Saturday 26 February 2011

My bead soup - with updated photos!!

***Photos updated 26.02.11!!***

Here is my bead soup creations! One made on Thursday and one today (Friday!!). I'm a seat of my pants type of girl in case you hadn't guessed!!!

  
I am going to post the photos tonight but will take some more tomorrow {done!!} and replace them as I see fit...I have no light box and as it is actually 00.10 on Saturday morning, there's not a whole lot of natural light.....however, I don't want to miss the big day itself so you'll just have to bear with me photo-wise.

My bead soup partner is the wonderfully talented Patsy Evins, lampwork artist extraordinaire....when I saw I was paired with her, I felt a little overwhelmed....how on earth was anything I sent her going to compete with anything she might send me???!!! I feel terribly guilty that I never posted about the beads I received - I have been having big camera troubles and there's just no good light here at the moment....so you will have to put up with just the photos of the beads as jewellery!

I received four spectacularly crafted lampwork beads in a sea theme - a fish,



a jellyfish,




 a starfish


 and a conch shell.


Now that I've taken better photos, I have to show you  both sides of this pretty bead - I love this one!



Beautiful. I think my favourite is the jellyfish, even though I find them very scary - it is so delicate! Patsy also included a beautiful brass (?) clasp (really gorgeous and my favourite of all the elements in fact!) 


and two bags of beautiful multi-coloured fibres. 



Now, I must admit I felt quite nervous when the package appeared....I love colour and I love fibre but somehow these fibres seemed off my beaten track! Hence my procrastination....but I am really pleased with my final creation! I think I got through my beaders' block ok.

I used a selection of fibres (including much waxed cord) to create a statement piece necklace including three of the lampworks and some tiny czech crystals knotted onto the cord. I combined this with some lovely antique brass chain and the clasp from Patsy - although it's a dramatic piece, the construction was relatively simple once I had the idea. I imagined the sea elements washed up on a multi-coloured tide somewhere exotic....


The bag charm was along similar lines - multi-coloured seaweed spewing from the tail of the wee guy.



I knotted some tiny Swarovski crystals onto the cord for this one and attached a huge antiqued copper lobster clasp.




I'm so looking forward to checking out everyone else's blogs and seeing all your creations! Very exciting. Please check out everyone else's blogs here. For now, however, I must to bed....it's been a long day at work and I am ready for sleeeeeepppppp..............

***Update 26.02.11 - I have realised I forgot to blog one important thing - my bead soup giveaway! I have decided to give away the cute (I think!) bag charm. Just leave a comment here to be in with a chance! I'll include all commenters already as it's my fault that I didn't write about it last night - I was just sooooo tired! Draw will happen next Sunday 05.03.11. Have a great day hopping!***

113 comments:

Regina said...

Happy Saturday Bead Soup Morning to you. It is still Friday night here in Florida. I love your colorful and carefree necklace. I think it would look great for a weekend at the beach, and the charm on my big beach bag. I can understand why you were overwhelmed at first, but I like what you have created, a walk on the beach and all these little critters. Great idea.

TesoriTrovati said...

All those fibers do look like they washed up on a fantasy beach someplace! Love the colors and those beads are mighty special! I am so glad that I got an early look at your soup, Rebecca! Can't wait to see the rest!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Unknown said...

So you are an early beader bird too:) I am so looking forward to seeing every ones creative work!! Enjoy your blog hopping...and wonderful job with your soup!!

steufel said...

What a clever construction. And I.can clearly see what you mean with the wash up - looks like you have been to a fairy beach lately!

moonlitfantaseas said...

your jewelery is really cool and colorful, and I love the sea creatures!

jamberry_song said...

Very interesting! I love your use of all the colorful fibers with the beads. Clever idea and it looks so lush and lovely! Great summer piece; I imagine this would be perfect for an outdoor concert. :)

Heidi Post said...

Magical technicolor marine explosion for sure! I like the jellyfish best myself. What a fun necklace :) I'd really love to see someone modeling it.

Julie said...

Very fun, Rebecca! A color explosion!

Unknown said...

Very beautiful, very interesting!

Jenni said...

A great construction, and interesting elements together.
The jelly fish is cool
Jenni

Lanyardlady said...

Now these pieces are fun to look at and would be fun to wear! A+ for imagination!

m.e. said...

