One day I was reading one of my daily-go-to blogs (Lorelei Eurto) and I found a link to Lori Anderson’s blog that I need to admit I had not visited before. She was announcing to host a virtual BEAD SOUP PARTY. As I am always looking out for challenges, and contests, with the hope to win something (yes, I am an addict), it was clear that this one was not to be missed.
ACT 1: The concept and rules
So the plan was the following: Lori partnered all of us up in teams of 2 people. Each person had to send a set of beads to the partner, which had to include: A focal, a special clasp, and some corresponding beads. The focal and the clasp had to be used, we were free about the corresponding beads. Everybody had to make some jewelry, keeping the result secret until the big reveal. And today, Feb 10, is the big day, so this entire post is about the big reveal, and all of us 84 participants will be blogging about the party. See the links to the blogs below.ACT 2: My partner and the ingredients
So how excited can one be – yeah, I am accepted to participate out of Germany. There are actually a quite few people out of Europe, and even one (Dale) out of Korea. This is a truly global event, which makes it just so much more exciting. (Lori, I bet you never thought it would turn into something like that).
My partner is the talented jewelry designer Mel Poxon from Kookie Designs. Please visit her blog here. She lives in the UK and is designing and selling jewelry, and is also a qualified nail technician. She uses a lot of lampwork beads in her designs, from very talented local designers. I appreciate Mel’s style since I think it is very colorful and rich, and I like her designs. I hope you do too. You can check out her Etsy shop here. She is also currently running an auction for Haiti on her blog, so one more reason to visit.This is what I have sent to Mel:
And this is what I have received from her (except the two focals, that I had already used in my pieces before I took the pictures):
She sent me a wonderful package of beads that I was overwhelmed with. I really like the colors – I am very much a person that wears a lot of blue. Each one of them is a treasure. Some of the talented designers of those beads are Jelveh, Emma Ralph, Julie Fountain of Lush Lampwork, Clare Scott, Cheeky Cherubs, Rob Johnson and Volcanic Lava, just in case you would like to order some of them for yourself. If I would not have to make something to a certain deadline, I would probably still sit here and play with them every day and imagine the things my beads can turn into one fine day.
ACT 4: The making of…
Now here is the tough part. What shall we make? The jewelry I wear is usually more delicate, so I took a lot of time to think how I can use all the beads in one piece. Decision was taken pretty quick – I can’t. Although I had thought about using more of them together, some of those pretty beads are speaking to me: They want to be a bracelet (one that has yet to be made). And my own goal was to make a necklace for the bead soup party. So what will we end up with? A lot of weekends passed, but finally two pieces evolved in my mind.
ACT 5 / FINAL ACT: The big reveal
So for the big reveal, a necklace should be made. I started with the larger focal bead. The gold and blue tones made me want to use copper with it though, and my clasp to be used was sterling. This asymmetrical bead could have probably worked a couple of ways, but here I wanted to try something with coiled wire for the first time, and I love how it turned out. I used some of the beads from my own stash – svarowski sand opal rounds, and dark blue & copper shimmering glass beads, and some copper chain to create those dangles. The chain took another 3 weeks until I figured it out, actually it was just decided yesterday (I even tried to make some myself). In the end I used some copper chain, some copper spacer disks and some more svarowski crystals to repeat the blue from the focal. And the clasp made me very happy too – again made out of coiled wire. I love how it looks, and it was really easy to make. I called it Champagne Decadence necklace.
But here we go – the rules were that I have to use the focal and the clasp. So I needed to make another piece. I used one of the other larger beads that reminds me of a sea urchin as the focal. This color works better with silver, so the clasp would go perfect with it. I thought about sand and water for a long time, and then with a lot of trial and error, this pretty necklace appeared. I was wearing it yesterday for a work dinner with my hair down – and oh my god, did I love this look. It hangs pretty short but fits the length of my hair perfectly.
I again coiled a piece of wire around a thicker gauge, then created a loop and pulled the wire through the bead, and with more wrapping around a piece of leather cord, thus created this pretty dangle. While I first wanted to use one leather up to the clasp, I decided it works good with this chain I had left, and so I coiled the ends of the leather and attached it to the chain, together with some small svarowski bicones on each side. Now that worked well with the clasp. For the dangles I used again some chain from my stash, and added three of the beads I received from Mel to the ends of the chain, all in different lengths. To give it more sparkle, here and there a small svarowski crystal in different shades of blue and voila: the Greek ocean memories necklace was complete. My favorite piece in a very long time. Thank you so much for the inspiration, Mel. For the rest of my beads – check back my blog later to see the bracelet that will be coming up (it is still talking to me…)
Epilogue: Want to see more?
