As I have mentioned before, I am honored to be a part of ArtBeads.com Blogging Designer Program for the last few years. I love designing and creating bead, fiber, and metal jewelry pieces, and appreciate that I was chosen to participate in their program.
The Challenge was to create a piece inspired by “Winter Enchantment.” I thought about the words and was immediately inspired by snow, winter and to create a freeform necklace and pendant appropriate for a winter bride:
I knew I wanted a pendant, so I searched the Artbeads website and discovered this lovely Swarovski Crystal Snowflake Pendant:
I next ordered a lovely selection of seed beads in various sizes and shades of white, gold, and silver seed beads and delicas. I also used some lovely pearls, too, to add to the necklace.
To help ground the piece, I used a spiral Cellini Stitch for the necklace strap. I thought it would a nice juxtaposition to go from chaos in the freeform work to organized in the spiral Cellini strap.
In the end, I love how the piece came out. I did change colors in the beginning, but that is a part of the creative process- giving yourself the freedom to change directions.
For the Quilters reading this, please be aware that I will be teaching FreeForm Beading for Quilters at International Machine Quilting Showcase in May, 2011. No experience needed for this class.
Thanks, once again, to ArtBeads. Please note that I received some of the products free of charge from ArtBeads, but the company gives me complete freedom to review honestly each of the products received. I have not been paid for any endorsements.
I hope you enjoy seeing this Winter necklace and pendant! Hugs, Carla Barrett
Carla Barrett 