Friday, January 19, 2024

C-Lon Bead Cord Colors versus the Pantone NYFW Spring 2024 Color Trends

 

To continue on the ideas of the previous post... Pantone publishes its color trends for the general public just in time for the season. This year I have chosen one C-Lon Bead Cord color for all the 15 Pantone colors. 

 

 

C-Lon Bead Cord Colors versus the Pantone NYFW Spring 2024 Color Trends


I have already seen an uptick in purchases of C-Lon Bead Cord colors matching the color palettes precisely, especially the New Classics. Is it on purpose or subliminal, planned or accidental, a reflection of these color trends? Or do I simply notice the similarities more because I am aware of the colors chosen for 2024.


C-Lon Bead Cord Colors versus the Pantone NYFW Spring 2024 Color Trends 

 

 

 

 

 

The way I look at this ... It's another fun way to look at colors. If one of them gets you excited, then yes, include it in your next piece; if not, then ignore it. When I was doing 32 shows a year selling lots of earrings, I saw the effect of these trends, but they were delayed, especially on the West Coast. A year after a Color of the Year and Fashion Color Trends were announced, I got customers looking for earrings to go with clothes in these hues, shades, or tints. 

 

References:

–> Post on C-Lon Colors and the 2024 Color of the Year

C-Lon Bead Cord –> In the Standard Tex 210 0.5 mm diameter

C-Lon Tex 400 Bead Cord –> In the heavier 0.9 mm diameter

Pantone Color of the Year –> Pantone Official Website

WGSN and Coloro –> WGSN+Coloro Website




C-Lon Bead Cord Colors versus the Pantone & Coloro 2024 Color of the Year

 

The Color of the Year? Peach Fuzz by Pantone or Apricot Crush by Coloro... Why is it important when choosing C-Lon Bead Cord Colors?


 
 
 

A lot of new fashion items will come out in the Color of the Year. In short, there will be many clothes available in this color range in the stores. And why does this matter for C-Lon Bead Cord colors? If someone buys a shirt or sweater in this color, they may want to accessorize with a new bracelet, pair of earrings, or necklace in a matching color. So yes, jewelry made with the Color of the Year can fulfill someone's desires. 

 

With this in mind, I started to choose the C-Lon Color of the Year about six years ago. Sometimes, it is just one color; other times, several. This year, I matched the Pantone Color of the Year 2024 Peach Fuzz with the C-Lon Bead Cord colors: Ginger, Sea Shell, Peach Glow, Tangerine, and Light Copper.


Oops, last year, I completely forgot to create the post in January, and when I realized it in June, I took a pass...

 
 
C-Lon Bead Cord versus Pantone Colors

In retrospect, here are the C-Lon Bead Cord colors I now choose for Viva Magenta, the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year: Wine, with the lighter Cerise and the darker Eggplant.

Back to the 2024 Color of the Year... A few years ago, WGSN, an international company specializing in trend forecasting and analysis, launched its own color system, Coloro, in partnership with the China Textile Information Center. Unsurprisingly, the Coloro and the Pantone Color of the Year belong to the same apricot bisque color family.
 

 
 Pantone & Coloro Color of the Year vs C-Lon Bead Cord Colors 
 
 
 

For the Coloro 2024 Color of the Year, Apricot Crush, I kept most of the same colors, added Copper Rose, and substituted Orange, a brighter, darker shade of orange, for the more earth-tone Light Copper. Light Copper was a better match to Pantone Color of the Year, whereas I found that these two new shades enhance the complexity of Apricot Crush. 

