Thursday, January 29, 2015

Desert Sands Challenge Reveal...

Today is the Reveal for the Desert Sands Challenge!  If you're not familiar with the challenges, I put together a Design Kit and offer them on a first-come, first serve basis.  Challengers claim their kits and then I send them off around the world!  Each participant has about two months to create a piece and at the end of the challenge, everyone shares what they've created!

It's a fun way to challenge your creativity and it's always interesting to see what each person will make with the nearly identical kits.  Sometimes there are overlaps in the ideas and themes, and other times... things are vastly different!  

When I put together the kits, I try to focus on an image in my mind.  With the cold weather, I dreamt of the warmth of the desert and the shifting sands.  I pulled different shades of beige, toasted almond, browns, and gold.  To learn more about the kit CLICK HERE and HERE.

Each kit also includes a Mystery Component.  Here's the one that I made for this challenge.  CLICK HERE to find out more about it!

And without further ado... here's the REVEAL:


This bracelet was made by me.  I used seed beads from the kit to create this modified Chenille Stitch beaded segments.  I ran a flexible beading wire through the core and paired those pieces with vintage brass filigree rounds, gold-plated spacers, vintage Czech glass, and white coral rondelles.  To tie everything together, I used a copper toggle clasp.  I like the textures in this piece and the wearability of it.

 The next four pieces were made by Naama of Peculiaris.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "The warm creamy hues of this kit captivated me, and I let the beads lead the designs.  Though I had warm desert winds in mind, some of the finished pieces remind me more of butterscotch and caramel candy.  Warm sweetness instead of smoldering heat?  I can live with that!  For more images of my works, stop by my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ peculiaris"


 Another piece from Naama of Peculiaris.

 This necklace was made by Naama of Peculiaris.

This matching bracelet and earring set were made by Naama of Peculiaris.

This necklace was made by Nancy Noyes-Ward.  Here's what she said, "I really had a good time with this challenge.  My family was even engaged and couldn't wait to see what would transpire."

This necklace was made by Nancy Noyes-Ward.  Here's what she had to say about it:  "I have more in the works and will add those to the Catch Up Reveal next month."

This necklace with matching earrings was made by Lisa Mendum.  Here's what she had to say about the pieces:  "This was my favorite bead challenge selection so far!  I wanted to use every last bead, but there is never enough time!  Is there?"

This necklace and earring set were also made by Lisa Mendum.  Here's what she had to say about them:  "The kit included such a wonderful collection that I only added a few copper findings from my own stash. Thanks again Andrew for letting me participate!  I can't wait to see everyone's beautiful creations!"

This piece was made by Janice Ferrari.  Here's what she had to say about it:  "Andrew's handmade Mystery Component became my focal point for my Desert Sands bead embroidery design bracelet.  I incorporated only one extra touch of color with a light sage green 3mm rounds from my stash.  The beads from this fabulous kit reminded me of the sparse greens growing among the sparkling sands/pebbles in the bright desert sunshine!"

This bracelet was made by Cheryl Lee Tucker.  Here's what she had to say about it:  "I have been trying new techniques with each Design Kit!  Sometimes with more success than others.  This bracelet, utilizing copper and brown-colored shaped and wrapped wire, is intended to show off the variations in the colors of the beads.  I really like the warmth of the copper.  I plan to make wire-wrapped earrings to match.  I struggled some with the bracelet, but I like the results.  I think I need more practice!  What should I try with the Marsala kit?"

But wait... that's not all!  Please swing by the blogs of the other participants of the Desert Sands Challenge!  Check out what they made and comment on their posts!

On Andrew Thornton's blog:

Next up is the Marsala Valentine Challenge!  The reveal is set for Thursday, February 19th, 2015!  Stop by and see all the lovely creations made with this Pantone Color of the Year inspired kit!

9 comments:

Kari Asbury said...

More stunning designs! I always love to see all the unique designs created from your kits. This round has given another wonderful selection of eye candy for us to enjoy :)

Unknown said...

Janice and Jeanne both made incredible bead embroidery bracelets. I love both of them and am awed by the quality and the technique! The balance and composition of both of those bradelets is phenomenal! So envious!

Unknown said...

Another great challenge reveal!

I love the layers of texture in Andrew's bracelet and admittedly I have a "thing" for melon beads.

