Bead in the New Year with Allegory Gallery

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Allegory Gallery, Bead in the New Year, Joan Miller Porcelain, Pantone

The last couple of years, I have followed along with Allegory Gallery‘s fun prompts for Bead in the New Year. I have found it so creatively satisfying. It has helped me produce some of my very favorite pieces. Note to self: perhaps you overthink! I guess needing to make things quickly is actually good for my process. Although, there is no need to make things quickly or even follow along in order or in a specific time frame. You could use these prompts all year long. While in the past I have followed pretty closely, this year I have so much going on that I’ve just been doing a few things as I get to them, but I still find it really fun. So, I’ll share what I make here – this month or later in the year.

Day 1 – Make a pair of earrings

I used some Joan Miller Porcelain charms with crystals and vintage beads.

Day 2 – Create a new bracelet.

I had a metal bangle form, wrapped it in sari silk and then used dark wire to over wrap it. Then I used yarn with a metallic thread wrapped on part of that. At the loops, I added a crystal, a glass bead with a floral motif and a Swarovski mesh bead. The last two beads I’ve had for eons, so using those made me happy. I love the rustic, romantic look of this a lot.

Day 16 – Use the 2021 Pantone colors of the year

The Pantone colors of the year for 2021 are Illuminating (yellow) and Ultimate Gray. I went subtle on color with some vintage metal, low-flash labradorite and vintage lemon luster glass beads.

I worked on the Day 17 prompt – focus on metal as the main element in a new creation – but wasn’t satisfied with how the piece turned out, so I put that aside. I’ll show you what else I make as time goes on. Stay well!

Collaboration for Beads of Courage

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Beads of Courage, Brenda Schweder, Mary Harding, Pantone

Brenda Schweder has been doing collaborations to collect items for an auction to raise funds for Beads of Courage, an organization that provides beads to kids with serious illnesses to give them a way to communicate about what they are experiencing, as well as other arts-in-medicine programs. This time, she offered up wonderful components from her collection. Those of us who chose to participate get those, make something with them and send those pieces back to be auctioned off (at a later date – details to come in an upcoming blog post.)

I haven’t been super inspired lately, but Brenda‘s collection got my wheels turning. She had so many pieces I could envision making into something. I got three things: a coin, a billy goat milagro, and an open metal work curved brass piece.

I sketched out ideas for these in my mind while they were winging their way to me. I stuck pretty closely to those ideas for the milagro and the coin, but the brass piece proved a bit more problematic to bring my original vision to life. Brenda had really set my mind at ease by telling participants not to worry about making “a design for the ages” just something with our spin on it.

I made the coin necklace first because it was the most straightforward. I added a Swarovski cyrstal and put it on some mixed metal chain. I really love it. I wanted to make things that I would see and want to purchase in hopes that other people will too in order to raise money for Beads of Courage.

Next I worked with the brass piece. My original vision was to wire wrap tiny gemstones along each side, hang something fun off the bottom and then decide what to use as the necklace part. I got out so many things trying to decide what to dangle from the bottom because that would determine which little stone or bead I used to wire wrap along the side. Nothing I tried matched the vague idea I had in my head of rustic chic, so I decided to move on to something else. This Mary Harding pendant really looked great in color, shape and size, so I let that guide my design.

When I tried to wire wrap along the sides, it just wasn’t working. I think I needed a smaller gauge wire or it was the curve or thickness of the metal or some combination of the three. I didn’t have smaller wire (that I could find!) so I decided to move on to bead dangles. I paired the pendant with vintage chain. I love orange and yellow and have been under the impression that other people don’t. I think I’m wrong because so many people really love Pantone’s colors of 2021 (Illuminating – a yellow – and Ultimate Gray.) In addition, this necklace is right on trend since it would work well with other colors in the Pantone Spring/Summer color report such as Marigold, Rust, Buttercream and Willow.

Last I made a colorful necklace in my favorite knotted style with the milagro billy goat. Milagro means miracle or surprise in Spanish, and these charms are common in Latin America and the southern US. They are used in prayers and religious ceremonies, as well as carried as good luck charms and reminders of gratitude. I like the idea of little tokens of good luck and gratitude, and in that way milagros remind me of the use of worry stones. This project was a bit of a construction challenge to get the small milagros to hang so they didn’t cover too much of the goat. I really love how it turned out. For the small milagros I used a rose, a heart, an ear of corn, a clover, and a car. The necklace is made of a variety of Czech glass knotted on waxed Irish linen.

I’ll be getting these in the mail as soon as I can get to the post office so they can make their end of January deadline. I hope Brenda has many things arriving to make the auction a success. Once I know details, I will post them on the blog. It is an online auction, so I’ll definitely be checking it out to see what people made.