 

 

 

In addition, WGNS and Coloro have announced 4 additional colors besides Apricot Crush for their key color trends for Winter and Spring 2024-2025. From left to right:


Intense Rust –> Go with Black Currant C-Lon Bead Cord

Midnight Plum –> Go with Purple C-Lon Bead Cord

Sustained Grey –> Go with Grey and Nickel C-Lon Bead Cord 

Apricot Crush –> Color of the Year - See info above

Cool Matcha –> Go with Peridot C-Lon Bead Cord

 

Pantone comes out twice a year with a Spring/Summer and a Fall/Winter color trend report, but they hold everything closer to the vest, allowing only paying customers to see their future trends. Right now, only the Spring trends are available. See the next post for this report and how it intersect with C-Lon Bead Cord colors

 

 

References:

Next Post –> C-Lon Colors vs Pantone NYFW 2024 Color Trends

C-Lon Bead Cord –> In the Standard Tex 210 0.5 mm diameter

C-Lon Tex 400 Bead Cord –> In the heavier 0.9 mm diameter

Pantone Color of the Year –> Pantone Official Website

WGSN and Coloro –> WGSN+Coloro Website


Friday, May 19, 2023

Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained

 
My online store, marion jewels in fiber uses a very simple classic Paypal shopping cart. When you add an item to the shopping cart it opens a new window with the actual cart. Set both windows side by side while adding more items or toggle back and forth between the two windows. 
 
This very simple Paypal shopping cart has the advantage that I can manage it myself. So instead of spending my time managing a complicated shopping cart, I can concentrate on providing great services such as excellent product information, comprehensive tutorials, and quick shipping. I also respond to most emails quickly and answer the phone when in my office. Just a reminder, I am in Chico California and we are on Pacific Standard Time.
 
The Paypal shopping cart has some advantages and some drawbacks. For example there is no need to set up an account on my online store but there is also no order history to access. The work around for this is to save the packing slips included in your orders or to contact me for past order info.
 
The checkout is very easy, if a bit convoluted if you do not have a Paypal account, and do not want to open one. If you have a Paypal account, it is even easier, and you do not have to use your account either. See what to watch for and if you prefer how to bypass using your Paypal account in Part 2.

 

Part 1. Checkout Procedure with No Paypal Account

Window #1 - After checking your cart to make sure all the items you want are in, –> click on Check Out, the lower grey button.

 

Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained
Window #2
Enter email address and click –> Pay with Debit or Credit Card

 

Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained
Window #3
Your email should be already entered, click
–> Continue to Payment. This confirms you want to check out as a guest, not with a Paypal account. If you have a Paypal account you may not get to this window - See Part 2. 
 
Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained
Window #4 This window is next or you may bypass it. I have experienced both using an email address not associated with my Paypal account. Click –> Continue as guest
 
Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained
Window #5 top Enter your info and click if billing and shipping addresses are different. 
 
Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained
Window #5 bottom - Choose your preferred shipping option and  click –> Continue. Or you may get a version with a prompt already toggled in to Save your info and create your Paypal account as shown below. 
 
Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained
Window #5 Close Up If you get this version, make sure to toggle the check mark to the left if you do not want to create a Paypal account and click –> Pay now as guest.  
 
Now you are all done, the next window should confirm the purchase and will get a confirmation email, and a shipping notice soon!
 
 
Part 2. Checkout Procedure with a Paypal Account 

If Paypal recognizes your browser you may be taken directly to this window. Y
ou can still bypass having to use it....
 
Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained
 
Things to watch out:

–> Address - Double check and make changes if needed
–> Shipping - Click on the amount and get the popup shown on right to select the shipping method
–> Payment - You will get a choice of payment method you have added into your Paypal account including no payment for 6 month if the purchase is over $100. Or can add a new method.
–> Bypass your Paypal account -  Click on + Add debit or credit card

Marion Jewels in Fiber Paypal Checkout 2023 Explained
At this window, either add you password and use your Paypal account, or bypass using your Paypal account and click –> Pay with Debit or Credit Card. It will take you to Window #5 shown above. 
 
If you are still having trouble using the shopping cart, email me your order including the shipping address. I can prepare your order and either send you a Paypal invoice. They are easy to pay or call you and take a debit or credit card by phone. More info is available HERE.
 
I hope this will help. Best, Marion



Monday, August 15, 2022

Bracelet Stack #2 made with Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord


Bracelet Stack made with Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord

This next bracelet stack is made with "Bright Spring Variation", the second colorway I experimented with. Bracelet #1 is not shown on this stack.


