It's Reveal Day!!!
This is my third year to participate in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party. Lori pairs 500 people up to swap some beads, a focal and a clasp are all that is actually required to send and to use but there's always more...were all bead lovers, you know!!
My partner this year is CJ Bauschka, read all about our swap.
CJ sent me a focal connector with loops for hanging. I have been working with polymer clay a lot so I decided to make something special to go with the focal. Some ideas were created and I tried different things out but eventually I decided to make some organic style "spikes". I have made lots of custom colors with clay but this time I used the clay color right out of the package, it's called Peacock Pearl...I love it!
I wanted the clay spikes to be textured so mixed up some molding clay and made a texture stamp from the focal. Using the stamp I made, I pressed the clay drops and got a nice texture you can see here.
The clasp is pretty neat, you squeeze it to open, I finished it off with a few more dangles...I really love those pearls and gemmies!!
I haven't come up with a worthy design yet...but I will! Visit me again to see what I come up with!
Cory
This is my third year to participate in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party. Lori pairs 500 people up to swap some beads, a focal and a clasp are all that is actually required to send and to use but there's always more...were all bead lovers, you know!!
My partner this year is CJ Bauschka, read all about our swap.
CJ sent me a focal connector with loops for hanging. I have been working with polymer clay a lot so I decided to make something special to go with the focal. Some ideas were created and I tried different things out but eventually I decided to make some organic style "spikes". I have made lots of custom colors with clay but this time I used the clay color right out of the package, it's called Peacock Pearl...I love it!
I wanted the clay spikes to be textured so mixed up some molding clay and made a texture stamp from the focal. Using the stamp I made, I pressed the clay drops and got a nice texture you can see here.
And here is the finished necklace.
To fill in the loops on the focal I dangled the beautiful teal button pearls CJ sent on each side of the spikes. These were wire wrapped with micro faceted Apetite gemstones I have been hording for several years.
I draped green stick pearls separated by the bronze firepolished beads CJ sent to expand the design a bit. On each end of the focal I wire wrapped a polymer clay connector matching the spikes in color and texture.
I draped more of the teal pearl and apetite dangles between the focal and chain on each side. The chain also included some Swarovski bicones CJ sent.
So...I had these two clay spikes left over and I really wanted to make some earrings with them. The color went really nicely with some polymer clay textured squares made by Lennis Carrier of Windbent.
I connected everything with some slate gray waxed linen by Jewelry Accord and used a few more of those little pearls!
CJ also sent me a pretty stamped metal focal,
Now, let's go see what CJ made...
waiting patiently!
ReplyDeleteSorry I was a bit late...hope it was worth the wait!
DeleteLove your necklace! Wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Marti!
DeleteGreat necklace and earrings!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurie, I appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteWow
ReplyDeleteI'll take that, LOL!
DeleteCory that's just beautiful and your husband is handsome too...
ReplyDeleteThanks my love!! (yes, this is my husband) and I agree, I do have a very handsome husband!
DeleteWOW, that necklace is stunning and amazing and I'm at a loss of words. !!! (That's a good thing!)
ReplyDelete<3,
Andrea
Thanks so much Andrea, I appreciate the compliment!
DeleteThat's awesome. It has a great tribal feel. How long are those gold pearl sticks? Love what you've created so much.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ginger, the pearl sticks are about an inch long give or take.
DeleteWhat a fun necklace and I love the color of the clay spikes, yummy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary...I know that color is gorgeous...it has a swirly pearl to it in person too!
DeleteCory, I am in love with what you did with your bead soup. You are amazing!!!! You really let your creative spirit shine. Thank-you for being my partner, I love your polymer clay designs so much. Hope we can stay in touch! CJ
ReplyDeleteThanks so much CJ, you gave me a great foundation to work with. I think I changed the design about 4 times but I am so pleased with the outcome...and I sold it already too!! Now, that's a THRILL!
DeleteVery nice!! And I agree, that clasp is very unique!! But your design...takes my breath away!! ~KM
ReplyDeleteThanks KM!! I am so happy it all came together (always at the last minute!)
DeleteWhoa that is a gorgeous statement necklace! So many parts put together so nicely! Great design!
ReplyDeleteThanks Hannah, what a great compliment!
DeleteI try not to read the other comments, but I knew the word "Statement piece" was going to be very prevalent. It is a Statement piece! It IS absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, thanks so much! It's funny because I never set out to make a statement piece but I always want my jewelry to be special so this is what happened, LOL!
DeleteWhat an incredible statement necklace! What really sets it apart is it's so intricate but looks very comfortable to wear. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteShaiha, yes, it really sits so nicely and is comfortable. I am not a necklace wearer so it has been my goal to make necklaces that others will love!
DeleteI love your work process! Making the polymer clay things using the focal, this is clever. And the necklace is one of the most beautiful ones I have seen in the BSBP8.
