Wednesday, 30 April 2014

AJE Component of the Month - April Reveal!

I'm one of the lucky participants for this month's Art Jewelry Elements Component of the Month challenge. Each of us received a beautiful, handmade clasp by Lesley Watt to use. Here's a recap of all the clasps...




I received the shell clasp right in the center of the photo above. It's a beautiful sandy color with a wash of sea-tones in greeny-blues. If you've been following my work recently, you'll know I've had a bit of an obsession with sea themes and bracelets.

So, what did I make? I bet you can't guess...




I'll admit this was a bit tricky for me. The soft colors of the sea shell Lesley made were beautifully subtle, but a bit of a challenge for me to pair with beads I already have in my stash. I immediately chose the fluorite gems for their soft colors and the sea themed lampwork tab focal by Kitzbitz Art Glass.

I used the hook clasp that Lesley included as the clasp on my bracelet and moved the shell to a more prominent place on the bracelet. I've actually used it as a connector.
 



I added some lampwork by Meital Plotnik in sunset colors and more of those subtle sea-tones to pick up on the colors in the shell.




I added a couple of amazonite coins and some starfish charms to finish it off. Et voila! A beachy bracelet with a touch of color from the sunset.

Thanks again to Lesley and the AJE team!


Guests
Johana Nunez
Leah Curtis
Perri Jackson


AJE Team
 Lesley Watt
Keirsten GIles
Caroline Dewison
Rebekah Payne
Jenny Davies-Reazor
Jen Cameron
Diana Ptaszynski
Kristen Stevens
Francesca Watson
Melissa Meman
Linda Landig
Sue Kennedy

23 comments:

  1. it seems to be a bit of a beach themed bracelet day today and I love yours Leah...All those lovely colours and textures like a pocket full of treasures picked up on a walk along the shore....and Ilove those fluorite nuggets. Thank you so much for joining us in this challenge :0)

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  2. Beautiful! I like the earthy touch Lesley's button adds--it combines nicely with those rustic fluorite and Meital's bumpy beads (LOVE Meital!). You used it cleverly! These shank buttons are very versatile that way. Bravo!

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  3. Beautiful Leah. I am enjoying the blog AJE I am working up the courage to join in on there.

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  4. Great job Leah! I love the soft, easy look of the bracelet, and how you changed it up and used the shell as a connector.

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  5. Nicely done, Leah - and I love that you used the button as a connector instead of a clasp. These colors are terrific!

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  6. Very very pretty! Sea themes abound!

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  7. How clever to use the button as a connector! I adore the mix of color and texture.

    Thanks for participating in the design challenge this month and for being an AJE reader!

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  8. I am in awe, Leah! You married this with your stash so beautifully into a completely cohesive and gorgeous piece. Congrats!!!

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  9. Beautiful, Miss Leah! I actually had to look twice to see the shell in the design, you integrated it so well! Enjoy the day. Erin

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  10. Very pretty beach-inspired bracelet! I'd wear it in a heartbeat!

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  11. Such a lovely bracelet. Perfect for a walk on the beach, or to wear as a happy reminder of walks on the beach!

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  12. Perfect design for Lesley's shell clasp!

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  13. Beautiful! I would love to wear this!

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  14. Wonderful piece Leah. Love your color combination! :)

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  15. What a great design. It's so soft and feminine.

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  16. That's a really pretty bracelet Leah, I love it!

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  17. Oh yes! sunset at the seaside—what a stunning bracelet Leah! The faceted fluorite is such a nice touch and beautifully mimics the fading light hitting the ocean waves, and of course I love the pop of orange in the lampwork beads and the rich copper of the sea stars. You really showcased Lesley's button so perfectly! I'd happily wear this bracelet any day. :-)

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  18. What a gorgeous bracelet! I really love your style, can't wait to see more of what you make! Sorry I'm hopping so late, thanks for playing along!

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