Noble Knight Challenge Reveal...

Today is the reveal for the Noble Knight Challenge.  When I put together this kit, I was deeply immersed in George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones book series and was enamored with the stories of knighthood.  I drew further inspiration from the Arthurian legends (particularly Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Mallory) and The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander.  I selected a dark palette of blood red, cold steel, and royal blues.

Here is what came in the kit.  It was a blend of antique seed beads, Japanese hex cut seed beads, vintage Czech glass, vintage German glass, vintage Austrian glass, waxed Irish linen, lapis, and a Luxury Bead Blend.

Each kit included a Mystery Component.  I created this polymer clay pendant.  When coming up with the motif, I researched heraldry and decided upon this star cross formation.  

And without further ado... here is the reveal:

I made this bracelet.  I used the hex-cut Japanese seed beads in this peyote stitch bracelet.  I liked the way the bead pattern looks almost like scales of armor.  I embellished the edge with the red antique seed beads and ran a row of labradorite rounds down the center.  I used a gunmetal tube clasp to close things up, but I might switch that out for something more decorative.

This necklace was made by Laurel Ross.  She said she was inspired by the romantic side of the tales of knightly valor and courtly love and created this necklace as a token for a knight's paramour - a necklace made for Queens of Love and Beauty.

This necklace was made by Alison Herrington.  She used the antique seed beads with blue-dyed coral discs.  From the points where the coral meet, she hung wire-wrapped dangles strung with the vintage Austrian glass to create movement.

These pieces were created by Naama of Peculiaris.  Here's what she had to say about them: "Even before I saw this kit, I knew I'd love it.  I've always had a thing for knight stories.  The title immediately brought medieval jewelry to mind: saturated red and blue with (now tarnished) silver and brass.  I also love the long necklaces and heavy pendants.  With these images in mind, I made a long, versatile lariat with matching earrings, a polymer clay semi-stone pendant, and grey crackled glass earrings.  I will post more pictures on my Facebook page and would be happy if you stop by and tell me what you think.  Please visit my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/peculiaris "

These pieces were created by Lisa Mendum.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "I wanted to say thanks for your great kits.  I haven't been beading for a couple of years and started following you on Facebook and saw your link to your online shop and this is my second kit.  I decided to make time after my 8 to 5 job and bead!  Loved the mix so much!  I tried to use as little bit of everything.  Thanks again!"

This piece was created by Joanne Goldberg.  Here's what she had to say about it:  "This is my little girl.  She's named Queen.  I used one of Cynthia's fine pewter heads with the kit components and some pieces from my personal stash."

 These pieces were made by Donna Hoblit.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "Hi!  My name is Donna Hoblit of VeraDonna Treasures.  In addition to designing jewelry, I'm a medieval reenactor.  The inspiration for my jewelry set is the medallion that has a cross on it and the chain that our Knights wear. I used the beads in the kit, silver and aluminum chains, pewter clasps, a pilgrim's badge - the cross on the necklace - made by Billy and Charlie's Pewter Goods, and lampwork beads made by my favorite glass artist, Jill Symons.  The title of my set is, "The Flowering of Knighthood."

Want to see more things created with the Noble Knight Kit?  You're in luck!  Check out these awesome blogs:

Tammy Bowman

Kain Grosset Grange

Ann Schroeder

Molly Alexander

Kari Asbury

Shaiha's Ramblings

Featured on Andrew Thornton's blog:

Andrew Thornton, Laurel Ross, Alison Herrington, Naama from Peculiaris, Donna Hoblit, Lisa Mendum, and Joanne Goldberg.