From the first cave paintings in red ochre to the hematite powder of Chinese graves, red was significant in ancient civilizations. The red signified power, war, anger and danger. It was used in paintings, drawings, clothing dye and body paint for celebrations. The color red can evoke a range of emotions; all of them as strong as the color itself. It is no wonder, it is the symbol of danger. Stop signs and fire engines are all red.
Red was used for royalty since it was an expensive color to create. Some reds were derived by grinding up tiny insects that are found in the Mediterranean region, which was an expensive venture. The Romans imported the bugs from Spain in order to create their reds.
The Egyptian women used ochre to add blush to their lips and cheeks.
Red is symbolic for the heart and used to exhibit romance, passion and love. A red rose is the symbol of true love and passion. Red is the color associated with brides in China with the bride’s gown being red. Greek and Armenian women wear red veils to their weddings.
It is the color associated with both China and the Roman Catholic Church; the Chinese consider it good luck and the Catholic Church consider it royal.
Red paint wards off evil in some cultures and it is part of their ceremonial costumes.
Artists add red to their design to evoke a mood from the viewer. Since red is outgoing and passionate, you may find red in clothing or jewelry that is bold and fun for the wearer. A use of red as accent draws the viewer’s eyes to that part of the design. Any dress or necklace that is predominantly red is usually worn by individuals who are very self-confident and have no problem demanding attention from others. This color is perfect for outgoing and confident women who are sure of themselves. Those who may be less confident may either use the color to work on their self-esteem or choose a lighter or darker shade of red that is less bold. A pink or a maroon will change the red in a design.
Artists who do not want to add bold red, but wish to have a great red influence may go with a burgundy or a maroon as an excellent accent to another color. Those colors will also work as a solid color in the design, since they are less likely to be overwhelming.
The size of the beads in a red piece will make a huge difference as well. Chunky, bright red jewelry evokes a different reaction than dainty, tiny red seed beads.
No matter how an artist uses red in their designs, red is a most powerful influence for the wearer and the viewer.
These designers all know how to use red to bring their audience into their designs.
FloralDesignsByAlka
Silk Brick Red Orchid Floral arrangement
SolanaKaiDesigns
Swarovski Crystals Glass And Pewter Wild Rose Reds Necklace
MaggieMays
Genuine Red Ruby Jewelry Necklace Post Earring Set, Sterling Silver
hollyknittercreations
Hand Knit Red Apple Picture Cloth
bluemorningexpressions
Necklace Red Spot White Black Dagger Bead Rubber Silver Plate Bail
wingsofflutter
Recycled Vintage Ruby Red Cabochon and Rhinestone Ring, Silver Band
Thefamilyjoolz
Tiny Christmas Bird
berkshirebowls
Fire Engine Push Toy - Red
DesertCreations
Hopeful Heart Wire Wrapped, red glass beads Pure Copper Necklace
ThaddeusRose
Earrings, Dangle, Crystal, Garnet, Copper, Dark Red, Ear Wires
ClicksbyKaren
Tropical, Festive, White Flowers, Scrabble (c) tile Pendant
Umeboshi
22K Gold Leaf, Red Handmade Fused Glass Cherry Blossom Pendant
ResetarGlassArt
Red Glass Dangle Earrings with White and Black Circles, HandmadeButterflyInTheAttic
Pair of Vintage Earrings - Summer Fashion - 1980s
postcardsintheattic
1919 Antique Valentine Postcard - Rose Petals - Heart - Gibson Lines
evezbeadz
Red and Black Sunflower and Dragonfly Necklace
Uniquelyhandmade
Lined Red and Yellow Check Handmade Placemat 13x20 Inches Table Linen
PrettyGonzo
Crystal Clip On Earrings, Red Swarovski Bicones, Clear Twisted Rounds
craftsofthepast
Old Yemen Silver Plaque Amulet Four Stranded Coral Bead Necklace
specialtivity
Hand Blown Glass Cinnamon Candy Red and Pink Striped Handmade Earrings
jnldesigns
Red and Antique Copper Charm Necklace
ShadowDogDesigns
Red White Lampwork Siam Swarovski Summer Earrings Handmade OOAK
dianesdangles
Red Jasper and Lapis Lazuli Sterling Silver Two Sided Gemstone Pendant
These designers have offered up wonderful examples of how to use red in a design. To see more of the items these artists have to offer, please see the following blog post. http://bmebluprint.blogspot.com/2013/03/mothers-day-countdown-week-3.html
Use red today!
