Thursday, December 11, 2014

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:


Featured on Andrew Thornton's blog:

7 comments:

Shai Williams said...

Talk about some incredible jewelry! I just love the great variety especially when you consider that we all started from the same spot.

Unknown said...

What fabulous creations for Noble Knight. I loved this kit! (I know I always say that.)

Andrew's bracelet is absolutely lovely. The colors from the kit are wonderful, and I love how it is color blocked here. It really does give the feel of armor. The Japanese hex beads are great - so much so that my mom commandeered my tube for her own bracelet!

Laurel's necklace is lovely. The construction is wonderful and does look like a delicate treasure to be given as a token.

I really love the boldness of Alison's necklace It made me think of something beautiful worn by the wise crone who dispenses spells on the other side of town.

Naomi's pieces are beautiful. I was really in love with those red and gold beads, so the lariat set speaks to me. But I'm really in love with your polymer pendant! Swoon!

Lisa's beautiful multi-strand necklace really sets off the lovely mystery component. I can't wait to use mine!

Jeannie's Queen is so fabulous and sassy.

Donna's set is lovely - how fun to combine beading with your love of the medieval!

It was wonderful to see what everyone made. Each of these challenge reveals is so inspiring. Thanks, Andrew!

Karin G said...

Wow, so many beautiful and diverse designs.
I love the lines and shapes in Andrew's bracelet.
I love that you can design a sweet and delicate necklace as Laurel's or a bold and impressive one as Alison's.
And then Naama's designs are so different, I love the long flowing necklaces, the rich associations of colors.
Lisa's set is lovely, I love the multi strand construction
I think I fell in love with Joanne's piece, it is so unique and personal!
And finally Donna's set is fabulous, I love the asymmetry and the boldness of it.
Thank you for offering us the opportunity so see so many interpretations of one theme.

Kari Asbury said...

What a fantastic variety of designs! I hit several road blocks this time and still don't have mine done so apologies for that...but as always a fantastic group of designers creating a unique, wonderful selection of eye candy!

Alison Adorns said...

THANK YOU ANDREW.
What a fun challenge! I got really into it but i did have a bit of trouble getting started unlike DONNA who seemed to be made for this challenge! Amazing job DONNA, love your matching set and love that you have two hobbies that you can combine in such a fun way!
JOANNE your little Queen is so sweet i bet she can be a pendant or a broach... great job!
LISA welcome back to beading and welcome to the highly addictive Andrew Kits! I'm sure we'll be seeing more of you! Nice Job!
NAAMA, I do love your work!!! What a great pendant and I love the matching set with the lariat.
LAUREL I like your stringing technique this time! Great Idea to create a focal with looping the wire back on itself!
ANDREW your perfect stitching highlights those awesome hex beads! (Cause i love me my hex beads!)

Unknown said...

Naama! Grrr...spell check.

Inner Muse Jewelry Design said...

This was such a fun and exciting challenge! The kit captured the jewel tones of royalty perfectly. I love everyone's interpretations of the theme.

Andrew's bracelet is definitely reflective and scaly, reminding me of the body armor of the knights. I love the labradorite strip.

Laurel's necklace is lovely and I like the way she gathered the beads in the circle. Very much befitting a lady!

I love Alison's bold design with the discs and dangles! A beautiful statement piece reflecting the valor of the times.

Naama's jewelry set is stunning. I love the lariat and matching earrings as they remind me of the noble ladies of the aristocracy. The poly clay pendant is awesome and could be worn by guy or gal! Very creative!!

Lisa's designs are captured the theme perfectly, using a great combination of beads and the mystery component. I'm happy that you have found time to pursue your craft :D

I absolutely love Joanne's whimsical Queen!!! How impressive and creative is this!?!!? Great job :D

Donna's jewelry set is stunning and draws on her own experiences. I love the asymmetrical necklace and the bracelet is dense and rich-looking. The sword is so cool and complements the poly clay component perfectly.