Friday, July 1, 2011

July 2011 BJP....aka "the albatross" :)

Yes, it is the albatross around my neck.  The other day it was the monkey on my back.  Getting a picture here?  I have worked so hard on this simple little necklace.  It has most definitely been an exercise in persistence, commitment, and trying to be more patient.  It was a lesson that some things won't allow you to rush them.  With this I was limited by my hands, and although I am usually a fast beader, with this project I had to go much more slowly.  Commitment...I started it, and I was determined to finish it.  Many times projects are started and they aren't as fun and exciting as others so they go in the UFO pile.  Believe me.  There were several times that I thought about it!  So, I had to be persistent.  I had to motivate myself to work on it and go through some physical pain to get it done.  And I did!

The pendant was another challenge.  I had no idea how I was going to bead it, but I got some beads and a stone to go specifically with the seed beads I used, so I was going to make something work.  I had a few sputters and false starts, but I think I was thinking about it too much.  The other night I decided to "just bead" and let the stitching work itself out.  And it did!  I went back to my first days in bead embroidery under the wings of Robin Atkins, learning how to bead "improvisationally" and "just do it".   I am very happy with the way the pendant turned out.  I didn't like the big gaps between the round beads surrounding the stone (a very pretty piece of fossil agate...that's a close up on the first pic at the top), so I just started going in between them all with the seed beads.  It sort of reminded me of petals on a flower.  Of course, my husband didn't think it looked anything like a flower.  Do you know what he said?  He said it looks like his grandparents' old sofa.  Zing. Ouch.  I guess he doesn't like it.  Why should I be surprised?  He rarely likes anything I do...it's because he says "it's not his thing".  But I ask him why he can't appreciate my craftsmanship and artistry?  He doesn't get it.  Oh well.

The colors might not be the "IN" colors on the Pantone Fashion Report, but I thought they looked rather nice together.  I used peach, tangerine and brown seed beads with the core bead in brown to create this triple spiral.  I know one other month I did an embellished regular spiral, but this was much more challenging.  The beads got real tight by the third color in the round and I really had to coax and push and pull the needle through a lot of the time.  Working so hard on something, though, gives a nice sense of accomplishment, don't you think?  It is just over 23" and is hooked with a gold-plated simple lobster claw.  Oh!  And I also tried a new stitch on the bail!  I showed you a twisted tubular herringbone not too long ago, but tonight I did just a flat herringbone.  I guessed at how to make the turn to the next row and thought, "No, this can't be right."  I looked up a tutorial online and I was right!  Gave myself a pat on the back for getting the hang of this beadweaving stuff and seeing how it should go intuitively.

Ok, here it is...my July 2011 BJP project and new stitch in my repertoire...


Also, the pendant is backed in a nice soft tan microsuede and beaded the beads using Nicole's Beadbacking.  It is so nice to work with, holds its shape, doesn't fray or unravel...you should try it!  Check it out at her Etsy shop and visit her blog, Beadwright.

12 comments:

Danielle said...

Very nice! I am really loving the triple spiral, and it strong enough visually to support the stone focal. Loving your color choices. Any idea of how many grams of beads you used to make the spiral?

Barbara said...

Oooos and ahhhhs from my end on this piece. It's so lovely, and I'm sure it makes a statement when worn. Love the colors too!

Crazy Mama said...

roosterlion, thank you for commenting! i haven't seen you before, so hello to you! i tried sending you an email direct, but you have it set up as a no-reply. so i hope you come back to this and see it...the spiral is 22" long and it uses approximately 3/4 of a 6" tube. i think there are about 26grams in a 6" tube if i'm not mistaken, so that would be about 19-20 grams for each color in the spiral. the core bead takes about 1/4 of the tube (8/0), so i would guess 7 grams or so. if you decide to make one, i'd like to see!

Tracey Leeder said...

Oh Lisa! I absolutely love this piece. The color combinations you chose are perfect. That is a lovely focal piece as well. I have never done a spiral like that, but the effect is amazing. Great job!!

Abracadebra Designs said...

Wow Lisa, I am loving this piece and your persistance. I have never done a triple spiral, I know I do not have the patience. And I happen to love your color scheme.
-Debbie

Danielle said...

Hi Lisa,I am new to blogs so was not aware of that setting, I know what to look for now. I do not have my own blog...yet, but am thoroughly enjoying following yours! Thanks for the answer to my question.

Beth A. said...

This necklace is gorgeous; even more stunning IRL. These colors are delicious together, no matter what any magazine says!

I am so impressed by the time & effort you put into learning all of these new stitches. It is very inspiring. And how wonderful to end up with so many beautiful pieces!

Keep up the good work!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Congrats! You did a stunning job. I admire you for sticking with a challenging project!

Robin said...

We are so lucky to have other BJPers and the bead community as a whole to oooooh and aaaaaah over our work, to understand how much we put into it, how difficult it is and how proud we are of our growing skills. Yep! Husbands are good for some things, but yours and mine are lacking in the art appreciation department. Oh well... Lisa, you know I "get it" about this piece, all your decisions were right on!!!!! Bravo!

Marty S said...

Just lovely! Your beads and the cab complement each other perfectly. It's great that you try new stitches on each piece.

I too think it's important for us to find other with similar interests for artistic feedback and affirmation. Glad we can be here for you.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

Blissful Banter of a Creative Crafter said...

Ditto from everyone who commented before me! Love it!

LissC said...

Great piece! Love the twisted ropes.