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Hello, Ombré

12 Sunday Jul 2020

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Artybecca, Sam's Bead Shop

I saw a project that had a gemstone pendant with some heishi shaped beads, and went to my studio inspired to use a gold wrapped gemstone connector I have with some natural heishi shaped beads. When I got the connector out, it wasn’t exactly how I remembered, and I wasn’t having much luck. But I had gotten out some heishi/saucer/rondelle shaped beads that went with it, and I was liking that combination. I decided to move away frm the gemstone connector and got out my stash of Artybecca beads. I knew I would find one in the right color palette for this project.

Pendant necklace with beads going from smaller to larger in the back and color graduating from light green in front to honey gold to burnt red in back.
Pendant by Artybecca

When getting ready for the construction phase, I was looking for a little dish to dump my beads into, and the one I chose had some small faceted gemstones in the same color as the first bead I was planning to use. I wanted there to be a size as well as color gradation, so I used some of those first. I also like that the first and last beads (carnelian from Sam’s Bead Shop) are faceted and provide a bit of sparkle, while the two middle beads are smooth. That draws the eye up and down the piece. I used bronze seed beads as spacers and one larger metal bead over the connection point at the pendant.

After I was wearing it around, I remembered that it is a connector, and I had been planning to find a charm or something to add to the bottom. But I like it how it is, so I don’t see a reason to fussy it up with something I think would just distract from the way the ombré draws the eye up.

I haven’t been as inspired lately as usual, so I was glad I had a really fun time with this necklace.

Unicorns and Rainbows

24 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by beadlove in Uncategorized

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Ava Motherwell, Sam's Bead Shop

In a team I am on at work, we have a saying that even if we are trying to improve things, that doesn’t mean it’s all rainbows and unicorns. But wouldn’t it be nice once in a while if it were? Yes! So I created myself this unicorn rainbow necklace.

I got these fabulous resin unicorns from Virtual Bead Show by Ava Motherwell on Facebook. 

The color and the shimmer is so fabulous! I had an idea almost right away. I wanted to put it in a large ring wrapped with tiny gemstones. I wanted to make this resin unicorn look sophisticated, so I thought I might keep to a minimum of color and use all labradorite around the ring, but then I got this lovely multi-color strand from Sam’s Bead Shop, and it just seemed more appropriate. 

My original idea for the beads above the pendant was to use moonstone, but in the end it didn’t look quite right. I decided on these small faceted white beads and “mercury glass” Czech glass beads on purple linen. 

I used a solid line of white at the back to draw to eye away from the pop of color in the pendant to balance the piece.

I always hope things turn out like I envision them in my mind. This one is pretty close!

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Mixing Materials

05 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by beadlove in Uncategorized

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Kandu Beads, Sam's Bead Shop

For a long time I have been trying to mix more expensive and less expensive materials to a pleasing result.  First, because if I only use expensive materials I can’t afford to make as many things.  Second, because I think it’s a creative challenge to take less expensive materials and make them look great.  More recently, I have been wanting to make chunkier pieces and looking for old (or old looking) larger pendants.

These two desires recently came together.  Kandu Beads had a really great sale on a pendant of just the sort I want, so I bought it.

KanduPendantwithHowlite

Around the same time, I ordered some melon shaped howlite tubes from Sam’s Bead Shop on Facebook.  Howlite is something I have shied away from in the past, but I found this shape and size of bead very pleasing.  I also liked the crackle effect.  I added two styles of red beads my mom gave me along with some sterling rounds and silver spacers I’ve had for many years.  The howlite works well because it is light and the pendant is quite heavy.

KandupendantfullI wanted the whole necklace to have an old look like the pendant.  I think I achieved that by mixing the howlite with the crustier red beads and silver.  I love this pendant and am pretty pleased with how this necklace came out.

