One of my goals this year is to be more active in the bead blog world. I "signed up" to participate in
Michelle Mach's Secret Snowflake Challenge. I chose this challenge because the chosen beads are not what I normally gravitate to. I thought it would kick me out of my color comfort zone at bit. It was somewhat successful - I used quite a bit of the beads that were in the challenge kit, but I just couldn't stay exclusively in the "light blue" zone. I HAD to add contrast and color.
My inspiration was my own experience with Winter. Keep in mind that it has been in the 70's and 80's here for a while and winter, as most people know it, is something I have limited experience with. The Sierra's in snow became my color inspiration. The dark granite of the rocks, the ice white and blue of snow, and the pale winter light of the sun became my muse. I re-worked the necklace 3 times before I got to a piece I was happy with. I added more white by using indonesian glass beads, and pale orange using Carnelian (with both the large chunk and the small flashes of orange). I also used some pretty Czech pressed glass that reminded me of the mountains.
I ended up with 3 pieces - A necklace, a bracelet and earrings. While it all goes together, it was not necessarily meant as a matching set. I also mixed metals - something I also tend not to do.
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| Earrings |
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| The Necklace |
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| Necklace Detail |
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| The Bracelet |
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| All 3 pieces |
I think these are going to be delivered to
Bella Cosa where possibly a homesick North Easterner will buy the pieces and wear them while sitting in the sun, drinking a latte and remembering the good old days of snowfall.
Blog Hop Participants
If there is no blog link listed next to a person's name, check Michelle's
Beads & Books. Participants without blogs will be posting their photos on her blog.
I love the additional components and color you used...beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love that you took what was provided and added so much of your own aesthetic to make your pieces uniquely YOU!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pieces. Makes me think of Christmas in the Southwest.
ReplyDeleteI love the addition of the carnelian! I also like the way you've placed the pendant off-center and the use of the silver ring as a way to highlight the color. You've really given these components a completely different, very original look. Thanks for joining the challenge!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love how you fearlessly added the non-blue colors - these palettes work perfectly! :)
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS!! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved your use of red with the blue. I didn't think of that and I really like the different feel it gave to your pieces. Outstanding job.
ReplyDeleteI love the contrast of the rusty orange of the carnelian and the setting for your photographs was inspired. You must be a professional! Lovely work. - Dawn
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm not a professional artist, jewelry maker or photographer. I actually REALLY struggle with photographs - which is why I never have anything on Etsy! I've only been designing jewelry 2 years. It is my path to sanity amongst a pretty crazy life.
DeleteI just love your pieces. The carnelian says, "Look at this beautiful necklace!" I love all the unique styles in these blog hops! I would never have been so clever in this way, so I really admire your style.
ReplyDeleteReally like the contrast color, it makes the blue much bolder. Very nice.
ReplyDelete~cryssT
Not a thing wrong with color. Even snow has colors due to various inclusions from Nature. I like that you added color to yours, too. Good job. Lovely color contrast. Someone is really going to enjoy wearing it.
ReplyDeletewow an unexpected burst of color, it almost gives it a south western touch, very cool!
ReplyDeleteYour pieces are all gorgeous! I love the pop of color that brightens each piece, and the use of mixed metals. These will be snatched up in no time!
ReplyDeleteI love the native american feel to your jewelry pieces. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fantastic color mix! So pretty :)
ReplyDeleteLove the addition of the red/coral and also love mixed metals. So pretty. The addition of the warm color really changed the feel of the ceramic pieces!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I love how you took on a theme of the Sierra Mountains as the inspiration for your pieces. I love the orange, turquoise, and gunmetal colors you used these colors bring out the blues and grays in Mellisa's clay pendant and charms. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTherese
The addition of the contrasting color in your necklace and bracelet are a nice addition...I wish I had made these beautiful pieces!You first got me with those amazing earrings...great job!
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