Saturday, March 3, 2012

Time for the Bead Soup Reveal!

I have to say this has been a blast and has really allowed me to play and create pieces of jewelry that I wouldn't normally. I've gone big and bold while I usually prefer petite, I've learned to knot and I've gone heavily ornate. and you know what?? I liked it! annnnd I think I wanna do more of it :D I even took apart a vintage necklace to re-use the beads in my creation, this was another first for me, taking the beads from a necklace that wasn't already broken. I surprised myself and enjoyed that too!

Courtney sent some really great ingredients, some were already favs and others have become new favs. Some were in shapes I might not have tried or used if not for this swap and I find myself looking at those shapes in other beads now too - I think my stash may grow a bit this year. I've been trying really hard to use only what I have for the past year, I think it may be ok to splurge a bit before too terribly long!

and now......The Reveal!!

Sand Dollar Focal - Dreaming of Marrakesh
This focal brought to mind the breathtaking colors of an ocean sunset and the bounty of mermaid treasures. In creating my mood boards the visual word play brought me around to Marrakesh and more of those same breathtaking colors and exotic treasures. We travelled from the sands of the ocean to the sands of Marrakesh in all its riches, to a style of jewelry that is bold with an exotic beauty and I really like it!




From Courtneys Soup Ingredients :

• Stamped Brass Sand Dollar Focal
• Polymer disc focal
• FW Pearls in shades of blue, white, browns and purple
• Big gorgeous puffy silver beads
• Mother of pearl round bead frames in ocean blue
• Copper toggle clasp

From my pantry :

• copper plated brass filigree stampings
• copper beads
• copper wire in various gauges
• coppery topaz and rose cathedral glass beads
• deep ocean blue and coppery FW Pearls
• white and copper glass pearls
• silver plate moon connectors
• shell discs





Skeleton key Focal : Key to my Heart

There is no doubt here that Pirates of the Caribbean granted a very generous amount of inspiration from the watery blues of the labradorite and "Black Pearls" to the lines and opera length of the talismans Calypso wore around her neck. It is with a knowing nod to the love affair between Calypso and Davy Jones, that I present to you the Key to my Heart.





From Courtneys Ingredients

• Antique Skeleton key
• Labradorite faceted coins, cubes and rondelles
• black onyx beads
• silver hook

From my pantry:

• labradorite wheels
• labradorite focal heart
• copper wire in various gauges
• deep ocean blue and black FW pearls
• bronzite rounds
• vintage ceramic and brass beads
• sterling silver wire
• steel baling wire (yes, from a hay bale)
• vitrial finish Swarovski crystals
• midnight black softflex beading wire
• 6mm black rainbow ceramic beads
• 11/o emerald seed beads
• 10/o black seed beads

Torch Enameled Bead : Kreuz mit Frühlingsblumen

While debating which ingredients to play with next I stumbled upon a photo of a sunrise in gorgeous pinks and purples - almost the exact shades of the quartz and dyed agate Courtney had sent. Pinks and purples then were the color to work with here and one of those gorgeous enameled beads just happened to be purple. Very spring like shades, the daffodils have begun blooming here so the colors were very fitting, and as my daughter Paige pointed out, very Easter like. Several weeks ago I had read a blog post on Berlin Iron and had been wanting to make a piece of filigree in a similar style ever since, now seemed to be the perfect time.





Better pic! Last nights hurried photos color was a bit off - todays pic in filtered daylight, much better!!

DSCN1333

From Courtneys Ingredients

• Faceted Rose Quartz
• Dyed Agate
• Enameled Filigree Bead

From my Pantry:

• micro faceted rose quartz
• copper wire
• fine silver wire
• copper beads
• Swarovski crystals
• Miyuki fringe beads

Well, I've had my fun! Let's head on over to Courtney's BLOG and see what she's done with the ingredients I sent her! Just in case the hyperlink didn't work........http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com/ Then if you've got your coffee and your comfy chair you can continue on the hop with these wonderfully talented peeps!



Have fun and we'll see you next time!

121 comments:

  1. You absolutly nailed the vibe of Marrakesch! I'be been there last November and your piece totally blends in!

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    1. Thank you very much! That makes me very happy to hear!

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  2. wow, wow, wow! love them all :)
    I'm a partecipant from Italy, I'm trying to visit all of you.
    this was really a great experience!
    ciao ciao

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  3. I am truly humbled. Your work is simply amazing! Marrakesch is stunning! Thank you, Dana.

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    1. :D Couldn't have done it with out you!!! You supplied the beads and the inspiration : Thank you! and thank you :D

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  4. Gorgeous! I especially like your Pirates of the Caribbean inspired piece :) x

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  5. The wire work on the key piece is spot on. And I could so see that 1st necklace on a belly dancer. A real statement piece.

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    1. I think so too! A friend of my daughters belly dances and I made pieces for her outfit using those same copper filigrees, I think she'd agree :D
      Thank you!

