Monday, November 09, 2009

Art Bead Scene: Dadd's The Fairy Fellers' Master-Stroke...

It seems apt that this monthly prompt for Art Bead Scene should be The Fairy Fellers' Master-Stroke by Richard Dadd. Cynthia's book, Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal Clay, Wire, Resin & More, was released November 1st and it certainly is magical. Not only that but November also hosted FaerieCon which took place in Baltimore this year.

To get me more in the spirit of the challenge (and pass the time while unpacking from the move), I started listening to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke again. The detailed world Clarke portrays is perfectly enchanting – filled with footnoted folklore, faeries, and dueling magicians.

While unpacking, I came across a package from Artbeads.com. Within it was a piece of folded up, purple tissue paper. I gingerly opened it and out fell a black, onyx, hand-painted Russian pendant. The image on it was the Evening Star by Mucha. How could this treasure slip past my notice? I adore the meticulous skill that goes into crafting each one of these miniature works of art.

Laying around was an antique brass butterfly filigree. I knew that the pieces had to go together. It took some time, power-tools and a lot of patience, but I figured out how to wire on the wings to the pendant smoothly.

To counterbalance the wings, I used a rose gold oak leaf, some crystals, and a bronze Candice Wakumoto bee charm. The bee charm comes from my Online Shop. I strung up the rest of the piece with pearls and Swarovski Crystals also from Artbeads.com. (By the way, Artbeads.com is having an up to 35% off sale on Freshwater Pearls that ends Thursday.)

I really love this faerie inspired piece came together; it was like magic!

22 comments:

Sharon said...

It is perfection!

Tari of ClayButtons.com said...

Beautiful!

Unknown said...

Oh Andrew its just so very lovely!!!

Anonymous said...

what a lovely mixture of materials Andrew!

SueBeads said...

It's really fantastic!

Leslie @ Bei Mondi said...

Simply breath taking, Andrew! Bravo!

peacockfairy said...

Simply stunning!

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

Gorgeous!

Betty BeadBug said...

It does look like magic. ;-)

Jean Hutter said...

Oh Andrew this piece is like magick - it is wonderful, beautiful and amazing. I just love it! I am heading over to Artbeads now - I know I shouldn't but I must!!!!!!

Azure Accessories said...

Beautiful...a unique mixture of items that together make gorgeous necklace!

Cheers

Alice said...

A gorgeous piece! I love how you attached the butterfly filligree.

TesoriTrovati said...

Wow. That is simply stunning. You never fail to amaze, delight and excite my Muse! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the day! Erin

AJ said...

The wings look so natural attached to the pendant like that. I am in love with this piece! Brilliant design :)

Mel Mel said...

WOW!!!!! You are awesome!!!!!!! I wish I could wear it!!! Melanie

Andrew Thornton said...

Thanks everyone for your comments! They are highly encouraging. I am having fun making new things in my new place.

Jean Campbell said...

Andrew this is the coolest piece EVER! I absolutely adore the wing set-up. Genius!

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

wowzers!

Jeannie said...

Magic, Perfection, Enchanting!

P.S. Be careful with those power tools.

Melissa J. Lee said...

Oh, lovely. Great use of the wings!

Kokopelli said...

Tried to leave a comment on Artbeads, but it didn't work, so here I am. That's beautiful! I love the pendant and the various components you used!

JoaniB said...

It is too beautiful for words! Stunning!