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Saturday, March 03, 2012

Bead Soup Blog Hop

"Blue Laurel"
This is my third time to participate in the Bead Soup Blog Party,
the brainstorm of an idea by my friend,
Lori Anderson.
Each time seems to get better than the last, so here we go...
When I opened up the package from my partner,
that held this vintage sterling silver book marker,
I knew I had to use it. But, how?
I didn't exactly know, but it was here that I started.
I began by layering "Laurel" with a wonderful vintage brooch. 
I wish I could remember where this one came from, but alas I don't.
  I just know I liked it because of its shape, dainty rhinestone dangles, and great old rhinestones set in vintage pot metal.
When I pulled it out of my stash, 
it just looked like it belonged on top of the book marker, 
as it matched its shape so perfectly.
I tried it in all different directions, before deciding to slide it down just a bit to expose the wonderful curves at the very top of the marker.
 Next, I started traveling down to the lower part,
wrapping it with some of these tiny beauties from Lyn.
 I chose the peacock seed pearls to work with,
even though I tried desperately to squeeze in those beautiful creamy white ones.
I added a faceted crystal quartz dangle,
using a cool new bead cap I bought after one of my students, 
Michele, showed me some she had brought to class.
I pulled the pieces together by stringing a simple choker using the same peacock seed pearls and the gorgeous sterling silver clasp given to me by Lyn, 
then made some of my favorite rondell bead connectors.
 Lyn sent these clear, blue lined glass ones in my package.
I often use this style, sandwiching tube beads (sometimes long, sometimes short) in between two oxidized crystal rhinestone rondells.  
I sprinkled in some wire wrapped oxidized crystal rhinestone ball beads, vintage rhinestone buttons, some great chain, and all of the Indian silver beads sent to me by Lyn.
Now I have a great 4-piece set.
 Each piece can be worn individually or separate on their own.
 ~Next~
I had to use some of Lyn's gorgeous lampwork beads.
She's a master of color and style.
She sent a good stash of her wonderful ruffles of glass, 
in colors I adore.
I began by laying three of my favorites down on the table.
I tend to use things left lying on my work bench, and magically it always works out.
Once again it did, as I spotted one of my etched hearts sitting just to the right of my  beading pad, just waiting to be used.
I strung the ruffled beads onto three pieces of sterling silver wire,
using more of the rhinestone buttons, now as centers to the beads;
twisted more wire around the base to hold the trio together,
 then pulled the wire thru a piece of brass filigree, sort of arrow style...
punching and lacing this little sandwich onto the etched heart. 
I don't wear pins, so I knew this had to become a necklace.
I was stumped and had to sleep on it, which works for me. 

The next day I looked through my jewelry trays and found a necklace I had bought on Etsy,
one that had beautiful rhinestones that just seem to match 
the rhinestone button centers of my heart pendant so perfectly. 
First I had to set two eyelets, one in the heart, one in the filigree.
Then I used a technique I enjoy and incorporate into my designs often.  
I re-purposed a vintage Eisenberg ear bob into a connector.  
That's it just to the left of my heart.
 I did use one of the two vintage faceted earring drops Lyn sent, 
as the dangle beneath the heart.  It matched the ruffles perfectly.
~Next~ 
I wanted to use the last three of of Lyn's glass ruffles,
 so I made a fun cascade necklace, using them 
along with several brass crucifixes,
and the acid green freshwater pearls she also sent in my soup.
 If you have stuck thru with me all the way to this point
you get to see all of my soup pieces together.
 
 So now you also can watch a sneak peak 
of my new online tutorial which I talked about 
here.
Leave a comment (along with an email address if it's not connected to your name), 
and you too will be entered in the drawing, 
as two people will win one of my tutorials called,
Transforming Vintage Jewelry into a Connector,
which is exactly what I did when I re-purposed the Eisenberg ear bob talked about earlier.
You can see it again, just below in the necklace I call
"Flower Power"
Thanks for sticking all the way to the end.
Don't forget the drawing to win this tutorial,
(that will be is in my Etsy Shop on Monday, March 5th now)
will be on the first day of Spring,
March 20th, 2012!
Here's a snip-it.  Enjoy!

83 comments:

Cindy said...

