Welcome to the reveal of the Baubles & Beads challenge! This kit was stunning (see photos). The challenge was to make 1-3 pieces of jewelry and use at least 75% of
the kit. I tried to add the fewest additional materials (not in the kit) as possible.
One of the funny things about challenges is that the more beautiful the materials, the harder the challenge. I suffer from PPA (pre-project anxiety). I always worry that I might not choose the "right" project or that I'll make a mistake that I can't turn into a "design feature." Since I'm probably not the only one who feels this way, I decided I'd not only show you what I made, but share what I learned and what I might do differently.
What I made: Trendy earrings!
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How I did it: I painted triangles on the brass with teal Vintaj patina, which I sealed.
Kit materials: brass squares, turquoise glass beads, brass spacers
What I learned: I actually cut tiny pieces of tape to cover the areas I did not want painted. This worked well. I ran into trouble once I removed the tape and decided to "touch up" a few areas freehand. I should have retaped and repainted, but I was feeling impatient.
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What I made: A pearl bangle with boho elements.
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How I did it: I used the wire to create the band of pearls. The wire's
twisted together in short squares. I braided three cords (green, teal, yellow) and ran them across the back of the bracelet for extra color. I also used the wire to attach the pearls to the center brass circle and wrapped cord around the
edges.
Kit materials: Swarovski crystal pearls, turquoise glass ovals, Chinese knotting cords, 24-gauge craft wire, brass circle
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What I learned: If I were to
remake this, I'd use beading wire in place of the gauged wire to make a piece that could withstand more wear and tear. (I think the twisted wire technique would be better suited for earrings that won't get handled as much.) I also reaffirmed that even though it's trendy to make "messy" jewelry (think frayed sari ribbon, imperfectly wrapped loops), it's not for me. Those knotted ends of cord on both sides of the bracelet really bug me!
What I made: A modern cuff.
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How I did it: I loved using the brass spacers (cornerless cubes) and one strand of cord for the simple peyote stitch band. Easy and fast! I sewed the band to half of the leather strap. I used the other half inside the cuff to cover the wire I used attaching the turquoise beads and make the cuff more comfortable. (It's thin wire, so I went through the bead more than once.)
Kit materials: leather, turquoise glass, craft wire, brass spacers, Chinese knotting cord
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What I learned: I used the red cord for the peyote stitch because I just grabbed whatever was handy. It doesn't show in the strip itself, except at the ends. Yellow would have been a better choice. FireLine would have been a better way to attach the turquoise glass beads for a sleeker fit. I'd also like to try wider leather, so I could cover the brass cuff completely.
That last project made me want to do some bead embroidery! That's one of the great things about challenges. Not only do you get a chance to try unfamiliar materials, you also might discover (or rediscover) a technique, learn more about color, or your own personal design style. It's worth a little PPA.
More Inspiration
See all the other designs created with same kit. You can also sign up for the giveaway to win your own kit and use the 20% off coupon code BPSEP through September 30, 2013 at the baublesandbeads.com shop:
Lori Anderson
Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
Keirsten Giles
Erin Prais-Hintz
Jean Yates