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  6. Wow! Gorgeous pieces! I especially love the heart and keys, but they are all amazing. :)

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    1. Thank you! I made that one my cover photo on my FB page :)

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  7. Terrific necklaces - love them all!

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  8. Oh wow! These are gorgeous! And I love the narration that goes with each of them. How long did it take to make them? Sooooo intricate and exquisite and beautiful and intriguing and...so...wow!

    PS: Would be great if you could turn off the captcha..

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    1. Well this is embarrassing, I never turned it on so I'm sot sure how to turn it off. I have my settings set to no moderation :( I know there were a couple threads on how to - I'll go look those up.

      I worked on each piece for about a week. That includes sketching, pulling beads, staring time and working and reworking times, patination and cleaning. I usually like to work for an hour or so in the afternoon/evening but I also share that time with my kids so sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less :)

      Thank you!

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  9. I am blown away! This is such a treat. I love each piece and would wear them proudly. You're really talented!

    I hope you join me again in the summer!

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    1. Thank you so much Lori! It has been an absolute blast and it would be my pleasure to play again this summer!

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  10. WOW WOW WOW I fell in love with your Marrakech necklace!!! the others are gorgeous too but this one, it is amazing!!!!

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  11. I'm pretty sure I sucked in a bunch of air when I scrolled down to that first piece. It took my breath away! And I love the name you chose for it. The other pieces are gorgeous too, each one different from the other. Nice job on using your bead soup!

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    1. Thank you so much! I really enjoyed making that one :)

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  12. So very gorgeous, each design telling its own story. Love them all.

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  13. Gorgeous! Couldn't get enough seeing of what you did with copper and wire. My little favourite is the crux necklace: it is breathtaking wonderful!

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    1. Thank you! :) I've been wanting to make that one for awhile and I'm so glad I finally did!

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  14. WOW! Everything is so full and lush. I do like the first necklace the best, I love the colors and all the different textures of the metal and the pearls.

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  15. Wow! Gorgeous designs! I really love the copper and purple piece!

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  16. One piece is prettier than the next!

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  17. Wow! I didn't think the jewelry was going to end! The necklace you're wearing is amazing first of all! There's so much going on with it yet it's delicate, feminine and just so pretty. Outstanding. You use metal beautifully. Great job with all!

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    1. Thank you :) Believe it or not, I was afraid I wouldn't have enough photos!

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  18. Oh, wow! You're doing amazing wire and metal work, love everything!

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  19. You weren't kidding when you said you went big and bold and ornate. Beautiful, beautiful jewellery! That first super-lush necklace? LOVE!

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  20. Wow! Your work is amazing! I fell in love with the focal and clasp you sent to Courtney and had to come by and see what you made with her soup. Again, wow! It's not often that I'm speechless ... but you've managed to accomplish the impossible. =D

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    1. Thank you!! She did a wonderful job with them too, I love that necklace!

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  21. Beautiful pieaces!!! Well done!!!

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  22. WOW!
    Your work is so intricate and gorgeous.
    Absolutely timeless.

    Great work!

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  23. I love that first necklace! Such a statement piece and it looks so comfortable.

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    1. Thank you so much! It really is a comfy necklace, after taking photos my daughter said she was worried that it was going to be heavy but was surprised at how comfy it was.

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  24. The first piece is stunning! But my heart goes to the labradorite heart and keys necklace. Your wire working skills are amazing!

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    1. Thank you! I go back and forth as to which is my fav :) but.... I made that one my cover photo on FB :D

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  25. They are all so beautiful! Your wire wrapping is stunning.

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  26. I love how you took yourself to a new level in creating, the necklace is fabulous and I hope you do more of this..

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  27. STUNNING no other word describes dreaming of Marrakesh!!! Your wirework skills are amazing too.

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  28. Spectacular designs...all of them! I want to grow up and do wire-work like you some day.

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  29. Dana, I love Dreaming of Marrakesh. It is aptly named. also, key to my heart is lovely. :o)

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  30. Gorgeous! Dig dig dig key to my heart!! To me ur vibe is Gypsy Boho & me luv luv's that! Great designs!

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    1. Thank you! That works for me, I've always preferred those long flowing lines :)

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  31. Um....Wow! I am speechless. That is some beautiful wirework.

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  32. Wow - what amazing pieces! It is obvious so much time went into each design, and I love them all! I think my favorite is 'Key to my Heart' - just beautiful! :)

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    1. Thank you so much Molly! I think it's my fav too!!

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  33. Beautiful pieces! The wire wrapping on 'Key to my Heart' is just gorgeous - love it :)

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  34. I am in awe
    Your wire work is so beautiful
    Love all your pieces

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  35. Wow! You are a true artist! Your finished pieces are spectacular! I love that you modeled the first necklace...it lays perfectly! Beautiful job!

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  36. I love the wire wrapped Key to My Heart, and the statement necklace is fabulous! Cheers!
    Lori D.

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  37. I am beyond impressed by your work!! The key you made out of the wire is stunning and the way you wrapped that heart stone is just amazing! I love wire and I aspire to be able to do what you do one day!

