dianesdangles' Blog

The Meaning and Symbolism of Color


Copper The Alternative Metal in Jewelry Making

Published: 02-16-2012 06:56pm
Posted In: Craft Talk
Copper can be used in jewelry as an alternative to gold and silver. Gold is way too expensive and sterling has increased 5 times its market value in the last 6 years. So, many jewelry artisans are using copper in their jewelry creations. Copper is also the main component in brass and bronze, which also is used in jewelry making. It is believed that copper has healing qualities especially for arthritis and rheumatism. Copper is easily recognized by its reddish color. Commercial copper is practically pure, 99.9%. It does tarnish quickly so it is important to keep it stored properly when not in use. Anti-tarnish paper is commercially availa... » Read More

Utah's Zion National Park

Published: 02-10-2012 05:13pm
Posted In: Travel Journal
Zion Canyon Visitor center is open year round. You can view a 22 minute orientation film at the visitor's centers. Shuttle buses are used to transport visitors along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive where you can access the many trials. No private vehicles are permitted during the Spring or Fall seasons only the park's shuttle buses. You can access the trials by private vehicle during off season. The fee is $25 for seven days for a private vehicle. Or you can buy an Inter-agency Pass for $80 for the year which lets you into all National Parks (note: does not apply to State Parks). For backcountry hiking and camping you must obtain a permit at the visi... » Read More

What Does the South Rim Grand Canyon Look Like When Its 28F

Published: 01-31-2012 03:42pm
Posted In: Travel Journal
It's April in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and the sun is not out. Have you ever seen the Grand Canyon through sleet and fog? Just the day before, the sun was out, temperature was about 53°F and I could see for miles of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim Trial. Overnight, temperature dropped to 28°F and there was snow and sleet, fog and mud. Sure was a different scene on this day.  I talked to a couple who had just come up from the bottom of the canyon. They had camped out over three days on the bottom and said it had gotten to 100°F and could not believe the change in temperature when they came back up. The Grand Canyon for... » Read More

Sedona Arizona Red Rock Canyon Country

Published: 01-24-2012 04:44pm
Posted In: Travel Journal
Sedona, Arizona is in the heart of Red Rock country. As the name implies, the rocks are colored red. There a lots of place to lodge, we chose Sky Ranch Lodge since it is a little bit out of the way. It is located up above the city across from Sedona’s municipal airport. You would never know there was an airport, never heard any planes. The view of the canyon from Sky Ranch Lodge is spectacular. The view is breathtaking during a sunset and sunrise. The rooms are clean and comfortable, staff is friendly. We stayed in the Garden View Room which is more economical than the canyon view. The garden is very pretty, is shaded, and had plenty of places... » Read More

Western Michigan Upper Peninsula Keweenaw Peninsula and the Porcupine Mountains

Published: 01-17-2012 10:08am
Posted In: Travel Journal
There are many scenic towns on the western shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. If you’re heading that way, then be sure to stop at the Visitor’s Center in Calumet City; lots of good information.Copper mining started in this area around the 1850’s with a copper mining treaty between the U.S. government and the Chippewa Indians.  About 4 million tons of copper were mined. Currently, most of the copper mines here are closed; some are open to the public for touring. Delaware Copper Mine Delaware Copper Mines is a closed mine but is open to the public as a self-guided tour. If I recall correctly, they ... » Read More

Things You Can Find In A Small Gift Shop for Jewelry Making

Published: 01-13-2012 03:01pm
Posted In: Craft Talk
What would we do without small businesses? If these businesses were to disappear, then this country would certainly be dull and without character. Go into a small town where there a many small little shops and you can find all sorts of interesting and unusual items. You certainly won't run into any great finds at the larger department stores. So one weekend I was in St. Ignace, Michigan and found this neat little gift shop. There was a section where they sold rocks and such, but also they had many of these Millefiori glass nuggets. These nuggets are undrilled so some wire wrapping would be needed to make a pendant. I ended up buying several pieces... » Read More