Absolutely Fabulous use of fiber!!!
The ocean is a theme dear to my heart .You have done a perfect job capturing the feel of seaweed on the beach.Always such fascinating little creatures found there!
The awesome lampwork beads are perfect for the inspiration !!!
a GORGEOUS design!!!
m.e.:)

Lorelei Eurto said...

Those lampwork beads are amazing! I love how flowy your necklace came out, love the use of fiber!

Cathryn said...

Now what you created was unique! I believe you captured sunrise on a beach very well--with leftover tide materials! I really like the textures and how you made it all work together. Excellent piece of art and something I would wear!

My Life Under the Bus said...

Oh The colors are really yummy you did a great job - reminds me of an underwater garden - you can almost see the fish swimming around!

Happy Hopping my friend!

Patsy Evins said...

Loved what you did with my beads and fiber! It looks like you have loads of fun making it! You can really feel the ocean waves and all the little creatures swimming around!

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

Love the brilliant colors of the art glass and really adore your design!!!

ViviBijoux said...

Colours and fibres. What elso do you need?! I'm a fan, fantastic! smile, Virginie ViviBijoux.com

Mary Harding said...

Great fibers with wonderful beads and you turned them into a fun and exciting necklace. Super!!

Mags said...

A colourful corail reef! Very beautiful and unique!

SueBeads said...

Wow, what a fantastically interesting piece, and I love the way you did the earrings!

SueBeads said...

Sorry not earrings, but dangly clasp! But it COULD be an earring!

Unknown said...

Oh Rebecca this is gorgeous! I know you went out of your box but it so feels like a great day at the beach!!! LOVE! Yes I would love to win too!

Nicki said...

Wow - I want to see this worn - looks like a coral reef with the shells and starfish etc hidden in there. Might be a bit big for me to wear it, but I really would love to see a picture of it on your neck. This little fish thingy is so cute - I can imagine it to replace my broken cell phone dangle... have fun hopping.... Nicki

Unknown said...

Fabulous piece. I can feel the surf in my toes! Of course, the beach is just outside. Fantastic fibres, and enter me in your giveaway, too!

Kate said...

Love the colors! The lampwork is so well complimented with the fiber. Gorgeous!

Marie Cramp said...

Funkaliscious!!

CraftyHope said...

Those colors are just beautiful. Your design is so very unique and something I would have never dreamed. Great job and thanks for opening my eyes to new options!

Anonymous said...

What cute little beads! Excellent job, well done :)

Unknown said...

Stunning! And the colours are just divine!!

Stacey said...

Wow - an under the sea treasure...just like scuba diving or snorkeling all the hidden treasures you might find....gorgeous.

balanced. said...

Beautiful! I love the way you incorporated the fibre!

Aquariart said...

I just sold an art quilt "On Purple Pond" where I think your creatures belong. Perfect colors, love the whimsy and the fibers!! Bet it feels great on too!

Unknown said...

Wow this is such a fun pretty and wonderful pc youve created! It would be Awesome to wear this with one of the colours like a purple outfit. Just lovely!!

Anonymous said...

Your description of washed up beach life to describe this piece is perfect. I love that you went for a statement piece and were able to make such an awesome necklace despite your immediate reaction to the package. Isn't it great to work outside your comfort zone? Good Soup!

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

Those fibers looked like they washed up on the shore of a fantasy island where mermaids play. Love the bag charm, very creative!
Shannon C

BeadsByEarthTones said...

so tropical, light and feathery! you did such a lovely job!

Cory said...

WOW...your partner did challenge you, and you came up on top.

Very different, very beautiful

Courtney Breul said...

I love the fibers and those beads, yummy! You got great ingredients and you created an amazing necklace. Congrats.

Marian Hertzog said...

Wow I love how this turned out! Very pretty and would be so fun to wear! Love the colors and the beads but you also did a great job with putting it together!

I LOVE color! said...

Those beads are to die for I love the carefree feel of the whole piece. Be Blessed

moonlitfantaseas said...

love the bead soup you got....and really like what you made with it

Anonymous said...

Very funky! Love the colors! Awesome job!

Terri said...

I think there is a real talent to using the fiber like you have....And I don't posses it...but you do...the colors the lamp work beads you made it all work!!!

Live, Love, Laugh, Write! said...

Bright and colorful!

rosebud101 said...

Oh, my! I love how you incorporated the fibers! Amazing!

