My bead soup partner is Denise Petersen from www.reinventedobjects.blogspot.com
A few posts back, I introduced her. Not only do we both have the same name Denise, but we also both are married to Kevin's and... each have 3 kids and... are both nurses. How's that for some similarities?
She sent me some really nice beads. Here's the soup:
Aren't these components so cool (and handmade by Denise Petersen)
Before I get to the reveal, like many beaders, I'm sure, the vision doesn't always translate well.
First, I had envisioned a lariat necklace with strands of seed beads and the pyrite and turquoise glass beads and green sea glass winding through the holes of the compass but I couldn't figure out how to not make it too bulky (behind the compass) or to keep the compass from flipping around too much. I also thought of using it like a watch face, but the idea just didn't settle well with me.
So, this leather- compass necklace is a second idea but I think it came together pretty well... The compass is strung on metallic silver leather and rayon gimp in Grandma Moses color - which is one of those purchases that at first I wondered why did I buy this but turned out great for this project? It has the green sea glass beads and sea blue glass beads hanging from the bottom and closes with a button clasp.
Don't mind the pink exercise gear - I think this necklace would look great with a blouse or even a sweater.
I think it would go with an outfit more like this:
**from Polyvore via Pinterest
On the other hand, this next necklace came out exactly as I wished. Colorful, earthy, a little funky. I actually took apart a chain and added the jump rings with silver peanut beads and the small blue and green lampwork beads. These beads look so pretty from all angles that I didn't want to just string them and then not be able to see the sides of the beads. The key focal is strung on with waxed linen cord. And the clasp (which Denise Peterson also made) actually goes with the silver chain pretty well.
It hangs so nicely. :)
My last attempt was a 'Satin Pillows' crocheted necklace using the pearl beads and a few pyrite. I honestly thought I would be able to whip through this, since I crochet fairly well, but apparently I am holding the thread too tightly and can't get the tension correct around the beads because they are all floppy. So far this is what I have....
And this is what it is supposed to look like...
This picture is from the DesigningVashti website where the pattern can be purchased. My patience wore thin quickly. I will attempt again when I can find time to focus on figuring this out.
And now on to my partner.... These are the beads I sent Denise..
See a resemblance in the color palette?
And a focal that I made...
Check out what she did with these beads on her blog:
And check out what everyone else (almost 500 other beaders!!) did with their bead soup:
http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com//2014/04/welcome-to-8th-bead-soup-blog-party.html
Thank you for hopping!
Clean designs. Keep at it with the crochet, even though it does not resemble what you were attempting, it could turn out to be a very cool piece.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty pieces. I love the colour pallet.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely work well done!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful - and the color scheme is really fantastic - each piece rocks!
ReplyDeleteLove both your necklaces...I'm sure the crocheting will come with practice...say's she who has never attempted it! :0)
ReplyDeleteVery pretty....loved the way that you posted an outfit too...thats a great way to market to non fashionista's :)
ReplyDeleteLove them both, particularly the key focal necklace, did a great job with that. Well done on both designs.
ReplyDeleteLove your necklaces. As for the crocheting, you know sometimes the universe is just not ready for success. Let it lay and try it again and I am betting it will go right together. Lovely reveal.
ReplyDeleteLove your necklaces! I like how you attached the key pendant. Keep trying with the crocheting - I'm sure you will get it!
ReplyDeleteGreat necklaces! and keep at the crochet...I'm sure you will get it! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the simple clean lines of your designs.I always love that color combo. It's just so fresh. well done. Hope that crochet comes together for you.
ReplyDeleteYour pieces are so original, I can't wait to see how the crocheted one turns out, looks an awesome idea!
ReplyDeleteThey're wonderful components, you really showed them off! Bead crochet is hard, stick with it!
ReplyDeleteLove the industrial mixed with the bright glass, Denise!
