AJE Component of the Month Reveal

The Art Jewellery Elements components of the month for October are these lovely sets of 'beaded beads' by Kristen Stevens- aren't they pretty? When I saw these in their saturated autumnal colours the first thing I thought of were all those lovely old fashioned 'fruits' of the season that were so prolific where I grew up - rose hips, conkers, and the quince my mum used to add to apple pie...

I had no idea which set I was being sent but when they arrived I was delighted to find I had the red ones which meant I could use that first thought as my inspiration. Next stop the bead stash to see what I had to help conjure up the effect I was after - strong colours, shapes and textures with an earthy, slightly rustic feel. After a good rummage several things came together and I decided a bracelet was the way to go.

And this is what I came up with...

I've used a mix of carved ebony and handmade lampwork beads with ebony and Greek ceramic accents. I decided to use Kristin's beads as charms so that they were set apart from and set off by the other beads - I think the detailed texture adds a lovely contrast. The bracelet is finished with one of my own bronze leaf toggles, a bronze seed pod and some tiny lampwork dangles. Subtle it's not but I love that it's bold and bright and full of cheer.

Beaded beads by Kristen Stevens

Etched red and ochre lampwork beads by Kaz Baildon

Red ruffle discs by Alisha White

Bronze by moi - THEA too

You can see what the other participants made with their bead sets by visiting the links below:

Jennifer http://glassaddictions.com/

Diana http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com/

Lesley http://www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com/

Jenny http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog

Kristi http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/

Kristen http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/

And our special guests

Therese http://theresestreasures59.blogspot.com/

Becky http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com/

Shannon http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/

 

Happy hopping!

Lesley