My Matisse

A couple of days ago I posted about the pendant I had received as part of the blogger group outreach from ArtBeads. I had been given several jewelry supply categories to choose from, and when I saw this bead, I knew what I had to do. The bead I had chosen was the 30x40mm Rectangle Black Onyx Matisse - Blue Nude from the Artist Masterpiece Pendants - Russian Pendant collection. When I got home from work last nite I sat down and got to work.

I already had the design in my head, all I needed to do was put it together.

Here is what I used.

30x40mm Rectangle Black Onyx Matisse - Blue Nude - ArtBeads
White jade roundells - Sedona Stones
Faceted black crystal roundells - Firemountain Gems
Lapis roundells - O'Mega Gems
6mm blackstone - Firemountain Gems
Silver plated Oval Link Chain - ArtBeads
Silver plated 3 Strand + 3 Link Chain - ArtBeads

The pendant is stunning, I can't stress enough how wonderful it is.

The 3 strand +3 Link chain however beautiful it is, will work your patience. The three small strands between the triple links has a tendency to bunch up and knot. I have now dubbed it the diva chain. It is beautiful and knows it, and will make you work for it.

The oval link chain, I have to admit, I am a bit disappointed in. It doesn't have that beautiful finish like on the diva chain. It is not as smooth and shiney as I had hoped. It almost has an 'orange peel' appearance to it. Will it stop me from buying it again? I doubt it.

And here she is kids - My Matisse!

I love working with multi-strands. I love the busy look. I think I captured a fun multilayer look w/o taking away from the focal.




I changed up the 3 link + 3 strand chain a bit at the focal. I snipped out the middle link and added a triple stack of the faceted crystals on a hand wound link.







I do love her!

Gettin round to it - Rings & Things Challenge - Silver tone necklace

Here is it June and I am still mulling over Rings & Things May blogger challenge. The satin cord and the gold and silver tone chain are giving me a run for my money. I didn't want to just hang a pendant from the chain. I was determined to try and incorporate the chain into the design.

This type of chain (Chain, 18", Serpentine (Silver Plated)) doesn't co operate easily. The mechanics of the chain offer a firm, less flexible design, that is perfect for pendants. Why did I not take this into consideration when I set out to tackle this project.

I am stubborn sometimes.


I took some random spring colors (I have noticed I have been on an orange kick lately - but it stands to reason, orange is the color of creativity!) of 10/1 seed beads and threaded them onto my beading wire. I attached the beading wire to the chain by looping it around the chain and pulling it up real close and crimping it. Then I wrapped it around the chain using several different 'tighnesses' of the loops to give it a more cascading look. I attached it the same way at the other end. I created simple charms and wire wrapped them to some of the bigger loops, and then finally added a millefiori bead as a focal.

Wha-LA!

This is the toughest challenge to date! Thanks Dave and Rings and Things for pushing me this month!

Just for fun

I found this little beauty while organizing in my room today. I had forgot about a bag of re purpose goodies my mom had given me.

hand carved mother of pearl pendant. I have no idea era or origin but knowing how long my mom has had it, and where she has traveled, I would venture to say circa 70's and either from Mexico or Israel



I hung it on the wall so i can look up at it while i am cleaning and see if i get any inspiration on how to use it.

single strand focal, or multi strand accent....i don't know - what would you do?