Elegance: Black Cuff Bracelets and Bangles

YIKES! Studio: Black bangles and black starfish cuff

Black is the color of elegance, considered to never go out of style, to go with everything. Fashion designers have always had a great deal to say about black. Italian designer Gianni Versace said, "Black is the quintessence of simplicity and elegance." Dior defined black as the essence of elegance, a quality which he said was a "combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity."

Black has enjoyed multiple periods of being in style throughout history. Black was the favored color of nobility throughout the 14th through 16th centuries in Europe, with the trend beginning in Italy and spreading across countries to all the monarchs of Europe. Black fabric was long considered special because a truly deep black required the very best dyes.

Black may also have become popular because wealthy merchants favored it. After laws prohibited these merchants from wearing certain flashy and expensive clothes in bright colors because they were not royalty, the upper classes took to wearing black. Ironically, this may have served to popularize the color black as a color associated with the upper class-- and royalty. By the 16th century, black was what all the monarchs were wearing!

In 1926, Coco Chanel popularized the ubiquitous little black dress as the fashion article that all women needed, saying "A woman needs just three things; a black dress, a black sweater, and, on her arm, a man she loves." French designer Yves Saint Laurent said, "Black is the liaison which connects art and fashion."

Do you love black? Is it a fashion staple for you or does it only make an occasional appearance? Black accessories can be elegant, striking additions your wardobe. A black dress and matching bangles with a touch of sparkle can be the perfect, timeless combination for a wonderful night out on the town.

I will be at the Maine Crafts Guild Damariscotta Show this weekend,  Saturday, July 6, 2013 from 10 am to 5 pm  and Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 10 am to 4 pm, with my newest studded starfish cuffs and bangles in black. I hope you'll consider adding one to your collection.

Karl Lagerfeld, explaining why black was so popular, said: "Black is the color that goes with everything. If you're wearing black, you're on sure ground." Timeless and elegant, striking and simple, it's easy to see why black has been so popular and continues to be today. ❉

Starfish and Stripes

Summer is flying by! Summers in Maine are short but sweet, and I've been enjoying working by the beautiful lake at my studio in Lucerne. Oftentimes on the fourth of July, our neighbors send up fireworks around the lake. The pop and sparkle of color over the still lake makes a beautiful, almost private show and a perfect ending to a summer evening.

 
 I've been working on some "star" jewelry-- starfish cuff bracelets adorned with swarovski crystal and "seafoam" star-shaped earrings. Each one is unique. The process for creating each one is very involved. The result is something that I think can go equally well with a beautiful dress as with a button down shirt and jeans. They really can go anywhere, and they're made to be treasures enjoyed for many years.


 Besides working on new cuff and earring designs, I've been busy getting ready for my summer season of craft shows. This coming weekend, you can find me and my Yikes! jewelry at the Maine Crafts Guild Damariscotta Show, July 6-7, at the YMCA, 525 Main St., Damariscotta, Maine. 

The Maine Crafts Guild Damariscotta show features the highest quality Maine craftsmanship, with approximately fifty vendors in the market. Admission is $5 for adults and free for those under 12. Hours are Saturday, July 6, 2013 from 10 am to 5 pm  and Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 10 am to 4 pm. To learn more, click here.

I've been working on a new booth set-up for a great shopping/browsing experience. It's been a busy time lately, but that's nothing new! I'd love to see you at my upcoming show, so stop by and say hello-- & have a wonderful fourth of July! ❉
 

Suzanne Anderson is the creator of YIKES! Studio Jewelry. Suzanne has been busy creating for most of her life. After graduating with a BA from Maine College of Art, she worked as a graphic designer and a painter. Suzanne works to ensure that YIKES! Studio creates work that is fun, beautiful, always interesting, and adorns the wearer with joy. Catch up with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Etsy, or her website at www.yikesstudio.com.

The Art of Chaos

"fire and ice"

It can be hard to think these days, hard to plan. The bitter cold has broken at least for a couple days and finally I got out and absorbed some vitamin D filled sunshine!


Recently I have been working on some black and white drawings. I just found out that these are called zentangles! I had no idea--I was just exploring shapes and forms that I have been interested in and drawing for years! It's really addicting and fun. Here's a link to some examples. I hope to post some of my own soon.

I had a chance to take a webinar this evening by the Handmadeology blogger, expert easy sellers, Timothy Adam and co-conspirator Lisa Jacobs. It was very interesting and hopefully I learned a few things to tame the chaos of running a business and properly using social media.