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Friday, September 16, 2011

Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party Swap!

Gosh, this was fun!  My uber-talented partner, Cathie Carroll, sent me such nice things to work with.  I simply love "Grampa's Farm" by Jubilee and the carvings on the rings and clasp by Lois Venarchick of Wynwood Beads add so much ... they're very sweet.  According to Cathie,  "pearls, a piece of jade, chunks of chalcedony, and red glass beads that belonged to a Civil War Army Nurse" were a part of her Americana Bead Soup. I was thrilled with these things.  The colors appealed to me as did their texture. 

The focal raku pendant was perfect for a technique I used in my book on a project called "Flying Trapeze." It's a fun way to suspend a pendant.     












I put the sterling silver rectangle for the pendant trapeze through the rolling mill first to get this floral texture.  I just love that brass pattern sheet with the little flowers.  It's perfect for so many things.





I love making these bead clusters.  The project "Pink Ink" from the book shows how to make them, but it's not hard to figure out just by looking at these.





Lots of twisty wire adds a touch of opulence. 




I adore milky translucent beads!  Absolutely adore them!!!




A big hug goes out to Lori Anderson for organizing this event.  It just keeps getting better and better!  Thank you, Lori.  And, thank you Cathie for selecting such lovely items for me to work with.  I was thinking of you the whole time I worked. :-) To follow the trail of beads, please go here.

132 comments:

coffeeaddict said...

Such bold and elegant piece.

Jenni said...

I love your necklace...so many different elements and techniques to look at..and a gorgeous colour combination. I just received your book last week and can't wait to try ..well...so many things really...but certainly the little bead clusters you used in this necklace would be a good beginning for me!
Jenni

steufel said...

Oh Barbara -just one word: WOW!

Islandgirl said...

Necklace looks great! I love that pendant...& the way you hung it!
I'm still waiting for your book... Obvioulsy Amazon hasn't released them to Canada yet... Expected shipping is now not until Oct 3!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Barbara - your piece is absolutly amazing! I love all the different elements you incorporated from your book into this piece! Love the colors and components and the ribbon! Fabulous work girl!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work Barb!! I see I need to get myself a rolling mill, the pattern brass is beautiful and the way you incorporated it with the pendant is so creative! Gorgeous necklace!

earthlyjewels said...

Fabulous!!! The color is beautiful!

Tracy said...

Gorgeous design - I'm going to check out your 'flying trapeze'...very clever.

Jennifer Cameron said...

I love this Barbara! First, I am jealous of that farm pendant. I don't know why exactly, just that I am. I love how you put everything together. It's funny the subject matter of the farm bead can look so elegant :o)

Cindy said...

Barbara, your necklace is so stunning. What perspective to first read about the history of the components...and then to see your finished piece. It has such a contemporary look yet a vintage appeal too. Maybe it's the soft ribbon. It's great to see how you incorporated a technique from your book and shared with us how it can be used in another piece of jewelry. The impact is fabulous....all I could think of was, I would love a necklace like this!! :-) You outdid yourself again, Barbara!

KayzKreationz said...

So pretty. I love the rectangle you attached the pendant with. And the ribbon/silk really makes this design.

Noemi said...

that focal is impressive. What a wonderful post. I have enjoyed it very much. Thanks!

Courtney Breul said...

Really nice! I love the use of ribbon. I love the wire work and beads also. Totally something I would wear! Beautiful.

Raida said...

Wow, I just love this! Lots of wonderful wirework techniques and lots of close-ups. I love how you attached the focal and added little beads throughout the wirework, wonderful!

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

Wow! I love what you did with the pendant. So fun. I bought the book but I am not up to that chapter yet :-)
It's on my nook so I can't skip ahead. lol
I am loving all the fun elements in your necklace. SO many places for the eye to land.
Shannon C

Diane said...

Your pendant trapeze is gorgeous Barbara...so beautiful. And I loved the hammered wire bail. Just wonderful...I see so much of you in this necklace! Just beautiful =))

Karen Beth said...

I absolutely love what you did with your soup! What a beautiful piece!

Jen Judd said...

Gorgeous! I love that you can make twisty wire look funky and elegant and haphazard and organized all at the same time. I guess that's kind of the way we live our lives, too, right? haaaaaaaaaa
Take care!
Jen

Cindy Gimbrone said...

I love the green contrasted with the red! Lovely work!

Shel said...

This is so beautifully done - perfect!! I love the sari silk and how you mixed everything together - really lovely!

Stories They Tell said...

