Wonder and Whimsy February Challenge Reveal: Use What I Have

Part 1

Hurray for the first challenge reveal of 2025!

...And there is a lot to show. So much so, that I have decided to break this up into 2 reveals. Imagine!

So! For those who are just tuning in, this month's challenge was to use what I have. I know that might sound silly, but I have an overabundance of beads. I really needed to stop focusing on what I don't have and start using up what I do.

Overall, I had success! 

For part 1, I have two necklaces to share. 

The first, I made with these beads:

What a pretty collection of red iris glass rondelles and coated hematite hearts!

When I started this challenge, I thought I knew what I wanted to make with this collection, but the idea kept changing. Morphing. 

Eventually, this is what I ended up with:

Now, I'm not 100% sold on this design. I am absolutely pleased with the body of the necklace, but not so much the pendant. In my head, I wanted a large gold filigree heart.

But I don't have one. 

Trust me... I looked. Multiple times.

So, in the nature of my challenge, I made a pendant. I used a large scalemaille scale in a matching color, and made a little beaded charm to go in front of it.

Visually, it absolutely works. Unfortunately, when worn, the weight distribution is all wonky. The body of the necklace is fairly weighty (mainly because of the hematite), but the scalemaille is super light. It keeps flipping around.

Still! I count this necklace as a success. I tried something new--and I didn't buy anything! Woohoo!

Now for necklace number 2.

For this one, I ended up using these beads:

...I have been hoarding that rose focal. 

It is double sided. It's a wonderful size. It's lightweight. I love roses. So my challenge with this necklace was using something that I've clinging to, and saving for "just the right design"!

And yes, I made a tassel. I'm sure you're not surprised.

The tassel is made almost entirely of Czech glass... the only exception are those teeeeeeny tiny little rondelles at the top.

I love this necklace. I'm sure that's no surprise. It's a tassel necklace with a rose... what is there not to like? Hah! I'm just glad that I finally stopped hoarding the focal and made something with it.

So! There you go. That's reveal 1. Thanks so much for stopping by to see what I made for this challenge. The second reveal should be coming this weekend... or whenever I get a chance to sit down and take pictures.

Till then, have a wonderful day, everyone!

Wonder and Whimsy February 2025 Challenge: Use What I Have

Hello hello! It's the beginning of February--and that means it's time for a new monthly challenge! Hurray!

This month's challenge is actually fairly simple: not buy any beads. 

Hah! This is easier said than done for me, because I really do love buying beads. I actually use it as a form of stress relief--shopping for beads, and imagining different projects I could make with them. It's like daydreaming ...expensive daydreaming.

One possible project:
red iris glass and coated hematite hearts.

But I have so, so many beautiful beads already... and so many beautiful projects that I haven't touched since purchasing them.

Another possible project: 
teeny 3mm Czech glass and miyuki seed beads

So! That's why I'm doing this challenge. Whatever I make this month, it needs to be done with beads that I already own. And if there is a component that would perfectly finish a design, but I don't have it, I need to use something else--something that I already have. This should add an extra touch of challenge and creativity!

So, we'll see what I come up with this month! Woo! Wish me luck... and be sure to come back on Friday, February 28th to see what I create.