Saturday 3 March 2012

Ta Daaaaa!

Today is the day of the great Bead Soup Reveal! I can't wait to go hopping. Hubby is on tea duty and my lappy is fully charged! For those of you who don't now what I'm on about... I entered Lorri Anderson's Bead Soup Challenge and was partnered with Dee @ Cherry Obsidia and today is final reveal and blog hop day :)

I can finally reveal my efforts for the challenge... I am quite pleased with the results. I'm not the sort of person that has a story to go with her projects, I don't get inspired by sea creatures, ocean tides or anything like that. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, a lot of my 'beady' friends are inspired in this way, I'm just pointing out that we are all different. My inspiration comes from the beads themselves and colour. It's that simple for me. So here goes....

One


For the first piece I chose to make a necklace because I tend to make bracelets all the time. I wanted to show off the crystal without encasing it too much, hence the nets of seeds. I also like to mix mediums and so finished it with an antique gold chain rather than making a seed bead chain which I often see with this style of beading. Although I have played around with netting before, this is so far from my usual 'style' it's unreal...

 Two
 I chose 'old gold' beads to bring out the flecks of gold in these lovely deep green goldstone beads and highlight the toggle clasp. My first instict was some simple stringing with tonal crystal and spacers or to bring suede into the mix, but again I felt I had to challenge myself and have a go at some form of 'beaded bead'. I'm not sure if I like this piece or not. I do want to experiement more with beaded beads now though.

 Three (x2!)
Earrings.... I don't make many pairs of earrings and so I thought I would have a go with the lovely Aventurine beads Dee had sent. Simple yet pretty I think.

Four
And finally, Dee's beautiful focal.
 I wanted to keep it simple so as to not detract from the focal. I had so many fancy ideas but went with wire, ribbon and rubber tubing and some of the bicones Dee sent to bring out those lovely petrol colours. I'm not sure I like this finished piece either lol If it's not won in my fanpage draw I think I will re-work it.


So that's it, all finished. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and I hope everyone else taking part did too. Feel free to hop on over to my facebook fanpage (click on the jojo's beads banner) and vote for your favourite. The piece with the most 'likes' will become the prize. Everyone that 'likes' any of the 4 pieces (both pairs of earrings count as one piece) will be entered and a name chosen at random by a very clever widget. This lucky person will win the most voted for piece. Good luck!


Click on the banner below to visit Lorrie Anderson's Pretty Things Blog for the complete list of participants:

 OR use the splendid Linky Tool below to see what everyone else has created:


72 comments:

  1. Well done Jo... I love the rivoli necklace, it has exactly the right balance of colour, and the chain colour is perfect! The goldstone bracelet is superb, the earrings are really pretty too. I love the idea of using the rubber tubing with the focal bead, my only comment would be that I would have stuck at the tube and wire, leaving out the ribbon. I'd NEVER have thought of hanging it horizontally though, and think that looks fab! I hope you like what I did with the beads you sent me... :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Dee! I am just oohing an ahhing over yours now, I love what you made! Didn't we all do well?? I'm hnkering the other way on the tubing and may change it completely and go with some soft brown leather and wire lol :D x

      Delete
  2. Very cool pieces - your first one with the Rivolis - oh so yummie:-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the earrings :)
    I'm a partecipant from Italy, I'm trying to visit all of you.
    this was really a great experience!
    ciao ciao

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great job on all the pieces! The earrings are so pretty and I thought you were pretty creative with the last necklace. It was interesting how you chose to hang the focal horizontally.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I Love the seedbead design and colors of that first set the most. It's a perfect piece of jewelry for the upcoming spring

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely pieces. I especially like the Number 2 in black and gold. A lovely necklace. Great colors and use of beading stitches. I bet it is fun to wear and gets lots of attention.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you ladies :) I have got to number 60 on the Linky widget (isn't that cool? the widget I mean..) and now I need a bit of a rest (I have been fighting man flu all week, I'm not a lightweight, honest). My spelling is now like a 5 year olds and I need to eat and do some boring domestic goddess stuff. I shall return and continue hopping in a bit :) x

    ReplyDelete
  8. I always find it hard to do justice to really great lampwork beads, and your's is fab!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love how you showcased the lampwork bead, it turned out fantastic. Your second piece is right up my ally and with the beaded beads it's awesome! Now that you have inspired me I may just have to work with Rivoli's next! Feel better.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fun to see what you did. That netting looks like a challenge in itself. Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the way you combined seed beads and chain! The result is fantastic. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm exactly the same way -- I don't have a muse other than the beads themselves! You did a wonderful job, everything is so beautifully done -- seed beading is always awe-inspiring!


    I hope you'll join me again in the summer!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love your seed bead skills, you really did a great job!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Seed bead!!!! awesome work! Can't choose which one is my favorite, they are all too pretty!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. The green and pink one is lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gorgeous jewelry! The first necklace is like royal jewelry, I love it! The earrings are so sweet too!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lovely jewellery! I really like the "flowers" in the first necklace. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful. All of them. It's hard to choose now. But I'll try and leave it on your fan page.

    Take care and feel better soon.

