In our first Choosing Bead Colours blog ‘Simple Colour Theory’ we mentioned we’d be taking a closer look at neutral coloured beads and how they can be used effectively in bead weaving. That time has now come!
Neutral coloured beads are typically those that don’t have a bright shade or a bold, vivid colour; they tend to be muted and plain but don’t mistake that for boring or ugly. Neutral beads are very often the backbone of a successful design, and can exude timeless sophistication and class.
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| Drop earrings with a Swarovski Rivoli in Light Grey Delite and shades of Miyuki Delicas in silver, silver-grey, white AB and ombre beach-themed colours. | 3D star necklace made using Miyuki twisted bugles in Matte Crystal AB, with light pink and cocoa pearl bead highlights. |
Neutral bead colours include crystal, white, ivory, cream, fleshy-pink, tan, beige, brown, grey, and black:
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Top Row Seed Bead Colours: 0499, 0131, 0592, 0492, 2197, 0593, 4455, 0409 Bottom Row Delica Bead colours: 0731, 0141, 1900, 0732, 0067, 0208, 2105, 0734 |
As we’ve already looked at white and black beads in a previous blog, we’ll be focusing more on the other colours listed instead.
Neutral beads can also include metallic colours and finishes:
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Top Row Seed Bead Colours: 0961, 0191, 0190, 0194, 0451, 0457, 4589 Bottom Row Delica Bead colours: 0035, 0031, 0021, 0038, 0001, 0022, 0040 |
As we've said, neutral shades suit everyone, however it does come down to making the right choice for your skin's undertone. Neutrals can be divided into warm and cool palettes:
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Warm undertones tend to look better with ivory, caramels, beiges, golds, bronzes and coppers. The earthy tones add a feeling of warmth, cosiness and comfort, whilst remaining stylish, modern and impressive. This 3D star necklace is made using warm fleshy-pinks, pale lilacs, light silver-lined amethysts and white AB. | Cool undertones tend to look better with grey, silver, taupe, gunmetal, pure white and crystal. The cooler tones add a feeling of clean, bold and modern, whilst remaining fresh, sophisticated and timeless. This 3D star necklace is made using Miyuki twist bugles in matte grey AB, with bright white and pale gold pearls. |
There are a couple of points to consider when incorporating neutral beads successfully into your project.
1. Think about the finish of your chosen beads as that can change the look and feel overall:
a. Flat, opaque colours can be heavy and dominating
b. Matte, pastel colours tend to be softer and gentler
c. AB finishes can catch and draw the eye more
d. Galvanised and metallic colours can be bold and dramatic
2. Play around with the same colours in your chosen neutrals to find the right tone e.g. galvanised golds and silvers look different to duracoat galvanised golds and silvers, and different again to 24kt gold and silver plated beads.
3. Mix and match light and dark variations of the same colour for visual contrast, or use a picasso finish for added texture (these work great for natural, organic or landscape inspired palettes).
4. Layered and embellished beadwork adds depth and visual interest and placement of your neutral beads is vital. Do you want them to be a base that sits in the background to allow other colours to shine, or to take the centre stage for an elegant and luxurious design?
Remember: when it comes to picking your colour palette, what do you want your neutrals to say about you?
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