Allegory Gallery – Bead in the New Year 2020 – #3

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Allegory Gallery, Allegory Gallery Design Challenges, Bead in the New Year, Classic Blue, Gaea, Gaea Handmade, Jewels of Sayuri, Mary Redman, Miss Fickle Media, Pantone, Starry Road Studio

I’m having a great time again this year with Allegory Gallery‘s prompts to Bead in the New Year. Here are my makes for week three.

Day #13 – Let’s see something you made with ceramic beads

I’m a huge Gaea fan and have a lot of her work to choose from. I happened to use something I got more recently. 

This is her heart pendant and several ceramic beads. I strung these on waxed linen with matte amazonite rounds and faceted garnets. I finished it off with a copper clasp, also by Gaea.

Day #14 – Break out the polymer clay and make something

I’m going to have to catch up with this one later. I always have to work myself up to breaking out the clay. But I’ve got ideas percolating.

Day #15 – Organize at least one part of your craft area

I didn’t have a lot of time to work on things this past week, so I decided to clean a critical yet quick part of the studio. Here is a before picture.

I get out boxes of beads and supplies and as I work, they pile up around my chair. It’s a tripping hazard and just bad all the way around. Even though I tend to want to clean up my work surface first (and it needs it!) this was really the best use of my limited time.

Now I won’t trip and get injured. I’ll live to make another day. I am going to devote some time to my work surface this weekend. But it’s so difficult to focus on that when there are so many ideas to bring to life!

Day #16 – Use the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year: Classic Blue

I’m surprised how excited I’ve been about this color since I’ve long considered blue my least favorite color. Also, when considering ideas for this project, it was nice to see how many things near the color of Classic Blue I have. I had two other ideas, but ended up with this sweet, fun necklace. The peachy ceramic bead is by Gaea, but I got the bird pendant in a destash and don’t know the artist. The larger blue beads are vintage lucite, so it’s all nice and light.

Day #17 – Focus on metal as the main element in a new creation

I used a chain from Miss Fickle Media I have had for over five years. It is hammered brass with verdigris patina. So beautiful. I considered pairing it with leather in the back, but I decided to go a different way with this batik ribbon I got on a package from Starry Road Studio a while ago. Simple, and let’s the chain be the star. 

Day #18 – Utilize natural materials to make something

I had decided when I saw this prompt to make something with cowrie shells. Divya of Jewels of Sayuri often uses cowrie shells in her jewelry to beautiful effect. She wrote a post about cowrie jewelry that talked about some of the positive symbolism and myths regarding cowrie shells such as feminine power and warding off the evil eye. I also saw something about shells being in fashion in the coming season, and I had the opportunity to get a nice bag of cowrie shells last year. This was the perfect opportunity to use a few of them!

Mary Redman gifted me with her beautiful polymer clay shell pendant. I nestled it between some shell heishi beads, fun gold shell sequins and the cowrie shells. I just love how it turned out. It makes me want to walk on the beach (unlikely with all the snow we’ve gotten this week!)

Day #19 – Construct a non-jewelry piece using beads

My cat, MooKitty, isn’t much for toys. But I did notice that when I happen to lean over her and my necklace or bracelet dangles, she bats at it. So I thought I should make her a toy that I could pretend was a necklace. I used cotton cord and crocheted beads. 

At first I put it around my neck and leaned over her, and she wasn’t interested. But it was a really fake way of hovering over her which she probably didn’t like. So later I just held it up. Her hunting instincts ignited and she had fun batting at it for a little while. After she “caught” it, she didn’t want me to take it back. That’s a success! And a good use for some of these crocheted beads I have never found a good project for.

To see what others are making or join in, visit the Allegory Gallery Design Challenges Facebook page.

Maker Blogs 9.8.18

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Andrew Thornton, Blythe dolls, Pantone, Tapping Flamingo, The Crafty Princess Diaries, Treasures by Terry, upcycled jewelry

I can’t believe it’s already a week into September! The weather here really shows it with a lovely cool breeze. I’m on vacation today sitting on the porch and enjoying the chirping of the birds and rustle of the leaves. Here are this week’s blogs to enjoy too!

On The Crafty Princess Diaries, Tammy is making a mermaid doll tote for her shop. The mermaid fabric proved very popular when she posted it on instagram. In her post, she talks about the difficulty of getting a first sale in a new etsy shop. I just visited to get the link, and I see that since her post, the super cute cat dress and accessories listing has sold. Congratulations, Tammy! She’s added more great items. My current favorite is the crocheted dress with a sweet ruffled hem. 

On Tapping Flamingo, Terry talks about one of my favorite subjects: upcycling old jewelry! She takes a bracelet that has seen better days, adds a few things and make a great boho piece. She’s even got a little video about the process. 