    Dita

    ReplyDelete
  19. beautiful stuff. it was hard to choose, but I like the earrings best. I left a comment on your facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  20. All of your pieces are gorgeous, but I do love that first one the best. I'm always amazed at anyone who can work magic with those tiny seed beads!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful - I mentioned before... I am seed-bead and bead-waving challenged :) So naturally whenever I see something this gorgeous I fall in love!

    ReplyDelete
  22. The netting was a cool way to showcase the beads. Loving those sweet earrings too.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your beaded frames for the crystals are spectacular! Good call with the chain, it's a great contrast. Your green stone earrings are lovely--regal and mysterious, like they once belonged to a desert queen!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lovely pieces. Sometimes simple is best and you showcased that incredible focal beautifully!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love how you use beads. I would never have though to encase the beads in more beads.
    Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I really like the bracelet. It just looks so rich.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great group of pieces. I think you did a fantastic job with both the netted crystals and the beaded beads.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love all the items you created with your soup beads. What a beautiful focal bead you had to work with. Cheers!
    Lori D.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I know what you mean about inspiration, sometimes for me its just there & I try not to put a name to it and just go with it too...I love all the pieces you made, I really like the imagine earrings and the lampwork necklace, it is a great way to hang the bead...

    ReplyDelete
  30. You have some mad skills! Very pretty pieces!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love your beadwork! You are quite talented.

    ReplyDelete
  32. wow, i admire your seed beading work!

    ReplyDelete
  33. What beautiful work! Everything that you've made is gorgeous, but I especially love the black and gold bracelet.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love how the netting you created for the rivolis look like stars! Something from the universe!

    ReplyDelete
  35. The seedbead designs are fantastic and I love the pretty earrings!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your pieces are stunning, Jo, and each so unique! I love the earrings the best (but I'm an earring kinda gal!)

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love what you made with your beads!
    My favorite is the green goldstone bracelet.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Fantastic beading! I am loving the earrings as well as all the nets you made. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Four very special and unique designs - I'm impressed! You have a lot of patience, working with those tiny seed beads - great job!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Everything that you made is gorgeous! Way to go! By the way, I think you seed beaders are a special kind of person. It would make me crazy!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow! They are all so beautiful! Lovely work with the seed beads around the crystals.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I really like what you did with the seed beads, I Like that look!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow, wonderful job with the bead work! The earrings are cute too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Gorgeous! I can't imagine creating such detailed work, and you did awesome with your soup. Creating the frames around the crystals was so creative and beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  45. What amazing pieces you created with your soup ingredients! I love them all, but I think my favorite is the bracelet with the green goldstone beads - the seed beading perfectly enhances the beautiful colors of the green beads. Beautiful job! :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. So beautiful creations! Love them all:) You are very talented person.

    ReplyDelete
  47. So very very creative & such detail w seed beads! You have such great design eye! Luv luv luv earrings & first necklace is awe inspiring!!!!! All u work is gorgeous!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Beautiful designs. Your beadwork is fantastic! Love the boldness of the first necklace.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Love the beadwork necklaces! So gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Wonderful work - the first necklace really puts me in the mood for spring!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow, you really rocked it. You challenged yourself to a maximum. Congrats! Your first necklace is so lovely. I also like the bracelet a lot. Great artwork!
    Sabine

    ReplyDelete
  52. Beautiful beautiful beautiful! Lovely work and I just love what you've done!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love your beaded beads!! What a fun way to put your soup together!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love all of your creations! I think my favorite is "four" it really allows the wonderful focal to stand out!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oooo such pretty pieces - terrific color combination!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am green with envy! I love the first necklace! So Victorian looking!

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love the necklace, the beaded design is so intricate, it is something I do not have the talent (or patience for). Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Holy smokes gorgeous work and the bead work is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Your work is beautiful! I'm amazed by the seed bead workmanship! Wow

    ReplyDelete
  60. I am always azazed at how you beaders work with those tiny little seed beads and come up with such awesome work! Your pieces are stunning! Awestruck, I am!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Very pretty pieces. Love the seed bead work!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am amazed by your seed beading! It is fabulous! And I love that you combined the metal chain with it...makes it look very chic and contemporary, not like your grandma's beaded necklaces! :) Love the first pair of earrings - just simply gorgeous! I liked them on FB...{crosses fingers}!

    Alesha

    ReplyDelete
  63. What beautiful designs. I love the little beaded "nets" you created around your beads! :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow, you were fast getting finished. I still have about 30 to go, but I am purposely pacing myself and enjoying every word and picture. And, now there have been subsequent posts so I get involved in those. What fun!

    Love your jewelry. I have never seen rivoli's with that kind of webbing and its gorgeous. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thank you all for your lovely comments :) I hope you all enjoyed the experience as much as I did. I hope to see more of your fabulous creations in the summer. You are a truly inspiring group of people :) x

    ReplyDelete
  66. i love how you encased the beads with your seed beads! so pretty! and your earrings are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  67. All of your designs are so unique and interesting! I like the netting you created around the crystals, very cool. But those earrings are my absolute favorite. Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Your designs are really great. Love the first piece with the crystals, nice how you let them shine and the use of the chain really great idea. I absolutly love what you did with that amazing focal, love the crystals with it!
    Sonya

    ReplyDelete
  69. Oh, those "imagine" earrings are my absolute favorites! So pretty; all your work is very, very nice!

    ReplyDelete