Naama made so many beautiful pieces. Love the bead choices in the multi-strand bracelet. The ribbon in the second piece is gorgeous!! I like how you highlighted the mystery component in the stacked pendant necklace. The matching earrings and bracelet are so fun with the moon and star beads.

I love both of Nancy's necklaces. I saw the first one on Facebook. I really love the addition of green to the color palette in the second one.

Lisa's pieces really brought to mind the desert sands theme in both color choices and design. I often also stick with mostly kit beads because the mixes are just so beautiful!

Janice's intricate bracelet is beautiful. Again the introduction of green - love the image of the sparse green in the desert.

I'm impressed that Cheryl Lee tries new techniques with the challenges. Great job on the bracelet. The clasp is wonderful! I've been wanting to try one like that.

Shai Williams said...

This was one of my favorite kits with all that warm cream. I really am a desert rat that is stuck in a rainy state.

I found all of the designs to be luscious! They all bring to mind warm be it from the desert sun or the caramel that I add to hot chocolate. Thank you everyone for such delightful eye candy.

Andrew Thornton said...

Naama: What an engaging collection of pieces that you've created! You always make such lovely pieces! I'm particularly smitten with the texture in the piece with the sari silk. It looks so opulent. And the piece with the Mystery Component looks so elegant. Like a powerful talisman. And the bracelet and matching earrings look like they dance with movement! They remind me of a bellydancer's belt. Great job!

Nancy: I am delighted by your creations! Your necklace looks so regal! I love that you added the pearls and that little pop of green in your first piece. It looks so rich and queenly. In your second piece, I like all the different textures you've brought in. It has such a wild energy! Wonderful!

Lisa: Bravo! Both sets are really charming! The first one has such an elegant simplicity. It really makes the beads sing! The second piece has a more bold silhouette and the textures of the beads and the chain really look so fun and funky! Fantastic job!

Janice: Your bracelet is marvelous! It has so much texture and so much life! It looks so rich and so luscious! And it's interesting to see you add the green. I made a kit last year called, "Good Earth" that had this combination of white, green, and golds! Ha ha ha! It's interesting to see how with the addition of one color, it can change the color scheme dramatically. I love the change you've made and how you've given the desert life! Most excellent!

Cheryl: I love how you use the challenges to push yourself and explore new techniques! Your bracelet is really provocative! I love the little bits of texture and how it makes the beads really luscious-looking. The bracelet you've created has a really sculptural feel and I think you've done a spectacular job!

Many thanks to everyone! I'm so proud of all of you and think you all have done an outstanding job!

Inner Muse Jewelry Design said...

Finally! I have the chance to hop!! So here goes:

Andrew: I love your bracelet. It looks rugged and perfect for a deeply tanned wrist. The seed bead accents cast the perfect balance.

Naama: You have created a plethora of beautiful designs to mix and match. I love the swatch of fiber in the multi-strand bracelet. Reminds me of something found in an exotic baazar.

Nancy: I love how you pulled the purple and green tones into the mix. Your necklace looks so pretty and complements Andrew's poly clay focal to a T! Both necklaces are lovely.

Lisa: You captured the beauty of the neutral tones of this kit perfectly. Both jewelry sets are so pretty and down to earth. They will go with so many outfits!

Janice: Stunning bead embroidery cuff!!! You really knocked it out of the park with the color, texture and shape of the design. Superb!!!

Cheryl: I love that you embrace the challenge and try techniques new to you. I think you did a great job accenting the beads and the connections are unique and give the bracelet spatial separation.



Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

Beautiful work, everyone. I'm so tempted to participate in one of Andrew's challenges; but for now I'm just following and getting inspired.

Jeanne @ Gems By Jeanne Marie said...

Andrew - I love your bracelet! One of these days I am going to try bead weaving.

Naama - Your pieces are all very creative. I especially like the triple strand bracelet. I definitely see butterscotch and caramel!

Nancy - I love your asymmetrical necklace! I aspire to do that well, but the control freak in me holds me back.

Beautiful sets, Lisa! I'd love to see how the necklace with the pendant hangs.

Stunning bead embroidery, Janice!

Cheryl, I like to try new techniques with the challenges, too. That's a great design for your bracelet!


Unknown said...

It's amazing to see all the different ideas that come from the same kit! I love Janice's bracelet. She does extraordinary work! Great work ladies and keep on beading!