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Saturday, February 26, 2011

The Bead Soup Party Jackpot!

Boy, did I hit the jackpot when I got Nancy Schindler as my partner.  I have to admit that when I received Nancy's components, as beautiful are they are, I was in a quandary ... which is one of the great benefits of Lori's party ... it forces us all to stretch.  I looked at her focal piece and thought "Should it go this way or that way? Hmmm.  I think most people would have it go this way, so I'll have it go that way."  Going "that way," encouraged a triple strand necklace, which was perfect because I remembered a great clasp I've had kicking around her for some time.

Here are the results ... a piece I call "Twilight."


The pearl strands are hand-knotted.  Labradorite makes another appearance, as does some patina work on a flower bead cap (learned from Shannon LeVart).  Love the beryl beads and rhinestones with Nancy's companion piece on the other side of the necklace as a counterpoint.










I felt incredibly "rich" wearing this the other day in the studio after I had just finished it ... with my sloppy mock turtleneck with food stains on the front.  The drape of the necklace is incredible, which I owe primarily to the hand-knotted pearls.  I am in love with this piece ... really! And, I owe it all to Nancy, for providing me with such rich "ingredients" for my Bead Soup.  It is delicious!

Please check out the other Bead Soup Partiers at Lori's Blog



124 comments:

Stories They Tell said...

Barbara, WOW-- you did wonderful things with that focal. It is so elegant and rich with detail. I have trouble with over-ornate components but you worked with it so creatively, adding luxurious and yet simple components in layers of color and shape. Excellent job!

ewabeads said...

Beautiful! I love the color combination...truly a unique piece!

Round Rabbit said...

Awesome Barbara! I love that you flipped the focal turned it into a three strand! Brilliant!

steufel said...

Barbara: Wow, and, aahh, Wow :-) !

Davinia said...

Truly beautiful Barbara. I'm definitely participating in the next bead soup party.

Angel Whisperer said...

Beautiful Jackpot piece Barbara !!
nice to turn that focal around like that and hand knotting I may try that ...looks great!

Jen Judd said...

"Rich" is absolutely the right word for you piece. It's fabulous! I never would've figured knotted pearls along with that mix of wire wrapped stones but I looooove it. Of course, Nancy always inspires cool stuff!!! Have a great party day.

Michele Lynch Art said...

Love the combination of all the things you put together! The design is fabulous!! You rock!! xo Michele

Diane said...

Barbara...it is stunning! You know I felt the same way when I put my piece on =) I had NO idea I would love it sooooo much!
Yes, hand knotted pearls are the best, and do "fit" around the neck like a glove..
Just gorgeous Barbara!

Kerry said...

Barbara... this is so beautiful. I love it. And the photos are fantastic. I am sure Nancy is thrilled!

balanced. said...

goodness me! that focal is unbelievable!
really love the way you showed it off!
beautifully done, Barbara!

Palimpa Lim said...

OH! MY! GOODNESS!
I don't have more words. It's just...aaaaaahhhhh!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

WOW OH WOW OH WOW! The necklace is stunning! I love everything and I wish I had the words to type down to say everything I feel as I am looking at the necklace. WOW! That about sums it up.

KJ said...

Beautiful. I love the colors and the composition.

Mary Harding said...

Beautiful necklace!! Love the colors and the drape. Hand knotting what a great idea.

SummersStudio said...

Clever, girl, turning that focal to make a 3 strand necklace. The pearls are an especially nice touch.

Lois Moon said...

So elegant! I love how the design of the focal is echoed in the floral bead cap. Bravo!

Cillaw said...

Beautiful!
I also like how you flipped it around.
I love the combo of brass,pears,crystal and porcelain~!

The porcelain round on the side of the silver chain was my favorite surprise.

Cilla

m.e. said...

That is SPECTACULAR!!!!
A wonderful new antique creation!!!
m.e. :)

SueBeads said...

Wowza!

My Life Under the Bus said...

Stunning - That focal is stupendous!

ViviBijoux said...

