Color Theory, and my long hiatus.

First, brief message: I waited to go a few months through school before sharing information with my audience again. :) As a favour to my readers, I wanted to be knowledgable before I wrote another entry. I wanted to be comfortable and familiar with using terminology before I used them with you. I wanted to pick up a bit of experience doing things prior to sharing. As I write this, I am one week way from Phase 2 of my college year. Phase two is most of your practical application. :) (So excited!)

Onward!

Let's start with the basics. What is color? Color is how your eye views the light being reflected from an object. Light is composed of the rainbow of colors, ROY G. BIV, or red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These combine to form pure white light. A red piece of fabric has absorbed all of the colors that make up the light in the room. It reflects back only the red waves in the light spectrum. A blue chair absorbed all colors in the light spectrum, and reflects blue. Paints that change color with change of light and movement use this property of light and color to cause that effect. This is also why sometimes you can argue with someone about what color something is, because each set of eyes perceives it differently! The color black is the result of the object absorbing all light and reflecting no color in return. White is the opposite, reflecting back all of the light.

BASIC COLOR THEORY

The color wheel is a super handy way to organize and remember colors. The wheel is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. These can't be created by any other colors, but are the bases of every other color. (Circle shapes on first color wheel). Secondary colors are created from mixing primary colors. Blue and red make purple, yellow and red make orange, blue and yellow make green. (Squares on color wheel). Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary and secondary color. Blue-green, yellow-orange, red-violet are examples. (Triangles on color wheel) There is varying intensity, or brightness, of each color as well. (Second color wheel)

OK, SO WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

Colors can be complimentary to each other. This is important for correct hair coloring. Complimentary colors are directly across from each other on the color wheel. Next to each other, they stand out very vividly. When combined, they will neutralize. For example, mixed in different amounts, blue and orange will begin creating greys and browns. Yellow and violet will do this as well. This explains why very light blonde hair benefits from being treated with a violet toner. This will neutralize any coloring in the hair that is not blonde (brassiness, green, too yellow).

The levels of the hair also help you to know what intensity of color or toner to use. The scale generally runs from 1 to 10. One is black, and ten is lightest blonde. Be aware, some hair color manufacturers sometimes have levels of 12, 13, 14, or even higher.

Color is certainly more complex than you thought, huh? With many more color lessons to build on later, this foundation is a good basis for much more detailed color formulations.

The best DIY accessories links on the web!

I am not that crafty. Ok, so I am a little crafty. But I am also a lover of word of mouth. So I have decided to share a few AMAZING links. I'm not lightly using the adjective either. These are so easy, that you could punch all of these out as gifts. They're all such good quality, that it would be a used to death of object.

If you like the blog I link to, please follow it and tell friends. :)

First up, a braided charm bracelet. I can think of a few more ways to simplify the process, but make it your own, and subscribe if you like!

Braided charm bracelet: http://weheartthis.com/2011/07/27/diy-braided-charm-bracelet/

Next is a bracelet so easy and distinct, that you only need three items: a thin, long length or rope, some embroidery thread, some clear glue. This could be a male or female gift too!

Super easy knot bracelet: http://www.thanksimadeitblog.com/2011/12/simple-diy-knotted-rope-bracelet.html?m=1

One of the coolest homemade pieces of jewlery I have seen is this cat necklace. I'm also including links to outline templates of other cool animals to make, perhaps? This could be adapted into a keychain, earrings, etc.

Awesome cat necklace: http://cationdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/10/easy-diy-black-cat-necklace.html

TEMPLATES FOR ANIMALS FOR NECKLACE:
*Owl: http://img4.sunset.com/i/2008/10/owl-cookie-template-m.jpg?300:300
*Two different, cool looking birds: http://needlework.craftgossip.com/files/2008/12/trbirds.jpg
*Dolphin outline: http://www.wpclipart.com/animals/aquatic/dolphin/dolphin_outline.png
*Bat https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrAWynwdd62uVCXuFdxwP6bFHanDRtc4nUZwoYdAqgQVZtw8fkkCrNSpahyaVS7iifThU2gLulV9c0T79F68qqp64fdfNHC6j6J8qr9-X2JIlUihsA5IVlKd3ihW8kpEebjeObWkLsFA/s400/bat_decoration_template.jpg
*Elaphant: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/elephant_template_460.jpg

I suggest you start pumping them out now. Make some for stocking stuffers and gifts, and give these perhaps a sell attempt on Etsy? You are only limited by your imagination. Try sequins, glitter glue, rhinestones, patterned fabric, different chains, extra charms, a ribbon, or anything.

Drumroll puhleeeeese. Saved the best for last! This I stumbled across on accident. Best accident ever. I made two of these tote bags in literally 20 minutes. This is a no sew, 10 Minute T Shirt Tote bag. Yes, it is as easy as it sounds. Very sturdy. I've included a photo of the two I made, one with a sheep, and one that was a threadless shirt. Remember, you can wash these like a shirt. It is so quick to make, it's unbelievable. A superb use of recycling. Depending on what kind of shirt you use, you could get lots of compliments!

Coolest tote ever:  http://www.leethal.net/zine/?p=134

I hope you are REALLY into unique, homemade, fashionable items, because I am very far from finished. These will hold you over until next week. Please drop me a line if you have any DIY projects to add! Toodles!

Extreme eye makeup for daily wear.

Makeup is fun. It's one of the most fun ways to change your look. While "the natural look" is fantastic for some days, an extreme eye makeup look is also sometimes appropriate.

I have included a few photos. The first four are classic examples of extreme eye makeup. Feather, sequins, glitter, or in some cases, jewels and stickers may be used. These types of eye makeup are tyically reserved for photo shoots, runways, etc.  The last two are the traditional and more acceptable way to wear extreme makeup in daily life. Adapt that style using a variety of colors and perhaps adding a winged cat eye or some false eyelashes.

A few tips:

*When wearing an extreme eye look, a flat base is key. Proper concealer and coverage is crucial. A dark circle can quickly ruin a look.

*ALWAYS pair an extreme eye look with neutral, or clear gloss only lips. Going all out on every feature will make you look like a clown from the 80's.

*Keep your outfit in mind. While makeup is always fun, sweats and a stained up tee shirt do not compliment the hard work of an extreme eye well. Work in contrast or compliment of the colors you are wearing, or wear all neutrals, so the eye REALLY stands out!

*Blend. Blend. Blend. The key to making an extreme eye work is using bright, fantastic colors, and making them blend well with other extreme colors.

*Perfect the look at home. Once you know you have it, you will feel confident enough to wear your bright makeup proudly.

*Use quality colors. MAC, while ideal and great, isn't cheap. I recommend L'Oreal's line of shadows and liners called HIP, (which stands for High Intensity Pigment), because of both cost and effectiveness. A two inch wide two color eyeshadow will run you roughly $10-12 for L'Oreal, and $23-$35 for MAC.

*Get creative with brush and formula adaptation. Use a thin, flat concealer brush to dot on eye liner. Add a couple drops of sterile eye drops to an eyeshadow, and make the color crazy bright. Use two wet colors to blend on your hand and create a new color.

Think of yourself as an artist, and create as such. Makeup is literally a paint, and your face is a canvas!