Oh my goodness, Diane. You truly transformed Lyn's beautiful bead soup mix into a Rosa & Josie's original!! I love how you showed pictures of each step, describing your design process while you were creating the pieces... you truly came up with some innovative ideas (like how you used the vintage bookmark and Lyn's signature ruffle beads!). The finished ensemble are so impressive when grouped together! I truly enjoyed following along with you in you bead soup experience!

Thoughtfulhands said...

Gorgeous gorgeous work you always have the most amazing pieces...Really like how you dangled the glass ruffles.

Can't wait for your tutorial =>

Anonymous said...

Wow, wow, wow! Love how you pulled it all together. Really beautiful!

Unknown said...

Diane these pieces are so beautiful! Always love all the details ou put into your jewelry!

Lorelei Eurto said...

HI Diane! Wow. Your work is always over the top fantastic, and today is no exception. I think your soup was right up your alley! Each piece was more beautiful than the next! Enjoy the hopping today!

steufel said...

Oh Diane, you are simply amazing. All your pieces have this elegant and delicate vibe. And everything you touch gets your great signature style. As is said simply amazing.

Giorgia Rossini said...

wonderful pieces of art :)
I'm another partecipant from Italy, I'm trying to visit all of you.
this was really a great experience!
ciao ciao

Stories They Tell said...

Wow, Diane-- so much beauty! Lyn sent some wonderful stuff (she was my partner for my first BSBP) but you totally transformed it with your craft and imagaination. I agree with Cindy-- the final grouping of all the pieces was just fabulous!

Joanne said...

Oh my word! Truly, truly inspirational work. I Adore all three pieces. Beautiful :) x

Lyn Foley said...

Hi Partner, You really out-did yourself - again. What a beautiful mix you created. I just knew you would make something wonderful with the book mark and those other older beads I'd been hanging onto. Now they can see the light of day in beautiful company, your necklaces. Love what you did with my ruffles too. Good color sense, as always.

Lyn

Chris said...

What absolutely gorgeous pieces! The layering is so very "you" and so very luscious~ You knocked this challenge out of the park!

potterygirl1 said...

Amazing! Stunning! Piece.
It is beautiful!

Deryn Mentock said...

You've been busy! Wow...gorgeousness all around, Diane!

Mary Harding said...

WOW!!! What a treat for the eyes. A beautiful set of pieces. I love the photo of them all together. Yes, please enter me in the Giveaway.

mairedodd said...

absolutely incredible - you are one talented lady... so glad that you and lyn got each other to work with!

Mary Harding said...

I am writing my comment again because I don't think I passed the robot test after two tries!!
Wow!! what incredible necklaces. I love all the detailed photos and best of all the one with them all together. Fabulous. I would also love to have a chance at the giveaway!!

sandi m said...

Diane, I am speechless! These are simply beautiful; how you transformed all of Lyn's elements. Brilliant.
Can't wait for your tutorial...
sandi

Kathy said...

Diane - I love what you did with those glass flower beads (ruffle beads?) - I have some and have never done anything with them - now I know I need to put a crystal button in the middle - way better than just making spinning earrings (what I was thinking of when I bought them).
Can't wait for the tutorial...you always find great ways to use vintage pieces and so I have been collecting since my class with you!

Cindy Cima said...

Oh Man - I love your Blue Laurel necklace! Your other necklace is wonderful too! Your video left me wanting more!!

inaurem said...

How, how could you get as beautiful beads? This is the best soup I've ever seen!
Amazing necklaces! Your are were creative person :)

Lori Anderson said...

Absolutely in awe! I'd wear any and all of those. The talent you have never ceases to amaze me, and thanks so much for being a promoter of the hop to your friends!

I can't get over how pretty this all is!


I hope you'll join me again in the summer!

Heidi Post said...

This is a style I will never grow tired of admiring. Individually, I like the first one best, but I love them all piled together. Fabulous!

Unknown said...

I had to stick it to the end just to see what was coming next! Holy Wow! Amazing. Obviously you're a very talented jewelry artisan - love your style.

EWA gyöngyös világa! / EWA's World of Beads! said...

Fantastic jewels!Beautiful works !Congrats!

Cassie Donlen said...

Speechless! What beautiful creations and oh so unique.

Maneki said...