Thank you Lori for hosting this wonderful event. I am so sad it’s over. When do we do the next one? Shall we alternate the people organizing it? I will volunteer for sure. This has been so much fun, and seriously, has been so well organized. A big hug across the ocean from me to you.
The party would not be a party if it was only me. So please go to see the other 84 (!) pieces of jewelry that people have created. Links to their blogs are listed below. Have fun checking them out. And leave a comment and please revisit my blog. And thanks again to you, Lori, for all that fun. A happy day to all of you. Nicki.
Party Participants:
1. Lori, An Artists Year Off
2. Mallory, For the Love of Beads
3. Terri, Blooming Ideas
4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio
5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
6. Kerry, Kab's Creative Concepts
7. Erin, Treasures Found
8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry
9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs
10. Nan, Spirit Rattles
11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique
12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart
13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings
14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle
15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks
16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
17. Lisa, Lo and Behold
18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas
19. Judith, Judith B.
20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium
21. Maria, Garden Path Beads
22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design
23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life
24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things
25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa
26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea
27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design
28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals
29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction
30. Leslie, Bei Mondi
31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta
32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry
33. Kathie, The Bead Cult
34. Patty, Plays With Fire
35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef
36. Anne Marie, Heart's Desire
37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry
38. Jayne, Mama's Got to Doodle
39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio
40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini
41. Marcie, La Bella Joya
42. Suzann, Beadphoria
43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks
44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass
45. Janiece, J Birds Garden
46. Kate, Organic Odysseys
47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale
48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure
49. Sue, Sue Beads
50. Janeen, Wild Vanilla Designs
51. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse
52. Kristie, Artisan Clay
53. Regina, Regina's Writings
54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble
55. Lyn, Lyn Foley
56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz
57. Cathryn, Chile Cats
58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook
59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter
60. Juli, Jul's Beads
61. Julie, RockerJewlz
62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too
63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
64. Katie, My Life and My Beads
65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay
66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth
67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design
68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio
69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery
70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs
71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights
72. Chas, One Woman's Haven
73. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry
74. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky
75. Maire, Maire Dodd
76. Janet, Singing Woods
77. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads
78. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels
79. Joann, Jo's Jewels
80. Patti, PJ Clark Designs
81. Mel, Kookie Designs
82. Erin, Every Heart Crafts
83. Dale, Flights of Fancy
84. Dee, Runako Designs
February 10, 2010 at 6:29 PM
Nicki, these are absolutly stunning! How imaginative and creative! I love them both! I would hard pressed to say which is my favorite piece! Great job!
February 10, 2010 at 7:25 PM
This is what I love best about Bead Soup...coming across post's like yours! Your pieces are wonderful as is the descriptive breakdown. I love it!
February 10, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Very creative! Love how you put these together.
February 10, 2010 at 8:10 PM
I love the colors!
Love It!
Maria
You are welcome to stop by for a cup of “Spring” soup on my blog.
http://www.mariagrimes.blogspot.com
February 10, 2010 at 8:15 PM
I completely love it! Well done!
Thanks for being a part of the party -- we'll do it again soon!
February 10, 2010 at 8:20 PM
February 10, 2010 at 8:22 PM
Outstanding and so well done! You are so talented....I love everything about them! This is a great soup party!
February 10, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Great writeup, Nicki! It was fun reading about your process. And the results - wow! Two for one! I love what you did on the second piece in particular with the bail for the great lampwork bead. :-)
February 10, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Great writeup, Nicki! It was fun reading about your process. And the results - wow! Two for one! I love what you did on the second piece in particular with the bail for the great lampwork bead. :-)
February 10, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Oooo Nicki I love both of them, those beads were made for you to work with :0)
February 10, 2010 at 9:35 PM
I love the bail that you made for the second piece, it looks so cool with the lampworked bead. Thanks for adding some international flair to the party!! Excellent job!
February 10, 2010 at 10:30 PM
thanks for the cup of soup!
February 10, 2010 at 10:54 PM
very nice - i love them both and how you arrived at your design decisions... really cool!