Do you design based on color trends? I don’t necessarily, but I think it is fun to see what’s coming. And if someone offers up a challenge, I will take it on. It can really open you up. My mom and I talk about how sometimes we keep buying the “same” beads over and over. Focusing on colors that aren’t your go-to is a way to stretch your creativity. On Andrew Thornton‘s blog, he highlights the Pantone Spring/Summer 2019 color trends.

I love the bright pink/oranges and the rich greens. Do you have a guess for the color of the year in 2019?

I’ve been feeling very creative in a relaxed way while on vacation. I’m taking more time to explore ideas, and feel less pressure to get something made in the short time off I have in a regular work week. I hope you are having a lovely day wherever you are!

Pantone Colors of the Year

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Pantone, Zesty Frog

The Pantone colors of the year for 2016 are rose quartz and serenity blue.

from Pantone’s website

Many people are kind of giving it the squint eye; pastel pink and baby blue?  But I’ve been thrilled.  I love pink and the challenge of pairing it with light blue while making it look sophisticated has invigorated my creativity.  I’ve already got some of these colors in my stash! Today I made a necklace which is my first little foray into the colors of the year.

I’m a fan of the artist Annica of Zesty Frog. I bought these pink Czech glass beads and thought I’d pair them with a couple of Zesty Frog beads. For this necklace, I chose pink and blue beads that are darker than the Pantone colors, used some pretty bead caps and darker pink waxed linen.

I used a brass chain blank at the back. I like the soft of the pink glass beads combined with the metal chain and the art beads bringing the two together.  I look forward to using the Pantone colors of the year – and versions thereof – as 2016 moves along. I bought a pink shirt the other day to start building a wardrobe that can go with the pastel jewelry I plan on making.

How do you feel about the Pantone colors for 2016?

Marsala Valentine Challenge Reveal

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Andrew Thornton, marsala, Marsala Valentine Challenge, Pantone, Petra Carpreau, Scorched Earth on Etsy

Kit and title photo by Andrew Thornton

When I first saw the Pantone color of the year and the color palette for spring 2015, I thought, “meh.”  But as I saw more posts about it and combinations featuring it, the colors really started to grow on me.  By the time I got Andrew Thornton‘s kit for this challenge, I was really into it.  I was so inspired I made multiple pieces, so I will get right to the pictures.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see other participant creations in this vein using the carved jade bead from the kit.  It’s a heavy, very interesting bead, so I wanted to keep it simple.  I added one more bead from the kit above it, one metal bead and tassel below, a little leather lace and done!  I love it.

I loved the variety of pearls in the kit and also decided to go with the “valentine” theme with some pieces. I was thrilled to find this perfect use for my little heart charm by Petra Carpreau of Scorched Earth on Etsy.  In addition to the pearls from the kit, I got to use the tiny garnet slices that I loved.  It’s hard to see in this picture, but they are stacked on each side between the pearls and the beaded loops.  I love this necklace.  It feels like it’s full of little treasures.  It is great fun to wear and makes me feel pretty.

The sari silk ribbon from the kit is a beautiful strawberry ice.  I really enjoy how the different wines, reds, and pinks go together.  I was happy to get to use this little clay bead with a heart that I’ve had for years in this necklace along with various beads from the kit and my stash and a heart clasp.

We got a beautiful polymer clay pair of marsala heart charms handmade by Andrew.  I decided to use mine separately and made two necklace using them as pendants. This one used a variety of rounds from the kit, spacers from my stash and some beautiful red ribbon.  The ribbon is some of the first ribbon I ever bought and had no idea how to use.  It’s fun I finally got to use it.  The wide, flat silkiness of it feels great on my neck.  I think it’s perfect!

The second necklace used peanut beads from the bead blend.  I happened to have the same beads in my stash and added some for those sections, and then used larger beads both from the kit and my stash.  I liked the little sparkle on the pendant, so used some gold. This is the second time I strung this necklace. The first time I used the large gold colored titanium quartz nugget (in the picture) above the pendant which didn’t allow the pendant to hang right.  I replaced it with a smaller, similar nugget (that is blending a little too much into the background of this picture.)

This was another great kit for the Allegory Gallery Design Challenges!  Thanks to Andrew for putting these together because they are always fun and inspiring. Thanks for visiting, and please click on the links below and give some love to the other participants for their Marsala Valentine creations.

Alison Herrington http://www.alisonadorns.blogspot.com/

Dolores Raml https://craftydscreations.wordpress.com

Carole Carlson http://www.beadsophisticate.wordpress.com

Lennis Carrier http://windbent.wordpress.com

Carolyn Lawson http://carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com/

Michelle McCarthy http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com/

Ann Schroeder http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Kari Asbury http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog/

Shaiha Williams http://www.shaihasramblings.com/

On Andrew Thornton’s Blog:

Andrew Thornton, Nancy Noyes-Ward, Donna Hoblit, Cheryl Lee Tucker and Laurel Ross

 http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/