First, the wasabi green and red are my absolute favorites and everything was just interwoven in such artistry-- that focal hanger was brilliant, gotta try that! Of course the fibers were a brilliant addition too. All in all, spectacular and very wearable. PS LOVE the new banner!

Unknown said...

Lovely. Great melding of elements.

Erin S said...

absolutely LOVE what you've done with your wire work! Beautiful piece!

Lesley said...

Great piece - love it!

Maneki said...

Lovely necklace! I really like that focal -- and how you've suspended it.

Norma's Bag Boutique said...

So unusually beautiful! Magical!

Alice said...

Barbara, I love how you suspended the focal. What a gorgeous piece all around.

Sandi Volpe said...

Gorgeous piece, love all the detailed work.

Karyn B said...

Love how you featured the pendant. The whole necklace is gorgeous.

Shirley said...

Barbara, When I saw the focal, I couldn't wait to see how you would use it. You totally rocked it! I love the trapeze bail, and those little clusters of beads are just awesome. I'm so glad you gave up close of the wirework, cause I needed to see that "messy style" can look gorgeous, instead of sloppy like mine keeps coming out. The colors in the necklace are just stunning.

Anonymous said...

SERIOUSLY fun stuff!

Ann said...

Very nice, thank you for the closeups of your connections.

EmandaJ said...

Absolutely gorgeous. Love the pendant and the way you displayed it. We’re all being pushed outside our comfort zones — with amazing results!

Enjoy the hop,
Emanda

http://artemisiastudio.blogspot.com/2011/09/bead-soup-reveal.html

Rebecca said...

Amazing colour scheme - like Lorelei's and as I commented to her, I am totally stealing it!! Love the ribbon and the focal is a knock out :-)

jessememan said...

Barbara...this is so great! Love that trapeze holder and the little bead clusters! The color palette is so lovely and fresh...I want!

Lorelei Eurto said...

B-
This is great! The copper sheet that you created the bail for the focal is soooooo cool ! Brilliant.

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

Absolutely fabulous piece! You did a wonderful job.

Do Be Do Bead Do said...

I'm in love with that pendant and your talent amazes me. Really lovely piece.

Diana P. said...

Barbara, I love what you did to that awesome ceramic focal! Beautiful necklace!

T-Rose Leigh said...

wowzer, simply lovely

Erin Siegel said...

Great piece, Barbara. I love how you treated the pendant and I love the texture of those wrapped bead clusters. One of my favorite projects from your book is the "Pink Ink" knotted necklace!

Lupe Meter said...

Beautiful design! Love the wrapped bead cluster and everything about this piece! Awesome job!

Loris Glassworks said...

Wonderful! You have created a terrific piece of wearable art. I like your use of color and texture, and I really like the texture on the toggle clasp. Thank you for sharing your artistic process with us. Cheers!
Lori

Maggie said...

What a fun and beautiful necklace! Love the use of so many materials that you blended so perfectly.

Thoughtfulhands said...

The little flower stamp is my favorite also and Your piece is absolutely STUNNING!

I can't stop looking at it :>

Back ta hoppin,
Theresa

Riki Schumacher said...

Way to go Barbara! LOVE your arrangement and the texture of everything, the colors are just spectacular. Yummm. Great job! Hugs, Riki

Prairie Emporium said...

Barbara, I love it--- the necklace is so you!!

Shay Stone said...

What a beautiful necklace you've made! Thanks for all the stunning photos. I'm definitely off to look at more of your work :)

Kristy's Kreations Jewelry said...

Barbara, this piece is STUNNING! Love your wirework and your bead clusters :)

Cassie Donlen said...

Hi Barbara,

What an incredible necklace. The colors are stunning and I love how you patterned the sterling silver and the trapeze. That totally made the focal. Awesome work!

Wendy said...

Wow, just gorgeous! I love how it all flows together! Great job! :)

la mar de bonita said...

An exceptionally beautiful piece of part! Love it!
Greetings, Michi

Angel Whisperer said...

Stunning and I love that 'flying trapeze' :) very nice with those close ups from parts of the piece
( I need a better camera)

Shyme said...

Such a beautiful necklace!

bwheather said...

Great piece. Just love all the bits and pieces, your attention to details. Great stuff. ;-)

Palimpa Lim said...

What a stunning piece, Barbara! I love everything about it! The trapece bail is an excellent idea... I think I'll finally have to get your book ;)

Christine said...

I LOVE that trapeze pendant bail! Might have to use that on an upcoming idea of mine....

Also, the wirework, the use of ribbon, the beads!! All so gorgeous! Fabulous work!

Marcie Abney Carroll said...

