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Friday, September 16, 2011

it's all in the ingredients

" Drops of Confetti"
This is my second Bead Soup Blog Party to be a part of, 
started by the very talented jewelry designer, Lori Anderson.
If you go here, you'll get the whole scoop on just how the party works.
Once again I had the privilege of being paired with a great swap partner, 
Kerry Bogert, an artist/author, who designs the most beautiful glass beads.
For the second time this year, 
I found myself pushing past the type of beads/gemstones 
I normally love to use.
I am the one who adores vintage jewelry ....rhinestones, pearls, brass.  
Using vintage earrings, brooches, necklaces and bracelets is where I "spend my time".  
It is a happy place for me.  It is where I find myself....working and reworking time worn pieces from the past that lie dormant, 
until I bring them back to life into jewelry that can be worn and enjoyed once more today.
I (most often) begin my jewelry with the focal.  This is the heart of the piece.  
The place where its life begins.
  The colors, and ultimately the style, is born from the gemstones, 
beads or components I then choose to add. 
This time was no different.
The glass headpins Kerry designed, and sent for my soup shared here, had the most luscious drops of color....almost confetti-like....light and dark topaz, deep translucent turquoise, sades of brown, and an icy baby blue.  They were perfect!
The focal was most unique, and one that called out to be "held".  
I began by cold join attaching a vintage style piece of brass filigree from Brass Bouquet, to a piece of red brass I had etched over a year ago.  
It is here the focal came to rest.
I used a narrow piece of etched brass to design the bail, attaching it with a Fleur de Lie studded ornament, purchased from Thomas Mann also much over a year ago.
 The next decision involved the chain.  I chose one that 
had traveled all the way back with me from California earlier in the year. 
 Nancy, at Gilding the Lily, parted with just a small stash of her most precious brass chain at the trunk show she had while I was there teaching in May.  
This particular hammered piece of chain was not very long, but simply stunning.  
I want more.
The next step was the most fun, as I began placing Kerry's beautiful glass headpins, 
along with faceted Czech fire polished glass beads, next to the chain.
I love how they compliment each. 
Next, I added some of my favorite Brass Bouquet components.  
(I have many you know).
Tiny brass puffy heart charms, itty bitty fleur and antique connectors, tiny daisy bead caps and my oxidized crystals rondells.  
I added a splash of vintage by attaching teardrop rhinestone dangles, which by the way, are becoming extremely hard to find.
The most challenging part of my soup came when adding the clasp.
Kerry sent a most unusual, yet fun clasp.  One that compliments the focal, and is held together by tiny, yet very strong, magnets.  I "pulled" the opposite ends together by adding some of the faceted Czech glass beads next to the clasp, 
which at the same time extended the length of the hammered brass chain.  
(Nancy let go of only a very small piece of her precious chain).
 I added a touch of recycled sari silk to soften the focal up just a bit.
Then, at the last moment decided if I wanted to really dress up and go "out on the town"
I would add the vintage rhinestone necklace you now see lying just inside the necklace.  
It has a total of nine stunning rhinestone dangles, 
which match the ones I used in the necklace.
Perfect.
Just in case you want to see the list of blog soup participants,
(there are 362 this round)
go here to see the list and each of their blog links.
Hop around!  It IS a party!
Leave a comment or two or three....it will make someone's day =) 

101 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW what a show stopper of a piece! Love what you did with your soup! GORGEOUS!

VS said...

Love your soup sweet friend, I can tell it was made from elements you don't usually use & yet the end result is so completely Diane Cook!! Beautiful workmanship as always Diane, you always inspire me with your design.
Big Hugs & Thanks for sharing your fabulous SOUP!!!
Smiles,
Susie

stregata said...

Wow, Diane! Kudos to this fantastic piece of work. Love how you took your soup components and turned them into a piece that is totally your signature style. Congratulations. Just excellent.

Cory said...

Love, love, love, your piece. Beautiful focal bead.

BluMoon said...

Wow this is amazing your designs are always so unusual and beautiful.
Jackie

steufel said...

Oh my, Diane. That is fantastic. I LOVE those little hearts and the addition of that silk scrap! So cool!

Barbara Lewis said...

Amazing, Diane. Your work always looks so rich and opulent and obviously even when someone else sends you the ingredients you're true to your style. Beautiful!

