For those just tuning in, this is just my little way of celebrating the fact that this blog has been around for 15 years.
Today, I have another challenge reveal for you. More specifically, I thought it would be fun to tackle creating with a type of bead that I just… don’t like. (Well, didn’t like. Past tense. After this challenge, I definitely have warmed up to them!)
And what type of bead is that?
Polymer clay heishe beads.
Why didn’t I like them?
I'm not entirely sure how to explain it. I do know that one reason is that I’ve only seen one type of use for them, and that particular use does not excite me. In a word: bracelets. Please don’t get me wrong—I have seen people make really pretty bracelets with them. I just don’t wear bracelets (I don’t like things on my wrists)... and since there are so many other designers making bracelets with them, I felt no desire to do so.
However, I had some of these beads. I received them in a few of the monthly subscription boxes I get. So, what to do with them? Specifically, what to do with them that I would actually wear?
However, I had some of these beads. I received them in a few of the monthly subscription boxes I get. So, what to do with them? Specifically, what to do with them that I would actually wear?
And that's what lead to this challenge.
I had a few different colors/sizes of beads, and overall made three different sets... all of which I'm pretty happy with.
So, without further ado… here are some other ways to use polymer clay heishe beads!
Those were the first beads I tackled. Overall, I made four pairs of earrings and two necklaces, all using the heishe beads and a mix and match of some coordinating beads.
First up: the earrings.
Here they are, all together:
And now, the necklaces! It was pretty fun trying to figure out how to adapt the heishe beads into my more wire-wrapped-rosary-chain style.
Oh, and I made them different lengths, so that they could be worn together and layered if desired.
As I said, all told this particular collection has six pieces. Not bad, for starting off the challenge not knowing what to do!
I had more beads, and wanted to try something else.
So, it occurred to me that these beads are essentially like the closed ring jump rings used in chainmaille.
Because of that, I decided to go to my tried and true shaggy loop chainmaille pattern to come up with this fun necklace:
As you might have noticed, I decided to make the color pattern completely random.
Which leads me to the last set... because I wondered what it would look like if I did an ombre look instead.
And this is the result!
...And you'll notice that I even made some matching earrings.
As you might have guessed, I really had fun with this challenge. I went from not liking these beads at all, to wanting to buy more. If I hadn't pushed myself to do this challenge, I wouldn't have thought outside the box and adapted these beads to my style. These sorts of results always make me happy... it's fun to grow as a designer!
So, there you go. That was Day 5 of my celebration. Thanks so much for stopping by today to see what I've been up to... Be sure to come back tomorrow for Day 6!
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Another way I'm celebrating is by offering a coupon code for my Etsy store!
Simply use the code BLOG15 when checking out for 15% off! Code expires once my 15 Days of Content is over, on August 3rd.
I have often wondered what to do with these Fimo/clay beads. So I finf hte necklace idea brilliant. I would like to try it sometime.
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