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
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
Black and white Swarovski crystal beaded hoop earrings
Vintage Napier Earrings -
Round, Black, Rhinestone, Goldtone
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
Wonderful post, Julie (with help from Blu, I'm sure!). As you said, black is such a good foil with many other colors. When I'm not sure what to wear, especially on those rare dress up occassions: black pants, white shirt and a pop of color with the accessories. Can't go wrong! You highlighted many wonderful combos in this post. Thank you for including my tektite necklace. Sharing (:
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you so much for including my glazed maple leaf pendant necklace. So many gorgeous black and white pieces! What I noticed most is how several of the jewelry pieces from different artisans could be worn together. Plus, even the dishcloth and the tablecloth go together! - Connie- The Singing Beader
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch! Off to promote.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great collection utilizing black as a focal. It definitely highlights other colors and is a great "go to" when you can't make up your mind about what to wear - or decorate with. Thanks so much for including our lava and white shell memory bracelet.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful collection of black and white creations, so elegant and stunning. Thank you for including my necklace, Off to share.
ReplyDeleteBasic black is always a good and easy choice. I'm wearing that as I write! These are all fantastic items that I would like to receive for Mother's Day. Hint hint. Thank you so much for the promotion and for adding in my dichroic bamboo pendant and earring set! Will share these great gift ideas.
ReplyDeleteA very timely blog in anticipation of Mother's Day. Though it is appropriate for all occasions. I like to dress in black with a colorful scarf at my throat and around my shoulders just a bit. I have tons of scarves of many colors.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is spot on as advice on dressing wisely and with class. Thank you for including my antique black coral prayer beads from Yemen.
Anna
Thank you so much for including my earrings in and amongst all of these beauties Julie!
ReplyDeleteI love the sultry richness of black and then when you pair it with another colour bamm there it is!
Kathy :)
Thank you for including my Yin Yang pendant necklace. Wonderful blog post. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence - I picked black jeans and a white blouse from my closet this morning :) Thank you Julie for putting together this beautiful collection of blacks. These are colors that everyone wears. Off to promote.
ReplyDeleteShared on FaceBook! You have done a really nice job on the blog entry. Makes me feel loved! Thanks for your support, hopefully I'll get some some sales. I'm close to 600 items in my store now! Shop Ladies and Gents! Thanks, EvezBeadz :D
ReplyDeleteJulie you made a beautiful selection of black combinations. Thank you for including my howlite bracelet! Off to share everyone..and you blog of course!
ReplyDeleteFantastic feature! Love wearing black! Thanks so much, Julie and Blu, for including my earrings with all these lovelies. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a classy collection /blog :O)
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can do a online magazine with black/white later one.
Off to share
What a great idea to blog about. It is interesting how black behaves in design! Thank you for including my earrings - now I wish I had a better photo. ;)
ReplyDeleteVery classy!! I love them all! Thanks so much for including my pearl necklace. Off to do some promoting! :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice post of classic black and white! Thanks Julie - all pinned this week.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Julie! Fially finished saving on Wanelo and pinning: http://pinterest.com/shadowdog/countdown-to-mother-s-day/
ReplyDeletehttp://wanelo.com/shadowdog/collections/countdown-to-mother-s-day