Bead Journal Project for March 2011

I had high hopes when I chose my dichroic glass cab to use for the March Bead Journal Project.  It was green and it was quirky.  I was sure I was going to make a Pathway to Spring and show it coming in like a lion and leaving like a lamb.  Now that I've finished it, it looks more like some wild cosmic galaxy swirling in outer space.  Therefore I have named it "I Have No Clue How This Relates to March!"  Whatever --- it is finished on time this month! 

It was a bear to photograph.  The dazzle of the size 15 gold plated rocailles in the green pathway have no "dazzle."  But at least I got a different comment from my husband this month, "That's pretty wild!"  Not sure if that is an improvement over "that's different" or not. :}  Hmmmmm - maybe I could call it 'March Madness.'

If you are interested in seeing more Bead Journal Projects by other artists, check out these blogs:

http://blog2beadjournalproject4-2011.blogspot.com/

http://beadjournalproject4.blogspot.com/

February Bead Journal Project

My new motto:  Better Late Than Never!  For my 2011 Bead Journal Project, I am creating 3"x3" bead embroidered art pieces around my dichroic glass cabochons for each month of the year.  I just finished my February BJP piece (only 10 days late).

For February, I wanted to make a dichroic glass heart to bead around and I was quite pleased with how it turned out.  For some reason, abstract swirls came to my mind, so using the pinks, reds, golds and purples in the glass, I came up with this design.

It will be interesting to see how all these different "bead paintings" look together at the end of the year.  I'm sure I will hear my husband's most used comment when he views my bead work, "That's different."  But that's OK because I'm having such fun with these!

 

Winter Enchantment Beading Fun from Artbeads

I'm not a winter loving gal!  Give me the same old sunny dry days every day and I'm a happy camper.  But I must admit it was so much fun to design this Winter Enchantment necklace using these awesome beads and findings from Artbeads.com.

Artbeads offers Swarovski Crystal Pearls in many different sizes, shapes and delicious colors.  But for the winter theme, I chose cream colored Swarovski crystal round and asymmetrical pearls and some sterling silver Mirage S cut beads along with a sterling silver toggle clasp.

I decided to create a freeform necklace using silver and cream colored seed beads and Czech firepolished glass beads to combine all of the pearl and sterling silver beads.  I also ordered an awesome Swarovski crystal pearl baroque drop from Artbeads to use as the focal of the necklace.  I am officially in love with Swarovski pearls!

I think all the components knew just what part they were supposed to play in this Winter Enchantment necklace.  They played so nicely together and the necklace was a joy to create.

I think the necklace would be perfect for a bride on her lovely, enchanted wedding day.

I will be selling my Enchantment Wedding Necklace in my BeadsForever Etsy shop.  Stop by and check out all the details and to see more pictures.

Much appreciation to Artbeads.com for supplying many of the beautiful components used in this necklace.  I am a part of the Artbeads blogging group, and I receive no compensation from them for writing about their products.