Awhile back I read about a bead challenge on Lorelei Eurto's blog, that she and Shannon of For My Sweet Daughter put together, and I just had to participate – the beads were so pretty! The kits were available to purchase from LimaBeads, which I had heard of but never ordered anything from before. And let me tell you, it was a treat – I will definitely be ordering through them again. Here are the beads:
Anyway, today is the big reveal day. Here's what I made!
This first necklace utilizes the stones, faceted glass, barbell chain, mother-of-pearl focal and filigree piece. I added more copper chain and findings.
This second necklace uses the purple briolettes, silk ribbon, and the clasp. I put the clasp on the side as I thought it might poke in the back. I like it there! I'm not a huge fan of asymmetry in my own work so that was sort of a step out of the box for me. I also don't use fiber in my jewelry at all, so I'm really pleased with how the ribbon turned out in this piece. It does seem a natural fit to use with chain, which I have been using a lot lately. Here's some closeups:
And finally I made two pairs of earrings:
These used the long pearls. I had actually originally incorporated them into the first necklace but I didn't like how they were looking so I took the whole thing apart. I still wanted to use the pearls in something so I made these earrings. I really think they turned out beautiful!
These earrings used the potato pearls and the off-white glass (which I loved, and I wish there had been more than 3 pieces in the kit!). As soon as I saw these two types of beads together I knew they had to be put in the same piece!
I did not wind up using the Toho beads, or the purple flower beads or faceted glass. I'm sure I will (I think the Toho beads would be great on a memory wire bracelet) but I just couldn't come up with something. I am just really amazed that I managed to make something with the ribbon!
Oh Melissa, how nice pieces you have made! I really like your solutions and I get very inspired to make my own pieces. Thanks! All my best, Malin
Wow!!! These are all so lovely. You really knew what to do with this wonderful bead kit. Each piece is a beauty. Love the earrings and the ribbon through the chain–you did it so well.
Melissa, all of your pieces are just lovely. My favorite is that first necklace. And I love how you used the ribbon in that second necklace. I couldn't get anything to work with the ribbon so I left it out. Both pairs of earrings are so beautiful!
I enjoyed working with the beads in this kit and will be going back to purchase more.
Love how you used the ribbon in your necklace. Nice.
What beautiful pieces you made from this kit – I especially love the necklace with the ribbon and the drops and the earrings with all the pearls dangling from the chain. Great job! 🙂
My favorite piece is the one using the ribbon. It is quite lovely and fits with the chain perfectly. The first pair of earrings are fabulous. The first necklace is sublime in its simplicity and I love how the MOP focal just really pops.
Beautiful designs – love the earrings especially the pearls and copper and love the way you've woven the silk ribbon thru the chain on your second necklace, it's very effective.
Loooooove the necklace with the ribbon woven into the chain – very cool. All of your pieces are beautiful!
Melissa, those are wonderful. I love how you wove the ribbon through the chain. So pretty! I also love the dangle earrings. Those were made for a night on the town!
I LOVE how you used the ribbon I can't believe how great that necklace is.
I love the earrings you made (you lucky duck to get white! and I wanted more than 3 of those too)
Thanks for playing along, I hope you had fun.
Shanno
Turned out so pretty!! I love how you used the ribbon- that was an item in the kit that stumped me! I love those earrings you created too, very cool!
Great job, love how you used the ribbon, love the earrings, I did not use the ribbon yet!
Melissa,
These are all gorgeous designs – very nicely done!! I love them all but the ribbon one is my favorite along with the light colored pearl dangle earrings – Fabulous!!