Friday, February 27, 2015

The Jenny Monthly Challenge - February Reveal

Well, here is it... the end of February already. 

And that means that it's time for the reveal of my February Challenge! Hurray!

As a reminder, my self-appointed task was to create as many items out of this box of beads as I could:

There are a few more compartments not seen here, but rest assured... it's all the same type of beads.

And here is (most of) what I made!



So many things!

And now, instead of just tantalizing you, here's a look at the individual items. There are 14 of them overall--8 necklaces, and 6 pairs of earrings. And for no real reason, I'm going to present them in the reverse order that I made them. So, first up...


Midnight Lariat

This necklace is made of all of the really dark beads from the box... Mostly black, with occasional dark blue, purple, or grey.

Process shot!

I actually remade this necklace three times. Above, you see me converting it from the second version to the third version; I was having trouble getting it to lay right when worn. (I was trying to do something that was not wire-wrapping, but apparently that wasn't meant to be!)

Here's what the final one looks like, as well as the asymmetrical earrings I made to match it. 




Victorian Rose

For this set, I challenged myself to use the colors that I had originally overlooked: the clears, the whites, and the pinks. The end result is quite lovely! (Although it really doesn't look good on me. I guess it's too close to my skintone... Ah well!)





...Now, the next three sets are almost companion pieces... Each necklace is a different length, meaning that they can be worn together or separate.


Lilac Garden




Ocean Blues




Autumn Fire




Splash of Summer

And now for some color! This was the second set that I made--and it is bright and bold and wonderful. And long enough to be wrapped around my neck three times and still drape well. I actually want to get more of those beads, just so I can make more... so much color can be addicting! 




Crocheted Rainbow

And now, for the first piece that I made... And it's not wire-wrapped!

When I first looked at that box of brightly colored beads, this was actually the first idea that I had: to make a long strand necklace using crochet and a random assortment of beads. And here is the end result!

That focal is a handmade polymer clay bead. I am honestly not sure of the artist.


...I think it would have worked a bit better on different thread with a different size crochet hook, but still! I'm pleased. 


And, once again, here is everything together!

The earrings!

All but the first necklace! Because wire-wrapping is fun. :)

So, ta-da! That is what I made this month, using that box of beads. 

...And now, I want to go get another big colorful glass mix, so that I can make more! Because whenever I try to use up my stash, it always gives me the desire to get more so that I can make more! Such is the plight of the artist, I suppose. ;)

Thank you so much for stopping by to see what I made... I hope everyone has a wonderful end of February!

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Coming Soon: Meet My Bead Peeps Swap N' Hop Partner!

So, I recently mentioned that I signed up for another Blog Hop... The Bead Peeps Swap N' Hop, to be precise.

(If you're interested in reading my "getting to know me" post, go here!)


And, excitingly, the partners have been announced!

I am really excited to introduce my partner... However, I'm going to hold off for just a little bit longer. You see, we're still in the process of touching base with each other.

So, thank you for your patience! Be sure to stop by later, when I can give her a proper introduction! 

Monday, February 9, 2015

Hello, February! ...And Hello, February's Monthly Challenge!

It's nine days into this month already? Oi. 

Honestly, I feel like I'm living in some sort of time vortex... time is passing so quickly, but it doesn't feel like it. I suppose I better be careful--if I blink, I might skip ahead to next year!

Ah well. Life continues to be quite lovely. Busy, but lovely. And (as one might guess from the title of this entry), one of the things that has me occupied is my monthly challenge. 

February's challenge described in one word... COLOR!

More specifically, these colors:


Unpacking and organizing my craft room has been quite delightful, because I've been coming across all sorts of treasures that I haven't used in awhile. For example, I came across this box of glass beads, which I have had an exceptionally long time. These beads are bright and colorful and happy, and yet I hardly ever use them.

So, this month, I'd like that to change.

My challenge? To make as many pieces as I can using this box of beads.

I've already made one piece, and I've started on a second... I actually have plans for at least two more, so we'll see what I end up accomplishing. I'm sure that whatever I end up doing, it should be fun! 

The reveal will be Friday, February 27th... stop by then to see what I make! And, until then, I hope you have a wonderful February!