Wednesday 16 April 2014

Spring Fever Design Challenge


So today is the reveal day for the Spring Fever Design Challenge.  Here are the beads and sari silk I received.



I started with the bracelet, naturally because I make a lot of bracelets (although recently that's changed to a lot of earrings!) so it seemed apt to start with the 'least' challenging piece.  I knew I wanted to make a multi strand, something I have been making a lot of recently so couldn't see beyond multi strands.  I teamed the lovely Blueberribeads bird with a stunning lampwork bead from Cheeky Cherub designs.  The ceramic bead from Lesley completed the 'focal' area of the bracelet.  For the 4 strands (it's pretty difficult to see in the picture but there are actually 4 strands!) I used leaves (a tonne of it) and twisted tooth shaped wooden beads.  I would normally add multiple charms on the closed ring, but decided on one this time, Blueberribeads leaf charm just completes it I think.
Bracelet

 
Waxed Irish linen cord and light green/lime leaves The Curious Bead Shop, dotty lampwork bead Cheeky Cherub Designs, twisted tooth shaped wooden beads SmittenBeads,
 
Next were earrings.  I went for a 'mismatched' yet 'balanced' look, something else I've made a lot of recently. 
 


Ceramic rounds and disc beads Thea Elements, brass connectors Patina Queen
 

Now the necklace....my most challenging piece.  It was screaming out to become something really bright and cheerful but again I toned it down with lots of wooden beads.  I think the teeny blueberribeads birdie looks pretty cosy surrounded by all that wood.  I don't think I've ever made anything without metal in it so off I went looking for a button that wasn't metal to use for my button clasp.  I couldn't find a complementary acrylic button so I raided my artisan ceramic components box.  I came across several Bo Hulley Beads button but only one looked right with the necklace (I hope so anyway).  So here we have the completed necklace.
 


Ceramic pendant Thea Elements, Wooden twisted tooth beads Smitten Beads, ceramic bird Blueberribeads, ceramic button Bo Hulley Beads


Now onto the sari silk. I have wrapped it onto some memory wire coils.........I have no idea how it will end up as I never have a plan for any of my pieces.  That could also be because there is no design space on my bead desk...it's a right beady mess ;).  It will definitely have more beads added, well as many as I can fit onto the wire. So this is very much a WIP shop which will hopefully have the polymer word heart charm added to it along with a few other bits.


Polymer word heart charm Pips, sari silk and peanut seed beads Smitten Beads
Hope you enjoyed my second blog (I'm a proper newbie :D) and my first time participating in a challenge which doesn't look very 'springy' to me (except maybe the WIP piece) now that I look back at all the pieces.  Here are the rest of the links, go see!!

Caroline Dewison - http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk 
Erin Prais – Hintz – http://treasures-found.blogspot.co.uk/
Toltec Jewels - JewelSchoolFriends.com 

39 comments:

  1. Great designs Suhana! I'm glad you conquered the challenge of my focal because it really was worth the effort for the result and I really love you cluster bracelet so pretty...nut I have to say, there is something utterly charming about those earrings - just adorable! Thanks for taking part int he challenge. :o)

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  2. Beautiful work Suhanna! Love all the pieces especially the necklace, inspired! x

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  3. Awwww thank you Lesley, the earrings are my favourite I think. Thank you soooo much for a great challenge :)

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  4. Stunning Suhana really like the first bracelet :D please pop by my blog see what I did for the challenge http://christinesjewellerybox.blogspot.co.uk
    Christine x

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    1. Thanks Christine, going to have a look now :)

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  5. You have been busy! You've put my simple pieces to shame! The bracelet is a corker, but they're all lovely.

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  6. Wowzers they are all stunning LOVE the Necklace so original!

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    1. Awwww thanks Emma, glad you like the necklace, it was a real challenge...I'm not great with necklaces :)

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  7. Thanks Alisa, they are my favourite too :)

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  8. Love the combination with leaves

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  9. Love the earrings, and the way you've used the peanuts is inspired! Thank you for taking part in our challenge!

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    1. Thanks Caroline! Thanks for letting us take part in such a great challenge too :) xxx

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  10. I do adore the texture and shape of those wood beads! I quite like them. They tone down the colors to let them pop. That round dottie bead looks like an Easter egg! And that little bird nestled in among the wood is perfect. Thank you for sharing your spring fever! Enjoy the day. Erin

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    1. Thank you Erin. I hadn't thought of the dotty bead that way but I see it now :). Hope you have a lovely day too :)

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  11. I am fascinated by your memory wire bracelet. It and your other pieces are very creative. Well done!

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  12. You are sooo clever chick those earrings are fabulous and i love the sar silk bracelet in fact i love them all xxx

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    1. Awwwww Lucy thank you lovely lady!! I'm just popping over to see yours now :)

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  13. These are awesome -- the last bracelet really pops!

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  14. I love those earrings!! Those are my favorite, simple, yet very elegant and a great conversation piece! Beautiful work!

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  15. I like how you have used contrasting materials to help the focal beads stand out in the bracelet and necklace. That necklace is a great design! Lovely earrings too :)

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  16. I am so in love with the bracelet! I have been wanting to make one along that style and seeing how gorgeous yours came out just inspires me all the more.

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  17. All of your pieces have so much movement! They are wonderful.

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  18. Love the neutral with the color pop! Really makes you focus on the focal!

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  19. The bracelet with Pips "Happy" is wonderful. Such a nice welcome to spring, with pretty peanut beads accenting you silk ribbon so beautifully! Smart design, pretty and boho chic. I love your bird nestled among the woods. Endearing and soft. Nice way to behold the ceramics, and highlight the pretty floral heart focal too. The earrings rock -- love the wrapping & paddles. And your bracelet on top -- stunning! Love the bird you received and the amazing beads you coordinated with it. The clasp (I used the same one too;) and silver beads add just the right splash of light! Amazing bracelet! WoW! Bravo.
    Gracias for sharing your talents! xx Rita

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    1. Awwwwww so many wonderful compliments!! Thank you!! xxxx

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  21. Really neat designs, love the sari ribbon on the memory wire!

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  22. Lovely spring creations! All your designs are wonderful...Happy Spring!

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  23. love the earrings - they are adorable

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  24. Hey you are amazing lass, I always love your designs you never cease to amaze me with your ideas! I also can't believe its only your second blog its like youve been doing it forever!

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    1. Thank Leigh, you lovely woman!!!! I'm never good with words, I was dreading it big time.....glad it's over until my next blog ;)

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