There are days I sit in my studio in a complete stupor - there are so many techniques/tools/beads - you name it - that I want to try, but there is no mojo. None. Zippo. Zilch. It can be so depressing. Today was NOT one of those days.
So, I have had these beads by Judith Billig sitting on my bench for about 4 months now.
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| Photo and Beads by Judith Billig |
I am not a pastel person, by any means. But these colors are truly fabulous. What I like about this set is that there is more than one color in each of the beads, yet all of the beads are different. I did not want to "over design" this one, but I knew the end result had to be special - I mean....those beads!
I truly felt patinated silver was THE metal to use, so I looked in my stash for some sterling accent beads. Not. A. Single.Bead...that would work (believe...I am not lacking in beads-it is a sickness I have!). So, I made three hollow beads instead. I love this texture - it reminds me of reticulated silver - kinda melty and "touchable" by the texture.
See the striations of color?! And, Judith gave these a matte finish, so appropriate with this pastel palette.
I really, really like how this piece turned out!
While the silver elements were tumbling, I decided to re-visit a hoop design I made - only once before. Kept my fingers crossed that I could solder this design again, and so happy it worked (did you hear my screams of joy about 10 AM this morning?!)
The last time I made this design, I did not texture the sterling. But, I knew I was using these gorgeous turquoise beads and went at it with the hammer. I think these have just a bit of Southwestern vibe going for them.
In combing through my stash for a silver accent bead for the sterling necklace above, I got side tracked and went through my own handmade findings box. It's a mish-mash of copper and sterling - beads, toggles, clasps, jump rings. I forgot about these hollow copper beads I made quite a while ago. See...distraction is a good thing!
This is another amazing lampwork set by Judith. You need to zoom in on the pictures - rustic turquoise! This is actually my favorite piece today - the beads are just so intensely colored.
See?! :)
So, today was a blissful day in my studio. I am grateful for days like today, where everything seems to fall into place. They do not happen very often, and I hope I have more of them!
Thanks so much for stopping by today!!
xo
Patti
You got all the mojo today, but that's okay. I love your hollow beads, especially that copper one!!
ReplyDeleteHi Patti, You had a very productive day. All of your pieces are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Becky! Today has proven to be the polar opposite of yesterday! LOL!
DeleteI love your work!! I would like to purchase some of Judith's beads but can't seem to find out where to order or prices. I would greatly appreciate any info. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Connie - thank you! I purchased a TON of Judith's beads through a facebook auction. You can contact her through her website: www.judithbillig.com I am sure she would give you links to the various Facebook Groups where she offers her beads! She is on vacation at the moment, but very responsive!
DeleteYou did GREAT! All of the pieces are Awesome! I love the silver and copper beads! Wishing you many more creative and productive days just like this one!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful designs! I tend to avoid sterling but I am just drooling over both the sterling and copper designs. Your hollow beads just make them both pop.
ReplyDeletePatti, your designs are gorgeous! I love hollow beads and can appreciate all the work that goes into making them. Using them together with the other metal elements and lampwork beads, really adds that special finish touch! Beautiful color combinations!
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ReplyDeleteWow, I love these pieces. The texture on that copper bead is fabulous. The pastel necklace with silver. ! I love it!! I have really been drawn to pastels lately, and you are right that these are great with the various colors in each one.
ReplyDeleteOh, yummy! These are delicious - and now I must go seek out some of Judith's work. Hooray for productive, inspired days in the workroom!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing that with all the beads we own, we never seem to have the right one! I love the "melty" look of the hollow beads and they go perfect with the pastel lampwork beads. Glad to see that the creative muse was in the studio with you! Your pieces are gorgeous!! Looks like you had a fantastic day at the workbench!
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