 

Octoberfest 2014 Blog Hop

26 Sunday Oct 2014

Posted by beadlove in Uncategorized

≈ 16 Comments

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Jewel School Friends, Lisa Peters Art, Octoberfest 2014, Sam's Bead Shop, Staci Louise Originals, Staci Louise Smith, Toltec Jewels

Octoberfest 2014 large button
Greens turn to yellow,
orange, and red
and crumble to brown
down on the ground.
The crunch under my feet is
a joyful sound.
 

Squash and sugar pumpkin from my CSA farm.

Squash and sugar pumpkin from my CSA farm.

Welcome to the Third Annual Octoberfest Blog Hop hosted by Toltec Jewels.  The idea is to celebrate fall by creating an autumn inspired treat.  I love the open nature of the hop. Create anything – not just jewelry – such as a favorite fall recipe, a costume, knit something, etc.

My little verse describes my experience of autumn.  I’ve always lived in the midwest and “the colors” are a big topic of conversation in the fall.  I like it that, though we see the change every year, we never tire of it.  While I enjoy the summer, it is a bit hot for me, and I am always happy to see the advent of fall weather.

I had a few Halloween-themed charms that were uppermost in my mind to use for this hop, but that’s not what happened.  First, I got some beads that very much remind me of pumpkins and decided to make a bracelet.  I added three quartz beads that make me think of the cold, crisp air of the season.  Copper accents and a clasp I made (I’m practicing) finish off the piece.

BeadLove - OctFest bracelet

I also recently got a gorgeous bronze eye pendant from Staci Louise Originals.  I would have been tempted to hoard it, but this seemed like a perfect chance to get myself to use it!  I’m trying very hard to do that more.

BeadLove - Staci Louise eye closeI added some red creek jasper heishi beads I got from Sam’s Bead Shop and four raku tube beads from Lisa Peters Art.  All the colors really say autumn to me.

BeadLove - Lisa Peters tubes

I had finished the necklace and was really pleased when I remembered there was another hole at the bottom of the eye focal.  I decided to add some dangles, but I’m not sure I’m happy with them.  I’ll think about it.

BeadLove - SLA and Lisa Peters full

I loved thinking about autumn for this hop.  Thank you so much, Toltec Jewels!  I’m anxious to see all the things other participants have made.  Let’s go!

Toltec Jewels                            Jewel School Friends (hostess)

Dini Bruinsma                           http://www.angazabychanges.blogspot.nl/

Marybeth Rich                          http:/forestofjewels.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars                           http://www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Mischelle Andrade-Fanucchi     http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com

Karin Grosset Grange               http://ginkgoetcoquelicot.blogspot.fr

Andrea Zenith Glick                  http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith                                http://wirednan.blogspot.com

Linda Anderson                        http://CherryOnTopDesign.Com

Becky Pancake                        http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Melissa Trudinger                     http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/

Lennis Carrier                          http://windbent.wordpress.com/

Sue Kennedy                           http://suebeads.blogspot.com/

Kim Dworak                            http://www.cianciblue.blogspot.com/

Jo-Ann Woolverton                  http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca

Jennifer Reno                           http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/

Veralynne Malone                    http://veradesigns.blogspot.com

Lori Schneider                          http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/

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

Alisa Siceloff                            http://armoredmermaid.blogspot.com

Pam Traub                               http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com/

Cryss Thain                              http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Maria Lourdes Rios                 http://mlourdes24.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer                       http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Carolyn Lawson                      http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com

Blanca Medina                        http://www.peru-medesigns.com/

Debbie Rasmussen                  www.Kepirasmussen.blogspot.ca

Heather Richter                       http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Breeding                   http://99bobotw.blogspot.com/

Carol Dillman                          http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Chris Eisenberg                       www.wanderware.blogspot.com

Rebecca Sirevaag                    www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com

Sam Waghorn                          http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk

Sherri Stokey                           www.KnotJustMacrame.com

Gina Hockett                           www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com

Michelle McCarthy                  http://fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com

