The topic of this post is simple jewelry designs to help pull your looks together while travelling. Of course, these can be worn at any time and necklaces add a little interest while coordinating with basic clothing pieces. These are me-made, and more inspiration can be found on Pinterest. The post I wrote about my London trip better shows my overall cohesive plan.
The necklace on the left is a wire wrap technique, which means that wire is wrapped with a loop on each end. The bead is in the middle. A series of loops link together forming a long necklace.
The necklace on the right is a simple stringing project where beads and spacers are strung in a pattern with a closure in the back.
Variation = Versatility
Both necklaces complimented my wardrobe pieces by combining neutral colors. To offer the most versatility, I constructed them by varying the lengths and varying the bead size. Although I love scarves as an alternative to spice up a neutral outfit, I prefer to wear necklaces if the temps are warm.
Questions To Ask
What kind of trip will it be? A beach vacation, a work conference, or a family reunion all require specific wardrobes, so the jewelry included (if any) will be different. I want simple and easy ‘go-to’ items that add detail that makes the outfit looked finished and that I put a little extra time into the overall look. I don’t pack items of great value, but I do ask myself if I would be really disappointed if the item(s) broke or were stolen. Although I would miss these pieces if something happened, I also ask, ‘Can I remake or replace this jewelry?’ If yes, then in the bag it goes.
Assorted beads from my bead stash
40 inch assorted bead necklace
Discover Your Preferred Necklace Lengths
Trends in jewelry come and go. Classics like pearls and gold chains seem to remain strong, but it is the length that is important and very individualized. I like more substantial pieces and have a shorter and longer length I keep coming back to that seem right for me.
If I want a longer necklace that has the potential to be doubled up, I have discovered that 40″ is a good length for me, especially if I include a closure in the back. That way I can unfasten it and place the closure in the front, avoiding pulling it over my head. Another length I prefer is at the collar bone. I have written about it here and here. Toggle closures are bigger and can be fasten easily.
Navy, gold, silver, light pink, shell, pearl beads
Many of these beads are from Joann’s and from my stash
Design and Composition
Sometimes it helps to take a closer look at the beads, their arrangement and the tiny beads or spacers in between. I have written about going into stores and making a beeline to the accessories to check out the jewelry designs. Keep an eye out for jewelry that can be re-purposed or re-designed to your taste. If you like to bead, you may recognize in the picture above some of these beads from the Joann’s. Often the collections are a blend of beautifully colored beads. All that is needed is to string them up!
Small lobster claw closure used with a split ring
Metals Used Instead of Color
Using colored beads is not the only way to add interest in a bead design. Sometimes adding metals does the trick. Adding the wonderful warmth of copper or the cool tones of silver and pewter translate as color and can add so much to the overall color scheme our eye sees. Gold can be used instead of yellow and blackened silver can add the black to ground a design and add some shine.
Since mixing metals is a current fashion trend, I used gold square spacers on the sides of the navy blue stone beads and pewter/dark gray spacers (above photo) to incorporate a dark gray into the design.
Gold pewter toggle closure
I didn’t get many outfit posts recorded, however, here is one taken while walking late across the Westminster Bridge toward Big Ben.
Dressed for Big Ben
Other simple choices for travel were the earrings I packed. All of them were purchased and could be worn interchangeably with the necklaces.
Do you have some versatile jewelry pieces you like to pack? Do you even bother to pack jewelry? Would you consider making your own jewelry? Please share your comments below, cuz’ I want to hear!:)
Happy sewing , creating, travelling, packing, etc.!:)
-Dana