A rich vintage inspired piece. Must be fabulous to wear! I love your enameled beads on Etsy, I hearted your shop a while ago. Great job, you go girl! smile, Virginie ViviBijoux.com

Stephani Gorman said...

what a lovely piece Barbara! Smiles!

Maneki said...

I like how you thought about which way to turn the pendant. There's nothing more fun for the creative mind than versatile focals and other jewellery parts that one can use in so many different ways.

Very pretty necklace with soft colours that add a sort of vintage feel to it.

Kristen said...

Beautiful!!! You did a great job with your soup! :)

earthlyjewels said...

Very pretty! Great work!

fireflymyst said...

Wonderful piece. I love how you turned the focal into a three strand necklace. Great work:)

Judy said...

Such an elegant necklace and I love the vintage feel it has. You incorporated so many beautiful pieces and they work nicely together.

Unknown said...

wow, you knotted the pearls! I'm a beadweaver and that seems really detailed to me. Nice work!

Prairie Emporium said...

Oh my what a lovely necklace. I'm sure you do look awsome with it on, it's beautiful.

Unknown said...

WOW I would feel lucky too! And I am in love with this necklace too!

Marie Cramp said...

Barbara! That is truly stunning!! Flipping the piece was brilliant!

Clayworks by Lisa Boucher said...

It's true, you really did hit the soup jackpot ~ Beautiful work putting it all together! I'm glad you showed some close ups of the beads and wire work. Really gorgeous.

Linda said...

wow,love the necklace!

Kate said...

Love what you did! I totally see what you mean about "most would go this way, so I have to that". I'd be wearing it around, food stains and all too if I were you!

roseworksjewelry said...

That's a great piece!

Carol B said...

Very pretty! I like the way you turned the focal. :)

Patsy Evins said...

Wonderfully created! Love the rich statement you made with the piece!

Patsy Evins said...

Enjoyed looking around at your other blogs! Gorgeous enameling!

Unknown said...

It truly is delicious!You are so talented...great soup recipe!! This has been so much fun...can't wait for the next party to begin:)

Wendy said...

Gorgeous and unique!

Stacey said...

Very rich...who would notice food stains when you are wearing a piece as grand as this???? Not a single person! :) I love the final flower drop with the rhinestone piece - such a unique touch!

Laurel said...

An amazing piece with amazing components - great job!

Francy said...

beautiful. love the colors.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous, there's so much going on in that necklace yet the colors are very soothing.

Loris Glassworks said...

Simply stunning! Cheers!

N Valentine Studio said...

Wow, that's a great piece! I love the dropped piece, very nice!

Anonymous said...

Dang it I lost my comment! Basically I just gushed about how the focal look awesome "that way". Good soup lady!

Courtney Breul said...

OH! I love the colors, the wire work, the connector, the pearl drop. Spectacular!

Aquariart said...

My eyes are starting to ache but I am so glad I went hopping to one more blog and found this gorgeous and unique piece. That ceramic piece is stunning and you really added a beautiful color palette to it. Very tasty soup!!

Cindy said...

Hello Barbara, just getting started hopping really after a full day of lacrosse and basketball...and I wanted to head straight over to see what you cooked up! WOW! You made such a stunner here! This is so incredibly beautiful - a real show stopper. I can see why you would be proud to don this one whether you are out to a nice dinner, or in your studio in a food-stained top. :-) I especially love the detail like the hand-knotted pearls. That is the icing on the cake.

BeadsByEarthTones said...

my goodness....simply beautiful! i love your wire work. truly special!

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

Very creative to flip the focal. I like how you think I am always thinking of that but it never turns out like yours! This necklace is stunning.
Shannon C

Unknown said...

I clicked on your name with high expectations and awww that is a Centerpeice if I ever saw one!
Just beautiful Barbara. And who could go wrong with Nancys focal. Yours really is a show stopper!
Janet xx

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

gaspingly gorgeous! you have "it"!!!

Terri said...

This bead soup sings..beautifully designed!

Anonymous said...

Pretty design! Cool beads!

Green Shoot Jewellery Designs said...