Jenni said...

Love how you made and adapted your elements to create your signature look. Just beautiful. And very masterful.
jenni

Unknown said...

Diane this is stunning. I cant even imagine all the time you put into this but it was so worth it. Absolutley beautiful! Hope you have a great weekend!

Kerry said...

DIANE!!! YOU TAKE MY BREATH AWAY!! Oh my stars, I don't know where to begin. I am so in love this necklace. I can see the love you poured into with each little dangly detail. The way you mounted the cab is beautiful, the chain is stunning, and oh that glitz!! I don't often think lampwork glass and rhinestons work... but you made it look like it has always been a match made in beady heaven.

I was so very honored to be your partner Diane... you amaze me.

Jo said...

Oh that is just beautiful. A gorgeous, wonderfully made piece of jewellery, and definitely one of my favourites so far.

Cindy said...

Diane, I've enjoyed every minute reading through your post, just speechless. I have loved Kerry's lampwork for years and years, literally since I started making jewelry and we became friends. To see her beads paired and arranged in your style is such a tremendous collaboration of two design geniuses. Her focal is out of this world. And each and every element you added with care truly adds to the beauty of that focal, as well while adding to a piece that is truly a Rosa & Josie signature. I love the story - you have a gift with words, Diane. And I had to smile when you added the rhinestone chain as another strand - I did the same! :-) Thanks for sharing this beautiful Bead Soup!

Laura Twiford said...

Amazing piece and incredible how you were able to take the soup mix and inject your style into it making it your own! Beautiful!

In the Light of the Moon said...

You had some beautiful elements to work with and created something magical.Its Perfect!!Hugs,Cat

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

Wow that is a show stopper! I love how all the different elements came together. All that sparkle mixed with the rustic focal. Amazing and inspirational.
Shannon C

mairedodd said...

jaw dropping - this is truly what the heart of the challenge seems to be about... taking you out of your comfort zone and stretching... absolutely gorgeous...

Maneki said...

Beautiful necklace -- and beautiful photos! This one's just gorgeous. The colours, the lush mix of components and chain, the vintage feel. <3

Riki Schumacher said...

Oh so pretty Diane!! I love the way you composed the necklace, felling like a beautiful, drawn out symphony piece, complete with all the soft wind instruments, leading to the finale at the end, with a big bass bang! Lovely story, thanks for making it so much fun to hop over. And thank you for visiting my BS Party. Being my first, wasn't sure what to expect, this is way fun!!! Hugs, Riki

Kim Stevens said...

I absolutely love this Diane - but then again I love everything you do!! Such a fabulous soup, loved every drop . . .

Tammy Jones, JewelryMakingDaily.com said...

Oh my goodness! I love your necklace and really enjoyed hearing about your process. Thanks for turning me onto some new vendors! You have a new follower. Your work is beautiful and I love the idea of naming your site for your sweet grandmothers :o) I had two wonderful gradnmothers to teach me quilting and embroidery, too. Lucky girls, aren't we? Thanks for sharing your beautiful work.

Loris Glassworks said...

Wonderful! You have created a terrific piece of wearable art. I like your use of color and texture and the focal bead is lovely. Thank you for sharing your artistic process along the way. Cheers!
Lori

Charis Designs said...

This is spectacular. Wow! Talk about setting the bar high.

Charlene said...

AMAZING!!! I LOVE the final necklace. I ADORE THE COLORS! Those head pins are the most stunning thing I've seen & you aced the final piece. You pulled it all together & put YOUR touch on everything. YOU ROCK SISTER!!! Hugs!
Charlene

Palimpa Lim said...

This is incredibly beautiful! I love everything about it! You turned the soup ingredients into something that is absolutely you. WoW!

Unknown said...

Wow that is terrific! Very shabby chic and eclectic! Love it!

Pretty Things said...

I am SO sorry for being late -- today our internet provider decided to crash. My stress level is through the roof, to say the least! They're still working on it, but it's like dial-up.


Just gorgeous, and of course I want it badly. Seeing such wonderful pieces makes me quite embarrassed at my soup creations. I can feed people food, but I'm not a gourmet cook as you are!

I hope you participate again, and I'm looking forward to meeting you at the end of the month!

