Free Design - A Modern Look

When I first thought of the idea for these pins, I thought "This will be easy. Make a few simple geometric shapes in bold colors, throw them together, and sew on the pin back." Well, I was wrong. I have a much better appreciation for modern artists now. It's hard getting just the right shapes and just the right colors to make a pleasing design. (Of course, some of you might find it easier than I did - I've always been more into intricate work and minimalism is hard for me!)

Instructions

There really aren't any specific instructions for these. The only real design constraint is to make sure you don't make your shapes too large for a pin. For all the pins I've made so far, I've used flat and circular peyote, but even that is more of a personal preference. Square stitch, right angle weave, and other off loom stitches would work just as well.

Shapes that I've used include narrow triangles, squat triangles, hexagons, rectangles, multiple circles, stars, lightning bolts (basically two narrow triangles joined) and arrows (similar to the arrows in the "In one ear..." earrings.) I've usually limited myself to three colors, and in most cases to three shapes. Any more than that tends to look too busy.

For additional interest, think about making the top shape three-dimensional. For example, in one piece I did, I used fairly tight tension in the circular peyote, causing it to cup slightly outward. In another, I made a small narrow peyote strip for the top, and looped it in the middle so the loop stuck out from the pin.

Have fun and experiment with vividly contrasting colors and shapes to find your own style - since the shapes are small, even if you go wrong, you haven't lost a lot of time. Well, that's about it! Enjoy!

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