Friday 27 July 2012

BSBP6 Reveal!

Today is the long awaited Bead Soup Blog Party®. This is the 6th BSBP held by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things. And it's my first. I'm excited, nervous, and a little bit surprised it's finally here.

There are 400 participants this year, and I was paired with the very talented glass artist Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens. Maryse sent me a wonderful soup with her own 23ct gold foiled lampwork, gold vermeil beads and clasp, and two gorgeous lampwork focals.  She also sent some beautiful sari silk, vintage components, and leather cord. Here's a reminder of the soup I received.




I went to work straight away. In total, I made 5 pieces for the reveal. For my first piece, I used the gold vermeil toggle clasp. I chose to do a simple design, incorporating the leather cord. I used Maryse's lampwork, some of the gold vermeil, and crystal quartz gemstones I already had.




My inspiration for this piece was the beautiful, varied colours of the lampwork. They had a Moroccan feel, and I tried to keep this rich palette mixed with gold. It was actually harder to design than I thought. This bracelet was a refreshing new style for me. Here's a closer look at the brushed gold vermeil clasp I used in my Moroccan Bracelet.




For my second piece, Sea Princess, I used some of the extra beads and silk Maryse sent me. I wrapped more of Maryse's lampwork beads with 14ct gold filled wire and made up the remaining length with the pink silk she sent me. I made my own clasp for this bracelet with the same gold wire and used an old coin from the Third Hellenic Republic as a focal piece. That coin was hard to wrap!




There are also tiny lampwork beads from Tania Grey called Little Wishes. I couldn't resist including them since they matched Maryse's bead so perfectly. I think this picture shows how special Maryse's beads are. Look at that flash of color...



Here are some closer shots of the focal coin. I added some faceted gems for an extra touch of sparkle.



And here's a final shot of the front of the coin (the back of the bracelet).



My next piece features some lovely little gems from Tanya of FusionMuse. It seems like fate that I received her free Beads for Blogging and was inspired to use them with the vermeil beads and leather Maryse sent me. I added some matching magnesite stones and created my very first lariat - Boho Chic.


   

The focal area has a vintage rhinestone ball and a vermeil bead Maryse sent me. This necklace is fresh and simple. There's no need for a clasp, as it's the perfect length to slide over your head.





Are you tired yet? I promise there are only two more! As everyone hopping probably knows, the challenge of the BSBP is to use the clasp and focal your partner sends you. Maryse very generously sent me not one but two focals. I'm glad to say I was inspired and challenged by both of them.

The first one I used was this gorgeous vessel style bead. The flash of yellow matched a strip of sari silk she sent me beautifully. I knew what I was going to do straight away and decided on an asymmetrical design.





One side features the vibrant yellow and purple silk. I mirrored these colours with deep purple amethyst and lemon quartz gemstones.

   

For an added touch of detail, I wrapped one of the tiny, faceted lemon quartz at the bottom of the focal. It added a bit of extra sparkle and draws the eye down Maryse's lampwork. Can you see the flecks of purple on the focal?

   

To finish this necklace off, I forged my own copper clasp. It fastens to a chunky copper link meeting the sari silk.




And now to share my final piece for the sixth Bead Soup Blog Party®. It's something very different for me. The second focal Maryse made for me was filled with whimsy. I wasn't sure what to do at first. I loved the lacy black pattern - the pool of blue and the chunky shape.

The earthy colors made me think of gardens, and I soon came up with my grand plan. I know this cuff is a bit crazy, but I'm happy. I'm happy because I was pushed out of my usual styles and created something very different. Faerie Garden cuff took about 5 hours to make.


This garden green velvet cuff features vintage beads and chatons, Czech glass flowers (never used those before!), and that magical focal. I wrapped the vintage chatons I received from the Old Bicycle Shop in Vintaj bead caps.

Maryse's lampwork is surrounded by Czech glass flowers and beads that sprawl along the soft velvet. Tiny dew drop beads sparkle amongst the flowers. A border of vintage speckled drops were hand sewn with fine copper wire onto the velvet.



For closure, I made a chunky, whimsical copper clasp.  And one of those vintage chatons sparkles at the end of the cuff.





