Copper Wire Hoop Earrings – Hey, where are the Polymer Clay Beads?

“I’m not really into symmetry (except for earrings… those are fine symmetrical). The important thing is visual balance.” ~Sue-F

The other day I showed you an example of an asymmetrical necklace made from faux raku beads, copper wire and a flower pendant. The reactions were mixed, which made for some great dialog. Here’s a few excerpts…

Thanks for the inspiration. I would have never thought about putting Raku with the flower bead… Wow. Expect the unexpected. There is so much hand made jewelry that all looks the same. Unfortunately, much hand beaded jewelry is glass bead, spacer, glass bead, spacer, glass bead, spacer, all the same, all evenly distributed. Unfortunately, it really does not look much different than what you see at retailers, for much less money and mass produced in China. ~Anna-S

Anna, you’re right about handmade jewellery, you see so much that all looks the same. Cookie-cutter jewellery. And so many necklaces that are obviously just a bought pendant on a ready-made cord. Yawn. I just can’t help but make everything symmetrical though! Asymmetry just doesn’t do it for me at all. Weird, isn’t it? ~Silverleaf

I’m the opposite to Silverleaf… I *LOVE* asymmetrical designs and am not really into symmetry (except for earrings… those are fine symmetrical, although I do have some very cool asymmetrical earrings too). The important thing is visual balance. ~Sue-F

Ooh, I love this! One of many things I appreciate, Cindy, is how you encourage us to push creative boundaries. ~Elizabeth-S

I do my best to get you guys to think outside the box as much as possible. It will help you to create jewelry that stands out from the crowd. And this unique factor is an important part of getting people to want to buy your stuff.

In my post from the other day about the asymmetrical necklace, I promised to show you the copper hoop earrings that were made to compliment that piece. As you can see in the photo above, these earrings are very symmetrical in contrast.

What you should also notice about these earrings, is that I chose not to add any polymer clay beads to them. That was for good reasons.

You see, I like to treat my polymer clay jewelry as art. Therefore, the beads used in any given piece should be considered as valuable art beads, and given center stage so to speak.

By only using the copper wire design elements of the necklace, in my beadless earrings, I feel the focus stays properly on the necklace. This ties the whole look together, but does not force your eyes to dart back and forth between the necklace and the earrings.

I’ve seen many polymer clay enthusiasts make, what I think is a big fashion mistake… wearing too many different jewelry pieces all at once. Earrings, necklace, bracelet, brooch, hair clip, belt buckle and rings. A polymer clay explosion if you will.

If you go to any large polymer clay event/workshop (or see pictures online), you may notice, the Gurus usually only wear one or two of their special polymer clay jewelry pieces. A spectacular necklace or incredible earrings or maybe a stupendous bracelet. But not all of them at the same time.

Now I’m no fashion expert, in fact I spend most of my time wearing jeans, skater shoes and a hoodie. But I have seen a lot of photos of people wearing jewelry and know what I like to see on them.

Just thought I’d give you something to think about when you’re making your polymer clay jewelry sets. Make pieces that compliment each other, not ones that compete.

Of course you should always go with what suits your own personal style… or if you sell your jewelry… what your customers like. Everyone has different tastes. And that is what makes art jewelry so great.

As always, your opinions are welcome and encouraged…. whether you agree or disagree. It’s all good :)