Wonder and Whimsy Monthly Challenge - January Reveal

Is it already the end of the month? Well then. I suppose that can only mean one thing: it's time for the reveal of this month's Wonder and Whimsy Monthly Challenge!

Hurray!

As a refresher, this month's challenge was to make something using some of the beautiful beads I received for Christmas:

Beads from one side of the family.

Beads from the other side of the family.

For this challenge, I made two sets... and, without any further ado, here they are!


Set #1

The first set is made with both beads from both collections--beads that go really well together, despite having been bought by completely different people with no knowledge of what the other bought. I mean, honestly! Look at how well those silver crosses fit inside the turquoise blue beads!

In fact, the final design was made to highlight how well those components go together... and the only part of this design that was not part of the gift-beads is the gorgeous magnesite teardrop. It was just so close in color to the cage beads, that I had to include it.

The result?

A lovely turquoise-and-silver necklace that sits right on the collar bone, with beautiful earrings to match.

Set #2

And here is the second set! As you can tell, it's a tassel necklace.

...Because I have long since given up trying to fight my tassel-making ways. At this point, I figure it's kind of my thing, so I might as well own it. :)

The focal bead (ceramic), the dark green beads (glass), and the white 6mm beads (Czech glass) were all presents--all from the same person, too. I wonder if this is what she had in mind when she bought them for me. ;)

To complete the look, I also added white crystal bicones, magenta pearls, pink-purple Czech glass, and faceted light green glass--and wire-wrapped them all together with silvertone wire. I also added leaf charms and a leaf toggle to go with the flower theme.

I love the fresh feel of this set. Honestly, these are colors that I probably would not have put together, had it not been for the flower focal... But I am so glad I did! The dark green and the rich magenta are lightened by the bright white, and reminds me of the first Spring crocuses peeking through snow.

And so, there you go! The two necklace sets that I made for this challenge.

And, to be honest, I have hardly touched the gift-beads. I have so many pretties left to play with! I'm sure that they will be included in many designs yet to come... and, if I think of it, I will post them here. What fun!

Thank you so, so much for stopping by today... I always appreciate having someone to share my creations with. Oh, and I'm already planning my challenge for next month... be sure to come back soon to see what I come up with!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!