I've been riveting things like a madwoman lately and I can totally see creating that bail with a rivet right through the top. I really like this color combo and the addition of the silk just softens the whole thing.
Wonderful piece!

JenniferJangles said...

This is my favorite necklace yet. I love that farm focal!

T... said...

stunning, your work is amazing....

Christine said...

Beautiful necklace! I love your wire work throughout - the close-up pictures show all of the wonderful detail!

Anonymous said...

Holey catfish- this is one show stopper! Love it :) I just got your book and I'm loving it :)

Cece said...

Beautifully quirky piece. Would love to wear it!

Malin de Koning said...

Love what you did with your soup Barbara! Jubilee's pendant is of course gorgeous, and the whole color scheme is so yummy. Have to check out flying trapeze. And hey Bead Clusters, right down my alley. I made that myself a couple of months ago for a bracelet I had planned to send to a magazine (but haven't yet) and I thought I was super clever to come up with that ... Ha, turns out I should not be so cocky when Barbara Lewis is around. :-) The ones you made are more intricate and fantastic. I esp love the connection from the ring to that large facetted stone (prehnite?) and on to the next cluster with the pearls. On the second last image. The color of the silk is perfect. Everything is wonderful!

Therese's Treasures said...

Barbara, I love your design it is beautiful!
Therese

Anonymous said...

Love at first sight! Now these are my colors!!!! I love all the components and how you put it all together and I need to get a copy of the book.
Alice's Beas and Baubles

Cathie Carroll said...

Barbara,

I love what you've done with the little farm. It was really hard to send that one off I love it so. However, I knew you would find a way to make it even more special.

Thank you for being such a lovely partner.

Warm regards,

Cathie

I LOVE color! said...

Love the design and the colors.
Be Blessed to be a blessing

Holly said...

Oh, what a gorgeous necklace this is! It's truly a feast for the eyes....and senses, it's so textural!

Unknown said...

Your work is just exquisite!

Unknown said...

This necklace reminds of something so peaceful and restful, very lovely. I really like the wire mixed beads.

Lori Anderson said...

This is absolutely amazing, and I'm so glad you showed all the details. I'm in awe. I always am when I see your work, though. REALLy well done.

I hope you'll join me again -- the new badge and dates will be posted on my blog on the 19th!

Love, Lori

Cynthia said...

Well balanced in color, very nice.

Lori Bergmann said...

This is such a lovely piece! I especially love the way you created the book focal! :-)

Marie Cramp said...

I absolutely LOVE what you made!! I read half your book on the plane to California, the only "Beady" thing I brought with me for the whole trip and I can't wait to try some of these things out!!

Elysian Studios said...

I love your design, the craftsmanship, and the colors! Your photographs are also beautiful!

JuLee said...

What can I say but OMG! You did a fantastic job. I particularly like your making the metal pendant topper. Perfect addition.

Unknown said...

I am lusting after this necklace, I tell you!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Simply Gorgeous!

Laura Twiford said...

I love that trapeze pendant bail! I will have to play with that soon! That whole necklace just works so well together, you have a great eye for design, beautiful!

Claire Maunsell said...

I do so love this necklace, Barbara! Every part of it is placed so perfectly - the result is that one can see every part works! I especially like the clusters of beads. Yum...

Michael and Cherrie Fick said...

Very cool design. I ove the random wire wrap. it lends a texture that works with this design and the ribbon. Thanks for sharing. Cherrie

moonlitfantaseas said...

what a gorgeous piece! I love the treatment of your focal! so pretty, I want a rolling mill, looks like it would be so much fun to use!

Beetique said...

wonderful job on this!

Natalie Monkivitch said...

Wow, what a lovely design and great colours. Loving what you have done with such fabulous soup too!

Blacklady said...

Hi,
wow a very great and beautiful work. I love it very much. wonderful design.
greetings
karin

Jo said...

Simply beautiful, and it was lovely to see all the details. That focal pendant is just amazing!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous necklace! The pendant is amazing, never seen anything like it, and you showcased it really well.

Sandra said...

Oh wow, love how you suspended that pendant, and all the twisty wire goodness – it makes your necklace look so organic. And, silk ribbon, yet again. It really seems to be the "it" thing, currently. So pretty, so soft, such vibrant colors~! <3

Marianna said...

beautiful work! Love the colors, the addition of the ribbon and the gorgeous detail in the wire work. That pendant is so cool! Great job!

Kate said...

Awesome work! I love all the textures and details. Fabulous photography as well!!

Cory said...

Gorgeous piece, great color combination and texture.

Andrea said...