Enjoy
Julie and Blu
Technorati Tags: bluemorningexpressions,using red in a design,using red in jewelry,red jewelry,red designs,the use of red in art,the use of red in design,red is hot,red necklace,red earrings,red bracelets,red linen,red dining,red placemats,red fire trucks,red toys,wooden toys,handmade jewelry,antique jewelry,vintage jewelry,julie and blu
Hi Julie... Love the items in this week's countdown. So many great gift ideas!
ReplyDeleteAlso... I added a link in my blog posting (http://thaddeusrose.blogspot.com/p/mothers-day-countdown-2013.html ) to your post.
Wow hot, sultry, sexy, warm and vibrant indeed! Thank you so much for including my hand blown glass hot cinnamon candy earrings!
ReplyDeleteKathy :)
Have a LOT of red in my wardrobe - it's such a pick me up color! Loving all this red together in one spot! Thank you for adding my little lampwork earrings to all the red (: Sharing, of course! Ear scritches to Blu from Seamus.
ReplyDeleteI just cannot imagine the time and care you took in making this list so beautiful! I am very honored to be included. Now off to make announcements about it.
ReplyDeleteAnna
I just glanced down and realized I am wearing red and white checked flannel shirt today. It's not really sexy, it's more like I am wearing the picnic table cloth!
ReplyDeleteAll are pinned, waneloo'd, tweeted and promoted! Happy Red Wednesday
Julie and Blu
I love to wear red as I am Asian and we often love to wear this color! It accents our black hair and speaks like a flower on a small woman. Red is passionate and bold and reminiscent of fire. It sets off many other colors in bright happy contrast. I wear a red coat that can be seen from far off in the snow. A bit of red worn close to the throat is just, well....Hot!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie and Blu for this thoughtful promotion of red handmade items. They are all wonderful and beautifully made. You-all are an artisan's friend indeed!
Julie,
ReplyDeleteI love your collection of red and am honored as well to be included. Off to announce it.
Karen
UniquelyHandmade on ArtFire
So excellent! What a great surprise! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteKaren
What a beautiful collection of red! Its a great design choice no matter the item. Thank you for including my earrings. Will share...
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful hot RED collection. Thanks Julie for including our necklace. I too wear a lot of red and love how it makes me feel(wearing red today). Off to share.
ReplyDeleteLinda....
Love the focus on a particular color in each blog. Great idea! And red - woo hoo! Love it! Thank you for including my necklace (wish it was a better photo) and for teaching me a few things about red that I didn't know!
ReplyDeleteExquisite design's leave me speechless. What a wonderful array of showing the true meaning of the color red. Thanks Julie and Blu for including MaggieMays "Red Ruby Jewelry Set."
ReplyDeleteShared on blogger @http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5507034922819543858#editor/target=post;postID=6585060330302203184
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely feature of Red handmade products, thank you so much for including my Sterling Red Jasper Pendant. Off to share.
ReplyDeleteWonderful feature with a great subject, Julie and Blu! Wonderful picks from Countdown artisans too. Thanks so much for including my earrings among them. Have tweeted, and off to tweet again! Gonzo wishes beautiful Blu extra treats! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely finds. Thank you for including my shops in your amazing post.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Colleen
I love all the red items :) Very lovely. Thank you for including my necklace in this wonderful blog post. :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer
AZ DesertCreations
Thank you. For including me! Sale is on! Visitmy blog for giveaways!
ReplyDeleteEvezbeadz ~Eve
Shared on facebook!
ReplyDelete