Beautiful and opulent! Fab job!

Cheryl Brown said...

Oh what a great collection. It is really Vintage on steroids. Loved it all. The closeups were really wonderful. Very Belle Armoire magazine like.

Unknown said...

So romantic and elegant, I am in awe of your beautiful designs.

Shyme said...

Gorgeous pieces!!

Alice said...

Diane, the bead soup you received is just gorgeous! I love Lyns lampwork ruffle beads.

You nearly left me speechless as I scrolled down to see what you made. Everything is fabulous, and I love that they can be worn together or alone and still look amazing.

Your tutorial looks wonderful!

CraftyHope said...

SWOON, SWOON, SWOON. . .as always your talent just blows me away! All of these pieces are just divine and real treasures. You make it look so easy. (it's not really)
Thank you for more eye candy and inspiration!

Unknown said...

Wow! This is the first reveal where I found myself speechless. Fantastic! Your rondelle & tube bead components are inspired. The simple combination has a great effect.

Unknown said...

Love it...love it.., and LOVE IT!!!!!

Susan Marling said...

Oh, those pieces are to die for!!I absolutely love your style. It is so romantic.

Pam Hurst said...

very cool!

Linda Sadler said...

Beautiful as always! So true to your style. Love the grouping and enjoyed following your thought process and techniques.

Lori Bowring Michaud said...

STUNNING! All three pieces are beautiful but I think my favorite is the cascade necklace. You're such a talented designer.

Karyn B said...

There is so much to take in on each one, just luscious and rich, and I want to be that mannequin at the end, all draped in that loveliness!

Cory said...

WOW...all of the pieces are beautiful and well designed.

Debbie said...

Oh Diane, I am blown away, you really out did yourself this time. Loved, loved, loved all the pieces!!
I think the video was great as well, you are constantly surprising me, I love it!!!

Be well your gal,
debbie
xoxo

Jo said...

Oh how beautiful! You were sent such a fantastic soup, and you have used everything beautifully! I particularly love how you used the ruffle beads.

Barbara said...

Wow Diane! I don't think I can add anything more fascinating than what's already been said! Your attention to detail is fantastic!

roomforchange said...

WOW WOW WOW!!!! I love all the beautiful things you make. One day I will come over from the UK to take a class with you. You blow everyone away with your amazing designs!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Love the pieces you made with those lovely beads she sent you. Look forward to the tutorial.

Chris

Jean said...

WOW it is all so luscious, Love them all together!!

Kristen said...

I'm on the edge of my seat! I love what you did with those ruffle beads! I actually own some of those, and have been hanging on to them for just the right thing. I am inspired now! Beautiful work!

Snazzy Doodle Designs said...

Wow, all of your pieces are really amazing!! I love the first necklace. I have been picking up some old rhinestone pieces,drooling over them and then I just add them to my stash....lol. Your tutorial looks like it might be away for me to actually start using them...

Ann said...

Beautiful collection. Thanks for putting them all together on the mannequin so we could see the full effect. Very romantic.

Sissy and Jack's said...

All I can say is WOW! You have once again made the most gorgeous pieces.
I really enjoy following your blog and looking forward to participating in the Artful Gathering this summer.

MoonRae said...

It's going to take me a few days to soak in all these fantastic pieces while I'm hopping around...
Thank you so much for sharing your exquisite necklaces!!
~Sharon~

kksolliday said...

As always, your work inspires me. Someday I hope to meet you.

kksolliday said...

So lovely. I'm inspired.

Mariposa said...

OMG! That's what I call a regal adornment!

la mar de bonita said...

I enjoyed to read about every single step, you've done to design this wonderful creations. And I'm totally impressed about your work! I take my hat - thank's for sharing!

Julie Anne Leggett said...

Amazing work. I would wear any/all of your pieces. I especially love the tube bead links on the first necklace. So simple but very striking.

beautifullybrokenme said...

Oh Diane - as always, you have completely blown me away with your stunningly elegant pieces. I learn something new each time I visit your blog, and today is no exception. You are a genius at reusing and re-purposing vintage pieces and parts to create gorgeous designs with your unique personal touch. I love them all - amazing work! :)

Quilts by Grammy said...