ReplyDeleteGreat design ideas. I totally understand how things don't want to come together the way you envisioned. Crochet with beads is a challenge. I tried it for the first time this hop, but I was using wire and going for a more "organic" (read messy) look so it was okay that my beads were floppy. I'm sure you'll conquer that pattern and I look forward to seeing the result.
ReplyDeleteLove the piece with the compass and I could totally see it with that outfit. Can't wait to see the crochet piece, too.
ReplyDeletethe compass necklace is a splendid piece. and it's a great idea to post the outfit you had in mind with the design!
ReplyDeleteI love the piece with the key focal- the big loop links and blue and green beads at the sections. Love it. Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteYour solution with the silver chain to spread apart the colorful beads is great. I like the airy look. Keep trying with the crochet, it has a neat look, like a soft bicycle chain!
ReplyDeleteI love the design of both your finished pieces, and the satin pillows piece will be gorgeous when you finish it!
ReplyDeleteyes that second necklace really steals the show, the first one is cute, absolutely, but that second is just yumm!
ReplyDeleteLoved both focals and I think you set them off perfectly. I like the second necklace as well, with the big rings! Great job and have you noticed how many of us sent similar colors to the other? So funny!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful necklaces, I really like the second one. The blues and also the airy look you gotby spreading the chai n apart. Good luck with the crocheting.
ReplyDeleteSo very cute . The compass necklace is adorable and sporty. The second necklace is precious it has a burst of spring and summer feel to it. Your designs are super nice and fun. I would wear both of them without a doubt......very pretty...Ty for sharing bye for now gotta hop along
ReplyDeleteLove your two necklaces!! Both so different yet both very cool! (Love your focal you made for Denise too!)
ReplyDeletedon't loose your patience in crocheting-good started! compass necklace so cute!
ReplyDeleteGreat pieces, and lol...I too am an avid crocheter and do you think I could get the tension write to do crochet ropes....not on your life...so I too have put that project aside for now til I can have some ....time.... with it. But I will get it! Again, you did some great pieces....love the second one!
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thanks for sharing your design process. it is good to know that we all have the rethink things as we go. finished pieces are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe compass necklace is really special. I like the colors of the leather you chose to go with it and the button clasp balances the whole piece really well. All of your designs are fun!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pieces, I love the key focal necklace, really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI really love the compass necklace. So simple and beautiful! Well done :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm drooling over the colors in your soup! So spring-y! Well done!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling your patience lasted a lot longer than mine would've :) Great soup!
ReplyDeleteYour pieces are lovely! I think sometimes less is more. I am sure your bead work will turn out great!
ReplyDeleteI love that compass necklace! What a cool focal, and I think keeping the rest fairly simple and clean is a great way to showcase it. The second necklace is lovely too, with great colors. I like the large silver hoops, that keep the design so open.
ReplyDeleteI really like that idea for the compass. The lariat is perfect and it just all comes together so beautifully. I'm afraid I would have been stumped. The leather is great. A very unique idea.
ReplyDeleteHi Denise, I really like the second necklace. Those blue and green lampworked beads look great on the silver chain. Kudos for trying the bead crochet. I tried it for one of my last challenge pieces but took it apart and went with another design also. I will attempt it again when I have more time. I am determined to master this technique. I think tha I did not have the right cord the first time.
ReplyDeleteBoth necklaces are really cool. My favorite is the sea colored one with the key!!! Great job on both! Have a Blessed Day!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pieces, and you're right, the cool colours of the first necklace go very well with the chosen outfit in the picture, very elegant. Pretty designs, all of them! Good luck with the Satin Pillows... When time is ready for it♥
ReplyDeleteThe two necklace you have gotten done are wonderful. I especially like that first one though. You're right about its flexibility. I do hope you've gotten to work on that last one. I'm sure the final product is amazing!
ReplyDeleteQuite a challenge with those not-your-usual focals but both necklaces are winners! I always check if my pieces are wearable, too :) I like the effect of different links with the seed beads in the necklace with the key focal. And I am sure that you will know when the time to crochet comes!
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