Love what you did with your bead soup, that was truly a fabulous focal, stunning!

Deb x

Pretty Things said...

OMG, I want to steal this. But that would be rude. I LOVE the pendant. LOVE the triple strand. LOVE it all. So. Much. Wanting. Sigh.

(no really. would it be rude to snag that off your neck next time I see you? ok ok ok.)

Barbara Lewis said...

LOL, Lori! I have had so much fun today! Thank you, thank you, thank you for organizing this huge event! xo

Anonymous said...

This is stunning! I love the focal! This is a great piece, it kinda has a 1920s vibe. I've never seen anything like this piece, and that's great - it's truly unique. Love it :D

Unknown said...

WoW! Barbara, this is excellent! I love how you flipped the pendant and all the color you have incorporated into your necklace.

ClickNCamera said...

You and Nancy are a great team ...I love what you did with these beads and components! Beautiful!

Pam @ The Blue Between said...

wow - you did strike it rich with that soup! Fantastic pieces you created!

moonlitfantaseas said...

Wow Barbra, this is one beautiful necklace! I really love it.....

Jenni said...

That is TOTALLY stunning. The focal is to die for and I love how you turned it around. The combination of knotted pearls and chain, just beautiful, love everything about it.
Jenni

Paige said...

What a beautiful piece! I love the focal...gorgeous colors throughout the piece!

rosebud101 said...

Barbara, WOW! You did a fantastic job with your Soup. I love that focal!

elisabeth said...

I love how you used the focal and the different strands you used - incredible!

Lanyardlady said...

A real head-turner! Lovely work that makes a statement.

Holly said...

Oh goodness, I am only echoing everyone else when I say that flipping that focal was ingenious! And the way the whole necklace turned out...gawjus, dahlin'! Simply gorgeous indeed!

sandi m said...

What a stunner! Love all the details and how you positioned Nancy's pendant. And I bet it would look fab with your PJ's, too!!

Raida said...

That is a magnificent necklace, elegant and romantic! What a great design by flipping the focal.

Brandi Hussey said...

This is absolutely luscious - I can totally see why you'd feel rich wearing it! It's so luxe!

Lisa said...

Oh my! That is stunning!

Unknown said...

#209 here...love it, beautiful focal piece, great designing...

Creative Arty Facts said...

What a gorgeous piece Barbara - just beautiful!

stregata said...

Love your out-of-the-box thinking here - wonderful work, Barbara! This is truly a stunning necklace.

BluMoon said...

What a beautiful necklace I do love that focal great way to use it too!
Jackie

Anonymous said...

I'd wear this! Fabulous design Barbara!

Helmitarha said...

Gorgeous piece!!! Unusual and breathtaking!

Loretta said...

That is awesome. You make good soup!

Gerry said...

I will give you the super AWESOME award. Great beads amazing work!!!

rockcreekcreations said...

what a wonderful focal! you've done it justice!!

Dee said...

absolutely love it! Love the bead capped pearl and all the others pearls bring such richness to the design...stunning!

Lisa Godfrey said...

Oh my gosh that is stunning. Just beautiful! I love Nancy's components and I love what you did with the one she sent you. I don't know if I would have even thought of turning it that way but it makes a great multi strand necklace focal. LOVE it!!

Juli Cannon said...

Love your ingenuity in creating such a beautiful piece with such unique components. Well done!!

Polymer Clay Shed/ Barn said...

I love how you put everything together, love the colors!

Jennifer Cameron said...

I bet no one would notice a sloppy stain covered mock turtleneck if you were wearing THAT gorgeous thing around. I probably would have struggled with that focal too, but DAMN! You rocked it. Fabulous job ;o)

Laura said...

This is a STUNNING piece with an old-time feel. GORGEOUS!!!

French Elegant Jewelry said...

beautiful and love that focal. Loved your work and I'm off to check out some more of you eye candy.

Cathryn said...

First off, I love, Love, LOVE that necklace! I love the ambiance of old world feel with a touch of modern. It's very pretty! I really like how you set off the focal! Excellent! Many thanks!

Laura Twiford said...