Love, Lori

Unknown said...

Lovely design and your soup and use of it was just outstanding. The focal bead was one of a kind and so gorgeous and you showcased it just right.

Tracey Leeder said...

Oh my this is perfection! What a beautiful grouping of colors and materials. I feel like I could look at it for days and always see something new. Amazing!

Baking Beads in the Keys said...

chockful of vintage charm. Love it!!!

terri

Shirley said...

First of all, soft, romantic, stunning. Your photography and descriptive process were as beautiful as the piece! I love walking thru the design with you. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent!

Unknown said...

I think you nailed it, great combo of you & soup mix

hello gorgeous said...

gorgeous! definitely a piece to comment on....love the colours and the sparkles...amazing piece! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Rebecca said...

You have made the most divine piece of jewellery here. Gorgeous colours. I would wear this *all* the time! You are Kerry and a perfect pairing.

one-eared pig said...

Simply amazing. I want to lick my computer screen.

Jen Crossley said...

You never cease to amaze me this is stunning

Karyn B said...

So stunning. You can just see the thought and care that went into every little detail and dangle. Just stunning.

Unknown said...

Lusciously beautiful.

Sandy Navarro said...

Diane, this is absolutely stunning! Think I might jump in on the next go round.

Hugs!

Moobie Grace said...

Wowzers! I'm not sure what I love most...the beads, your design or the amazing photography!

Chris said...

This piece really shows your creativity~~Elements you don't usually use, your own special flair~~Wonderful!

KayzKreationz said...

That is a stunning piece. I love the vintage look/feel of it. It is a wonderful piece, doing justice to your soup.

Jules said...

Diane,
Your piece is absolutely beautiful. A one of a kind rustic, romantic work of art, true to your style and using Kerry's beads to perfection.
It is beautiful and inspiring.
Julie

Anonymous said...

Wow! Love your piece!

Lupe Meter said...

Stunning necklace! What lovely soup ingredients! Nice work!

la mar de bonita said...

OMG - what a wonderful necklace! And such wonderful photographies! I love your vintage style!
Greetings, Michi

Maggie said...

I've been a fan of Kerry's for years and she sent you such a perfect focal point to blend with your sense of vintage. What a treasure you made!

BahamaDawn said...

beautiful and very regal!!! i love the bezel you made for the focal!!!

Lyn Foley said...

Diane, you just created a stupendous piece - again. WOW! Your work is always inspiring, and especially so using the "not your usual" lampwork beads. I loved reading all about it, and found the clasp only after re-reading your description. The entire necklace is a stunner.

CraftyHope said...

As usual, you blow me away!
You take some basic items and really turn them into something spectacular. Thank you so much for being an inspiration at all times! It's amazing what you do!

Sabrina said...

Wow your piece is really outstanding. Love it;)
Greetings
Sabrina

Courtney Breul said...

I love what you created! So elegant and vintage!

Bobbie said...

The way you combined the focal bead into the final focal is stunning. I so admire how you brought your style into using the beads you received. Truly a lovely, lovely necklace!

Christine Altmiller said...

this is so lovely, i had to catch my breath. the focal is stunning and soft and wonderful colors. just beautiful!

Pam @ The Blue Between said...

really wonderful - so much texture, and what a mix - it all works together perfectly!

Beadbug said...

Amazing, I just love it.

Jennifer Jangles said...

Really pretty and your photographs are great!

Wendy said...

OMG your necklace is stunning! Love the way you photographed it too!

Anonymous said...

Oh My Goodness! Just Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful necklace, I love how you combined all of the elements. It turned out so beautifully.

jeanette said...

Diane, I think everyone did such an amazing job but your piece takes my breath away! And Kerry choose the perfect colors when creating her beads for you!

Tracy said...

Wow, what a gorgeous vintage piece....I'm in love.

Anonymous said...

OMG, Diane, that is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!
QueenMarcy

Katrin mdmB said...

Ahh, this is gorgeous!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

WOW - jaw droppingly (is this a word?) gorgeous! Thank you for the explanation of what you did. This piece reminds me of something from old world Hollywood - just exquisite!

Amy S. said...

I am so impressed by this piece. I love the way you worked your style in to these pretty glass beads. The result is stunning.