ReplyDeleteWow, Othel...I am so humbled by your comments and the others here. I am so critical of my own work so it is amazing to me when I finally put it out there and get a great response (I have a big grin right now)
DeleteSuch lovely work well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteWell all I can say is its beautiful. Fit for a queen. Great job.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is WOW! If that's not an eye-catching statement piece I couldn't tell you what is! You REALLY thought outside of the box on this one and I certainly commend you for your creativity :)
ReplyDeleteI think the polymer clay is just what the necklace needed, too!
Fantastic work ^.^
Thanks so much Kayla, I haven't seen many designs using this type of focal so I had to use my own imagination and some help from friends to make this come together.
Deletethat's so elaborate, wow! very tribal, love it!
ReplyDeleteInteresting connection for clay and pearl spikes- I love it!
ReplyDeleteOh that is an absolute beauty! I love how it hangs. How did you managed to get such perfect drape? Your polymer clay spikes really draw the eye. I think it's a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteAwe Nelly, thank you! The drape took several tries to get right! The bust I used to photograph helps a lot too.
DeleteVery surprising... I love your peacock! Such a well ♥balanced design♥, great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dini, I need to go see what you made!
DeleteCory!!! This is EXTRAORDINARY! I am seriously just blown away -- your necklace is exquisite, magnificent & sublime. By far the most beautiful jewelry of the entire BSBP8 that I've seen. Brilliant. You amaze me & I could just study & study your design to learn. On top of that, your handcrafted peacock pearl spikes (along with the pearls and apatite & findings, ohh so pretty!) are gorgeous! Then, earrings too with my beloved windbent beads? I'm in heaven. I love how you put them together -- more to learn :) Thank you for a show-stopping reveal, my friend! Bravo! Happy Hopping! Love ♥ Rita
ReplyDeleteRita, you sure know how to make a girls day!! Thanks so so much for your wonderful comment and compliments...you're a treasure!
DeleteWOW!! Stunning design!!
ReplyDeleteYour piece is magnificent and so original, those blue spikes are just a great idea and give the right contrast.
ReplyDeletePipa thanks so much, your comments make me happy!
DeleteOh what a stunning necklace, so very creative....and the earrings are to die for. Beautiful design.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking jewelry.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely spectacular set!
ReplyDeleteWow, great design!
ReplyDeleteI love your set! Fabulous design and great colorway!
ReplyDeleteExcellent work! I love the necklace and adore the earrings! I have been wanting to try "spikes" I guess now I will! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYes, try them Veralynne...they are really fun!
DeleteNice! Such an earthy, tribal, free feel! I love it :)
ReplyDeleteOh, my, a beautiful tribal set. Love it! Gorgeous design.
ReplyDeleteWoah!! That necklace sure does make a statement, and it's a positive one! It's absolutely eye-catching and stunning. I love the peacock color of your spikes, it goes perfectly with all the other elements you used. Really outstanding!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Hope! Glad you stopped by, that peacock blue just draws me in too!
DeleteFabulous design and of course I LOVE those brilliant polymer clay components, Cory!
ReplyDeleteThank you Monique, my fellow clay lover! I never thought I would end up using and especially loving clay so much!
DeleteSo ethnic and unique =)
ReplyDeletethat is a great design! I love your peacock spikes! I like the way it drapes. The earrings are perfect to go with it. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your lovely comments!
Deletewhat an interesting take on spikes! VERY creative!
ReplyDeleteLinda A.
http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
http://cherryOnTopDesign.co
Thanks so much Linda! Your little picture just makes me laugh!
DeleteGreat multi-draped necklace. Cool with the clasp. I love the earrings too! Great job
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Love they way you did the 2 strands on the necklace.
ReplyDeleteThat focal/connector is so unique and I just love what you did with it. The whole necklace is a really pretty and fun design. The polymer clay earrings are fabulous as well. You have a very nice style!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, I had such a different vision when this started but I am happy that it ended up like this. I appreciate your compliments!
DeleteWhat a wonderful statement necklace design. The polymer clay components you added are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy, I appreciate your comments!
DeleteSpectacular statement piece Cory, absolutely stunning! The polymer clay shards are great, and I like them in the earrings too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa! Your visit and comments are always appreciated!
DeleteCory your necklace is AWESOME!! It's great that you used the focal to texture your clay pieces. This is one of my favorite pieces from this challenge. Absolutely fabulous. Would you mind if I pinned it ?
ReplyDeleteBecky, thank you so much for your comment and compliments! Of course you can pin it, I would be thrilled!
DeleteYour soup is really neat! I love the necklace and earrings.
ReplyDeleteGreat use of soup! I'm not normally a "spiky" kind of girl but this drapes so nicely it really couldn't be any other way. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThis design reminds me of Ancient Egypt! Using the focal as a stamp sounds pretty unique to me! Gorgeous colors and design!
ReplyDelete