And those are my 5 creations for the Sixth Bead Soup Blog Party®. This has been a wonderful experience for me. And I hope the rest of you hopping will enjoy my creations! The fun's not over yet, though. There are hundreds of blogs to hop to.

Here are all of the participants revealing today, July 28th.



 Hostess, Lori Anderson, PrettyThingsBlog.com
Alice Craddick,  Alice's Beads and Baubles
Alicia Marinache,  All The Pretty Things
Amanda Tibbetts,  Amanda Made
Amber Dawn Goldish, Inventive Soul
Annita Wilson,  AW Jewelry
Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool
Birgitta Lejonklou,  Create With Spirit   
Candida Castleberry,    Spinning Spun Sugar
Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations
Cassie Donlen, Glass Beadle
Cheryl McCloud,  One Thing Leads to Another
Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe
Christina Hickman, Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Christine Hendrickson,  Clamworks
Cilla Watkins, Tell Your Girlfriends
Cindy Wilson, Mommy's Dream
Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio
Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
Cory Tompkins, Tealwater Designs
Cris Peacock, Cris' Page
Cynthia Deis, Shiny Little Things
Cynthia Machata, Antiquity Travelers
Cynthia Wainscott, Exotic Peru
Dana Hickey, Magpie Approved
Denielle Hagerman, Some Beads and Other Things
Diane Valasek, Dragonfly Close
Doris Stumpf, Glaszwerg
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations
Elaine Robitaille, Too Aquarius
Eleanor Burian-Mohr, The Charmed Life
Enikö Fabian, Perl-eni
Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads
Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog
Jami Shipp, Celebrating Life
Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle
Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions
Jennifer Pottner, Rock Candy Beads
Jennifer VanBenschoten,  Jewelry, Art and Life
Jenny Davies-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor
Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
Jessica Dickens, My Jewelry, My Life, Me
Jessica Klaaren, Beadful-Things by Jessica
Joan Williams, Lilruby Jewelry
Judith Johnston, Judith Johnston
Judy Riggs, Rigglettes
Judy Turner, Silver Rains
Julie Anne Leggett, The Peaceful Bead
K Hutchinson, Jumbled Hutch
Karen Meador, Dreamcatcher Ranch
Karyn Bonfiglio, Plus Size Bangles
Katherine Gale, Terra Beadworks
Kathleen Lange Klik, Modern Nature Studio
Katja Benevol Gabrijelcic, Slovonske Technobe
Kelli Jacobson, Creative Moon
Kelly Ramstack, Adventures with Kelly
Keri Lee Sereika, Pink Lemonade
Kim Bender-Hora, KimmyKat
Kirsi Luostarinen, Kirsi Luo Korut
Kitty Bozzini, Kitty Lampwork
Laura Demoya, The Bead Therapist
Laurie Hanna, Laurie's Jewelbox
Leah Curtis, Beady Eyed Bunny
Lesley Watt, The Gossiping Goddess
Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry
Lisa Liddy, Metal Me This
Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations
Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things
Marion Simmons, Shade Tree Studio
Marla Gibson, Spice Box Design
Marta Weaver, Marta Weaver Jewelry
Marti Conrad, Marti C's Clay Blog
Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens, GlassBeadArt, Lampwork Beads
Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio
Michelle Hardy, Firefly Visions
Mikala Coates, Maybe Just Perhaps
Mowse Doyle, HoCArt
Nancy Boylan, Snazzy Doodle Designs
Nancy Peterson, Beading From the Heart
Nicole Rennell, Nicole Rennell Designs
Niki Meiners, 365 Days of Craft
Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats
Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
Pamela Gangler, She Always Loved Pink
Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs
Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
Renetha Stanziano, Lamplight Crafts
Shannon Hicks, Falling Into the Sky
Shannon LeVart, Miss Fickle Media
Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Art Werks
Shelley Graham Turner, Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame
Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads
Stacie Florer, Soul to Substance
Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue
Stacy Alderson, Iridal's Attic
Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs
Stephanie Stamper, Rainy Day Designs
Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux
Tammy Jones, Jewelry Making Daily
Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti
Terry Matuszyk, Pink Chapeau

Vonna Maslanka, Just Vonna


For the full list of participants in the 3 reveal dates, go to Lori's blog here. And while I send you in her direction. I want to thank you, Lori, for doing this! This has been a wonderful experience, and the fun's not over yet.

