Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Michael's Beading Challenge Blog Hop Reveal...

Heather Powers of HumbleBeads and Lorelei Eurto teamed up to offer a fun creative challenge!  They found an inspiration piece, created a color palette, and selected beads from Michael's to be used in the challengers' creations.

Since Heather and Lorelei teamed up to host this event, a few beading buddies of mine thought it would be fun to team up also!  We were also inspired by Heather's polymer talents and scheduled a "clay date".  Alison and Laurel work on their polymer clay components in the above picture.  (Unfortunately, I was swamped in the shop that day and couldn't make any polymer clay goodies for myself, but I would periodically check on them and root them on!  Go team!  Go!)

This is Alison's piece!  Here's what she had to say about it:  "I used at least one of every bead and added my own clay beads.  I was inspired by Donna Kato to create these swirly components.  I strung one half on leather and the other on two different colors of waxed linen to create this necklace."

Alison also made this piece!  Here's what she had to say about it:  "I created this matching bracelet as an ode to one of our hosts, Lorelei.  I used her template from the magazine to make this waxed linen, knotted, multi-stranded bracelet.  I am hooked on making them!  Thanks Lorelei for the tutorial!"

This is Laurel's piece!  Here's what she had to say about it:  "I used all the beads!  Hooray!!!  My added components were the polymer dangles from our "clay date" and the brass spacers I purchased from Allegory Gallery.  I made my own chain from brass jump rings and split rings and used some waxed linen from the Deep Waters Challenge that I had leftover, to fill some space and add some symmetry to the piece.  Overall, it's a fun Boho chic piece that I will definitely have a good time wearing!  What a fun challenge!"

This is my piece!  I had a fun time with the color palette.  They aren't colors that I use much, especially in combination.  So it was a good challenge to work outside of my comfort zone to create this bracelet.

Everything in the bracelet is from the bead selections that Heather and Lorelei picked out, except for the balled headpins, toggle, and chain.  I used these items to create the wire-wrapped dangle embellished chain.

Here's an alternate view of my bracelet.  When I made it, I thought about the fabric inspiration and the fun movement it must have in a dress.  So, I wanted to incorporate as much movement as possible.  I fell back on one of my beloved techniques to create this dangly bracelet.

Make sure to visit our hosts' blogs!  Heather and Lorelei did a fantastic job organizing this blog hop.  And when you get to Heather's blog, take a bit of time to hop around and see what all the other participants made. (And if you made something, make sure to add your link!)  CLICK HERE to visit Heather's blog to see the full list of participants!

13 comments:

Alice said...

How fun to be able to create with others. All of the pieces are fabulous.

Lorelei Eurto said...

How fun that you were able to get together with some local people to create for the challenge! Love what you all made!! Glad you are having fun, and I hope we can do this again soon!

Terri said...

Way to go Allison, Laurel and Andrew!
Alison, your bracelet is an outstanding nod to Lorelei. It really turned out wonderfully! And the Donna Kato inspired PC Swirls are just terrific! Makes the necklace very special.
Laurel, I feel like you did .."Hooray I used up the beads!" Your necklace is beautiful!
Andrew, love me a dangly bracelet! What an excellent interpretation of Heather's inspiring fabric.
You all make a great team!

Alison Adorns said...

Thanks Heather and Lorelei for hosting this challenge. I used you both as my inspiration for my pieces.
Thank you Andrew for letting us post on your blog and clay date at your shop! I had fun fun fun with this one! Laurels polymer charms turned out awesome! And a beautiful necklace she made, too. Your bracelet is so perfect for the paisley pattern! Thanks again everyone!

Kari Asbury said...

All great pieces! I love that you had a creative play date and posted all of your pieces together today. It really shows what beautiful, unique designs can happen from a few identical strands of beads.

TesoriTrovati said...

How much fun to create with friends! I love each of these for different reasons.... the graceful curves of that dynamite polymer... the layered effect of the different strands... and the movement and jingle that bracelet would have! Well done, all of you! Enjoy the day! Erin

Tanya said...

A "clay date" is such a cool idea! It was awesome to see the results in the pieces you guys made. I am impressed that all of you used all the different types of beads. All the pieces are gorgeous!

Silver Parrot said...

All of the pieces came out so beautifully and are all so different - that is what is great about these challenges! I love the color gradation on the polymer clay swirl beads, the polymer pendants on the multi-strand necklace and the bracelet with the dangles (that is one of my favorite techniques, too!) I love a good jingly, jangly bracelet! Great job by everyone.

Heather Powers said...

Go team Allegory! I love each piece and the polymer inspirations. Alison both of your pieces are lovely. I'm digging the linen lately too. Laurel your statement necklace is divine - have fun showing that one off around town! Andrew love the luxe feel of all those beads, I bet it's a fun piece to wear. Thanks for playing along!!!

Unknown said...

Super creative bracelet I love bracelets that chunk and dangle because they make me feel pretty:-)
And this one would fit the bill!

Firefly Design Studio said...

Great team work! I love all your designs. The swirled polymer clay beads are fab. I also love how one of the beads was usded as the clasp in one of the bracelets.

K Hutchinson said...

What fabulous pieces....you all totally rocked it! I love those polymer clay swirl pieces - so neat! I love seeing how different and amazing each person sees this challenge!

CraftyHope said...

What a fun clay play date y'all had! All of the pieces are lovely in their own respects. I especially like both of the bracelets. The first one definitely seems Lorelei-inspired with some extra umph from the maker. Yours is so lovely. Your use of the bright gold really catches the eye and gives those somewhat casual beads extra elegance. Fabulously done all three of you!!