Yellow The Color of Sunshine

Published: 01-11-2012 04:55pm
Posted In: Color Symbolism
Yellow is a warm color. When we see yellow we think of sunshine and summer. Yellow is hope, happiness, and cheerfulness. The color yellow is used as ribbons as a sign of hope to welcome home loved ones. Bright yellow suggests excitement, perkiness, freshness, and citrus fruitiness. Golden yellows can stand for gold. The negative side of yellow in some cultures is regarded as cowardice and deceit. But, the many positive qualities of yellow far outweigh the negative. How to wear yellow? Stay away for the dark yellows because it can give you an unhealthy look. Stick with the bright or pale yellows for cheerfulness. Wearing yellow can gi... » Read More

How to Wear the Color Beige

Published: 01-09-2012 04:50pm
Posted In: Color Symbolism
Beige is a lighter shade of brown and represents calmness, dependability and flexibility. It is a neutral color with warm undertones and a bit of coolness from white. It can be seen as plain but coupled with other colors give it flair. How to wear beige? Often beige is use to separate two dark colors to help each stand out. A beige outfit can take on some of the elements of pink or yellow when these colors are used in jewelry. This is why beige if often referred to as a chameleon. Try using purple and pink accessories with a beige outfit to convey a conservative but feminine look. Beige and black conveys sophistication and strength; pai... » Read More

How to wear the Color Brown

Published: 12-28-2011 07:26pm
The color of brown is a neutral, down-to-earth color. A deep brown color is often used to replace the color black for work attire. Brown is a warm color, stimulates the appetite, and represents wholesomeness and earthiness. It is a common color in nature. Brown also represents trustworthiness, reliability, and friendliness. For instance, the company UPS (United Postal Service) has built their business around the positive image that the color brown conveys. How to wear to work? Brown colored clothing is considered more casual than black and is mostly worn both fall and winter. Although dark brown outfits may be considered dull, it... » Read More

Orange and It's Meaning

Published: 12-18-2011 01:04pm
Posted In: Color Symbolism
Orange a warm color is vibrant, stimulating, energetic, and striking. It symbolizes warmth and the sun. Orange is often used in rooms like a kitchen to stimulate the appetite. Orange is reminiscent of fall, pumpkins, and Halloween when combined with black. Orange reminds us of citrus and brings up thoughts of good health. Orange gets noticed. Peachy orange is softer and is a little more soothing and calm. Orange represents a transition of seasons from summer to fall. Brighter oranges represent summer and the darker oranges represent autumn. How to wear orange: Go easy with the bright orange accessories. Some is okay but too much can ma... » Read More

Purple and It's Meaning

Published: 12-14-2011 04:18pm
Posted In: Color Symbolism
The Color Purple In nature, varying shades of purple colors are found among the delicate and precious flowers such as lavenders, orchids, lilacs, and violets flowers. The lighter shades of purples are considered more romantic and delicate. Deep or intense purples suggest riches, creativity, mystery, authority, and royalty. The color of mourning for widows in some countries is purple. The color purple has been customarily worn by people of royalty, authority, and high rank in many cultures. The color purple is used in the U.S. Military decoration, The Purple Heart, given to soldiers wounded in battle. Purple can be used as a warm or c... » Read More

The Color Black

Published: 12-12-2011 03:11pm
Posted In: Color Symbolism
Black really isn’t a color, it is the absence of color. Black symbolizes grounding, power, self-control, strength, confidence and resilience. Black has a dramatic and bold presence. It can also be mysterious, sexy, and sophisticated. Black is the color of mourning in most western countries. It can be both positive and negative such as in Western movies where the bad guys wear black, the good guys wear white. Black is mysterious as in the movie Dracula who wore black. How to wear black: It is a formal and prestigious color for formal attire parties. Black dresses for a sophisticated and slimmer look. Wear black to work to con... » Read More

Tips from a Novice Jewelry Photographer

Published: 12-11-2011 08:10pm
Posted In: Craft Talk
I learned a lot of lessons in photographing jewelry over these past several years and it wasn’t expensive thanks to digital technology. Did a lot of reading and got some advice from friends. Re-photographed my products dozens of times trying to get a good image. So, I thought I would pass on some things I learned. I know I still need improvement but I have come a long way. 1. Using a white background for jewelry works best. I use white satin fabric. 2. I try to lay my jewelry so that no shadows are created; just lay them flat or for example on a necklace display. 3. For lighting, I use two lights at either side of the art work and adju... » Read More

The Color White, What does it mean.

