What inspires me ... Tropical Retro Style

Ocean Sunset Necklace

As a Florida native, the tropics are a big part of my life and what inspires me.  Early photo's of me are on the beach in Miami and the Florida Keys.  I have always lived near the ocean at least part of the year and enjoy the seaside lifestyle although it can vary depending on where you are.  Every coastal community is unique although they all have beautiful beaches...great seafood and gorgeous green foliage and fragrant colorful gardens.

Ocean Sunset Bracelet

I love designing Island Inspired Jewelry because it reminds me of my Spring and Summer favorites ...tropical getaways...beach days...boat rides...sunsets over the ocean...aquamarine sparkling seas...sun drenched tropical cottages...beach walks...fresh local seafood...seaside parties...picnic island...beach music...swaying palm trees...swimming the coral reefs...dolphin sightings...vibrant flowering plants...the sound of crashing waves and tropical inspired art.

Ultra Tangerine Earrings

This week I have been busy designing jewelry for an online Key West gift shop which sells unique art including beautiful paintings, festive ceramics, local books, delicious cakes, jewelry and much more...

Tropical Lime Dazzle Earrings

My designs this week have featured two gorgeous seaside shades ~ Turquoise and Orange,
both vibrant like sunsets over the ocean but with a retro yet fresh modern feel.  I call it Tropical Retro Style. 

Ultra Sea Breeze Earrings

I hope you will visit www.viakeywest.com and enjoy looking around at all the unique and fun tropical gifts and maybe find something for yourself or a special someone.  Be Well and Live Happy!

www.viakeywest.com

Tangerine Sunshine Earrings

Ultra Key Lime Earrings

It's all about days filled with Color

To me working with glass and beads for that matter is like playing with color.  Each day I wake up to spend my days thinking of and working with color.  Being a visual person and one that is passionate about color I surround myself with lots of colorful inspiration to fuel my design process and keep me excited throughout my day.  Magazines and catalogs inspire me as well as does reading online about interior design, paint and fabric trends. 

According to The Color Marketing Group, the leading international organization of color design professionals the new hot color for Spring and Summer 2010 is Barefootin'.   A rich shade of sand that you would find in Spain or even Maine beaches with a warm terra cotta tint to it.  It is described by the President of CMG as a new color infused neutral.  The vivacious color orange, has taken a step back to soothe a weary psyche but without being dull. I am inspired by  all the shades of orange from burnt orange to pale peach because they are all found in nature.

Fla Keys Sunset

Crested Butte, Colorado

The Tropics Necklace from the Island Style Collection Nancy Yuskaitis Jewelry

I've enjoyed my experience with the color orange this summer and one of my favorite tops, a vivid orange with a pretty muted gold trim receives lots of complements each time I wear it.  I've since moved on to a reddish brown on my toes but enjoyed my previous pedicure and the shade of bright orange was really fun with my fancy brown fit flops. I love designing orange glass jewelry and most woman are quite striking with a pop of a highly energized orange necklace or earrings. I always enjoy an orange sunset in the tropics or in the mountains and orange poppies and hibiscus are equally gorgeous.

Additional Color Trends for this year which are paired with neutrals are
Red; A bright Red Pink filled with energy and excitement
Yellow; A natural Green Yellow to pair with gray
Green; An uplifting clear and bright Green Blue
Blue; A saturated Blue Gray
Beige-Brown; to complement darker shades
Gray; A mineral Lavender Gray or Steel Gray