ABS March Challenge

Ok, so its now month three and so far so good, I might be past the deadline for the Art Bead Scene round up but sometimes its just the taking part that is important.  I am really enjoying these challenges as a way of using colour pallettes that I wouldn't necessarily choose, and also I get to see paintings I wouldn't otherwise see.

When I first saw this painting I was imediately drawn to the totem poles and I had visions of creating some in glass.  Take a look at these beautiful polymer clay totem poles by Leah Curtis.  However, I ended up taking inspiration from the colour pallette.  I set out with making a selection of beads using a base of sky blue and grey, which I then rolled in some frit.  Unfortunately I didn't take a shot of the beads before I used them but this pic will give you an idea of how they turned out.

I also decided to take a little look at Lesley Watt's shop.  I bought a pair of leaves because I could imagine finding them on the floor if I were able to step into the picture, and a pendant which I thought evoked the Native American Indian theme of the painting conveyed by the totem poles.

 I ended up making a pendant of stacked beads to reflect the totem pole theme using colours from the colour pallette.  I also wanted to add some fringing because when I think of indians I think of feathers and tassels, so I added some fringing to the leather cord and this is how it turned out.

To see what others came up with take a look at the Art Bead Scene blog at the end of the month.

 

Abit of this and that.

I have been meaning to write a little post about my ear wires, some of you who are 'likers' on my Facebook page will be familiar with my 'dipping of the toe' into selling them. 

I should give credit here for the inspiration behind them.  I bought myself Cindy Wimmer's 'The Missing Link' a good few months ago.  It is a lovely book brimming with techniques to spark the creative flow.  The instructions are clear with great pictures.  I was practising the lightbulb technique when I had a lightbulb moment, this shape would make a great ear wire, and hence the 'Coiled Ear Wire' was born. 

Here is what I have done with the ear wires, my 'Earthy Earrings'.  These are made using my handmade glass discs which I have etched for a matt finish, knotted with Irish waxed linen and decorated with seed beads and ceramic washers.
They are amazingly light to wear.

 In other news I have this pendant to share.  I am undecided as to whether to offer this one for sale or keep it for myself.  It is made from a polymer clay leaf and flower from Pips.  The lampwork disc and bead are my own, the metal beads are from Smitten as are the little green rondelles on the top.  All knotted onto C-lon with a macrame bail.  I think this would look great hung on some leather thong.

 My project for this week is to work on the Art Bead Scene March Challenge.  I have already ordered some gorgeous ceramic pieces from THEA Elements and I would love to be able to translate the totem poles into glass.  We will have to see whether there is any success with that one. 







I almost forgot, a massive WELL DONE has to go to the group involved in the I'm So Good I'm Smitten  charity auction in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.  We achieved a whopping total in excess of £1,700 not bad for a bunch of beads and a stack of talent.

Until next time, be creative.

  

Going to the Auction!

I belong to a jewellery group called I'm So Good I'm Smitten, we did a charity auction in aid of Alheizmer charity.  The auction was such a success raising over £1,000 that we decided to run another auction this time for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

The format is to purchase a bead pack from Claire at Smitten Beads, to make as many items as you wish and then to put as many fo those items as you wish into the auction.  I purchased the Lavendar Woodbine mix.


This is what I made;

 As you can see I didn't use alot of the pack, I struggle with the large faceted beads.  However, I added a dash of Blue Kiln Beads lampwork discs and a button. 

The auction is open follow this link https://www.facebook.com/SoGoodImSmitten/photos_stream it is very easy to place your bid, simply put it in the comments box.  We are running the auction in good faith that all winning bidders will pay their bids, so please only bid if you are serious about paying.

I can't wait to see how it goes.....