I Need to Buy a Lottery Ticket

Yesterday I was chosen to be one of the lucky 5 for Joanne Tinley's Flower Bangle Challenge. How very exciting! Also a bit nerve wracking, as I'm terrified of not being able to do it justice. But I'm sure I'll come up with something fabulous and surprise myself. Bracelets have just continually been a weak point for me. But that's what a challenge is all about. Her bangle blanks are beautiful enough to be worn unadorned. If you're unfamiliar with her work, do yourself a favor and explore her etsy shop.

And on Monday, I was honored to be chosen as Art Bead Scene's Designer of the Week for my May Challenge entry.

Yesterday, Jeanne informed me that she'd unearthed her velvet displays from her old salon and she redid my jewelry display at her current salon. She sent me a photo, and it looks a lot better than it used to. She said it seems to be increasing my sales, so I certainly can't complain about that! She hasn't figured out where to put the earrings yet, but I'm going over there this evening and I'm sure we'll come up with something.

I made this last night, and it will be joining the above display tonight:

Golem Studio pendant, Czech glass flowers w/ little rubies, dyed jade, serpentine chips, copper wire & chain.

May ABS Challenge

The inspiration for this month's Art Bead Scene Challenge is this painting, Italian's House at Montmartre by Maurice Utrillo. The idea is to create a piece of jewelry -- using at least one art bead -- based on the monthly painting. This is only the second time I've participated, but now that my collection of art beads is growing, I might be participating more often.

The green ceramic house bead is by Elukka. I've also included copper leaf chain, coppery coral tube beads, faceted jade, and some vintage crackly off white flower beads and vintage green cotton-pearl beads that obviously weren't given the pearl finish, but are interesting nonetheless. It's strung on salmon colored Irish waxed linen cording, and is finished with a bit of antique copper chain & clasp.

Art Bead Scene December Challenge!

I know I'm trying to squeak by at the last second. I hope I'm not too late. It's been a very busy holiday season, and then I was too sick to be creative most of the week. So at the eleventh thirteenth hour, here's my entry for the December Challenge!

First, the painting that I chose to use for inspiration:

I made the robin out of paper clay, painted it with acrylics, and finished with Diamond Glaze. I made the clasp as well. The rest of the necklace includes recycled sari silk ribbon, a fine silver leaf charm, copper leaf charms, freshwater pearls, crystals, agate, a carved bone bead, and various antique brass findings. I wish I'd gotten this done sooner, but I had a lot of fun and I'm pleased with the result!