Ok - drumroll..... here is my finished bead soup result.
My lovely partner Rebecca of Songbeads has sent me a lot of beads (see pictures here). I need to say that I felt challenged, as I usually don't work with small beads. When I first started I sketched down a number of designs, but couldn't decide what I wanted to make. I actually have started a few other pendants that will turn into full projects to be published here at a later date. But then yesterday (I know I waited til the last minute), I finally settled on this one. I need to say I struggled. I wanted to stretch myself and create something that I will absolutely love. I am not sure what you ladies think, but I really like it right now. I must have taken this thing apart about 10 times yesterday, but now I think it was worth it.
So what's new for me:
1) Use of three different metals in one piece (copper, silver and gunmetal wire).
I always thought this does not work - must be wrong. But I wanted to try. What do you think - does it look wrong for you?
2) Using copper sheet metal.
I had this self adhesive copper sheet metal for some time, but didn't use it. I know that the execution part will hopefully improve over time, but I think for a first try it is not so bad (see the copper bar on the necklace and the ring).
3) The dark blue beaded sweetwater pearl flower.
I saw those a few times, but have never tried one. It was actually fairly easy, and I think it looks cute.
4) The BWB.
I invented the beaded wire bead. (Ok, let me dream for one more moment - I know I can't patent it, and people have probably done something like this before). I love the beaded beads that some of my friends are making, but I do not have their small fingers, so I thought it might work with wire as well. Plus it allowed me to use some more of Rebecca's smaller beads.
5) Using sari silk ribbon.
I actually got this from Stefanie at one of our last dates. I have never used it, but right after finishing this post, I will go buy some on Etsy.
6) Trying to make a 3D-pendant.
The wonderful lampwork bead I received from Rebecca is very large, and I wanted to make it the center of the piece. But since the rest was more delicate, it needed a kind of 3D frame. Like it? I know - remember I said "trying"
7) The gunmetal chain.
I wire-wrapped all of those links to create a knotted wire chain, which I think works well with the messy barbed wire look of the pendant.
8) Last but not least: the ring.
With copper wire, sari ribbon, one of Rebecca's glass beads, and some copper foil. Definetely not a ring to carry the baby around (and get stuck with the ring), rather for a elegant dinner in a restaurant (where you do not have to move your hands a lot). I know it is kind of high, but that's the way I wanted it to be.
Am I going the right way ladies, or is this too freaky?
Thanks for your honest feedback - please leave a comment, and then go visit the other wonderful creations of our bead soup party friends. And thanks again to Rebecca for being so generous and to Lori for that wonderful party - when can we do the next one?
June 21, 2010 at 4:09 PM
Yay! I'm the first to comment! Woooooohoooooooo! Nicki--I believe you really stretched out of your normal bead self and captured a fun and conversational piece of art to wear!
I envy those who can sketch out their designs first, before sitting down and creating--I can't seem to get on paper and I'm not much of an paper artist. I like how you combined the silk, the three different metals, and those scrumptious beads into something fun to wear!
June 21, 2010 at 4:18 PM
Stunning! And I think you really did a great job pushing yourself. You did a great job, and very cool ring, too!
AWESOME job!
June 21, 2010 at 4:24 PM
I like what you did! The use of so many components, the colors. Beautiful! Love that ring!
June 21, 2010 at 4:51 PM
I LOVE these, you are so clever Lady xxxx
June 21, 2010 at 5:45 PM
i love your wirewrapping! beautiful!
June 21, 2010 at 6:13 PM
Wow! Und der Ring ist fast noch fetter als meine. Und Du sach noch mal, Du könntest nicht groß und fett:-)!!!
June 21, 2010 at 6:34 PM
This is really an individual pc youve created! I love the ring its like the Queens Bee ring!
June 21, 2010 at 7:11 PM
wow very cool and out there! wild and crazy and fun!
June 21, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Nicki they are fabulous! WOW!!! Good job:)
June 21, 2010 at 8:49 PM
The result is charming and unique!
June 21, 2010 at 8:50 PM
Wunderbar! Amazing combination of metals, wire and something soft - the pretty ribbon from Stefanie!
June 21, 2010 at 9:23 PM
The Artist in you really came out in this design. I love the mix of metals, and really want to try that on something I make soon. Your ring is very funky and fun, and quite a conversation piece. I know you will have fun wearing. You did a great job!
June 21, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Love the contrast of the deep red silk with the gunmetal, copper and beautiful glass bead. I think your ring would be perfect at the Mad Hatter;s Tea Party!! I would wear it there!! LOL
June 21, 2010 at 9:36 PM
Very cool piece! I love all the elements you put together. The different metals and the fabric create a lovely contrast.
The ring is unique and very eye catching.
June 21, 2010 at 9:48 PM
WOW! It must have taken ages and ages to make. What patience you've got girl. I tell you what, you are brave to have experimented so much. Maybe I should have done a bit more. But there's always next time right?! In any case, Well done!! smiles, Virginie
June 21, 2010 at 10:13 PM
I think that the coolest thing about a swap like this is it stretches you creatively. Absolutely mixed metals! Thanks for this great soup.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
June 21, 2010 at 10:30 PM
Gorgeous! I love the combo of fiber and several different metals; they add a lot of interest yet don't distract the eye at all from the main focal piece. Your creative energies are just awesome.
June 21, 2010 at 11:12 PM
I saved you til last Nicki and I'm so glad I did! I really love your necklace, and OF COURSE the ring - its just lovely. You have created something so pretty and I am so glad I was a small part of it! :-) Beaming from ear to ear!
June 21, 2010 at 11:31 PM
Well I'm so glad you pushed and pushed yourself because you have created an awesome piece, so many ideas and techniques but you married them beautifully to create a work of art.