Completely FABULOUS- you never cease to maze me every time. LoVe everything you create!

Loris Glassworks said...

Oh this reminds me of a vintage Edwardian Design! Your work is stunning in every way. Cheers!
Lori D.

Anonymous said...

I love the way you turned the bookmark into a beautiful pendant! So creative and truly vintage...you made it your own! The other pieces are stunning as well.

Elizabeth said...

Diane! these pieces are amazing!! I love how your mind works!! the piece done with the ruffled lampwork beads is so unique and the colors add so much to your wonderful style!! BRAVO!!!

Just back from Art and Soul Va and I learned to make fabulous enameled beads with Barbara Lewis and her two wonderful sons!!!!

Kat said...

That is really a work of art looks like you spent a long while making it. Gorgeous. Have a great day!

Sheila said...

Love what you made with those great pieces and the tutorial looks so cool. Keeping my fingers crossed that I win!

D Fritz said...

Beautiful work...I love vintage jewels. Please consider me for winning the tutorial.

Christine said...

These are absolutely gorgeous pieces of art that you made! Impossible to pick a favorite - love your beautiful work with the vintage pieces!!

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

Wow, really amazing designs! That first necklace is an absolute piece of art. Love the last photo showing them all together. Thanks for the tutorial video too, nice touch!

WindDancerStudios said...

I know where I'm coming when I decide I need to use something from one of my vintage pieces. I never have the heart to take them apart. Your gorgeous work is proof it can be done with glorious results . Does it sound like I'm gushing yet? :) I love your soup results, LOVE!

gypsy rose said...

stunning! but all you do is stunning! I am in awe of your talent.

gretchen said...

what a(nother) beautiful piece of wearable art! lovely, lovely jeweled necklace.

Lisa Michele Creations said...

My goodness...Your work is amazing..so feminine and beautiful...Reminds me of the 1920...with a new twist to it..:)
Absolutely love the first necklace layered series!
All is amazing!

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

Before I even opened up the page to your blog, I knew that your creation would be utterly beautiful....and you did not disappoint! You are so creative and I love all of the pieces of art that you magically created with your soup!

KayzKreationz said...

What wonderful pieces. I love Flower Power and the way you used the ear bob for a connector. I'm so hoping I win one of your tutorials. I'd also love to know how you find all your vintage pieces. Everytime I go looking around I don't find anything. You have wonderful pieces.

jelveh Designs said...

wow, your gorgeous work humbles me...there is so much going on and you did so many pieces with so much lovely detail, when I saw the first necklace with the bookmark and the broach, it reminded me of the Victorian era...the one with the cross just puts the whole thing over the top...lovely lovely...

adlinah said...

You created a truly outstanding necklace from your bead soup. I'm getting a lovely Victorian feel from your piece - or do I mean Edwardian? Well, whatever the period, that necklace is a beaut!

Tarnished Rose said...

Stunning. You are amazing!

I have a ton of vintage jewelry bits and pieces and have had little clue as to how to go about using them. The way you go about using the bits and pieces is just mind-blowing.

Smiles~
Marilyn

Silver Parrot said...

I love the way you layered the lampwork on that necklace and incorporated it with the vintage elements. Great job!

Stacey said...

Amazingly beautiful work!!! That bookmark all snazzied up is just way too cool!! Love those tubes! All the pieces are really beautiful!

Jean A. Wells said...

Your jewelry is out of this world. It is so victorian vintage looking. Absolutely amazing. I just don't know what else to say.

To win a tutorial that might help me learn how to do some of this would be fantastic! Thank you for the opportunity.

I have joined your blog and will spread the world about the giveaway on my blog.

Donna said...

That's a lot of wirewrapping!!

Very nice work

Kat BM said...

oh my! I love what you did with your bead soup! It looks vintage but also has a wonderful "here and now" vibe.

cathy @ma vie trouvee said...

So many beautiful details to this piece. Your work is so creative!

Alicia said...

Oh, wow - this is truly art... explained on top of that! The pieces you made are stunning; I love the idea of a 4-piece set alot!

dreaminofbeads / SAS Jewelry Designs said...

All I can say is WOW! Your pieces are amazing!
Sonya

LoriF said...

Gorgeous work! I love the hits of color in the second piece; I really think it adds something special.