Color Inspiration - Lapis Luxury

by Nancy Chase

Southern Bell Telephone, an iconic Art Deco Building in downtown Cincinnati was designed with the style and grandeur of a new age in communication. Built in 1931, it was the first telephone exchange in Ohio. It held the world's longest switchboard, employing 88 switchboard operators.This photograph of metal, with a lapis lazuli accent, is a close-up of one facade in a series of friezes along the building's exterior. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

With the discovery of King Tut's tomb in the 1920's, "Egyptomania" inspired many design motifs included the pyramid motif shown in the photo. The gemstones found in King Tut's jewelry included colorful lapis lazuli.
Marble, brass, nickel, and bronze make up the screen of this floral motif. It is also trimmed with cogs and wheels representative of the industrial machine age 1930's era.

The contrast in colors and sharp lines made Egyptian art well suited for the Art Deco design period. Designs were based around geometric shapes and symmetry.

Nancy Chase's Color Inspiration - Lapis Luxury - , Beading, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, Beads, color inspiration lapis luxury

I took inspiration from the lapis colored stone in the center of the frieze, and accented it with the brass, and nickel metals. The handmade Tibetan beads from Nepal imitate the fine craftsmanship of the Deco era. The wire coils form the connectors between the symmetrical brass heishi beads, and the lapis roundels.. The pendant at the center front displays the bold design of the Art Deco period.

Sometimes just walking around town looking at interesting buildings can be unexpectedly inspiring !

Materials

18 Gauge Square Silver Plated Gold Copper Craft Wire - 12 ft

H17-P18SQ-12FT

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $8.60
Gold Club Price: $6.45

Add to Bag

Soft Flex Beading Wire--Medium--.019

BDC-419.00

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $15.50
Gold Club Price: $11.63

Add to Bag

Add All Items to Cart

Tools

C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches

PLR-487.00

PLR-487.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.97
Gold Club Price: $12.73

Add to Bag

Chain Nose Wire Pliers

G2-508

G2-508
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

Add to Bag

Add All Items to Cart

Category: Beading
Technique(s): Coiling, Beading

Reviews

Nancy Chase

Creating, gifting, selling my original jewelry designs to friends, and clients over the years, I know how timeless a well made piece of jewelry becomes. There are always trends, innovations, novel materials to work with - curiosity about new tools and supplies. Inspiration comes from my love of the outdoors, practicing yoga, gardening and cooking. It is wonderful to share techniques and make connections with other people who appreciate handmade crafts.