Thursday, August 19, 2010

I Don't Get It

Sometimes, there’s stuff about beads and jewelry that I just don’t get.

Like – I don’t get the whole fuzzy, felted bead thing. Or the use of “eyelash” type fibers and yarns. I mean, yeah, I understand the idea of texture and the fact that they are more unusual, original materials to use, but all I can think when I see them is that it would drive me nuts to wear something like that. Y’know, because of the tickle factor?

Also, I wonder about the practicality and permanence of these materials. Especially after I found my favorite cashmere sweater eaten to RAGS by bugs earlier this year. Or maybe these aren’t qualities that should be considered when creating casual jewelry?

I also don’t get beadwork designs with thread showing. Now, I’m not talking about allowing colored beading wire to show for artistic effect. I’m talking about bead woven stitches where the thread shows. I know it’s unavoidable with some stitches, but at LEAST use thread that matches the project (or color it with a marker) to cut down on the visibility.

Sometimes, I don’t get stuff AT FIRST…and then later I come around to an understanding. I felt that way about base metals (brass, copper, gunmetal) for a long time. I considered them to be the cheap stuff that gives me an allergic reaction and then doesn’t wear well (the finish comes off). It took me a while to realize that the materials had progressed past that point (or maybe my allergies just got a lot less sensitive) and could actually be a useful part of my beading repertoire.

And I’m still having a flip-flop, get it/don’t get it relationship with asymmetry. It’s definitely hard for me to force my brain to go there. I thought it would get easier with practice, but it really hasn’t. Sometimes I like it in other pieces I see in magazines, etc., and sometimes I just don’t get it.

Oh, and Steampunk. I like it in novels (quite a bit, in fact), but, with the exception of a few pieces here and there, I’ve had a hard time appreciating it in jewelry.

I don’t really have a point here, I suppose. Just some thoughts that have been knocking around in my head for a bit and needed to come out. It’s probably because I’m having a really sucky week and since I can’t blog about what’s REALLY bugging me (though I really REALLY want to because I desperately need to vent), I guess it’s coming out this way.

Also, I hope no one takes this personally. These aren’t things that I hate or that make me gag or anything. It’s more like they make me go “hmmm” and “????” And then I wonder what it is about my particular brain/eye connection that appreciates and understands certain materials, styles etc., but not others.

And then of course, I worry that whatever that bit is…it makes me weird somehow LOL!

Because, y’know, I NEEDED something ELSE to worry about.

So, what is it that you don’t get? Beads? Technique? Style? Trends?

Enquiring (and possibly weird) minds want to know.

KJ

19 comments:

chacha1 said...

I don't get:

necklaces that are so big you can only wear them when you're otherwise topless.

or:

necklaces made out of stones so big they are more appropriate for a crystal therapy session or hot-rock massage.

Paige said...

I used to feel the same way about brass, copper, and gunmetal. But I love them now, and can't live without them.

I also use to not understand the appeal of vintage lucite. But a few years ago I was blessed with some, and I haven't been the same since. I've come around to most things bead/jewelry related.

There is one thing I don't get/can't stand....and that's gold. Gold plating, 14k, 24k, all the karats....I just don't like gold. I have some gold materials on hand, because I know others do like it, and I do use it occasionally, but I try not to. I prefer to work with silver and base metals.

And I think that makes me weirdest of all!

Lorelei Eurto said...

I don't get jewelry that uses those enormous sharp and pointy enamel flowers that are all the rage right now! How is a person supposed to wear that comforably?

I also don't get Bib necklaces. I suppose that looks okay on a small petite flat chested girl, but I could never pull that off without looking like a big breasted woman baby that just threw up beads down her chest. ok, too much?

yea... i thought so

TesoriTrovati said...

I don't get this
http://www.etsy.com/listing/35592573/stitching-red ($125 for something that looks like a used hygiene product gone horribly barbed?)

or this
http://www.etsy.com/listing/37212969/pod-necklace
($300 for a garden snake that ate your chihuahua? Really? Maybe rethink the whole art school thing...)
(thank you Regretsy for pointing out what I will NOT be putting in my soon to be fleshed out Etsy storefront!)

I am not a big fan of bead embroidery and beadwork stitching. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate the extreme amount of work, planning and patience that must go into that, but I just don't get it. I appreciate the artistry, and the fact that someone sacrificed their eyesight for it, but I would not buy it. Especially since some size 15/0 24kt gold plated charlottes did me in 2 years ago in a Klmit inspired lariat. Never. Again.
But I think that there is a place for all of these things, and we don't have to be all things to all people. You, dear one, have cornered the market on fairies and unicorns and some of the prettiest lampwork jangly bracelets I have ever seen. Do what works for you. Appreciate the rest.
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Amy F said...

I love the felt beads, but I have to admit I only like a few designs with them (like this month's stringing cover) and I hate everything i've made with them (and btw - they itch). i think i just love to look at their felty colorful goodness in a bowl.