Published: 12-10-2011 06:11pm
Posted In: Color Symbolism
White represents purity, cleanliness, and innocence. In western cultures white is worn by brides. White is associated with hospitals, doctors, nurses, and dentists. Angels are depicted as wearing white. In western movies, the good guys wear white. How to wear white: Wearing white is fine but do not wear an all white outfit. An all-white outfit looks like a uniform, unless you have a job in the health care industry such as a doctor or nurse. Chefs and painter sometimes wear all-white. Use white in small portions, such as a white blouse under a beige jacket or suit. Wearing a white blouse under any color jacket looks stylish. Li... » Read More

The Color Pink Meaning

Published: 12-07-2011 09:56am
Posted In: Color Symbolism
Pretty in pink often associated with passion, femininity, softness, and romance. Pink can be used to convey playfulness and tenderness. Pink used with darker pink and shades of purple and burgundy can add strength to this color scheme. How to wear to work? Accessorizing with pink can look sophisticated and lively when combined with black, grey, or medium to darker shades of blue, or forest green work outfits. Pink accessories will perk up and add a feminine look to a beige outfit. Too much pink may convey playfulness and people may not take you seriously. Some common pink name colors: blush, coral, flush, fuchsia, hot pink, raspberr... » Read More

Craft Shows How to Arrange Your Jewelry Table

Published: 11-30-2011 04:29pm
Posted In: Craft Talk
How to make your jewelry craft table attractive and professional looking. I have done shows for several years and always try to make my jewelry displays look better every year. It is constantly evolving as I learn more and more. I am always on a budget so I try to use whatever I have in the house but I do end up at the hardware store or buying displays from vendors.Here are some things I have learned over the years:1. Table cloth should touch the floor.2. White is better for a table cloth color. I layer my table with navy cloth then place a white table cloth over that.3. I think white jewelry displays bring out jewelry more than oth... » Read More

Blue Color Meaning

Published: 11-28-2011 09:56am
Posted In: Color Symbolism
Appearance does help quite a bit for interviews. Wearing blue to an interview gives you a good chance of landing a job. Why would that be? Blue is deemed as conservative and is associated with loyalty and trust. That is why many companies use blue in their logos. Blue is a natural color; the color of the sky. Blue is calming. It can be steadfast and strong and also light and friendly. Blue is a good color for bedrooms and can help you sleep. In many cultures, blue is believed to keep the bad spirits away and bring peace. Blue is associated with protection. How to wear blue: Blue is a corporate color and the color of many uni... » Read More

Green...What Does It Mean

Published: 11-26-2011 12:43pm
Posted In: Color Symbolism
Green is has both warming and cooling effects representing life, renewal, environment, growth, calmness, and health. On the negative side, green is jealousy and inexperience. However, the positive qualities of green far outweigh the negative. Green is strongly associated with the Irish and St. Patrick’s day. Used with red it becomes a Christmas color. Green is abundant in nature and is associated to the spring season. How to wear green: Wearing darker shades of green clothing to work can impart of sense of strength, good health, and class. Deep green outfits look sharp with a little medium to dark shades of purple or pink addi... » Read More

The Color Red and What it Means

Published: 11-21-2011 06:15pm
Posted In: Color Symbolism
Red is hot and a strong color that conveys opposing emotions such a passion and violence. For instance, red can be for Cupid or the devil. Red is a stimulant. When exposed to the color red for long periods studies have shown that blood pressure and respiration rate can increase. In some cultures red denotes joy, celebration, prosperity and used to attract good luck. Red became the color of the flag in Russia during the Bolshevik conflict, thus red is can be associated with communism. Different meanings for different countries. Here in the United States red is love, Valentine’s Day, red is for Christmas, Santa Claus. Red repres... » Read More

Color Symbolism and How to Wear Colors to Work

Published: 11-14-2011 10:11am
Posted In: Color Symbolism
What do the different colors represent? How are they used to evoke physical and emotional reactions? Color symbolism is the use of color to express tradition, customs, religious ideas, or emotions. Color is used in numerous applications in order to convey or evoke certain feelings. Color becomes an important component when painting interior or exterior walls, home furnishings, interior design, fashion, work attire, jewelry, advertising, and web design. Color is a form of non-verbal communication expressing how you feel. For instance, its springtime, the sun is shining, everything going great; you wear something bright and cheery... » Read More