This season, designers overwhelmingly address consumers' desire for self-expression, balance and the need to re-energize. The color direction for spring builds upon these compelling needs with a palette that mixes dynamic brights with novel neutrals to create a harmonious balance. This allows for unique combinations that offer practicality and versatility, but at the same time, demand attention and earn an appreciative glance.

"The expression 'balancing act' is something we all relate to as we strive to find harmony in the frantic pace of our everyday lives," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "The same can be said for fashion as we look for balance between light and bright, classic and new. This season's color palette emphasizes this need for balance, while at the same time allowing for individuality, self-expression and excitement."

The prevalence of green this spring is undeniable. Similar to the many shades in our natural surroundings, this season's greens offer a stunning foreground or the perfect backdrop for all other hues. Like the first signs of spring, Tender Shoots, a vibrant yellow-green, is invigorating, active and cheerful, while Grayed Jade, a subtle, hushed green with a gray undertone, brings about a mood of quiet reflection and repose. Sophisticated Emerald, a lively, radiant green, inspires insight and clarity while enhancing our sense of well-being. From one extreme to the other, combining all three greens presents an intriguing choice much like Mother Nature intended.

Exotic African Violet is a statement color that brings a touch of intrigue to the palette, as purples often do, and can be incorporated into many unexpected combinations. Try pairing it with exuberant Poppy Red, a seductive, sensual and celebratory shade. Whether it's a knockout dress or a kiss on the lips, every woman's wardrobe and beauty essentials should include this spirited, true red.

Nectarine, a bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones, provides a tangy burst of flavor while cheerful Lemon Zest brings out a piquant taste with its refreshing, spritely greenish cast.

Signifying the time of day when everything starts to wind down, Dusk Blue offers a calming sense of serenity akin to its green counterpart, Grayed Jade. Both of these colors act as the season's newest neutrals. For an unexpected mix, pair Dusk Blue with the intensity of Nectarine. A warm neutral, Linen is light and airy, providing a nudelike basic that is a must have for spring. Try pairing Linen with Grayed Jade or Dusk Blue. Anchoring Monaco Blue is a classic shade that offers both stability and depth to the entire palette. Combine Monaco Blue with Poppy Red and Linen, or Monaco Blue and Emerald for a fresh collegiate look.

Source:  http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=21006&ca=4

From love potions and the magical hour of sunset to witches and warlocks, fantasy and illusion are inspiring designers this fall season. With an unexpected mix of darks, brights and neutrals, they cleverly manipulate reality to transport consumers to an enchanting place, free from the stresses of everyday life.

(Source:  Pantone.com)

I started teaching metal clay (the material I use to make my jewelry)  this year.

I will be teaching a PMC 101 - Intro to Metal Clay workshop September 15th.  If you are interested please contact me at Sherry@SherryChaples.com

Before you jump into summer activities, keep these jewelry tips in mind.

1. Remove your jewelry before swimming and strenuous activities. Salt water and chlorine can be damaging especially for sterling silver jewelry. And sweat can make sterling silver jewelry tarnish quickly.


2. Remove your jewelry before applying sunblock and bug spray. These lotions and sprays can find their way into the little nooks and crannies of your jewelry making it harder to remove later.

3. Get loose findings, gemstone prongs, and clasps repaired. It’s easy to lose a piece of jewelry or individual gemstones and beads simply because your jewelry is in poor repair.

4. Clean your jewelry regularly. Your own sweat and body oils can dull the shine of your favorite jewelry . For sterling silver jewelry, you can prevent tarnish with regular cleaning and by applying an anti-tarnish polish to slow down the formation of tarnish. Use a good polishing cloth on metal jewelry to bring back the sparkle after soaking soaking in warm soapy water, rinsing, and drying with a soft towel.