What would YOU like to see in "Scarlett's Style"?
Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 04:27AM 
I have been having the greatest time designing the projects to feature in Beadwork's new Department "Scarlett's Style". We work months in advance, so the next several projects have already been submitted, but I wanted to post an open thread to find out what the reader's would like to see on the pages of "Scarlett's Style" in the future.
While my theme is "Fashion-Fresh Bead Designs", that's not all that I like to consider when I create a project. It's really important to me that we are publishing projects that beaders actually want to make themselves! I want readers to be able to explore their favorite stitches while learning methods for embellishment or dimensional beadwork that they may not have seen before. I am also trying to create projects that are challenging... but not daunting.
I would love to hear your comments on what would be exciting for you to see in "Scarlett's Style". I'm interested to know technique-wise (bead embroidery? any certain stitches?), color-wise (your favorite palettes), material-wise (more crystals please! naturally inspired themes...), and form-wise (necklaces, bracelets, another awesome and unique accessory!), and any other suggestion you might have.
I have received a lot of really nice comments and positive feedback on my website about the Department, so I just wanted to say thanks to everybody for being so supportive!
To leave a comment, click on the Comments link directly below this post. And remember for the future, your comments are always welcome on all my posts!
Reader Comments (4)
Thanks for posting over at my blog - I hadn't come over to check your blog out until now. What would I like to see? Hmmm, bead embroidery is always good - especially how ideas are developed as opposed to just how to do it. Anything with RAW is always good in my book, but I might have a disposition to it. How to complete structural pieces is something that I have been really thinking about.
Take care - Liz
You have taken on a huge challenge in making your art a full time occupation. All of us who know you are in awe by your ability to not only rise to that challenge but sore to extrordinary heights. You are amazing!
I'd like to see you do 'more ways to create with beads'. At a recent designers market I saw the most stunningly beautiful cushions for obviously expensive home decor. They were retailing at a market for $325 (Australian dollars) each and there was no shortage of buyers...
In the jewelry department though it's often a very different story. It always amazes me that a potential buyer will walk away from a one-off, hand made treasure because you're asking a humble sum for a week's work. As you watch them toddle off you notice they're wearing shoes that cost twice as much as your necklace, and a handbag probably four times the cost of your offering - shoes and bag made in an Asian factory for nickles and dimes but the designer label is obviously worth more to them than the actual value of the product. Ah the power of marketing!!!
BUT when it comes to interior design objects there seems to be no such barrier so to keep beaders happy and MAKING maybe they need to diversify and create beautiful treasure not just to wear but to showcase their home. Just a suggestion.
Scarlett, your work is absolutely breathtaking! In fact, I was in the bookstore browsing the magazine rack, and it was your design "The Alchemist's Treasure" in the February/March issue of Beadwork that inspired me to buy the magazine. It's the first one dedicated to beading that I've ever purchased; I've always had a love affair with beads, and just recently started learning stitches and making pieces as gifts. This leads me to ask: Would you consider designing a lariat piece using Swarovski butterflies? I have quite a few friends and family that would love something that incorporates them, and I find your instructions easy to follow, even though I am only a novice beader. Keep those gorgeous designs coming!