 
 
Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord shown as a Skein 
 


How is Space Dyed Yarn or Cord made?
 
The cord is first braided with nylon thread, then it is space dyed in skeins with several colors and/or color gradients creating a pattern around the skein. Most skeins are about 50 inch (128 cm) around with some, not all, space dyed with the same colors on both side of the folded skein so the pattern is mirrored on both sides of the skein and repeats with each turn of the skein. After the dying process, the cord is rinsed and dried. In the last step the cord is rolled on spools.
 

This colorway, Bright Spring Variation, is available in a 20 meter spool. Let's see what can be made with a spool. 

 

Kumihimo Bracelet #1
 

Double Wrap Kumihimo Bracelets made with Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord 

Double wrap kumihimo bracelet made with 7 Strand Braiding Method

 

The 7 Strand Kumihimo Method is explained in the last post and will be covered in a forthcoming tutorial. This was the second bracelet I made this way with the Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord. Previously I have experimented with this method with C-Lon Tex 400 Bead Cord. I started with 50 inch cords forded in half so 25 inch cords to braid with and this bracelet ended up a bit shorter than I hoped with a 12.5 inch total length, and a 6.25 inch bracelet length when worn as a double wrap bracelet. That's even a bit short for my small wrists.


Kumihimo Bracelet #1

Triple Wrap Kumihimo bracelet made with Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord

Triple wrap kumihimo bracelet made with 7 Strand Braiding Method

 

This next experimental bracelet was more successful as I started with twice as much length with 100 inch folded in half to 50 inch. I ended up with a 24 inch length and adjusted the final length back to 21.5 inches to fit my wrist. The marigold (sunflower) button is available on this page, it is the 5th listing.


Square Knot Bracelet #1
 

 
This bracelet is made the same way as the shambhala bracelets, however with thinner cords, and with beads only at the sliding cords ends. I added a Fower and Leaves Button as a center charm. It's the 2nd listing on this web page.

 


Square Knot Bracelet #2

Oops I forgot to take a close up picture...  That's the one with the Teapot Button as a center charm. It's the first listing on this button page. and sliding bead clasp available here. It was made with the remnants leftover of this spool and I had to add beads as I did not have enough cords for all the square knots... 

For more info on these bracelets...

Check the previous post... 

> Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord

 





Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord Experimental Bracelets Color Variation #1

 

 
I love these new space dyed colors. They are so much fun to play with. Here is the bracelet stack I made with "Turquoise Variation", the first colorway I experimented with.
 
 
What is Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord? 
 
Chinese Knotting Cord is a braided nylon cord made in China available in a variety of thickness and usually dyed in solid colors. The cord is made on large braiding machine out of nylon thread, then it is wound on skeins, dyed, rinsed, and dried, then wound on spools. For more info on all the types and sizes of Chinese Knotting Cord, go HERE
 
When cord or yarn are dyed with different colors along a skein, the color changes repeat around each cord turn around the skein. This type of dyeing is called Space Dyed. This can be done by hand at an artisanal scale or in a factory setting with many skeins all dyed at the same time. It is a process that is more labor intensive than dyeing solid colors. 

Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord shown as a Skein
Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord shown as a Skein

 
Why are Space Dyed Colors So Much Fun? 
 
If done correctly with interesting color shifts and variations, it lends itself to so many possibilities... So here are my very first experiments with the new Space Dyed Chinese Knotting Cords I just started importing from China. 
 

This colorway, Turquoise Variation, is available in a 20 meter spool. Let's see what can be made with a spool.

Kumihimo Bracelet 
 
Braided with the 7 strand method, started at the loop and ended with a Pinwheel Button. That's the 9th listing on this page.
 
 
I have been playing with a 7 stand kumihimo pattern and I plan to write a better tutorial on this method with a full step by step tutorial with photos and maybe a video and all the best ways to achieve a professional result on the first try... 
 
