January. Wow. Come and gone… I spent some quiet time off work, reviewing, planning… and I had a most magical vacation! ( Details coming soon – here! Stay tuned…) And I dove into the hoard of beads to use a few treasures from my stash. For a few years running we have designated January “Use your stash” month at Art Elements blog. When you are part of such a generous creative team – the bead hoard grows. Here is what I started… and actually finished:
There were plans for many bezel and tab set pieces. They are sitting in the top right, quietly awaiting time with saw and torch. The Wire framed pieces will emerge first – frames of wrapped wire, with crystal dangles… The hare beads are by our Caroline. The fox – Heather Powers of Humblebeads.
Every day talisman. Ceramic eye by Karen Totten
I decided to use some of the focal I had been saving as brackets for myself. I like to accessorize my FitBit – which I wear daily. I do utilize certain stones for their properties… Hematite is used for grounding, for staying centered and stable, rooted to the Earth. Paired with an eye talisman bead of Karen’s – this feels very powerful to me. Stay centered – on the self – on the journey…
Jen’s harlequin bead
This lampwork stunner is by Jen Cameron. I call is a harlequin as it reminds me of a jester’s motley. The colors are gorgeous. I wanted this to be something I could wear and enjoy!
Blast from Diana’s past!
When I pair brackets with my Fitbit – I often stack a few on together. This paisley bracelet bar of Diana’s was so earthy, and lovely as is… so it is partnered with deerskin lace in a triple wrap. Done. Soft, and fun to wear.
Heart and stone – with cab by Sue Kennedy
So there hasn’t been much seed beading this month – but I had two pieces planned that I was able to make progress… Sue is my go-to artist for small cabs to pair with other things. And although they are small – they re gorgeous. Above is a stone heart, and below? Its a whole world in glass! A miniature planet… that I have paired with river rock. The above is a pendant… not sure where the bottom piece is taking me…
Glass planets, deep and blue!
And one more – an experimental piece.
I am always playing with ways to incorporate seed bead work and metal – happiest when I am truly doing mixed media. So here are some explorations of stitched wire frameworks incorporated into the bead embroidery.
Mandala design with cab by Lesley.
I think this will give me options for the necklace portion, to wire wrap and keep a cohesive appearance. And I liked how the wire framework accentuated the mandala 5 petal design. Thats how the idea came to be – from the cab itself.
Wire frame stitched in…
Please join the AE team and our guests this month – see what they have unearthed from their stash to start this year off creatively!
Guests:
Art Elements:
Jenny Davies-Reazor 
You were busy! And I love how you used my bead 😉 I would love to see a photo of how you accessorize with your fitbit. I wear an ugly watch, but it’s huge and I hate wearing bracelets, so I’m not sure I could ever tolerate stacking it.
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You had a productive January! All your creations are wonderful, but I’m especially in love with the 3 strand bracelet with Jen’s lampwork and your innovative design with Lesley’s pendant. I echo Jen’s interest in being curious about how you accessorize your FitBit. Mine just sits naked on my wrist.
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And this was all the first half of the month before I went to see Lesley!
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Wow, Jenny! You made some lovely things! I think my favorite is the bracelet with Jen’s lampwork focal. I love how the three strands work together with the lovely glass. It’s always fun to see what everyone else has been playing with!
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Wow you were really going with this! Great job making and starting so many wonderful things! BTW, I’m glad you used that component of mine…I forgot how great that glaze was. I should order it again!
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Okay, I am deeply impressed by how much you created (and what wonderful pieces!). I also soooo love how many pieces of other Art Elements team members you used. With every new pictures, I was like “Oooohhh…. that is from…..!”. You managed to make this challenge a little bit more special and I am so going to steal your idea at the next “use your stash” challenge! 😉
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Oh my gosh so many beautiful designs and I can’t wait to see what you do with the beads in the first pic they are going to be amazing!
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That last combo of seed beads and metal was SO cool! I love your whole style so much. 😀
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FUN, and I’m jealous you got so much done! I struggle with metal and seed beads paired together too, but every now and then stumble on a winning combo. You definitely did this time. Also…note to myself, need more cabs from Sue…
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I would like half your energy and a smidge of your talent please 😀 Love all your pieces but the bracelets are my favourite, all that texture and ‘touchy-ness’ about them 😀
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Wow! So many designs and pieces-making my head swim with tons of ideas. I love everything you created and all the pieces that are in the process. I think my favorite just might be the hematite bracelet with the eye bead by Karen! I adore hematite and wear hematite bracelets fairly often.
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Ok so…wow. I am IN LOVE with that eye bracelet you made. Sorta partial to eyes here. But also, I am fascinated by that mandala you bead embroidered…those loops from the holes are fantastic and I can’t stop staring at it!
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Well, I think I’ll just say Ditto! You were very creatively busy this month, so great! I need to move near you to soak up some of your energy, I thoroughly enjoyed taking classes with you, you spark creative energy in my! Thanks for making my little cabs look so awesome!
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I can’t wait to see the framed beads finished. They look amazing already! Love the bracelets, I would wear the leather one all the time… and you know how I feel about your beading! Wish I had half of your energy! 🙂
Looking forward to your travel post… it was wonderful to finally meet you!
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