Get the Look - Anna Paquin's Oscar Earrings!

Did you watch the Oscars last weekend?  I have to admit, I didn't.  In fact, I never do.  But I do go online and check out what everyone was wearing the next day quite faithfully.  The gowns and jewelry are the best part!

Out of all of the amazing things I saw when I looked through the style boards this week, my favorite piece of jewelry was easily Anna Paquin's art deco style earrings.

Hers are gorgeous and glittery, set with what must surely be precious stones.  But, I thought to myself, a similar look could easily be achieved with bead weaving.  Miyuki delica seed beads come in some of the most amazing colors.  Julie and I drool over them on a regular basis.  What better way to showcase some of these beads than by weaving them into bold color blocks?  The result will be just as colorful, and will still have a great shine and sparkle!

I've just started working on my take on these earrings.  I can't wait to see how they turn out.  I'll be sure to update this post when they're finished.  Keep an eye out for them on our free projects page!

*UPDATE*
Here are my Deco Darling Earrings, which were inspired by Anna's beautiful earrings.  You can find the supplies and instructions here.


-Megan

Inspiration Monday - Erté

When I studied costume design in college, my professor introduced me to the work of Erté.  I can't thank her enough!  Over the years I have been endlessly inspired by his amazing art and designs.

Romain de Tirtoff lived from 1892 - 1990 and worked under the pseudonym Erté during his illustrious career in art, fashion, and costume design.  He is very well known for designing over 200 covers for Harper's Bazaar and for his costume work in films such as Ben Hur and The Mystic.

Erté's art most commonly depicts women in lavish, outlandish, and extraordinarily creative ensembles.  Many of the garments in his art are not actually possible to produce, and others are like a puzzle to figure out.  But we don't have to be able to pattern and sew an Erté gown to be inspired by his style!

Looking through these images makes me want to play with strands of beads, tassels, knot work, vintage style metal stampings, rhinestones, and chains.  That's quite a list, but trust me, it doesn't stop there!  Art deco is one of my favorite styles, and Erté did it best!  How do these images inspire you?

-Megan