Thanks to Maryse, my wonderful partner for sending me a beautiful soup and sharing your talent. And to Tanya of FusionMuse for keeping us on our toes and working hard on the much awaited reveal website. We'll find out more about that as the day goes on.

Now...I'm off to hop! First stop, Maryse's blog.

103 comments:

  1. Delightful use of media.Great to see a blend that works well with the stones, the colours and the style.Love and hugs Tanya

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  2. Love your silk work. That velvet cuff is gorgeous. You really made an excellent use of all the components you were given to work with. Great job.

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  3. Wow, beautiful work. I love how you used the coin and the purple and yellow necklace is fabulous.

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  4. your soup is an inspiration on skilful mix of textile and beads: love the asymmetrical necklace in particular.

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    1. Thanks so much - I hadn't even noticed everything had textiles!

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  5. Gorgeous ! I love how you incorporate silk into your designs <3

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  6. Maryse is one of my FAVORITE lampwork artists! She blessed you with beautiful beads, indeed! Love all of your pieces! I think your cuff is a wonderful showcase for her focal...and your clasps are great!

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    1. Thanks, Patti - Maryse has been a wonderful partner.

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  7. So beautiful... I am amazed by your talent! I cannot chose a favorite... but the cuff is especially beautiful!

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    1. It's been wonderful swapping with you - thanks!!

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  8. Love those rich colors and the way you've played them off each other.
    The little flowers on the cuff.......wonderful detail love that!

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  9. Like, like, like. Love the cuff and all your pieces.

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  10. Love the mixed media look, great job!

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  11. I think the Boho Chic is my favorite. And the way you wrapped the coin was on beyond clever!

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    1. That coin was a PAIN to wrap. But the wire fit beautifully around the edge. Glad you like Boho Chic, too! Thanks

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  12. I really like how you used the fiber three different ways in your work

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    1. I didn't even notice, ha! They were a lot of fun. I even have some fibers left. Thanks!

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  13. Oh my goodness! I think you need to hand over the purple necklace now and you can take your time sending the rest but send them!! You have created awesome!!
    I smiled all the way through your post. Beautiful work!!

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    1. You guys are great! Thanks for your comment! Enjoy the hop.

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  14. Of all your pieces I like the cuff the best, but they are all fabulous.

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  15. Wow! You are on a roll here! It is amazing how you can create so many pieces from your soup. Each piece has a very different feel and look. What eye candy! I am going back to stare at your pieces again.

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    1. I was worried it was TOO many! Glad you enjoyed my reveal. Thanks!

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  16. That coin! *drool* I love how rich everything you made is, and that simple over the head necklace, I just wanted to slip it right on. Great soup!

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    1. Thanks Karyn!! My partner sent me some wonderful pieces to work with. I might auction that lariat off in honor of someone - we'll see.

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  17. What a lovely colour palette you have used. I especially like the Moroccan bracelet.

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    1. The beads spoke for themselves - thank you!

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  18. Awesome job. I loved everything you made and then when I saw your Faire Garden Cuff I found love. That is stunning!!!

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    1. Aw, thanks Cassie! Don't know how many times I poked my fingers making my Faerie Garden, but it was worth it!

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  19. A great stash and I love the Garden cuff! But I think my favorite has to be the amethyst and sari necklace! Love it! Great job on all of them!

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  20. You really did a fantastic job on your soup! My fave is such a surprise to me, because I don't do asymmetrical. That purple & mustard necklace is awesome!!!

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    1. That means a lot, Shirley. I was worried the asymmetrical necklace would be underwhelming, but I'm happily surprised. Thank you!

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  21. My favorite is the bracelet with the antique coin! Very cool!

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    1. I like that one too, Christina. Thanks for hopping by!

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  22. Wow what a wide variety of styles and looks. Love the garden cuff!

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    1. Thank you Beti - they were all fun. Happy hopping!

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  23. Holy cow Leah, you sure were one busy lady. I'm not sure which is my favourite, they are all special to be sure. I think that second bracelet is a real standout though. or maybe...

