check out the following sources for a few easy crafts that will mix nicely with your jewelry-making, and of course, SilverSilk.

QuickCure Clay (Clay that only requires a hairdryer or craft heating tool) www.rangerink.com
You can embed snippets of SilverSilk in the clay and make a fun bead or pendant in minutes! (a way to use your scraps – ECO friendly!

Modge Podge (Decoupage) www.plaidcrafts.com
Decoupage some fun decorative paper onto a stone or piece of glass and use it as a pendant to hang from an amazing strand of SilverSilk Capture Chain.

Ice Resin (For endless resin projects) www.rangerink.com
You can use your scraps of SilverSilk here too. Basic resin techniques will allow you to create a piece like the one you see in the photo.

Pictured Example: Pendant with a Punch
This Nunn Design deep bezel is made with SilverSilk Capture chain coiled and encased in resin. Unexpected, right? Ice Resin with basic resin pour technique was used.

8: Mix Your Metals

There are so many amazing shades of metal out there. Why not take advantage of this? There may be some fear when considering mixing metals. You may believe that it dilutes the consistency of your design or it may be hard to “match” your piece to other finished jewelry. Mixing metals can be a very elegant and effortless look if you make the attachments appear intentional and well-balanced in your design. This requires more than just changing a jump ring here or there. Start thinking about the metals as more of accent colors, rather than findings for finishing the jewelry piece.

Mantra Challenge:
Let’s make a mixed metal necklace. Start by picking a color of SilverSilk Capture Chain. What color ball chain is inside the Capture Chain? If it is gunmetal, then you can find some gold components to juxtapose the tone of the gunmetal. The idea behind this is that you are combining a warm color to offset a cool color and they play well together. You’ll find yourself mixing colors with purpose simply by asking “why does this shade look good with this shade?” If you come up with a good reason based on a color wheel, then you’re on to something wonderful!

Pictured Example: Mixed Up Metal Necklace
Three Metallic tones of SilverSilk Capture chain are combined with a fun metal “tube” pendant and vintage chain in antique gold. I used silver jump rings to complement and carry the silver color of the Capture Chain throughout the necklace.

9: Color Your World

Colors make everyone happy. As humans, we are often moved by or inspired by specific colors or colorways. How many times have you been asked…What’s your favorite color?” As we design jewelry, we are often gravitating to the same color or colorways. If you are already using color, you are well on your way! Trying new colors, shades of your favorite color, or completely new colorways, will open new emotions and it may even spark an amazing design that you never thought of!

Mantra Challenge:
Pick a completely different color of SilverSilk capture chain or Hollow Mesh than you would ever consider in your “day-to-day” design work. What emotion or feeling does this color give you? As you think about that emotion, let it guide your design. As a secondary challenge, pick a metal tone that you have not used much of or have not used at all. Combining them both is really putting yourself out there and stretching the creative muscles.

Pictured Example: Swirling Smiles Necklace
This piece is all about the SilverSilk. One long strand of SilverSilk Capture Chain, two shorter pieces of SilverSilk Hollow Mesh, and a little bit of craft wire.

10: Finishing Touches

A major part of making and successfully selling your jewelry is paying close attention to small details that help elevate your jewelry’s quality. These details can include making sure all your crimps are secure, your eye pins are very round, your simple loops are secure, to adding an accent bead or bauble to your bracelet. These subtle yet important details are often the difference between handmade and hand-crafted jewelry. This can even influence where you aim to sell your designs. Your jewelry will be elevated by remarkably simple touches that will make it look professional and polished.

Mantra Challenge:
Use this checklist as a guide to help you reach a higher level of professionally hand-crafted jewelry.
1)    Check your crimps to make sure they are secure & use a crimp cover or wire guards for additional polish.
2)    Make sure to trim any knitted wire ends so they don’t poke out.
3)    Are your eye pins round or egg-shaped?
4)    Be careful not to mar your findings by using “protected” tools or nylon jaw pliers.
5)    Add a simple detail like a charm or bead to your bracelet or the back of your necklace.

Pictured Example: Wrap-a-doodle Bracelet
This bracelet includes long strands of Capture Chain in two different shades. Each is connected with a SilverSilk single-strand end cap and attached to a hammered toggle clasp. The finishing touch for this fun bracelet is one fabulous Jesse James Beads decorative bead.

Meet Deb Floros

“In the simplest of terms, Jewelry design is one of my sincerest passions and I make time each day to make something or promote my work. I work full time in the insurance industry and run my jewelry business on the side. I find that designing and making jewelry is relaxing and a way to bring great balance to my busy lifestyle. I enjoy using a variety of techniques and materials. I am always challenging myself to try new things, leverage new materials and found objects into my designs, and engage in creative ways to promote my jewelry business. I am inspired by the beauty of where I live, vacation experiences, and the beads and jewelry making components themselves. I love a good challenge and always push myself to incorporate a bit of a challenge into each week. I design and run my jewelry business all on my own and in the comfort of my home studio. – Deb”

Deb is a passionate and prolific jewelry designer who sells her jewelry on Etsy and Amazon Handmade, under the brand Deb Luvs Jewelry Designs. Deb has been making jewelry for 13 years and specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces. She has been published in several jewelry-making magazines including Beadwork, Jewelry Affaire, BeadStyle, Bead Trends, and Bead-it Today. Deb lives in Cave Creek, Arizona with her husband and her 3 crazy kitties.

Shop Deb Luvs Jewelry Designs on Amazon Handmade: https://www.amazon.com/handmade/DebLuvsJewelryDesigns

10 Jewelry-Making Mantras to Live By