That focal instantly reminded me of wings and so I love that you placed it in that position, very eye catching! Lovely piece! Look forward to participating in the next bead soup since I missed this one, so much fun to see!

Beadbug said...

That is an amazing use of the focal piece and I love the triple strands. This is one of my top ten soups :)

Regina said...

What a statement your necklaces makes, very majestic. Love the combination of beads and the technique, and not to mention the focal.

Jess Italia Lincoln said...

Beautiful! Love the way you hung the pendant "that way"... the knotted pearl strand is great and all the other details make this necklace very elegant. Great job!

Julie said...

Oh wow, Barbara, your necklace is just stunning!! Nice job.

Everyday Gypsy said...

I love the way you discussed the quandry one gets in when presented with things we normally aren't drawn to. I loved what you did with your soup. Beautiful.

Dragonfodder Jewellery Diary said...

Hi, I'm new to blogging but not jewellery, your piece for the BSP is beautiful. I'd really appreciate if you took time to leave a comment on my blog someday.

VS said...

So beautiful friend, I love this necklace & what you did with your SOUP! Simple Stunning!!! ;)
Thanks for sharing...
Susie

Leigh said...

Beautiful work! I love how you balanced the multi strands.

Sarabeth aka Sarita said...

absolutely stunning! fabulous job with your soup-i love it!

sarabeth

Unknown said...

what a wickedly awesome piece.

Heidi Post said...

Fantastico! I love that you turned the focal upside down like that - it never would have occurred to me, but it looks smashing :)

jessememan said...

Barbara...I love everything about this necklace! Gorgeous:)

Serena Trent said...

your piece is exquiste, full of romance and imagery!

Beauty Boss Agnes said...

Very elegant...love the focal..

Valerie said...

A stunning necklace indeed! Intricate work, elegant and very creative. Glad to be in this group with you!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous focal component!! Your necklace is STUNNING!

Karyn said...

You hit the jackpot indeed! What a stunning focal. I absolutely adore what you have created... just stunning. Well done!

Karyn
Australia

Anonymous said...

Wonderful Necklace, I love the direction you used for the focal,it worked out well with the points down so you could hang things off them. This is a beautiful design, love the double strand as well.Great Bead Soup!

Michelle said...

All I can say is...Oh. My. Goodness. I LOVE this necklace. It's funky, it's classic. You did a wonderful job with all of the different elements. Bravo!
Bead Happy!
Michelle

Cheryl K Roe said...

Stunning composition.

TesoriTrovati said...

Funny...but the first word that came to my mind before I read a word was "rich!"
That Nancy... she really knows how to glaze the heck out of something. I love what she does! Hand knotting? Wow! Your ideas are many and your talent runs deep. This is something special. I think that you deserve a night out with a special someone to wear this necklace!
Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Janea aka Naya said...

Love the cream and green together, very rich and dreamy. Beautiful necklace and what a great partner to have. I love what you sent to Nancy too.

Alice said...

your piece looks stately and elegant. great idea for the triple strand.
alice'sbeadsandbaubles

Third Eye Gypsy said...

Very elegant! Beautiful work by you both :)

CraftyHope said...

It's a beautiful necklace. You really did a fantastic job with your soup. It looks like you really put a lot of time and effort into this necklace (hand knotting those pearls) and IT SHOWS! Fantastic.

one-eared pig said...

Hot damn that is incredible!

jamberry_song said...

This is utterly incredible! I love the color palette and the unexpected design. Gorgeous, gorgeous. Marvelous work!

Marian Hertzog said...

Very pretty! Love the design work and the colors...

Rebecca said...

Wow! I think and Nancy really were an inspired match...you have both come up with fantastic pieces with each other's soup. You've really made that cool focal work - it is gorgeous but would definitely be a challenge for me! You've done an amazing job.

Cory said...

Wow...this is one gorgeous necklace, I love everything about it. Good Job!

Tara P. said...

Gorgeous necklace! I kept meaning to come here and tell you what a pleasure it was to meet you in Tucson, too. You're obviously very passionate about what you do and I admire you!