Nicki said...

This makes me laugh. I am so with you on felt. A friend of mine really loves crafting - like all types of crafting. And she told me one day - if I ever start doing stuff with felt, tell me I went too far. I love assymetrical pieces if they are done right, though.
One thing I don't get is skulls in jewelry. I respect some people like it - but no, not for me. And one thing I really really can't take is seed bead woven flowers with necklaces that look like Xmas tree decoration (at about the same weight). Hope nobody is angry now.

Cynthia said...

I don't get using shiny "acrylic" beads, especially in a design with other, better materials. It's just a fancy word for plastic!!
But I love Lucite, which is also plastic. I know, I'm complicated!

Just A Tish said...

i don't get steam punk. i try, but i can't wrap around it - how to put it together. it never comes out looking like steam punk. it always looks like a 3rd grade art class project.

i have a problem with symmetry. it doesn't make sense to me.

i am so glad it isn't just me that sometimes, just dont get it

Mary Newton Designs said...

Sometimes I don't get the ribbons and fiber thing cuz I wonder how it will hold up. Other times I think it's pretty and want to try it. Lucky there's so many techniques and materials to try!

Hope whatever you're worrying about works out.

Juli Cannon said...

"I know it’s unavoidable with some stitches, but at LEAST use thread that matches the project (or color it with a marker) to cut down on the visibility."

WORD.

My biggest EH? factor with jewelry is assymetry that isn't balanced. Yes, there IS a difference.

Erin Siegel said...

Aww...Come on and spill the beans and tell us what's really bothering you! You want to, you said so yourself! It's better to get it out. :)
Well, I have to agree with you on the Steampunk. I get why people like it, it's just not my style. Another one would be "Kitchy" stuff with big plastic beads.

SummersStudio said...

Many things in life are mysteries to me. In fact to many things to give you a list :-) Hope your weekend is better than your week. Just think tomorrow is Friday and we all know that means BP!

Pretty Things said...

There is one artist I'm thinking of that uses fiber in almost every piece and she rocks it. She's one of the only people I know who can make it work. I LOVE what she does with it. I can't wear it, though, because I get hot.

Felted beads -- I don't like to WEAR wool but I make a fair amount of felted jewelry for a local yarn store that stocks artisan yarn. Some of the felted jewelry artists (not me!) have really turned it into a true art form. But I can't wear it because I itch.

Someone in comments mentioned vintage lucite. I love it and am a beading partner with Beadin' Path, who sells a ton of it. I've had a hard time educating my customers about it, so instead of making an entire piece of jewelry with it, I mix it in with things, and that goes over much better. Some customers would just think it was plastic and not like it until I did the mix-in.

I love asymmetry that other people make and have just tried to start working with it but it's all about balance. I hate when all the big stuff is in the middle, which makes the bracelet flop to the underside of the wrist.

What I don't get is the prices Neiman Marcus gets for those "statement pieces". I've yet to see anyone in my town, or even in the resort town I live near, wear one of those huge big bracelets with all the ... STUFF sticking on it.

Spirited Earth said...

there's a lot i don't get..and stuff i don't like..just cuz it's not my thing
but when i see something done extremely well, i often tend to overlook those bits i don't get.
hey, i'm the one that about a year ago was saying( blushing now)
"nope, beads are not my thing"
ha..now it's all i want to do..

mairedodd said...

you know what i don't get? a very intelligent talented woman doubting what she likes and doesn't like... it's ok! that is why there are so very many styles in everything (look at how many styles of jeans you can get for pete's sake)... that is the beauty of it all... there is something for everyone... i will accede to being irked by poor craftsmanship... but other than that? to each his own!
and you are not weird - just hard on yourself...

dining room table said...

The only thing that is clear to me is the necklaces. They are so impressive. I wish I can have them. This is a very interesting blog.

Michelle said...

Ok...I "get" most things in the beady world. I don't get the necklaces that Erin posted the links to. I love all aspects of beady goodness...I don't get that someone would not learn a good or proper technique...or using inferior materials (yes...inexpensive but cheap is something that is poorly made).
Bead Happy!
Michelle

lunedreams said...

i don't get earrings made out of string or pumpkin stickers.

sandi m said...

Love this post and comments.
Sometimes I don't get workmanship in published designs. Can't they see that open jump ring NOT closed properly, or that poorly crimped crimp bead?!
I don't get the felted beads and ribbons in jewelry work either. Don't get me wrong, I'm a seamstress and love these materials but not in jewelry. I look at the wearability factor - how long will that ribbon last, how do you clean it? I don't see the monetary value in using these materials mixed with metals and glass beads.
I don't get plated anything. If I'm going to go through all that work, I want to use quality materials.
I didn't get lucite, but I've come around. As always, the source makes a big difference in selecting materials.
I get beadwork and appreciate the workmanship, but it's not for me. Don't want to spend the hours it takes.

Thanks for letting us vent!