Color Inspiration - Stacked Seashells

by Nancy Chase

Stacking oyster shells to look for the spaces in between was my self assignment this past spring. I acquired these beautiful shells of different colors, coasts, and varieties from my local fish monger.

My fish monger looks for people who want to re-purpose the shells for chicken feed, gardening, jewelry making, arts, and other crafts. It took a while to arrange the shells to balance on each other. To see the light and shadows within the stack, and explore possibilities of different shapes merging with each other. Wanting to create an organic look focusing on each unique structure of the oysters, I wanted a necklace to have the same qualities of lightness, and natural elegance.

Nancy Chase's Color Inspiration - Stacked Seashells - , Wire Jewelry Design, Design, color inspiration stacking shells

This necklace is made using hemp string, and mother-of-pearl, (or MOP) buttons. MOP, also called nacre, are cut from the lining of oysters. The nacre lining is the same as the outer coating of pearls. Nacre is strong, and resilient. Buttons made from MOP are long lasting, and have a particular iridescence.

MOP has been used since the Ming dynasty. It has been made use of for jewelry and decorative arts for centuries. A color palette of whites, grays, iron, and charcoal resemble the hemp string colors. Simple overhand knots lend an airiness to the design. The shimmer of the buttons give a casual chic to the neckline.

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Beadalon Knotter Tool

G16-100

G16-100
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $28.95
Gold Club Price: $21.71

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WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5

G15-20

G15-20
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $170.72
Gold Club Price: $128.04

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Category: Design
Technique(s): Design

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.