Autumn Design Challenge Reveal

It seems like such a long time ago now, since I received my package of beads from the lovely Caroline of Blueberri Beads and Lesley of Thea Elements.

I was excited to get started and the package was so inspiring that I made the first bracelet and necklace the morning the parcel arrived.  Keen?  I'll say so!

 The fabric used in these were remnants of silk used by my daughter in one of her theatrical costumes and I randomly zigzagged contrasting threads through it - the colours tied in well with the lovely ceramic heart and the bronze connector of Lesley's.  I added just a couple of my lampwork rustic rounds to the ceramic heart pendant and was immediately pleased with the design.

Living by the sea I wanted to get a little piece of home into my next design and driftwood seemed the perfect compliment for the rustic ceramic beads used in this necklace.

It's hard to see from this image but Caroline's urchin beads seemed to look just right!

The next design took a little longer to come together, but now that it is finished I think I am happiest with it.  I don't know why but I sat and looked at the bronze connector for hours before selecting just the right beads to go with it.  I knew I wanted the connector to serve as an off centred focal.  I am really quite pleased with the overall look and hope I did both Caroline and Lesley proud!

I can't wait to catch up with all the lovely designs - if you too wish to see what everyone else did with their components just follow the links below:

• Lesley Watt – http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.co.uk/
• Caroline Dewison – http://blueberribeads.co.uk
• Made By Jules - http://madebyjulesjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/
• Heidi Post – http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.co.uk/
• Janet Bocciardi – http://www.honeyfromthebee.com/
• Alice – http://alice-dreaming.blogspot.com
• Dolores Raml – http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com
• Lucy Haslam – http://faerystone.blogspot.co.uk/
• Pine Ridge treasures - http://www.gratefulartist.blogspot.com 
• Shirley Moore – http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com
• Tracy Collins – http://travelsintimedesigns.blogspot.co.uk
• Melissa Trudinger – http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/
• Mags – http://magsinhelmet.blogspot.com
• Pepita – http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.co.uk/
• Jo-Ann – http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.com
• Toltec Jewels – http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com
• Judith Johnston – http://www.judith-johnston.com/blog
• Janine Lucas – http://www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories
• Madeline Bunyan – http://madelinebunyan.wordpress.com/
• Chic and frog – http://www.chicandfrog.wordpress.com
• The Moon & Seven Stars - http://moonandsevenstars.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/autumn-design-challenge.html

Here again are the contents of my parcel:

All Things Bright and Beautiful!

I have recently put myself forward for a couple of fairs and so have gathered all my various wares into the one place.  I managed to acquire a beautiful old haberdashery unit that used to house embroidery threads, it is just perfect for my bead and bracelet stock.

It was only when I looked at all the beads and bracelets together that I really noticed just how influenced I am by my surroundings.  The majority of my work being either sandy neutrals or sea greens and blues!

Now that Autumn is well and truly here and the bleakness of Winter is only a whisper away - watch out for a change!  The cold North Sea will soon be wearing its grey overcoat - guess what was in my last glass order - you got it 'mystic grey!'