Boot Camp: Asymmetry in Design

by Staci Louise Smith

Design is a topic that is near and dear to my heart.  Design is what makes or breaks a piece jewelry.  You can make a piece of jewelry with perfect execution, but if it doesn't have a good design, it fails to WOW and stand out in the vast ocean that is jewelry!!!!

necklace by jamie jo fisher
https://www.etsy.com/listing/129508517/green-olive-green-acid-green-oxidized?ref=favs_view_12

We have all made them too, that necklace or bracelet or earrings that we thought we would love, but we look at it, saying, what is wrong? I just don't like it.  It's the design.  Something fails to carry your eye through it, or excite you enough to keep your attention. 

So for this boot camp, we want to tackle the ever more popular Asymmetrical Design.  It is probably the most challenging type of design- for many reasons.  It is not a new concept, though I really see it spreading through the art jewelry world like wild fire.  After all, art mimics nature, and nature is certainly not symmetrical.  

asymmetrical earrings by pipnmolly
https://www.etsy.com/listing/121586245/asymmetrical-pair-earrings?ref=favs_view_2

Some of the things we will cover in this Boot Camp is playing with shape, color and texture- and using them to create balance within an asymmetrical piece.

We will also go over balance- both visually, and physically.  There is nothing more disappointing then making an asymmetrical piece that doesn't hang right when you wear it.

Nat Art Jewelry
https://www.etsy.com/listing/177677505/minimalist-black-leather-cord-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_3

We will cover balance in earrings, bracelets and necklaces!  

I know that some people are absolutely drawn to asymmetry in art, and others are VERY symmetrical people.  For some people, creating a piece that is not symmetrical comes naturally.  For those of you, we hope to give you some tips to make your designs even better.  For those of you who notice every bead that doesn't match the next, we are encouraging you to break that mold and give asymmetry a try. 

So please join us each Monday, to join in.  We encourage you to share what you are making while following this Boot Camp in the flickr group.  PLEASE share what you are trying out, or using from Boot Camp in your description of your piece.  We want to know what you are learning or sharing with us!