5 Popular Miyuki Blue Hues that Won't Get You Down

As it turns out, we love blue! As a young art student I was told that if I wanted to make pieces that were guaranteed to sell, "make it big, or make it blue." Apparently that was very good advice. Most popular among the blue hues were these:

• Picasso Montana
• Duracoat Galvanized Sea Foam
• Montanna Blue Gold Luster
• Matte Metallic Patina Iris
• Duracoat Opaque Eucalyptus

Worked in Peyote

There is a blue here for everyone, no matter your style. The warmth of the Matte Metallic Patina Iris (image 1) (a blue-green variegation) pairs well with warm colors such as Golden Touch Tangerine and Bronze. I love using this color with vintage inspired pieces such as this Garden printed resin Cabochon.

Beads that have a lot of shine pair well with crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and other brightly colored pieces. The Duracoat Galvanized Sea Foam and Montana Blue Gold Luster (image 2) will hold their own next to these iridescent Czech Glass beetles. Using silver accents will keep the blues feeling cool and crisp.

Any Picasso color will always add a sense of rustic nature to your work. I like to use Picasso Montana (image 3) alongside natural materials such as leather. Earthy browns and golds will highlight the Picasso coating while providing a warm contrast to the cool blue.

Duracoat Opaque Eucalyptus (image 4) is a charming muted blue-green color. Because it is a solid opaque color with no additional coatings, the bead has a clean, pure color, making it ideal to use alongside more complex colors such as a Green Iris, Green Luster, or Lila Gold Luster.

If you need more color inspiration, here are some of my favorite color pairings using these blue hues.

1. Duracoat Galvanized Sea Foam & Crystal Copper Rainbow
2. Picasso Montana & White Dark Travertine
3. Montana Blue Gold Luster & White Teal Luster
4. Matte Metallic Patina Iris & Vintage Copper
5. Duracoat Opaque Eucalyptus & Metallic Dark Bronze

Blue hues are very popular among jewelry makers. It could be that they remind us of the crispness of a cool ocean or the calm that a blue sky inspires. Whatever it is about Blue, we love it and can't seem to get enough of it. For more information about how to use blue and other colors, read Ashley's blog on 6 Color Theory Tips to Enhance Your Beading Designs. These are amazing fool-proof tips to make anyone an expert.

Share photos of your creations featuring blue in the Beading & Jewelry Making Facebook group. Share your thoughts on how to use this popular color and be inspired by the work of other talented jewelry-makers!

I look forward to seeing your latest creations on Facebook and Instagram. I'll keep posting and I hope you do, too!

Until next time, Happy Beading!

-Anna Taylor

PotomacBeads.com

PotomacBeads.eu