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  24. I loved all the pieces but Sea Princess was my fave - love that coin!

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  25. Loved all of them but especially Sea Princess - that coin is so cool!

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    1. Thank you! Sea Princess is one of my favs, too.

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  26. Fantastic work - great job wrapping that coin ... I really like the Boho Chic necklace and those lampwork focals are lovely =)

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    1. Aren't they? Love Maryse's lampwork. Thanks for hopping by!

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  27. All of your designs are beautiful! I love the Moroccan bracelet.

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  28. oh my gosh... I LOVE everything, but especially the last bracelet with velvet. Still trying to figure out how you made it - but how creative is that? Looks wonderful, funky and my kind of creation. I'm very impressed.

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    1. Glad you like the cuff. It was fun to make and took a lot of time. The planning was difficult, but I'm glad I kept going. Thanks!

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  29. Pushed from your comfort zone - and you did wonderful things, and had fun! Thats what we all love about it! I usually don't like gold but that first bracelet is a stunner!

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    1. That's what it's all about! I usually don't like gold either, but everything Maryse sent was so beautiful and exotic looking. Wonderful inspiration!

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  30. I love your use of the ribbon, and that cuff is amazing! You did such a great job! Thanks for coming to my party!

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    1. Thank YOU, Lori! And thanks for inviting me to this wonderful party.

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  31. I love your use of color. great designs.

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  32. Wow, you recieved a lovely soup, and did great things with it. I especially love the purple and gold necklace.

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    1. It was hard not to make pretty things with a soup like that - thanks!

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  33. Love the cuff! Very creative.

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  34. Lovely, love the lariat..

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  35. Wow! So many lovelies to drool over! I love that Moroccan bracelet and the sari silk necklace is beautiful - the colours are simply gorgeous. But that cuff is genius! Wonderful use of fibres and mixed media.

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  36. Oh wow! the velvet cuff is spectacular, all of your pieces are just beautiful.

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  37. All of your pieces are really neat, but that first bracelet with all the colors appeals the most to me. Nicely done!!

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    1. Thanks! Glad you like my Moroccan bracelet.

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  38. You have been so busy with your bead soups! I love everything you made, each is so different from the last, I don't think I can pick a favourite.

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  39. Awesome! The last bracelet is my favorite. Good job!

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  40. They are all so pretty - but I love the simplicity and flow of the lariat!

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  41. Oh my, it is hard to decide they are all spectacular designs. I love the first bracelet for it's vivid ethnic color. The purple sari silk and vessel bead necklace is stunning too. Beautiful work!

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  42. Creative indeed!! You did an awesome job with your bead soup...lovely designs!!

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    1. Thanks, Lupe. I was lucky to have a beautiful soup to work with.

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    1. Thanks! I was surprised I could get so many from one soup too.

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  44. FABULOUS pieces! The cuff and the golden hued bracelet are my favourites. Such a varied mix but all beautiful, ace.

    Elly

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  45. Very unusual and unique pieces. The velvet cuff is especially nice. And I like the ribbons you used in the bracelet and necklace. Nice intermingling of all different media's with your soup.

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    1. Thanks Kay! I'm surprised at how my work is changing. I'm using a lot more textiles...can't wait to see what happens next.

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  46. wow, how creative! all of your pieces are gorgeous!

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  47. I love all your bracelets!
    ciao dall'Italia

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    1. Thank you - I used to not make many bracelets, but I think I've got a new addiction!

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  48. Really love your Moroccan bracelet! love the colours and love the style! great job! :)

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  49. The Fairy Garden Cuff is my favorite! I love the focal, I love what you made with it! It's totally awesome! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

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  50. Wow, you sure served up a load of beady goodness! I can't decide which piece is my favourite - they're all beautiful. I love purple so I guess I'll go with that sari silk necklace - the colours are gorgeous! Congrats on your very first BSBP!

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    1. Thanks, adlinah! I enjoyed this swap and couldn't be happier with my swap partner!

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  51. Lovely rich designs. I like the way you have mixed the fabrics with the beads.

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  52. Beautiful designs - gorgeous use of mixed media, love each piece!

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