French Elegant Jewelry said...

Wow that is really pretty fantasy piece great job and love that clasp too.

elisabeth said...

What wonderful whimsical necklace! And the bag charm is cute - and will look even cuter on MY bag :-)

Pretty Things said...

I LOVE Patsy's work -- it's pretty awesome to see in person. I like your idea of creating a habitat for your sea life!

I'm so glad you had fun!

Angela Rae Barribeau said...

Wow... you did wonders with your bead soup. I would've really been scared of all of those fibers! Kuddos!

LoriF said...

Omigosh, LOVE that bag charm...and all things sea-y (is TOO a word!)

Thanks so much for the opportunity to win it!

You did a great job with your challenge ingredients...I'm seriously considering joining next year.

Lori

Lisa said...

Love what you did...very whimsical and cheery!

Jennifer Cameron said...

What a fun riot of colors! Those beads are gorgeous and the fibers add an extra funky vibe.

kdevale said...

Definitely cute bag charm. Your necklace is very cool too.

Unknown said...

#209 here...some interesting beads I like what you did with them....

Unknown said...

What a festive piece!

Sig

KayzKreationz said...

That turned out so cute. Love the fiber in it. I'd love a chance to win your giveaway.

http://KayzKreationz.etsy.com
kaythomerson(at)hotmail.com

Dee said...

what a fun piece, and so very creative. Don't you love a challenge...great job!

BluMoon said...

Oh my this is a real mermaids delight that is so amazing!
Jackie

Helmitarha said...

What a fun sea-world you created! Wonderful idea! ;)

Anonymous said...

Fibers would scare me as well. But WOW you really embraced the soup and made it work for you. The colors and design give the feel of deep in the fantasy ocean. The beautiful lampwork sea beads are perfect paired with the fibers. Great job!

Loretta said...

what gorgeous beads you received, and used to make a showstopper necklace. I can see the ocean in the fibers, and all the bead creatures washing up through it. Thanks for taking me to a beautiful place. And, you took some pretty awesome pictures too.

Polymer Clay Shed/ Barn said...

You got some awesome beads, great job!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Ingenious use of the fiber with the beads - fantastic!

rockcreekcreations said...

wow! i think I would have been intimidated also...but you did a wonderful job!

Juli Cannon said...

Such a wonderfully whimsical design~ love your use of color!!

Jess Italia Lincoln said...

Gorgeous! The fibers & glass ocean inspired beads remind me of a beautiful coral reef!

Coming Abstractions said...

What a beautiful necklace -- I love how you worked the fibres into the piece and incorporated the beautiful beads....it's gorgeous!!

Raida said...

What a fabulous necklace, love all the colors and texture!

Beauty Boss Agnes said...

Hey, I think it's Fiesta Time and you are ready or it! Lovely piece.

Valerie said...

What a creative, whimsical piece! I love how your nestled the beautiful lampworked beads into the fiber. It would've been out of the box for me but you did a great job!

Beadbug said...

Great use of the materials given, It turned out great.

Holly said...

What a beautiful, fanciful necklace! A spectacular way to showcase those awesome lampwork beads indeed. And that little charm? ADORABLE!

Bonnie said...

what a magical creation you designed from those fun beads! I'm amazed at the fibers and beads and how well they work together! Just unique...

fireflymyst said...

#161 here:)

Love your fiber necklace design! The color theme reminds me of summer. My favorite time to hang out at the beach. The beads work well with your design>

Leigh said...

You gave such great movement and texture to the ocean-themed beads.

Leigh said...

You gave such great movement and texture to the ocean-themed beads.

Unknown said...

Your piece is one of the most unique, individual pieces I have ever seen. Kudos to you for your lovely necklace.

Everyday Gypsy said...

My first thought when I saw your piece was 'Under the Sea' and I think I hear Sebastian from the Little Mermaid singing in the background. I get the same happy, uplifting feeling when I think of your piece and that song. What a lovely piece of work.

VS said...

So beautiful friend, I love this necklace & what you did with your SOUP! Simple Stunning!!! ;)
Thanks for sharing...
Susie

Clayworks by Lisa Boucher said...

Rebecca - what a cool, imaginative piece! You've really created a beautiful environment for those fun little fish to hang out in. It looks like it could have been a challenge, but you made it all work!