Alice said...

Diane,

I'm nearly speechless! The necklace is stunning. Kerry's lovely beads work well with your vintage components. I love your handmade bail. This has to be a keeper---I don't know how you woul be able to let this one go.

Chris Hansen said...

Diane, I am in awe of your finished Bead Soup piece - there are just so many incredible colors, elements, textures, and details to take in. This is a stunningly gorgeous piece. Well done!

Sharon said...

A masterpiece, so gorgeous!

I LOVE color! said...

Ablosulstly lovely design;
Be blessed to be a blessing

Unknown said...

This piece knocked me out! So great!

Kathy ~ Artful Accents said...

Really gorgeous work...and your photography allows the piece to be the main attraction.

T... said...

stunning....love the colours you worked with

Shay Stone said...

That's a stunning piece and I love how you
Vintage-ized Kerri's beads. Very nice!

Barbara said...

simply stunning. true artistry...and that chain...I'm drooling.

Sweet Freedom said...

Your necklace is a work of (wearable) art - I love all the components, and the dangles, and I appreciated reading the process!

Elizabeth said...

Absolutely stunning piece Diane!! I love the combination with the etched piece and the bail with the flur and ALL OF IT!!!!!!!

I am so very excited about this weekend!! I will be in your Saturday Class at Art Bliss- simply cannot wait!! Perhaps i will wear my bead soup piece!! Will you bring yours along????? see you on Saturday!!!!

Beadbug said...

AMAZING, I love it all!

Christine said...

Gorgeous necklace! So many lovely details!

Shai Williams said...

Wow! I really love your style. This necklace is such a showstopper.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree - that focal needed to be held. It is amazing, definitely got that confetti feel. I love what you've done with your soup, it looks amazing

Shyme said...

Love your necklace!! Gorgeous!

Beadaholique said...

Diane, I SO love your aesthetic! This soup really has such a life to it. Absolutely beautiful! :)

beautifullybrokenme said...

I am consistently blown away by your talent, my friend. This piece is simply stunning - beautiful job! :)

LeeLu Creations said...

So beautiful! Very inspiring. I love the vintage, yet romantic feel of your work.

SoulsFireDesigns said...

*jaw drops, eyes wide with longing* Oh how I love this! So incredibly beautiful! What a stunning and romantic piece! Gorgeous!!

Stacey said...

Such a truly beautiful piece - so romantic, so full of awesome little treasures!

Ann said...

Very pretty and different. A true statement piece.

Terri said...

A-ma-Zing. You made these ingredients sing! Such Talent! Really Soup-er job!

Heidi Post said...

Gorgeous! I love all the vintage bits :)

Marie Cramp said...

That is nothing short of stunning! I am in complete awe!!

Jenny said...

What a gorgeous construction to hold a gorgeous glass focal. Wow. Have you worn it yet? We should have had a BSBP reveal at ArtBliss for those of us that were there... It was a pleasure to meet you Friday, albeit brief!

Snazzy Doodle Designs said...

Wow!! I love your necklace! All of the details. It is really wonderful!!

Andrea said...

Wonderful necklace.... great creative photography and description of your process. Good luck teaching

Cindy Cima said...

I also adore vintage jewelry....rhinestones, .....!!
All I can say about your design is WOW! Love it!

Anonymous said...

Great post, I admire the writing style :) A little off topic here but what theme are you using? Looks pretty cool.

Aquariart said...

Wow,Wow Wonderful!! Love the etched piece behind your focal, that focal too!! Screams of the beauty of old cherished things. Love your soup.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Your work is beautiful! I adore this necklace. The small touch of the ribbon is perfect...and I do love that chain, too!

Chrissy said...

Amazingly beautiful pieces. I just love what you have created with your soup mix..YUM!!I could see me wearing them...hehehe

DaviniaDesign said...

Wow, this is super great.
One of the most gorgeous soups I've seen so far...
Great job!

Sweet Willow Designs said...

Still making the rounds and tasting all the soups. I love the way you built such a beautiful frame for the focal. It is absolutely beautiful.

Myléne Hillam said...

What incredible beads you had to work with... they are art in themselves! But what you then did with them.... just amazing! So many wonderful ingredients to look at in this piece - you did a masterful job of pulling it all together.