When it works...

I've been swamped lately, but somehow that's helped to push my creative envelope. There were so many contests I wanted to enter in April - the ABS monthly challenge, a couple on forums I frequent, etc. - and I barely got around to any of them. But, at the last minute (literally 23:59!) I completed this mixed media necklace.

I had originally come up with the design for the ABS April theme Boreas by John William Waterhouse, but lacking an art bead, I couldn't enter. Instead of giving up, I made the necklace for a contest on Bead Buddies. The challenge was to create something with 5 different materials. In my necklace, I used vintage glass beads, silk, gunmetal copper wire, rose quartz, and a metal filigree stamping.


On another forum I frequent, UKBeaders, I was lucky to win the March contest and received a prize of vintage beads from Old Bicycle Shop. Davida, who offered the prize, kindly let me choose the beads.

Inspired by the bleak yet beautiful palette of Waterhouse's painting, I chose mostly muted colours with splashes of rich blue and sparkly facets. I used some of the beads Davida sent me, including the pale blue floral beads and floral filigree stamping, combined with the silk and gorgeous rose quartz as a nod to the delicate femininity of Boreas.


Asymmetry isn't something I normally try. But recently, after reading Lori McDaniel Anderson's blog, I've been tempted to try it more and more. I love how this piece just worked. Inspired by one contest, and the generosity of another, plus the final push of a last minute challenge, I was able to create something beautiful.