Suggestions for Beads with Asian Influence

[hummingbird3172]

I thought about putting this in the "Tutorials" section, but I really just need some advice and guidance here...I have an idea for a very cute bead set, part sculptural and part with lentils...I know what I want to do for the scuptural, but I really need to make some kind of Asian influence lentils, mainly Japanese...I think I want do it in red, white, and black...with less white than the other colors. I don't know if I should do masked dots (that is where I am leaning), or some flowers, so some of both....I am so patterned challenged when it comes to this!

[e. mort]

Go to your local library and check the art section. I will just bet you they have a book on asian art that would be loaded with designs you could try.

[Heather/Ericaceae]

I like what some people do, which is to add black lines and streaks to a simple or lightly-textured base. It gives a sumi-e look. Koi, bamboo and cherry blossom motifs are pretty classic. Also the sunburst technique (made from plunging the centre of millifiore made with external lines - Michael Barley does this really well but the technique is Japanese, I think) is gorgeous and traditional. Hope this helps, please post your results! - H.

[Phoenix]

Internet research and inspiration- two of my favorite things!

I love the pattern in this kimono- With dots and gold leaf, something similiar could be done:
http://www.asianart.com/cshaver/7.html

The colors and leaf pattern in this could be interesting on a bead:
http://www.asianart.com/cshaver/11.html

paint stroke look- washed colors that are calm-
http://www.asianart.com/cshaver/2.html

Simple palm (appearance, not execution) could be done on elegant colors-
http://www.asianart.com/cooner/2.html


the center of this pattern could be nice- and done in stacked dots
http://www.asianart.com/arga/5.html (Indian art)

[hummingbird3172]

Jessica, you are always a wealth of info! Thanks so much! You are amazing!

Heather those are really great suggestions! Wow, now I have a great push in the right direction!

e mort--thank you, I currently have about 50 % of of my libraries art books...it is hard for me to get over there so I was looking for a quick fix...I am not really lazy...lol...I have 4 young children...HELP!

[shawnette]

It's so funny that you posted this. I was planning on doing some Japanese style beads when my Satake comes in, lol.

[hummingbird3172]

Oh good then you will have lots of resources...lol! You will have to be sure to post lots of pictures!