Michelle Buettner                     http://www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com

Dana Hickey                            http://magpieapproved.blogspot.com

Claire Fabian                            http://saraccino.blogspot.com

Cynthia Abner                          http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com

Renetha Stanziano                    http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Jami Shipp                           http://CelebratingLifewithDaMamaShipp.blogspot.com 

Charlie                                     http://505indiechic.blogspot.com

Gloria Allen                              http://gloriaallendesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa Johnson                             http://spudandmrsbutters.blogspot.com

Marde Lowe                            http://fancimardesigns.blogspot.com

Monique Urquhart                    http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com

Jill Bradley                                http://chat2jill.blogspot.com

Toni Gifford                              https://plus.google.com/+ToniG28

Shawnda D’Arcy                      https://www.facebook.com/JewelryByShawnda

RaMona Woolson                    http://jerseygirlsbeadwork.blogspot.com

Esterina Jagiella                        http://ekleijar.blogspot.com

Sandra McGriff                        http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com

Mary McGraw                         http://mkaymac.blogspot.com

Alenka Obid                            http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Marianne Baxter                      http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com

Ann Schroeder                        www.beadlove.wordpress.com – YOU ARE HERE!

Inge von Roos                          http://ingetraud.wordpress.com

Robin Reed                              http://willowdragon.blogspot.com

Suzanne Berk                          https://www.facebook.com/IRescueJewelryDesign

Mowse Doyle                          http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com

Diana Miglionico Shiraishi         http://jasmineteadesigns.blogspot.com

RanaLea                                  http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com

Andrea Rivers                          http://turtlesoupcreative.blogspot.com

Janine Lucas                            http://esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories

Tanya McGuire                        http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com

Anindita Basu                          http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com

Mitzie Crider                           http://needfulluxuries.blogspot.com

Deb Fortin                               http://studiok24.blogspot.ca

Cynthia Kent Machata             http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Cheri Reed                              http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com

Laurel Hanson                         http://stonewingdesigns.com/blogs/stonewingdesignsblog

Ingrid Anderson                      http://lilisgems.wordpress.com/

Karla Morgan                          http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com

Lori Anderson                         www.PrettyThingsBlog.com

Louise Mccormick-Glazier       http://lilyandjasmine.blogspot.com/

Jasvanti Patel                          http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com

Susan Kelly                    http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com/

Lee Koopman                        http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com/

Carol Briody                          http://cbriody.blogspot.com/

Kathy Lindemer                    http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/

Renetha Stanziano                http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/

Divya N                               http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/

Kashmiri Beads

13 Saturday Sep 2014

Posted by beadlove in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Kandu Beads, Kashmiri beads, Sam's Bead Shop

Since I was a little girl, I’ve liked flashy things.  When I was young, I mooned over trinkets at Pier One decorated with bits of cut mirror.  I also love a mix of “mismatched” items.  I’m intrigued by a surprise grab bag of things.  I remember going through Christmas ornaments with my sisters, and I loved the hot pink one with glitter (that they were shunning.)  So Kashmiri beads, also called Bollywood beads, are perfect for me.  I had never heard the name until recently.  They are clay mixed with resin and decorated with seed beads, metal, mirrors, etc.

Kashmiri close

Here is how my Kashmiri bead journey started.  Someone put a package of the black beads with silver, blue and red (on the far right of this picture) in my mailbox at work. I asked around to the people I thought were likely suspects, those who know I love beads and make jewelry, but no one fessed up.  A mystery!  So I just put them in my bead stash knowing they would come in handy some day.

Then the other day when I was in Kandu Beads‘ etsy store I saw their Kashmiri Beads Lucky Dip item.  They scoop out a certain amount of beads from a mix, and that’s what you get.  I loved their picture of the variety of beads and thought  it would be fun to get a surprise batch.  I also knew I could add my mystery beads from work!