Well done, you should be proud.
June 22, 2010 at 1:51 AM
Wonderful soup! I love the deep red against the blue and copper tones 0 yummy!
June 22, 2010 at 1:53 AM
I LOVE that necklace. I think it definitely works and I love that you pushed yourself to try new things. Fabulous! The ring looks really cool too.
June 22, 2010 at 2:05 AM
I'm all for the mixed metal on this piece! I don't try that often, either, but it feels good when it works, doesn't it?! haaaaaaaa Love it!!!
June 22, 2010 at 2:55 AM
Love LOVE what you did with all you had to work with! You sure stretched yourself and what wonderful directions! I love all the mixed metals. I have been doing that of late as I love to wear it, that way it can go with anything! Wrote a bit on my blog about it too.
http://organicodysseys.blogspot.com/2010/06/beads-beads-and-more-beads-plus-3.html
June 22, 2010 at 2:58 AM
great job!! i love your beaded wire beads!!
June 22, 2010 at 3:57 AM
Hi Nicki,,I love what you have done with your "ingredients" You stretched and flexed and came up with winners.
Emanda
June 22, 2010 at 4:02 AM
Hi Nicki
Great design! I really like the fibers and the mixed metal colors. Your ring is very cool.
June 22, 2010 at 5:10 AM
Nicki, I love what you made and the mixed metals are awesome together. I have a lot of silk but have not used on a necklace yet. Just can't seem to get it right, but you have it all works.
June 22, 2010 at 5:12 AM
Very nice! I'm relieved to hear that you re-did your piece a few times. I'm having that issue too. It's a good thing we have deadlines!
June 22, 2010 at 6:01 AM
Love the funky necklace. Good job!
Bead Happy!
Michelle
June 22, 2010 at 10:59 AM
What a fantastic mix of materials! It looks as though you had lots of fun with this!
June 22, 2010 at 5:37 PM
I really like the necklace! I think it totally works :) The ring is a little high for me, but really original and one of a kind :)
June 22, 2010 at 5:43 PM
fabulous organic feel
June 23, 2010 at 12:14 PM
I love the combination of materials that you used in this necklace. It makes it even more unique and beautiful. I love the ring too. It is nice to have something that is just for special wear not everyday!!
June 23, 2010 at 10:14 PM
Lots going on in this design - love all the different textures mixed together!
June 24, 2010 at 3:01 AM
I like what you have created, very adventurous with such great results. Lots of details to admire. great job.
June 24, 2010 at 6:59 PM
Oh, this is fantastic! The deep wine ribbon mixed with electric blue is so appealing.
June 25, 2010 at 3:09 AM
I love what you did - very lyrical in its beauty!
June 25, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Hm, mein Brwoser scheint irgendein Problem mit einer Anwednung auf deinem Blog zu haben und hängt sich ständig auf...
...aber jetzt habe ich ihn endlich ausgetrickst. *g* Schließlich ist dein Set so schön, da muss ich doch einen Kommentar hier lassen. ^^
Mir gefällt die Kette richtig gut, sehr verspielt und die Farben sind Klasse. Ketten in die Stoff eingearbeitet ist, finde ich ohnehin immer ganz super und selbstgemachte Drahtperlen mag ich auch seeehr. Wirklich schön. Und der Ring ist ein tolles Extra zur Kette. Wie hast du den Stoff bloß so gut darin einfassen können? Sieht schick aus, wie er die Perle so perfekt umschließt.
Viele Grüße
Sonja
June 25, 2010 at 11:13 PM
Wowsers! You have done such a creative piece! Awesome.
Thanks too for stopping by my blog. I finally got the red one finished up if you care to take a look at sucha humble piece. LOL
June 26, 2010 at 12:44 AM
Really great job, Nicki! I love that you used three different metals - I'm a big fan of that! You did a lot of creative things on your pieces! Yay!
June 26, 2010 at 8:40 AM
That is an amazing piece!! I'm so glad you went into all the detail of what you did because at first glance I missed most of it. The work you did on the pendant is fantastic! I love the three-dimensional quality to it.
June 26, 2010 at 1:15 PM
Whew...what a week and I'm just now getting around to commenting! I'm so glad you got to try so many new things, that's what a challenge is all about. Your necklace looks lovely and I really like how you used the ribbon. Great job! Oh, and rock the ring girl, no matter what anybody says!
June 26, 2010 at 2:51 PM
I'm just now finding all the bead soups and I am just drooling all over my keyboard! I love what you did here. I like the way it looks harsh (sorry, I cannot seem to find a better word, don't take that the wrong way), yet so feminine at the same time. I love the colors and all the wire and the copper bar is really cool. I guess I will be looking for some self-adhesive copper now! The ring is something that I look at and say, "Cool!" I have a lot of respect for someone who can pull that kind of thing off, but don't think I would ever wear something like that.
On to the next bowl of soup!
June 26, 2010 at 10:55 PM
it's a very unique and special necklace, very inspirational. And that sure is a special ring as well
June 27, 2010 at 3:38 AM
Your pieces are so unique! You did a great job combining metals, and there are so many cool components of your necklace! It's all great. You did a spectacular job with your bead soup...seconds please!
Lisa
June 28, 2010 at 1:55 AM
What a funky piece! Love the many techniques you used :)
June 28, 2010 at 3:18 AM
Wow! This is going to sound crazy, but it totally reminds me of a bird's nest. If you look at a bird's next closely, there isn't just one material in it. There are pieces of string, grass, hay, and various other things woven together to create beauty. That is what you have done here. Fantastic work!
In Beads and Happiness,
Suzann Sladcik Wilson
July 1, 2010 at 2:44 PM
Mixing metals, fibers and beads is always fun!