Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Black is Always a Classy Choice

Black is used in designs to create contrast because our eyes are trained to see things in contrast. The contrast of colors creates a moment of intense focus that we enjoy for a variety of reasons.

Black is used to represent drama and to bring life to lighter colors, like yellows or white. Black is a solid color with a sturdy steadiness to it. It is solid and stable.

Black is dominant and can overwhelm if too many dark colors are used. It is best to not use black on black, unless of course, you are Morticia in The Addams Family. Then it works perfectly fine with a pale white bone china face.

Black can stand alone, but it really deserves a companion color that will enhance it and make a statement. If it is paired with red, it is very classy and a little bit naughty. If you pair it with white, it leaves no room for compromise. It is, after all, black and white.

While too much black can become overwhelming, such as in mourning, there is no reason not to use black in designs that are created for evening wear or for demanding attention. The color black is a perfect accent to bright metals, like gold or silver.

In clothing, it is slimming and dressy. It is perfect when there is somewhere to go that demands elegance. It is not welcoming or warm, so if you are in a standoff mood, dress in black and keep everyone away from you. They will, however, admire you from afar and murmur about your “chic-ness”.

Enjoy these back in black classic examples from our Mother’s Day selections. Mom needs something classy for her elegant days.

As you can see, these examples show how many different ways that black can be used in design.

Umeboshi

Bamboo Garden Dichroic Glass Pendant and Earrings Set

 

PrettyGonzo

Black Onyx Dangle Earrings, Betel Nut Beads,

Earthy Elegance, Handmade

 

zoomgraphik

Annealed wire Pendant with Cat Eye Gem

5isters

Bracelet, black and white, lava, shell

Thesingingbeader

Large black tan brown maple leaf glazed

ceramic leather cord pendant

dianesdangles

Sterling Bali Beads and Black Obsidian

Gemstone Choker Necklace

craftsofthepast

Antique Yemen Silver Inlay Black Coral Prayer Beads

SolanaKaiDesigns

Amazonite Black Onyx Rhodium Pewter Sterling Silver Earrings

 

ShadowDogDesigns

Tektites White Agate Rhodochrosite Gemstone

Necklace Handmade OOAK

evezbeadz

Tourmaline Black Agate Gemstone Carved Moon Necklace

ResetarGlassArt

Black and White Rectangle Fused

Glass Post Earrings, Sterling Silver

specialtivity

Black and white Swarovski crystal beaded hoop earrings

GotMilkGlassAndMore

Vintage Napier Earrings -

Round, Black, Rhinestone, Goldtone

Covergirlbeads

Black Lava Necklace Volcanic Gemstone

Silver Toggle Handcrafted

KatsAllThat

Black Obsidian and White Howlite Multi Wrap

Gemstone Bracelet

craftybabyhope

Yin Yang Polymer Clay Pendant with Gem Stones,

Black and White

ThaddeusRose

Black Onyx Olive Green Agate with

Crystal and Copper Pendant Necklace

Uniquelyhandmade

Black and White Tablecoth Hand Fringed,

Reversible, 52x67

wingsofflutter

Handmade black pearl necklace with

Swarovski crystal silver 17 inch

hollyknittercreations

Hand Knit Black and White Playful Plaid

Dishcloth or Washcloth

bluemorningexpressions

White Flower Earrings on Black with

Siam Red Swarovski Crystals Dangle

 

As you can see, black is perfect with or without other colors, but each additional color gives black a new meaning. Give mom something classy and then take her somewhere elegant.

 

Enjoy and share

Julie and Blu