February 11, 2010 at 12:14 AM
I love both pieces, so different from each other & both so wonderful. the copper is really stunning
February 11, 2010 at 12:52 AM
Both those pieces are really fun!
February 11, 2010 at 2:32 AM
love these..and your comments
February 11, 2010 at 2:51 AM
Very creative - excellent job! :)
February 11, 2010 at 3:21 AM
These designs are wonderful! Love your wire work!
February 11, 2010 at 3:34 AM
Very creative designs! Love them both!
February 11, 2010 at 3:59 AM
Love reading about your thought process and love the results of the thoughts. Great designs!
February 11, 2010 at 4:26 AM
Two great necklaces. Love reading about your thought process.
February 11, 2010 at 4:41 AM
you did some really Very lovely pcs!! Im loving what you did!
February 11, 2010 at 5:04 AM
Nice work! I really like the wire and metal work you have done! Thanks for sharing!
February 11, 2010 at 5:58 AM
love the pieces, they are gorgeous!Sometimes you just have listen to the beads!
Hasn't this been fun?!?
Emanda
www.ArtemisiaStudio.blogspot.com
February 11, 2010 at 6:36 AM
really cool funky stuff!
February 11, 2010 at 8:24 AM
Wonderful job, Nicki... they're both lovely pieces!
February 11, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Two worth bead soup pieces and I love the way you blogged about the journey.
February 11, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Great wirework and design!
Hope you are enjoying the Party!
Kate ~
Organic Odysseys #46 Bead Souper
February 11, 2010 at 5:12 PM
I like what you did with the focals, especially the second one. Lovely ingredients and so glad you could play from across the "pond"! Thanks for sharing this heaping serving of great soup! Be sure to stop by and taste some of mine. Enjoy the day! Erin
February 11, 2010 at 5:59 PM
I love both pieces..wonderful job. Great wire work and love the toggle. I love what you did with the focal beads as well. Great job, nicely done!
February 11, 2010 at 10:20 PM
I love how your pieces turned out! I'm just got done making a second (and maybe a third is coming!) piece out of the beads I received :)
February 11, 2010 at 10:25 PM
Beautiful, earthy necklaces, I love them both! Well done!
February 11, 2010 at 11:56 PM
A nice mix of wire wrapping, chain and dangles. Glad I don't have to choose, 'cause they're both great!
February 12, 2010 at 2:25 AM
Wonderful detail in your wire wrapping~ very nicely done. Both necklaces are stunners!
February 12, 2010 at 2:30 AM
Beautiful wirework! You must be thrilled with all the potential in those pretty beads!!! I'm inspired to go coiling...
February 12, 2010 at 2:39 AM
Nicki, you made two outstanding pieces of jewelry! Well done!
February 12, 2010 at 5:25 AM
love the wirework, great designs!
February 12, 2010 at 5:36 PM
Oh My Gosh! I LOVE how you did that dangle! Very Cool!
February 12, 2010 at 6:50 PM
Very nice - I love both of them, but the second one speaks to me!
February 12, 2010 at 7:46 PM
Sometimes a little trial and error isn't a bad thing! The dangle makes it look like a piece that would be fun to wear with a V-neck. Nice job!
February 12, 2010 at 7:56 PM
I really like these. I love anything with danglies and, the way you framed the focals adds that special something. Nice work!
February 12, 2010 at 11:23 PM
Beautiful, both necklaces!
February 13, 2010 at 1:30 AM
Hello to you in Germany! This bead soup exchange makes it a very small world.
I love your beautiful creation and all of your talent in wirewrapping. Great job.
February 14, 2010 at 12:39 AM
Love the creative way you seated the focals in both of your pieces. I will have to remember those technique when my lampwork beads get better. . . .Sorry for the delay in getting to your blog. Enjoy your necklaces!
February 14, 2010 at 8:55 AM
Little over-achiever! ;) I like the two designs. They are both complicated in design and yet simple at first glance. Very pretty.
February 14, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Hello everybody, thank you so much for all your kind comments. And please come back in the future. I am happy to have met so many very talented designers. See you at the next bead soup party?
February 17, 2010 at 5:35 AM
Hello Nicki
Sorry to be such a late comer...I'm still making my way to all of the blogs. Your necklaces are beautiful! I see you love wire the same way I do! And your baby is absolutely adorable, by the way! :-)