This braiding method is really easy. If your kumihimo disk has 4 dots, place 4 strands at the dots, then 3 in between the dots, that leave one space with no cord. Or add 4 extra dots in between the dots with a sharpie marker and place the 7 cords by the dots. There is one empty spot. 

Several ways explain the same cord movements of the braiding process:
 
1. The disk is like a clock. Place the empty slot at 1:30, and take the cord that's at 6 and insert it in the empty spot at 1:30. Then rotate the disk counterclockwise until the empty spot is at 1:30 again and repeat.

2. Count the cords from the empty spot clockwise*. 1, 2 and 3 cords, and taking the 3rd cord up to the empty spot. 
 
 3. By the numbers on the disk with a 32 slot disk. Place the 7 cords right in slots before #8, #12, #16, #20, #24, #28, #32. [Place #32 at the top. Take #16 cord to #4. Place #12 at top. Take #28 to #16. Place #24 at top. Take #8 to #28. Place #4 at top. Take #20 to #8. Place #16 at top. Take #32 to #20. Place #28 at top. Take #12 to #32. Place #8 at top. Take #24 to #12. Place #20 at top. Take #4 to #24.] Repeat []. 
 
* This can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. but you need to be consistent. For me since I am right handed, I prefer to hold the disk with my left hand and move the cord with my right hand. And I prefer to move the cord up rather than down... it;s easier, but it can be done the other way... so long as it is consistent.   
 
Left handed? 
With method 1, place your empty spot at 10:30 instead for 1:30. With method 2, count counterclockwise. With method 3, I will write it if anyone is interested...
 
 
 
Tibetan Knot Bracelet
 
 
I made this one with double stands and line the colors so the color shifts would happen at the same time... For the tutorial go here!



Square Knot Bracelet #1

 
Square Knot Bracelet made with Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord
 
This bracelet is made the same way as the shambhala bracelets, however with thinner cords, and with beads only at the sliding cords ends. I added a Teapot Button as a center charm. It's the first listing on this button page.
 
 

Square Knot Bracelet #2
 
Square Knot Bracelet made with Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord 
 
This second bracelet is finished with a sliding bead clasp available here
 
 
Square Knot Bracelet #3

 Square Knot Bracelet made with Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord
 
For this 3rd bracelet iI did not have a lot of cord left, so adding the beads was a perfect solution as it did not use as much cords as all square knots... The beads are 4mm Czech Fire Polished Beads

 
Chain Stitch Bead Crochet Sample
 
 
 
Crochet Sample made with Dyed Chinese Knotting Cord
 
After making all the bracelets above, I just had enough cord left to make a sample... I will make a bracelet of necklace with one of the next color variation.
 




Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Pantone 2022-23 Fall/Winter New York Fashion Color Palette compared to C-Lon Bead Cord Colors


Pantone forecasts fashion colors and let manufacturers and designers buy in advance their color palettes, and this is the reason why when you go in stores the same set of colors is dominant everywhere... 

Why does it matter for hand crafted jewelry made with C-Lon Bead Cord?

If you plan to market and sell your work as fashion accessories, these colors are important. Many of the latest fabrics and clothing will be made in these colors, so soon everyone will be looking for jewelry accessories in these colors too. If you are very close to the fashion hubs, these new colors are adopted faster, if you are further away they will trickle in over several years... And yes you can always go with the classics, these colors are chosen for their long lasting values.

"Contrasting colors that bring together our co-existing desires for rest and relaxation with exuberant expression"



  
 
Pantone 2022-23 Fall/Winter New York Fashion Color Palette compared to C-lon Bead Cord Colors

 
Pantone 2022-23 Fall/Winter Core Classics compared C-Lon Bead Cord Colors
 
"Classic, seasonless hues whose versatility express longevity"
Pantone 2022-23 Fall/Winter New York Fashion Color Palette compared to C-lon Bead Cord Colors

 

To purchase these C-Lon colors in the standard Tex 210 size, or the heavier Tex 400 size, go to the July 2022 entry on Marion Jewels in Fiber Online Store News Page.