Art Bead Scene Challenge

Posted on August 30th, 2011 in from the studio by admin

Well it’s been far too long since I’ve been here on the blog. Partially its because I got sucked into a summertime vortex. You know the one with lakes and hot weather and good books. Luckily there is a chaise lounge in the vortex. Also I broke my foot about two months ago and haven’t been able to do much of anything. I was actually getting a bit tired of that old chaise lounge – something I never thought I would say.

So by way of getting myself back into the groove, I decided to join Art Bead Scene’s famous monthly challenge. Basically ABS posts a piece of art every month. The challenge is to create a beautiful piece of jewelry using an art bead and which is inspired by the art work for that month. They happened to post their challenge just as I was becoming more mobile and feeling the urge to get my tuckus back in the studio. Not to mention the art work they chose this month is in the arts and crafts style – one of my all time favorites. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’m totally drooling over the prize give away. I simply must have one of Stephanie Ann’s incredible ocean inspired hand blown glass beads. Here’s the piece that serves as inspiration for the challenge. LOVE IT! So off I hobble to the studio. I ended up creating my own art beads. I chose to work with copper because the lovely, warm brown color of oxidized copper reminded me of the flowing hair. I started by sawing, hammering, filing, painting, oxidizing and varnishing some copper to echo the lilies and hair. Then I added some swarovski crystals for a little glitz and a gorgeous mustard colored, hand dyed silk ribbon with flecks of metallic thread woven throughout. Here’s what I came up with.