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.
 |
| 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