I love that little one in the picture above with the glitter!  Truth be told, I love them all. At first, I just put them on some cotton cord and let them speak for themselves.

Kashmiri necklace

But I found myself feeling like I should have put a heavier bead toward the front.  (I had actually laid it out that way, and somehow that bead rolled to the side and didn’t get included.) The day after I made the necklace as I was still contemplating what it did or didn’t need, I got an order from Sam’s Bead Shop, which included an elephant pendant.  I had no idea what I’d do with it when I ordered it, but I have a weakness for elephants.  Then I looked at the Kashmiri bead necklace and realized the elephant was the perfect finishing touch!

ElephantKashmiri

I had so much fun with this necklace.  It doesn’t contain any art beads, but I just find it so charming.  I have some of the Kashmiri beads left, but I’ll probably end up buying another dip at some point to have a good variety for a bracelet.

New! Beads and Photo Backgrounds

15 Sunday Jun 2014

Posted by beadlove in Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Frugal Muse Bookstore, Grubbi, Jubilee, La Bella Joya, Marci Abney Carroll, Mary Cullinan, Natalie McKenna, Sam Siegel, Sam's Bead Shop

I was at the used bookstore yesterday, and I decided to buy some old books to use as photo backgrounds.  Quick shout out to Frugal Muse – a great bookstore. I always like the look of old books when I see other people use them in photos, whether text or a tattered cover or picture.  I got a an old text with yellowed pages and deckle edges, a large book of sheet music (good for longer items), an art book with both black and white and colored pictures, and a book about Rembrandt and his comtemporaries with lots of good black and white.

As a book person as well as a jewelry person, it’s a little hard for me to do what might need to be done to treat these books as photo props more than as books, such as break their spines so they lay flat.  Eeek!  I haven’t done that yet, but I did get them out and grab some new beads to see what’s what.  Here is what I came up with when just quickly testing them in the overcast morning.

ImageI feel like the sheet music works pretty well, especially for something colorful like these beads from Jubilee.  I am in love with the raku selection available from Mary Cullinan of Jubilee, here mixed with some glass.  The colorful beads show much better than the light ones.  If I were truly trying to feature the beads, I would choose a different background for the white building bead.  Also, I’m usually so focused on getting decent lighting, that I don’t notice other things.  The above picture perhaps wasn’t the best of the lot, but it’s the only one in which the building bead is showing front with the door.  In subsequent photos, like the one below with perhaps better light, the building is shown from the back.

ImageNext we have pictures of some gorgeous beads by Natalie McKenna of Grubbi.  I was lucky to snag the landscape pendant.  There was some hot competition.  🙂

Image

I think this shady black and white background is perfect for them.  Color is a bit distracting as shown below.  I also tried one with a color picture more in the color family of the pendant, but it all blended together too much.

Image

Moving on, I recently got two beautiful word banners by Marcie Abney Carroll of La Bella Joya.  She keeps finding news ways to upcycle laminate samples.  I love it!  For this I used the cover of a book.  I thought the yellow banner might look better on a darker background.

ImageBut I actually think they both look better, or at least just as good, on the lighter background.

ImageLast but not least is a non-art bead that I am in love with all the same.  I’ve been enjoying shopping at Sam Siegel’s store on Facebook, Sam’s Bead Shop.  I got this big and beautiful Dzi agate bead with my last order.  I love it and have so many ideas for it, I added four more to my upcoming order.  I have a feeling I’ll be asked to replicate the first necklace I’m going to make for myself, so I want to be prepared.

ImageI think the bead looks fabulous here on black and white, even though the black is very dark.  This bead is bold enough to hold its own.  I think I got kind of an Alice in Wonderland effect with this next picture having the bead look bigger than the room in the background.  That could be a cool effect to play with sometimes.

ImageI hope you enjoyed this photo tour of some of my new beads and backgrounds. I really enjoy trying to improve my photos.  Please share any great photo tips you have in the comments!

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