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    1. Thank you so much Amanda! You've already started that journey :) I love wire too. Weaving is soothing to me, once you fall into a rhythm everything else just fades away. Nancy Wickman of Wick Wire Jewelry has a great tutorial for a key, it's really cute too. I used some of the same construction methods on mine.

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  38. First off the clasp you sent Courtenay WOW! Stunning! I am usually not a cross kinda gal but I love yours!! I love all your soup pieces!

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    1. Thank you! This one is the most ornate I have ever made and I'm pretty happy with it!

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  39. All three necklaces are equally gorgeous! Of course, my favorite thing about your designs is your exquisite wire work. It really pulls all the elements together so well... I can't stop staring at it and thinking WOW... I love how you used your soup!!

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  40. Oh my gosh! How many hours have you worked on these fabulous pieces! Outstanding!!!
    I bet you will have lots of Fun wearing these!
    Sabine

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  41. The first necklace is so beautiful when you wear it! Gorgeous.

    Ambra

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  42. I'm so glad you posted a picture of the first necklace being worn. I couldn't quite wrap my head around it until I saw it on and LOVED IT! It's so opulent. Great job!

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  43. Wow look at all the work you put into these gorgeous pieces! they are all so very unique and beautiful!

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  44. Gorgeous jewellery and fab wirework! Love the beaded connector in the first necklace. I really liked that you showed it worn because it hangs so well around the neck, it looks even better in that pic than when shot lying flat on a table. Fab job!

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    1. Thank you! Making them was fun too! It's not a shape you get to use very often.

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  45. Wahh! I wanna see the other pictures which have mysteriously disappeared! *pout* Fascinating pieces! Love those beaded connectors especially :-)

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    1. I'm so sorry! I don't know what happened! But I think I have it fixed now. Bad enough my floor eats beads, but the blog eating photos....no bueno! :}

      Thank you Lori!!

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  46. Great work on both pieces but I'm totally loving that first piece and how it wears! Great job!

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  47. Stunning pieces! Love the layering and lush finishes on the first piece--exotic! And the heart focal and skeleton keys on the second piece are absolutely breathtaking--wish I could see the other pictures! Blogger did that to me a while back too, just randomly blanked out a bunch of my pictures. I had to reload them. Bah! Your wire-wrapped S-links on that last piece are to die for. I hyperventilate just thinking about trying to make something like that but seeing your work makes me want to take a sedative and try it!

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    1. lol Thank you! I've had the idea for the S links for awhile, had the pieces cut and shaped......and then set it all aside. Funny thing, I just found my sketch for the original idea for those links....I had them paired up with a heart. Think I need to finish that design now! It obviously is insisting on being made :}

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  48. Wow! Really impressive pieces - absolutely stunning!

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  49. Wonderful pieces! I am really drawn to the necklace with the key..:)

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  50. wow, these are great, the first one looks very middle eastern...I love the key one too, love the key you made and the one you wrapped, very cool...

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  51. Beautiful work! I absolutely love that first necklace. <3

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  52. Wow! You really made some spectacular pieces for this challenge. That first piece is a great example of a statement necklace. . .and what the statement it makes! Wonderfully done.

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  53. Wonderful pieces, especially the Marakeesh (sp) one. Good job.

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    1. Thank you Lyn! Don't worry about spelling, I've seen it spelled a couple ways and I'm not certain which is correct :)

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  54. Wow, awesome wireworking. Stunning necklace. I have some of those copper discs. Now I have a idea on what to do with them. Thanks!!

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    1. Thank you Donna! Glad I could help inspire an idea!!

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  55. Wow what INCREDIBLE designs! You are one talented woman! The first necklace is this wonderful gypsyish sea amazingness! I just adore it! The others are so beautiful as well with your amazing wire worked pieces! Just wonderful, wonderful work!

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  56. Dreaming of Marakesh is truly a statement piece. You should be very proud of your work. It is amazing. I wish you would come to my house and teach me how to wrangle a spool of copper wire like you do. Absolutely amazing, or did I say that already? Oh well, it bears repeating. Great job!

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  57. Thank you so much Jean! I was all set to say we aren't that far apart, It's a short drive as a crow flies but those mtn roads are deceptive! :) Would be fun though!

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  58. All of your pieces make me swoon in delight...Ahhh! I love copper, and I love wire work. These are really gorgeous!

    Alesha

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  59. I love what you did on both pieces! very artistic and a heck of a lot of fun!

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  60. Your first piece is a showstopper! Gorgeous! I also adore the Key to my Heart piece. :)

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  61. Oh my your pieces just leave me speechless! They are simply stunning! Really pieces of art.
    Sonya

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  62. WOW stunning leaves me breathless!! total art!!

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  63. Wow! A whole bunch of showstoppers! I love what you made with your beads!

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  64. Thank you! I've been working on an idea for the the scarab focal too :) Just a few more details to work out still.

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