Building on my previous exploration of the colour green and its associations with emerald elegance, I wanted my next bracelet design to delve into a different aspect of green, camouflage. Camouflage embodies adaptability and subtlety, qualities I’ve long admired. In the wild, it serves as both a defence mechanism and a survival skill, often seen in reptiles and military apparel. Reflecting on this theme brought personal memories to the forefront, times when I wished I could disappear in moments of vulnerability, such as public speaking. However, life has taught me the value of facing such challenges and embracing visibility when necessary. This new perspective inspired me to design a piece that symbolises blending in while preparing to stand out.
When selecting materials, I faced a challenge, my dwindling stock of beads. While I didn’t have multiple shades of green to perfect the look, I chose a singular green that captured the essence of the theme. Pairing it with brown created a balanced, earthy tone, reminiscent of traditional camouflage patterns. The combination represented adaptability, blending with the environment while maintaining individuality. As I worked on the piece, I realised it needed a defining element to capture the spirit of military precision and strength. That’s when the idea of incorporating silver spacer beads struck me, inspired by the iconic military dog tags. This addition completed the design, elevating it into something both symbolic and visually compelling.
The result was one of my favorite creations so far. The balance between green and brown, accented with silver, gave the bracelet a unique and cohesive look. It felt deeply personal, reflecting both my admiration for camouflage and my journey of embracing visibility. This piece was a reminder of how art allows us to express our evolution and experiences, blending them into something tangible and meaningful. As my bead stock continues to diminish, I anticipate challenges ahead, including creating experimental “Frankenstein” pieces from leftover materials. These could serve as stepping stones, providing inspiration for future designs that I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
CONCLUSION
This camouflage inspired bracelet marks an important milestone in my journey as a designer. It’s a testament to adaptability, creativity, and personal growth, themes that resonate not only in the design itself but also in the process of creating it. Each new piece brings fresh ideas and challenges, reminding me that the possibilities in design are as limitless as the stories we choose to tell through them.