I’ve been wondering over the last few days, how many folk share my enthusiasm for what I started off on Sunday, terming ‘barely there’ colours. ’Barely there’ doesn’t really meet it. To be more precise, it’s more faded cool tones, with some warmer touches. The bracelet currently on my page header serves as some example, as do these photos by Stephane Couturier, that I came across recently.
https://www.stephanecouturier.fr/couturier/accueil.html
Looking at them, I’m drawn back to the phrase ‘barely there’, perhaps it is closer to the mark, thinking about it. I was asking myself whether I was alone in this liking, when making this bracelet at the weekend. There was quite a bit of umm-ing and ahh-ing.
I made another this morning. I got some kyanite a couple of days ago and when this blue poppy turned up this morning, they had to go together.
The poppy was made by Elise Canning. I got a number of flowers from her and they’re all wonderful. I’m not always a fan of polymer flowers - I find some a little sugary - but these ones are beauties. It was only after I’d made both bracelets that I realised they both had flowers in them. While it wasn’t planned, it seems quite fitting that there should be a little something blossoming away quietly there.
The other flower is one of Rebekah Payne’s (Tree Wings Studio). It arrived a few days ago with a lovely set that I won in a giveaway on her blog. I’ve won a couple of blog giveaways recently and I’m always stupidly chuffed. One of my other wins was in Rebecca Anderson’s (Songbead) pay-it-forward draw. There’s some extra fun elements in the PIF giveaway; one of them being that winners, in turn, ‘pay-it-forward’ and run their own giveaway. So, that’s what I’m doing here. It’s very easy to take part. All you need to do is comment on this post, leaving a contact email. The first three people to comment will each win a little handmade surprise from me, simple as that. I will also pick another two commenters, at random, and they will win gifts too. For added fun, your mystery gift will be sent on a mystery date some time in the next 365 days. And as I haven’t included any bead pictures on my blog yet, now seems a good time to do so! Although, that’s not to say you’ll win one of these…
Of course, if you win you have to run your own PIF giveaway. You do, however, have 365 days in which to do it. And it doesn’t have to be beads or jewellery that you give; so long as it’s handmade and something you’d be happy to receive yourself, that’ll do sweet. Please make sure that you leave a contact email address with your comment. If I can’t contact you, I can’t count you in. The competition will close in a week’s time (23rd January). I’ll then contact the winners to get your postage addresses and check a few basic details - metal allergies, colour phobias, that sort of thing. You’ll then be scheduled to receive something lovely sometime in the next year. Fab, eh?
I love the barely there color scheme, it reminds me of something well loved, well worn, slightly faded and comfortable !
I love Elise’s flower beads too. I’ve also got some of her butterflies. For a bit of fun, check out her cake beads - Fab! x
Claire, I had to comment because your blog is so well thought out and the referencing is great (I have had some nightmares recently about referencing disney films after finished a recent report lol). I just love your work it is so individual and refreshing. Your photos are perfect too. I love all these pieces in this blog I can see myself wearing them. I suppose I didn’t think too deeply about the colour theme, but now I understand why I like them soooo much
Please don’t include me in your PIF as I have already been a lucky recipient in another and have hosted my own but I had to say how much I loved this one xx
Thanks, Leigh - Really kind of you to say so and nice to hear you like the jewellery. There’s lots more I want to do to get the blog fine-tuned, but you’ve got to start somewhere! x
Hey Claire - well you know I love your work, so I’d be a fool not to try here!! Am happy to PIF. Did one last year, so happy to do another this year
Whoop! So Julie, Beads Bazaar, and Norma are all signed up to receive a surprise. Thanks to each of you for your comments and for taking part! I’ll be in touch next Wednesday-Thursday.
YAY!!! xxx
Beautiful colours. I’ve wanted a hydranga coloured bathroom for a long time - various faded shades of mauve, blue, rose, white etc. There are beautiful muted shades around the beaches up north in New Zealand - palest blue, grey, golden sand, stone etc.
I like strong bright colours too, though. I love medieval colours like in churches - gold, cobalt blue, rusty red, forest green. And jewel tones - jade, plum, amythest etc. Hmm… I think I just love colour.
Yes, I love blue hydrangeas - I’ve got one on the terrace that I’m hoping will show itself again this year. I do like most colours, though. These ones are just my thing at the moment! (PS. Do you want to be entered for the giveaway draw? Just checking because I wasn’t sure whether you’d want to run one yourself.)
Great looking blog Claire - uncluttered, very visual and as always your jewelllery adds that extra level of interest - looking forward to reading more.
‘Barely there colours’ always remind me of holidays in Italy - small churches and villas with frescoes discovered under old plaster walls with once rich bright colours leached away.
Hi Anna - Thanks for the comment and the sharing (I’m just getting round to twitter and am still slightly puzzled). Glad you like the blog. I must admit that I had to rely very hard on a friend to get it up and running and he’s still helping me add new features. I’ll assume you’re up for the PIF thing unless I hear otherwise! Thanks again!