I first saw roads, then plowed fields. What a piece of art you have created. Thanks for sharing.

Christine Altmiller said...

this is stunningly beautiful! very nice feel and colors.

Beadaholique said...

We love your work, Barbara, and this soup you whipped up is no exception! That pendant is unbelievably cool!

KristiBowmanDesign said...

I love your creation Barbara, every detail is amazing!

Sharon said...

This is such a perfectly designed necklace given the fabulous bead soup Cathie sent, plus you're the Mistress of Color Combinations, in my opinion, so I would definitely wear your gorgeous necklace anytime! So beautiful...

Lori Bowring Michaud said...

Just amazing Barbara! I love the construction of the pendant bail and how you've pulled it all together!

Snazzy Doodle Designs said...

This is a beautiful necklace. Love the colors, wire wrapping and the pendant

Mary Cullinan said...

Beautiful necklace! Thank you for incorporating my pendant into your design!

m.e. said...

STUNNING!!!
The Flying Trapeze suspension knocked my socks off!!!!
It took that Gorgeous focal to new heights !!!
Great soup!
m.e. :)

BluMoon said...

Very bold and creative I like this!

Michelle Mach said...

Love this! I love all the twisty wire and the perfect way the ribbon brings the entire piece together.

Aquariart said...

What an unusual pendant - I absolutely love what you did with it. Farmer gone modern!! It looks fantastic on that leather purse too. great photos!

Skye said...

what an interesting 'bail'! I've never seen or heard of it before!

I love the look the 'messy wraps' give this... I don't think it would've looked as nice if the wraps had been clean ( which gives me such hope for the future because I rarely managed a clean wrap >.< lol

Altogether a simply lovely piece :) I'm looking forward to browsing through your other work to see how this differs ;)

Bobbie said...

Oh. My. Everything about this is perfection. The bail for the focal is so cool! I'll just have to catch my breath before getting back to the hop!

Barbara said...

What awesome soup you received and that trapeze treatment really adds a lot of dimension to the amazing focal!

SueBeads said...

OMG Barb! Fantastic! Amazing what you did with that focal!

BahamaDawn said...

WOW!!! this is one amazing necklace! you recieved a stunning pendant from your partner and i love the bail you made!! super work!

Sally Anderson said...

Oh, how I love this piece, Barbara! The beads, the design, that cool way to hang the pendant... All of it. It's just beautiful!

Kathy ~ Artful Accents said...

Beautiful detailed wire work!

Sweet Freedom said...

I love this necklace! The colors are wonderful, and your wirework is beautiful!

Lyn Foley said...

Really, really nice, especially all the touches you added made by you.

Sweet Willow Designs said...

Very pretty with the ribbon and pearl links.

Gift Ideas said...

Good idea of the pendant...looks really unique and almost intriguing like a box of treasury.Love the color combination too.

Myléne Hillam said...

I love your trapeze technique... it's super creative. Actually, I love your whole necklace but I just had to congratulate you on the trapeze bail... it's awesome.

Jenny said...

Lovely! The Trapeze is perfect! you rock!

beautifullybrokenme said...

LOVE this necklace - I would wear it with EVERYTHING! :)

one-eared pig said...

I love the constrution, color, and everything on this necklace!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous necklace! Wow, you do some amazing wire work!!!

Chrissy said...

I am really loving the fabric! Your wire wrapping is beautiful too...Love it!

DaviniaDesign said...

Great details!
Love how the fabric matches perfect.

Mary K. McGraw said...

Love all the texture in your design.

SoulsFireDesigns said...

What a fun and beautiful necklace! Love all the wire work and LOVE the colors! Gorgeous!

CraftyHope said...

Oh Barbara,
Your necklace is simply beautiful. I love all the little details you put into it. Thank you for sharing the closeup pictures of those details. As always, thank you for the inspiration!

Elizabeth said...

I love how you wired this piece together!! The focal is stunning and you set it off so wonderfully!! It is delightful to meet you! I love your work!

Serena Trent said...

Awesome focal!!! Wonderful design, great job!!!

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Really great design. Nice use of mixed media. I really love the pendant-it is gorgeous!

Terri said...

Love the your use of the fiber with this necklace you have a perfect balance of different materials and that focal is amazing! Soup-er Job!

Maria said...

What an amazing necklace you made!! Wow...

TesoriTrovati said...

Wow! I love the way you clustered those beads. And the pendant. Clever! I would never in a million years think of making a bail like that! You are pure genius and light, Miss Barbara. Enjoy the day!
Erin

Christine said...

Your necklace is gorgeous!! So many fun details & your pendant is fabulous!!