Sarabeth aka Sarita said...

brilliant! that soup is incredible and you certainly rocked it!!!! great job!

sarabeth

Judy said...

Wow, the fibers look magical! I love what you did, you challenged yourself and created such wonderful pieces.

jessememan said...

totally fun piece...love how you combined the elements :)

Alice said...

Boy your piece is the most interesting I have seen - I have never worked with fiber like that before. I especially like the last one with the copper lobster claw
alicesbeadsandbaubles

Serena Trent said...

The colors of your end piece are awesome. Your overall design fits in with the the theme of the jellyfish.

The Last Day One said...

I love your pieces, it looks like they came from the sea, just lovely!

Palimpa Lim said...

Wow, Rebecca, this looks like you had stolen it right away from a mermaid's neck...! Such a beautiful and in all means fantastic piece!

Francy said...

oh the fibers! love it!

Karyn said...

Oh my what a gorgeous, fun and vibrant piece. Those beads are just too cute. I love what you have created. Well done!

Karyn
Australia

LeeLu Creations said...

Very unique. Gorgeous colors!

Barbara Bechtel said...

I love what you did Rebecca! Those beads are QUITE scrumptious! Like you said, I think sometimes the most dramatic pieces have very simple construction.

Take Care!

cindydolezaldesigns said...

Oh wow!!! I would never have done anything like that. I'm not usually into BRIGHT but I would TOTALLY wear that. Fabulous!!!!

Lisa Godfrey said...

GORGEOUS!! Your necklace is so lively and fun!

Stacie said...

Love the fibers and the clasp--and I, too am a last minute gal!

GraceC said...

I'm making the rounds late, and your piece doesn't look like any of the other pieces I've seen. It's unique, thematic (as it would have to be with those lampwork beads), and really pretty. Nice job.

Lori P said...

This is so pretty! I'm in love with that little jellyfish bead - so delicate and the texture is wonderful.

Prairie Emporium said...

I love your sea weed look, I would wear and be so happy all day. Love it!!!

Maneki said...

What a lush and colourful necklace! The colours make it feel like a tropical underwater scene with turquoise and azur water mingled with colourful seaweed and coral.

Green Shoot Jewellery Designs said...

Wow, I love this, it's stunning! You did an amazing job with your bead soup, beautiful!

Deb x

Cheryl K Roe said...

Very creative design. Love the colors.

Cyndi L said...

How fun! I think your chosen fibers compliment the focals beautifully :-)

Menka Gupta said...

Pretty colors, very beautiful beads and equally creative design. Great job!

Cindy said...

Rebecca, I'm still hopping along visiting all of the blogs. What a wonderful stop today, to see your gorgeous ocean-themed necklace! You have really thought out of the box to create this one. I really like the touch of fiber in jewelry more than ever. The crystals you added are a wonderful touch. I've never seen a lampwork jellyfish before - Patsy is so talented. I also like the way you photographed your necklace hanging like that. Thank you for adding a bit of beauty to my evening!

Steph L. said...

Great job with your soup! I love the colors and the fibers in the necklace!

Anonymous said...

This is just so cool and different. I LOVE the sea theme and I love how you incorporated those beads into a mass of seaweed-like fibers. Beautiful job!

Brenda Salzano said...

What awesome bead soup you received, and your design is fabulous!!!! Just love everything about it!

Unknown said...

Hey I just dropped by to say that I think your pieces are amazing, they are so creative and something I would never think to come up with. I found you through the bead soup blog party and love your blog, so I've given you a stylish blogger award - http://littletreatslou.blogspot.com/2011/03/all-warm-and-fuzzy.html

Laura
x

one-eared pig said...

Such a happy necklace. Pretty!

Hazel Ward said...

Fantastic theme, love how you carried it through from the beads to the 'seaweed' and coral-esque fibres :D

Unknown said...

The colors are gorgeous and love the use of the fibers with your beads. I didn't know you were a "seat of your pants" kinda gal....but I do now...wonderful creations!

Thank you for commenting on my creation for BSBP

#2Kitty

Malin de Koning said...

Rebecca, I love it!
So wild
and fun
and daring
and exciting
and vibrant
and messy-in-a-pretty-way
and makes-me-happy
and I-would-love-to-wear-it.

A favourite!

lynsey said...

That is such a gorgeous necklace, the colours are truely sumptuous. I'm so glad i've come across your blog, because i adore your projects in beads and beyond

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