May ABS Challenge

This month, Art Bead Scene has chosen a beautiful old painting for our inspiration. The painting, Vaas met bloemen in een venster :: Vase with Flowers in a Window, was created in 1620 and is full of warm and vibrant colors. I mirrored this in my entry with a mix of lampwork beads in shades of orange.


I used an antique African trade bead from Ahowin and lampwork by Tan Grey, Sue Simmons, Julia Hay, and Keeley Kenyon (all from the UK) for my bouquet of orange beads. 

The painting also has a lot of depth and texture to it. I added layers of cotton cord and torch patinaed brass chain to my bracelet. There's also a line of shell daggers for added textural interest.

I made the toggle clasp from solid brass and wire wrapped it in vintage coral beads. I'm really pleased with the warm, tribal feel of this bracelet. 

There's still time to enter the challenge, if you're inspired! Check out the Art Bead Scene blog for more info.